Honda Trail 70 (CT70) Mini Bike Specs and Review

The History and Legacy of the Honda Trail 70 

The Honda Trail 70 is a beloved classic bike that still retains a cult following today. Its history dates back to the 1970s, when Honda introduced it as an affordable and versatile off-road motorcycle. For decades, the Honda Trail 70 has been a favorite of bikers looking for an adventure. Let’s take a look at its history and legacy. 

The Honda Trail 70 was first introduced in 1969 as an off-road motorcycle for enduro and trials riding. It was powered by a four-stroke, single-cylinder engine with a displacement of 72cc, which produced 6 horsepower at 4500 rpm. It had an air-cooled design with low compression ratio, making it ideal for slow speed off-roading. 

The Trail 70 was designed to be lightweight and rugged, so it could handle tough terrain. It featured full suspension, knobby tires, and a high ground clearance that allowed riders to tackle rocky paths or muddy trails with ease. In addition to its performance capabilities, the Trail 70 was also popular due to its affordability—it cost just over $400 in 1969—and its simple design that made maintenance easy. 

The popularity of the Trail 70 led to several variants being released over the years, such as the ATC70 three wheeler (1972), CT70 (1973), SL70 (1974), Z50A (1975), XL70 (1976), TL125S/TL250S (1977), TLR200 Reflex (1985). The Trail 70 was eventually discontinued in 1994 but remains popular among vintage bike enthusiasts who appreciate its timeless style and reliable performance. 

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What does it cost to own a Honda Trail 70?

If you’re looking for an off-road adventure, the classic Honda Trail 70 is the bike for you! This vintage motorcycle is beloved by bikers all over the world, so if you’re considering purchasing one, you should know what to expect when it comes to price. Read on to learn more about the cost of owning a Honda Trail 70. 

The Price of a New or Used Honda Trail 70 

The cost of a new or used Honda Trail 70 can vary widely depending on several factors, including year and condition. A new model will set you back anywhere from $3,000 – $5,000; however, used models may cost as little as $1,500 – $2,000. It’s important to note that this range isn’t set in stone—in some cases you may be able to find models that are priced higher or lower than this range. 

Costs Associated with Ownership 

When considering buying a Honda Trail 70, there are other costs associated with ownership that should be factored into your budget. For example, if you decide to buy a used model you’ll likely need to factor in repairs and regular maintenance expenses such as oil changes and tune-ups. In addition, helmets and other safety gear should also be taken into consideration when creating your budget.  Lastly, make sure to consider insurance costs as well—most states require motorcyclists to have at least basic coverage before they hit the road. 

Honda CT70 Mini Bike Specs and Features

A Classic Look at the Honda CT70 Mini Bike Engine 

If you’ve ever wanted to get your hands on a classic piece of Japanese motorcycling history, then you should take a look at the Honda CT70 mini bike engine. This small, yet powerful four-stroke single-cylinder engine first appeared in 1969 and was produced until 1994. The Honda CT70 is still loved by vintage bikers today, and it’s easy to see why. Let’s take a closer look at this iconic engine. 

Design Features 

The Honda CT70 was designed as an off-road style motorcycle with an air-cooled, four-stroke single-cylinder engine. It had a manual clutch system with three speeds and an automatic clutch system with four speeds. The Honda CT70 also featured telescopic forks for front suspension, dual rear shocks for rear suspension, and drum brakes for both the front and rear wheels. 

Performance 

The power output of the Honda CT70 mini bike engine was rated at 4.9 horsepower at 8500 RPMs, which was more than enough to propel the lightweight bike up to about 55 miles per hour (88 kilometers per hour). It also had excellent fuel economy, achieving between 70 and 90 miles (112 – 144 kilometers) per gallon depending on riding conditions. 

Longevity 

Despite its small size, the Honda CT70 could last for years if properly maintained. Many riders have reported that their bikes have lasted more than 20 years with regular oil changes and other necessary maintenance tasks such as cleaning the carburetor and spark plug installation. The bike is also known for its dependability—it can handle rough terrain without any issues while still running smoothly thanks to its reliable design features

The Honda CT70 mini bike engine is an iconic piece of Japanese motorcycling history that still holds up today due to its reliable performance and longevity. Whether you’re looking for a classic ride or just want to experience what early motorcycles felt like, then this is one engine you should definitely check out! For bikers who are looking for a classic ride that won’t break down easily, this might be just what they need! It may not be fast or flashy but it’s sure to provide many years of quality performance.

Drivetrain

Powerful Engine 

The heart of any mini bike is its engine, and the Honda CT70 certainly doesn’t disappoint in that department. This bike features an air-cooled single cylinder engine that produces a whopping five horsepower. That may not sound like much, but it’s more than enough power to get you up and running on your next adventure. And since it uses an automatic clutch system, it can be easily operated by even the most inexperienced riders. 

Automatic Four-Speed Transmission 

The Honda CT70 also features an automatic four-speed transmission which makes it easy to switch gears without having to use a manual clutch system. This makes the Honda CT70 one of the few mini bikes on the market with an automatic transmission–a feature which has made it popular among novice riders who don’t want to have to learn how to operate a manual transmission. 

Lightweight Frame 

Finally, we can’t talk about the Honda CT70 without mentioning its lightweight frame design. Weighing in at just under 200 lbs., this mini bike is small enough to fit into tight spaces while still offering plenty of stability and durability thanks to its sturdy steel frame construction. It also offers plenty of legroom thanks to its long seat and adjustable handlebars, making it comfortable for riders of all sizes and abilities. 

Ignition

The Honda CT70 is equipped with an adjustable clutch system that allows you to set your clutch according to your riding style. To engage the clutch, press down on the pedal as far as it will go and lock it in place with the lever located on the left side of the frame. Once locked in place, you can start up your bike by pressing down on the kickstart lever located near your right foot. You may need to press down several times before your mini bike starts; don’t give up! 

If you’ve already tried kickstarting but still haven’t had any luck, then it might be time to check out your ignition system. Is your spark plug clean? Are all of the ignition wires connected properly? If everything looks good under the hood, then it might be time to replace some parts or have a professional mechanic take a look at it for you. 

If you are having trouble with starting up your Honda CT70 due to an issue with the ignition system, then there are several things that you can do to fix it yourself. Start by checking if all of the components associated with the ignition system are connected correctly and in working order – including spark plugs and wires – and make sure they are clean and free from dirt or debris that could be blocking their function. If these components appear to be in good condition but still aren’t working properly, then replacing them may be necessary. Additionally, make sure that all connections are tight and secure; loose connections can prevent proper functioning of all parts associated with this system. 

Tires and Brakes

Tires: 

The tires on the Honda CT70 mini bike are usually made from a combination of rubber and plastic. This material is designed to provide superior traction on both wet and dry surfaces without sacrificing durability or grip. Additionally, many riders opt for tire upgrades that are specifically designed for off-road use. These tires offer excellent traction on muddy or sandy terrain, which allows you to take your mini bike off-roading with ease. 

Brakes: 

The brakes on a Honda CT70 mini bike are typically drum brakes that provide good stopping power in most conditions. Drum brakes have been around since the early days of motorcycling and have proven to be reliable in most situations. However, if you plan to do a lot of hill climbing or off-roading, disc brakes may be a better option due to their increased stopping power. Disc brakes allow you to stop quickly and confidently when needed, making them an ideal choice for those who plan to take their mini bike off-roading often. 

The Honda CT70 mini bike is one of the most beloved classic motorcycles available today thanks to its timeless design and performance capabilities. Its tires and brakes are essential components that help make it such an amazing machine. Whether you choose standard rubber tires or upgrade to off-road models with superior grip, you can count on your Honda CT70’s braking system to stop with confidence every time.

Suspension

Front Suspension 

The Honda CT70 mini bike features a single-sided swingarm with telescopic forks on the front end. This type of suspension provides excellent damping and absorbs impacts from bumps in the road, allowing for a smoother ride. Additionally, the swingarm also helps keep the wheels aligned and prevents them from slipping out of alignment over time. This helps maximize stability and control while riding. 

Rear Suspension 

On the back end of the bike is a dual shock absorber system. This system includes two adjustable shocks that help reduce jolts caused by bumps or uneven surfaces on the road. The shocks can be adjusted to provide more or less damping depending on your preferences, making it easy to customize your ride experience without having to make major modifications or repairs. 

Adjustable Shocks 

In addition to having adjustable shocks on both front and rear suspensions, the Honda CT70 also has an adjustable rebound damping knob located near each shock absorber. This allows you to tweak how quickly your shock absorbers rebound after experiencing an impact, which can help improve handling performance and overall ride comfort.  

Overall, it’s clear why the Honda CT70 mini bike is such a popular choice for bikers who want a comfortable ride with unmatched control and stability. Its front and rear suspensions offer excellent damping for bumpy roads, while its adjustable shocks let you customize your ride experience even further

Dimensions and Exterior

Dimensions 

At just over 30 inches in width, the Honda CT70 is one of the smallest bikes on the market. Its length is approximately 55 inches and it stands at 34 inches tall, making it ideal for shorter bikers or those who just want to feel more secure on an off-road adventure. It has a ground clearance of 5 inches, which allows you to ride over obstacles with ease. The wheelbase measures 37 inches long, providing plenty of stability while riding. 

Exterior Features & Styling 

The Honda CT70 Mini Bike has a classic retro look that will make heads turn as you ride by. Its steel frame makes it durable enough for any terrain, while its sleek black finish adds to its stylish aesthetic. The tires are designed for maximum traction on any surface and come equipped with speed ratings of up to 40 mph. Other exterior features include headlight, taillight, side indicators, front suspension forks, rear suspension shocks, disc brakes in both front and rear wheels for maximum stopping power, and an adjustable seat height so that riders of all sizes can find comfort while riding this fun mini bike. 

How to make your Honda CT70 street legal?

Know Your State Laws 

First and foremost, make sure that you understand the laws in your state regarding making a bike street legal. Each state has its own regulations about what is required for a bike to be considered roadworthy. Do some research online or contact your local DMV office when in doubt; it’s better to know your state’s requirements before beginning the process of making your bike street legal. 

Lighting and Signals 

Most states require that any vehicle used on public roads must have lights and signals installed. This means purchasing headlights, taillights, turn signal indicators and brake lights as well as wiring them into your bike’s electrical system. While this step may seem daunting at first glance, there are many helpful resources online with step-by-step instructions on how to install these items onto your Honda CT70. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from an experienced mechanic if needed! 

Get Licensed and Insured 

The last two things you need for a fully street legal Honda CT70 are registration and insurance. Again, visit your local DMV office or do some research online to figure out exactly what paperwork needs to be filed and what type of insurance coverage you will need for operating the bike on public roads. Once all of this is taken care of – congrats! You now have a fully street legal Honda CT70 mini bike! 

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Conclusion: 

The Honda Trail 70 is one of the most iconic bikes from the 1970s. Its combination o f reliable performance, affordability, and timeless style have made it a favorite among vintage bike enthusiasts for decades. Even today, after more than 50 years since its introduction, there is still something special about owning and riding this classic machine. If you’re looking for an adventure or simply want to experience some nostalgia on two wheels, then you should consider getting your hands on one of these legendary bikes!