CSC TT250: The fun commuter and trail dual sport motorcycle – for over $1,500 LESS!
Honda Powersports has been producing small motorcycles since the 1960’s. The Honda CT90 evolved into the current "Trail" CT125, "Super Cub" C125, Grom and Monkey.
Honda’s marketing was inspired. They never attempted to market the CT90 to hardcore bikers. Instead, they targeted housewives, students, and campers. The Honda CT90 was a motorcycle designed for people who otherwise had no interest in big, loud, and expensive motorcycles.
Remember the sales pitch? "You meet the nicest people on a Honda."
With FOUR small motorcycle models, WHY did Honda need to offer another small motorcycle model with the "XR150L"?
Follow the money. It all comes down to sales volume:
1. Poor availability. Most Honda dealers typically stock one or two of the "mini motos" - or NONE. It’s obvious that dealers prefer to sell Honda 500’s and 1800cc Goldwings with much higher profit margins. Many dealers have a waiting list for the smaller motorcycles, with delivery that can take months.
2. HIGH purchase prices for the mini motos. For example, the current 2024 MSRP for the Honda CT125 is now $4,099.00.
Over the MSRP, Honda dealers add $300 for incoming freight, plus several hundred dollars more for set up and paperwork fees. The “out the door” price ends up totaling close to $5,000, NOT including taxes and license! $5,000 is "serious" money and that cuts into the “fun factor” of this little motorcycle.
Honda was losing SALES. The Solution: Introduce a new dual sport, "XR150L"
Priced lower than the Honda trail, (or Super Cub, Grom, Monkey, etc.) this new XR150L model offered a new entry point for Honda buyers. BUT - only at a slightly lower price.
The 2024 Honda XR150L is priced at $3,099.00 MSRP. The catch is that dealers then add AT LEAST $300.00 for incoming freight, plus $300 to over $500 for added fees, setup, paperwork, and whatever else they can tack on. The net, "out the door" price for a new XR150L is typically $3,700 or more.
Obviously, $3,700 for the XR150L is a huge savings over $5,000 for the Honda mini motos that are beyond the reach of many new buyers. But at this price point, buyers are STILL left unsatisfied.
What are the main complaints for the Honda XR150L?
Lack of power. This complaint amazes me since all XR150 buyers KNEW that this cycle has ONLY TEN horsepower! Ten is more than eight horsepower wth the mini motos. But - for comparison - my Honda walk-behind LAWNMOWER has a 170cc motor. And yet these owners are dismayed that the 149cc motorcycle won't top 55 miles per hour? Power delivery is via a 5-speed transmission which IS vastly improved over the Super Cub and Trail mini motos, which utilize a quirky, inefficient 4-speed semi-automatic clutch.
POOR trail capabilities. Despite the dual sport design, the XR150L is compromised off the paved road. It is supplied with an unusual 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel. This combination lowers the seat height for smaller riders, but also reduces the ground clearance. Plus, dual sport tire options are minimal compared to the industry standard 21"/18" dual sport tires. There is also no factory skid plate included, and few aftermarket options.
Antiquated design. In an effort to cut costs, Honda outfitted the XR150L with only basic components. The dash is analog, including a mechanical speedometer and odometer. There is no tachometer or gear indicator. There isn't even a fuel gauge. The suspension is non-adjustable, and used old-fashioned spring tubes (instead of modern inverted, adjustable forks) that require protective rubber boots. The XR150L also features a clunky rear drum brake. Finally, the model is named "XR150L" to highlight design similarities with the larger XR650L, which has been a Honda favorite for decades. But there is no "L" in the XR150. This is NOT a liquid-cooled engine, but is a basic air-cooled motor.
For just under $4,000, XR150 buyers expect more for their money.
Maybe the BIGGEST complaint? Dealer service departments. To be fair, this is not a complaint that is exclusive to Honda owners.
MOST motorcycle owners dread taking their bike into the dealership.
First, the hourly rate is typically around $150 per hour, and few services are not charged for two or more hours, plus shop supplies, waste and disposal fees.
Second, most shops are painfully overbooked and SLOW. You might not get an appointment for several weeks, and then need to wait longer for the service to be completed.
Third, satisfaction with the completed repairs is dismal. There are legions of stories about being charged for services (valve adjustments, for example) that were never completed. Others complain about misdiagnosis of problems adding to time delays.
Fourth, there is a good chance that the "technician" assigned to your motorcycle has never worked on that model! When you combine the hundreds of motorcycle models with the high turnover of personnel, many paid service technicians don't know any more about your motorcycle than you do.
Then there is the high cost of parts (even basic oil and filters) on top of the expensive labor. First, there is a slim chance the required part is in stock, adding to the delays. Then, you pay "through the nose" for the Honda brand.
In the end, most motorcycles will not be returned without a bill that totals several hundred dollars – even for a basic machine like the Honda XR150.
Many owners of the Honda XR150L simply suffer from Buyer's Remorse.
What is the alternative? Is there a more powerful motorcycle that is also affordable? Is there a motorcycle that is fun to ride, on and off road? Is there a motorcycle with the features that overcome the deficiencies of the XR150L?
CSC Motorcycles is dedicated to delivering "Motorcycle riding fun that you can afford!" The most popular CSC motorcycle model that has delivered fun for THOUSANDS of riders across North America is the TT250 Enduro.
The CSC TT250 Enduro is the all-road, all-purpose BEST dual sport motorcycle value!
The TT250 is handsome, rugged, and equipped with ALL the essential features that dual sport riders demand. But the TT250 intentionally avoids high-tech complications. The TT250 is equipped with a proven 230cc, air-cooled counter-balanced engine with 50% MORE horsepower than the XR150 - and that is only the FIRST huge upgrade.
CSC TT250 vs Honda XR150L. Let's Compare the Specs:
Specifications CSC TT250 Enduro Honda XR150L
Engine Type: Single-cylinder, Four- stroke Single-cylinder, Four- stroke
Engine Cooling: Air cooled* Air cooled
Engine Starter: Electric/Kick Starter Electric Starter
Fuel delivery: Carburetor Carburetor
Displacement: 229.5cc, Overhead Cam, 125cc, Overhead Cam
Counterbalanced
Power Rating: 16.1 hp @ 7000 rpm 10.8 hp @ 7,600 rpm
Max Torque: 13.5 nm @ 5500 rpm 8.3 nm @ 6,000 rpm
Compression Ratio: 8.7:1 9.5:1
Transmission: 5-speed (428 drive chain) 5-speed (428 drive chain)
Standard hand clutch Standard hand clutch
Brake(front/rear): Single Disk/Disk Single Disk/Drum
Suspension: Inverted front fork (adjustable) Front telescopic fork
Rear Uni- shock (adjustable) Rear Uni-shock
(BOTH non-adjustable)
6.2” front/6.5” rear travel 7.1” front/5.9” rear travel
Wheels: Wire spoke, Steel Rims, Tube Wire spoke, Steel Rims, Tube
Tires(front/rear): 3 x 21"; 4.6 x 18" dual sport 90/90x19;110/90x17 DS
Top Speed: 70 mph w/standard gearing** 55 mph w/standard gearing**
Fuel Capacity: 2.9 gallons (locking gas cap) 2.8 gallons (under saddle)
Fuel Economy: 75 mpg** 100 mpg**
Range (@90%): 200 miles** 250**
Lights: LED headlight, taillight, BULB head and taillight,
turn signals turn signals
Instrumentation: Electronic dash: speedometer, tach, Analog dash: speedometer,
odometer, trip odometer, gear, odometer, trip odometer,
neutral light, high/low headlight, neutral light, turn indicators
turn indicators/hazard, fuel gauge, NO tachometer
Multi-color display NO fuel gauge
300-watt alternator,
2 accessory switches on handlebars
Accessories: Standard passenger seat and pegs, Rear cargo rack
Standard side stand, steel skid plate, Standard side stand
Tool box, helmet lock
Optional rear rack
Wheelbase: 55 in 53.5 in
Dimensions: L 84.5 in x W 33.5 in x H 46.9 in L 81.7 in x W 31.9 in x H 44.5 in
Ground Clearance: 11.5 in*** 9.6 in
Seat Height: 34 in 31.5 in
Net Weight: 309 lb 282 lb
Warranty: One-year, Unlimited Miles**** One-Year
Colors: Black, White, Gray Black
*Optional: External oil-cooler.
**Depending on rider weight, elevation, etc. Optional front/rear gearing available.
***With stock 50/50 tires, higher with off road knobby tires
****1 to 4-year extended warranties are available from Aftercare
CSC TT250 owners tend to fall into two categories:
First, the CSC TT250 is a favorite of new motorcycle riders.
These riders appreciate the nimble handling and performance of the 230cc engine in the lightweight chassis. New riders enjoy the simplicity of the dash, controls, and especially the low-maintenance requirements of the TT250. It doesn't hurt that the CSC TT250 LOOKS expensive (but it's not!)
The CSC TT250 is the most versatile "town and country" motorcycle option. Commute for pennies per day - and tour the backroads every weekend!
The second (and largest) category of CSC TT250 Enduro owners are experienced bikers who already own several motorcycles.
The dual sport style is the ultimate all-road, all-purpose motorcycle. It is streamlined and minimalist. Experienced riders are attracted to the TT250 because it ISN'T high-tech. Just turn the key and ride OR stomp the kick starter for another reminder of a simpler time!
The budget-priced TT250 is also the PERFECT bike to customize. CSC Motorocycles has a HUGE range of accessories to trick-out your TT250 into the ultimate street warrior or adventure bike.
Here is a video of the Ultimate TT250 with the most popular options installed:
The CSC TT250 Enduro delivers 50% MORE horsepower than 149cc XR150L.
The CSC TT250 has a MSRP of only $2,495.00 including a One-Year warranty!
The 2024 TT250 is currently ON SALE (as of the date of this article) for ONLY $1,995.!!! Set-up and Documentation is $470.00, for a total of only $2,465.00 - not including taxes and registration. Delivery, if required, is $485.00 flat rate, making the total delivered price ONLY $2,950.00.
Compare the CSC TT250 vs the Honda XR150: There is NO comparison!
The XR150L has smaller rims and tires, non-adjustable suspension front and rear, antiquated rear drum brake, analog dash, underpowered 149cc motor with 33% LESS power, no kick starter, and ONE-year warranty. The MSRP current price: $3,099 plus dealer fees and markup (average $3,699 to $3,900, which does NOT include taxes and registration.)
The CSC TT250 is simply BETTER in EVERY category.
The CSC TT250 is a modern commuter and trail motorcycle with the features that experienced riders demand. This dual sport has earned a reputation for durability and low maintenance. Members of the CSC TT250 Owner's Group on Facebook report 7,500, 10,000, and over 20,000 miles of fun and performance!
The CSC TT250 is the UNMATCHED BEST Value:
MORE power and torque
HIGHER weight capacity, rider and passenger
LARGER wheels and tires (MORE aftermarket options)
Disc brakes front and rear, Stainless steel brake lines
DIGITAL dash (NO speedomter cable!) and more display features
GREATER ground clearance
HIGHER top speed
LED lights all around
HIGHER power output for electric accessories
MORE standard features: Kick starter, accessory switches, adjustable rear shocks
HUGE selection of accessories
WITH ALL THESE FEATURES AND BENEFITS, WHY IS THE TT250 PRICED SO LOW?!
CSC Motorcycles only sells the TT250 DIRECT to its customers - bypassing the dealer hassles and added markups. Then CSC offers BETTER support after the sale to its TT250 Owners/Customers with 100% in stock parts, full online Owner's Manual, and an extensive library of online maintenance tutorials.
The Bottom Line: The CSC TT250 is a complete town and country, dual sport motorcycle that ALSO costs $1,500 LESS - or MORE! See CSCMotorcycles.com for more details.
Best of all, you don’t need to wait months to ride your CSC TT250. CSC has motorcycles IN STOCK for immediate delivery. With shipping, you can still be riding in one to two weeks! Note that some of the accessories shown are EXTRA cost items that CSC Motorcycles can install during the pre-delivery process so that your motorcycle is ready to ride upon delivery!
Would you like a PDF document of the comparison of the CSC TT250 versus the Honda CT125?
Click the Button below to send me an email. Be sure to ADD "TT250 Specs" and I will reply with the PDF document attachment that has all the specs listed above to help your comparison shopping!
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