Comparing the CSC SG250 Scrambler to the Honda “Trail” CT125:

Enjoy TWICE the Motorcycle For LESS!

 

Top Ten Reasons the CSC SG250 is the BEST Buy All-road Scrambler when compared to the Honda “Trail” CT125.

 

Remember the sales pitch? “You meet the nicest people on a Honda.” Go to the Honda CT125 Facebook groups at look at all the negative comments.

 

Why does it seem like HALF of CT125 owners want to sell – including some like-new bikes with less than 100 miles? If the CT125 motorcycle is the pinnacle of versatility, what are owners (and prospective owners) complaining about? WHY is the Honda Trail 125 the motorcycle its owners love to HATE?

 

Here are the BIGGEST complaints from Honda CT125 owners:

 

1. The HIGH purchase price of the CT125. The current 2024 MSRP is now $4,099.00, plus $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.

 

2. Lack of power. This complaint amazes me since all CT125 owners KNEW that this cycle has ONLY EIGHT horsepower! For comparison, my Honda walk-behind LAWNMOWER has a 170cc motor. And yet these owners are dismayed that the 125cc motorcycle won’t top 45 miles per hour?

 

3. Uncomfortable seating position. Owners complain about the saddle on the CT125, but it isn’t the seat. The seating position is upright, like sitting in a chair with your legs out in front. ALL the weight is on your butt. No saddle can absorb all the bumps and cracks in the pavement or trail.

 

4. Uncomfortable riding position. On a conventional motorcycle, your legs help support your weight. Your back is relaxed because you lean slightly forward. But on the CT125, you sit straight and invite pain in your back, neck and arms after just a short ride.

 

5. Poor ergonomics. It seems that the compact CT125 was just not designed with larger Americans in mind. Anyone over 5’6″ knocks their knees on the handlebars. You can’t slide back because of the small saddle – and the painful raised bar at the front of the rear rack.

 

6. Quirky, unnatural transmission and shifting pattern. Honda designed the CT125 (and Super Cub) without a clutch lever to appeal to non-motorcycle riders. Great marketing, but the transmission shifting is not intuitive, especially for experienced riders. The 4-speed shift pattern and the odd heel/toe lever adds to the awkwardness.

 

7. Poor availability. Most Honda dealers typically stock ONE CT125 – 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 CT125, with delivery that can take months.

 

8. No color choices. It’s a small thing, but not everyone wants a yellow motorcycle (or green, or red – or whatever the single “color of the year” is.) Next year, if you want to buy a matching CT125 you are out of luck.

 

9. Lack of accessories. The Honda website lists only 2 (TWO) accessories for the CT125. Because the CT125 (Hunter Cub) is manufactured in Thailand and sold around the world, many North American owners are forced to order accessories directly from Asian sources. Because of the unique design, there are few generic parts available for the CT125.

 

10. Dealer service departments. This is not a complaint that is exclusive to Honda owners. MOST motorcycle owners dread taking their bike into the dealership. They hate the high hourly rates, shoddy workmanship, and overpriced branded parts.

 

Summary: Honda marketing overpromises and under-delivers. #CT125 owners suffer from Buyer’s Remorse.

 

After CT125 owners have waited months or traveled to another state to make the purchase, then paid a premium to buy the Trail 125, they are soon disappointed. The little Honda stirs nostalgic FEELINGS. But the high turnover (possibly the highest among all motorcycle models) confirms the dissatisfaction with the riding experience.

 

 

 

What is the alternative? Is there an economical motorcycle that is also affordable? Is there a capable, versatile ALL-ROAD motorcycle that is fun to ride, but also comfortable?

 

CSC Motorcycles is dedicated to delivering “Motorcycle riding fun that you can afford!”

 

One of the most popular CSC motorcycle models has delivered riding fun for THOUSANDS of riders across North America: The SG250 Scrambler.

 

 

 

This motorcycle delivers in every category where the Honda CT125 leaves its owners unsatisfied. Compare to the complaints of Honda owners:

 

1. LOW priced. The CSC SG250 is currently on sale for ONLY $2,695.00, plus fees. CSC Motorcycles bypasses the dealer markups and hassles and only sells directly to owners. (CSC charges a Set-up and Documentation Fee of $470.00. Delivery, if required, is $485.00 flat rate to most addresses in the Lower 48-states.) Your total cost is $3,165, or $3,650 with delivery. That is a savings of as much as $2,000 on the cost of the Honda CT125!

 

2. TWICE the horsepower. The CSC SG250 is equipped with a 229.5cc air-cooled motor that delivers DOUBLE the horsepower of the CT125. This is power that will carry you up higher hills, faster on the highway, and with a larger rider or heavier load. The CT125 struggles to reach 50 miles per hour, while the SG250 is highway capable – and can be customized with gearing options.

 

3. Conventional, efficient 5-speed transmission. The SG250 has a standard hand clutch and a 5-speed gear box. You have positive shifting – including downshifting. The shifting process is smooth, and the pattern is second nature. The wider range is also more efficient on both flat and hilly routes.

 

4. More standard features. The CSC SG250 is equipped with a digital dash, including a digital speedometer. The SG250 also has a larger alternator to power accessories, LED lights all around, and a passenger seat with foot pegs.

 

5. A more comfortable ride. The SG250 has a longer and wider saddle that is comfortable for a range of riders. The leg position is centered under the rider for better weight distribution. The handlebars are spaced farther ahead and are wider for better control and reduced back and neck strain.

 

6. Better suspension and trail riding capabilities. The CSC SG250 has adjustable dual reservoir rear shocks for comfort and control over rough trails. The SG250 Scrambler has larger 17-inch tires on aluminum spoke wheels for better traction and control on all road surfaces.

 

7. Longer riding range. The tiny motor on the CT125 achieves higher MPGs, but the SG250 still delivers upwards of 75 miles per gallon. Combined with a 4.0-gallon gas tank, you have an extended real-world range of over 250 miles between fills.

 

8. Greater versatility. The CSC SG250 Scrambler is equipped with Shinko 244 street/dirt tires. True “trail” tires are an extra cost on the #CT125, and the frame will only accommodate narrower tires. CSC also offers a custom rear rack for gear when commuting or extended travel.

 

9. Better parts availability. Unlike Honda dealers, CSC Motorcycles stock 100% of the parts for the There are many reasonably-priced aftermarket accessories available for scrambler motorcycles. CSC also enables its owners to save by doing their own maintenance with an online Owner’s Manual and a full library of video maintenance tutorials.

 

10. THREE colors IN STOCK to choose from. Black, Blue, or White.

 

Best of all, you don’t need to wait months to ride your CSC SG250. CSC has motorcycles IN STOCK for immediate delivery. With shipping, you can still be riding in one to two weeks!

 

You will join the CSC family, and the CSC SG250 Owners on Facebook!

 

 

 

CSC Motorcycles provides service after the sale, including a Full warranty. CSC Motorcycles provides a 1-year, unlimited mileage warranty for the SG250. If necessary, parts can be shipped to your address – or any shop anywhere in the U.S. overnight! 1 to 4-year extended warranties are available from Aftercare.

 

The CSC SG250 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 also enjoy the simplicity of the dash, controls, and especially the low-maintenance requirements of the SG250. It doesn’t hurt that the CSC SG250 LOOKS expensive (but it’s not!)

 

Did you know – the economical, nimble, and dependable CSC SG250 is used in MANY motorcycle safety training programs?

 

 

The largest category of CSC SG250 Enduro owners are experienced bikers who already own several motorcycles.

The classic scrambler lines appeal to experienced riders for the vintage and minimalist style. It is raw and simple – but includes modern technology including disc brakes, digital dash, and full LED lighting all-around. Experienced riders are attracted to the SG250 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 SG250 is also the PERFECT bike to customize – whether to strip it down to a minimalist café racer or equip it for extended adventures.

 

The Honda CT125 doesn’t compare to the CSC SG250 Scrambler. The SG250 is simply BETTER in EVERY category:

• MORE power and torque
• HIGHER weight capacity, rider and passenger
• HIGHER top speed
• LARGER gas tank and LONGER riding range
• HIGHER power output for electric accessories
• BETTER seating position for MORE comfort
• MORE standard features: bigger tires and wheels, adjustable suspension
• BETTER highway and all-road versatility

 

The Bottom Line: The CSC SG250 Scrambler is a complete street and trail motorcycle that ALSO costs up to $2,000 LESS than the CT125. See CSCMotorcycles.com for more details.

 

 

Randy Reek is an experienced motorcycle rider who has toured from Key West to Alaska. He has ridden the Trans-American Trail and numerous Backcountry Discovery Routes. Over the years, he has owned dozens of cycles, from 50cc scooters to 1700cc cruisers – including FOUR CSC models! Randy divides his time between the Wisconsin woods and deserts of Arizona and Utah. You can follow his adventures at GreatOutThere.online and The Great Out There on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.