The Honda CT90 was a small step-through motorcycle manufactured by Honda from 1966 to 1979. It was offered in two models, Trail and X, with the main variations in gear ratios and tyre style.
Honda CT90 at a glance
| Maker | Honda |
|---|---|
| Production | 1966–1979 |
| Models | Trail and X |
| Engine | 89 cc aluminium-head OHC |
| Predecessor | CT200 Trail 90 (1964–1966) |
| Earlier ancestors | CA100T Trail 50 and C105T Trail 55 |
| 1966 transmission | dual rear sprocket, low range by adding chain |
| From August 1967 | two-range sub-transmission |
| 1969 front end | telescopic forks |
| 1969 rack | chrome rear cargo rack, standard |
| Type | step-through trail bike |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the CT90. No free photograph was found among the Commons candidates.
History of the Honda CT90
From Super Cub conversions
The CT90 Trail 90 was preceded by the CT200 Trail 90 of 1964–1966, which had a similar design, and before that by dealer-level modifications to the 49 cc Super Cub, the CA100T Trail 50 and C105T Trail 55. The CT200 used an 87 cc iron-head pushrod OHV engine instead of the CT90’s 89 cc aluminium-head OHC unit. Apart from the engine, the 1966 CT200 and CT90 were the same; the new model number reflected Honda’s policy of indicating engine-size class.
Two-range gearing
The CT200 and the 1966 CT90 had a dual rear sprocket that created a lower gear range for heavy loads or steep terrain: the rider had to stop and clip an extra chain section on so it could run around the larger sprocket. From August 1967 this was replaced by a two-range sub-transmission, set with a small lever while the bike was in neutral and idling.
A separate off-road platform
While earlier Trail models were lightly modified Super Cubs, the 1969 and 1970 changes made the CT90 a platform of its own. The biggest change came in 1969, when Honda replaced the Super Cub-style cantilever-toggle front end with telescopic forks, increasing front wheel travel. The large chrome rear cargo rack, previously optional, became standard and gained its own mounting strong enough to lift the motorcycle by.
Design and features
- Two-range sub-transmission: a lever-selected low range from 1967.
- Telescopic forks: a proper front end from 1969.
- Step-through frame: inherited from the Super Cub line.
- Cargo rack: standard chrome rack from 1969.
Honda CT90 versions
- CT200 Trail 90 (1964–1966): the pushrod-engined predecessor.
- CT90 Trail (1966–1979): the main model.
- CT90 X: the variant with different gearing and tyres.
- 1969 model: telescopic forks and standard rack.
The CT90 grew out of the Honda Super Cub and shares Honda’s trail range with the Dax. More Hondas are in the Honda collection.
Sources
- Honda CT90, English Wikipedia: predecessors, transmission, 1969 changes
