CSC Blog

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.

Attention All Drivers: Before turning or changing lanes, make it a habit to double-check your blind spots—taking just an extra moment could save a life.

“Motorcyclists are often hard to spot due to their smaller size, and they can easily disappear in a vehicle’s blind spots,” explained Scott Schloegel, Acting President and CEO of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. “Even though modern vehicles may have blind-spot detection systems, these technologies aren’t foolproof. That’s why we strongly encourage drivers of cars and trucks to remain vigilant for motorcyclists. Always use your eyes and mirrors to check twice, particularly when it comes to your blind spots, before making any moves on the road.”

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has provided essential safety tips for both drivers and motorcyclists to help ensure everyone stays safe on the road.

For Drivers of Cars and Trucks:

• Be proactive in looking for motorcyclists: They can easily be obscured by blind spots, other vehicles, or roadside obstacles like trees or signs. Make sure to scan your surroundings thoroughly before making any maneuvers.

• Stay focused on driving: Avoid distractions like your phone, pets, or passengers while behind the wheel.

• Use your turn signals: Signaling lets others know your intentions, helping them stay out of your blind spot or anticipate your actions.

• Give motorcycles space: Don’t tailgate or crowd riders. Allow them enough room to maneuver and adjust to road conditions.

• Keep your trash inside the vehicle: Avoid throwing items like cigarettes or trash out the window, and make sure all cargo is securely fastened to prevent road hazards.

For Motorcycle and Scooter Riders:

• Enhance your visibility: Wear bright clothing and a light-colored helmet, keep your headlight on at all times, and avoid riding in other vehicles’ blind spots. Consider flashing your brake light when slowing down or stopping.

• Ride defensively: Assume that other drivers might not see you, which will keep you more alert and aware of your surroundings. Use the Search-Evaluate-Execute (SEE) strategy to assess and respond to potential hazards before they become emergencies.

• Wear protective gear on every ride: Equip yourself with full-face helmets, jackets, pants, gloves, and boots designed for riding, which offer abrasion resistance and additional armor for better protection.

• Obey traffic laws: Riding legally and respectfully contributes to a safer environment for everyone. Unexpected moves can confuse others and lead to accidents.

• Inspect your bike before riding: Perform a pre-ride check, including tires, wheels, fluids, cables, chassis, lights, and electronics. Use the T-CLOCS inspection checklist for guidance.

“According to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle fatalities increased by 1.2 percent in 2022, the most recent year with complete data,” Schloegel added. “Although motorcyclists represent only 3 percent of the vehicles on the road, they account for 15 percent of fatalities. It’s up to all of us to make our roadways safer.”

For more safety tips, booklets, and resources, visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s website at msf-usa.org. If you’re interested in learning to ride, getting your license, or improving your riding skills, consider enrolling in a hands-on safety course. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the nation’s top safety resource and advocate for motorcyclists, offers courses tailored to riders of all experience levels, including the highly recommended Basic RiderCourse.

If you’re in California and near Merced, Fresno, or Visalia CSC Motorcycles recommends check out Valley Motorcycle Training. They teach you a ton of great things about riding motorcycles. The best part is that they’ll teach you on a CSC Motorcycle. If you’re nearby CSC Motorcycles we recommend looking at Arryo’s Motorcycle Training School in Walnut, CA at Mt SAC Community College. They also use CSC Motorcycles in their training classes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Valley Motorcycle Training (@valleymotorcycletraining)

Why many motorcycle riders choose smaller and less expensive cycles.

Motorcycles have gotten bigger, more complex, and MUCH more expensive. In the past, riders bought motorcycles to SAVE money! Today, many motorcycles cost MORE than economy cars – with financing terms to match!

But there are AFFORDABLE alternatives to high-tech, high-cost motorcycles! Look no farther than the SG250 from CSC Motorcycles.

The CSC SG250 San Gabriel reminds us why we love to ride. The San Gabriel is handsome, yet rugged. It has all essentials and intentionally avoids complications. The SG250 is equipped with a proven 230cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. This small motorcycle is a throw-back to purist motor bike riding!

There are MANY reasons for intentionally downsizing and simplifying your choice of motorcycle:

1. Lower Purchase Cost for Small Motorcycles

Motorcycle manufacturers have followed the auto brands by continually offering bigger models with more expensive technology.

But new riders aren’t looking for $30,000 to $50,000 bikes. The fact is that your memories are made by the MILE and are not determined by the cost of the motorcycle. Do you see more scenery, sunsets, or wildlife?

 

NO – an affordable motorcycle might enable you to ride MORE and work LESS to cover the payments, helping you create MORE memories!

2. Lower Operating, Maintenance, Repair, and Insurance Costs of Small Motorcycles

Expensive motorcycles are as complex as modern automobiles.

In terms of maintenance and repairs, less expensive motorcycles are simpler and more accessible to the owner or an independent cycle shop. Generic parts and accessories typically don’t fit expensive motorcycles. Likewise, smaller, simpler motorcycles do not require premium gas.

A $2,500 or $5,000 motorcycle costs much less to insure than a $25,000 or $50,000 motorcycle.

Smaller, less expensive motorcycles are often purchased by riders who already have other bikes. It costs less to buy and own two (or three) smaller motorcycles than one over-priced hog!

3. Safer Riding on Small Motorcycles – Especially Older, Smaller, and Solo Riders

If you have experience riding a bigger motorcycle, smaller cycles will feel nimble and “flickable” in comparison.

With less mass you will have better control in corners, when braking, and in rough conditions. Simply parking on an uneven surface is impossible with huge motorcycles. Big, heavy motorcycles require perfect balance – because there is NO WAY you are going to pick up that 500-pound beast!

Smaller, lighter motorcycles are PERFECT for smaller and lighter riders – as well as older riders and anyone who rides solo.

4. The Simplicity and Minimalism of Riding Small Motorcycles

YES – you can tour on a smaller motorcycle!

Andrew Pain, the author of Going Small, advises getting off the freeway, setting a slower pace, and enjoying the journey. He encourages riders to choose the smallest motorcycle to cover the miles, and then pack as lightly as possible. Every gas stop and local meal will provide the opportunity for interactions with local residents.

Adopt the minimalism of bicycle touring for light, motorcycle touring – which I have dubbed “MotorBikePacking”

5. Display Your Maturity by Riding a Small Motorcycle

“Mature” riders (regardless of age) place less value on horsepower, speed, and noise.

Big or small, I am happy to cruise at 5 or 10 miles over the speed limit and seldom ride over 70 MPH. Much of my riding is on rural gravel roads where 25 to 40 miles per hour is the norm. I agree with the admonition: “Anything bigger than 250cc is just wheel spin.”

Small motorcycles are often labeled “beginner bikes”, but they will also extend the YEARS of riding that you enjoy.

Slow down. Take longer breaks, Enjoy a siesta. Start later, then quit earlier in the day. Remember: Less is More!

6. BONUS Reason: Riding Smaller Motorcycles Is FUN!

It’s not surprising that most small motorcycle buyers have previously owned or still own larger motorcycles.

The owners of multiple motorcycles readily admit that the one that they ride the most is their smallest motorcycle. Why? Because smaller, lighter motorcycles are pure fun!

A light cycle skips across rough road sections with less stress to the rider and the bike.

When riding a smaller motorcycle, you will voluntarily avoid the road rage on the freeway. Not only are you SEEING the scenery flow by, but you get to ENJOY the ride longer! In town, a smaller motorcycle maneuvers effortlessly through traffic.

The fun continues when you customize the SG250 to fit your style. Staring out from a BRAND NEW motorcycle under $2,500, you can transform the bike into a retro ride, hooligan racer, or back road scrambler!

The riders of smaller motorcycles are CONTRARIANS in our “Bigger is Better” culture. But they know the “secret” advantages of smaller motorcycles. Not only do they have full “memory banks” of tours and destinations, but they have more money in their wallets, too!

With a light, CSC SG250, you can ALSO take the FUN with you when you travel!

See more FUN rides by the members of the CSC SG250 Owners Group on Facebook. Learn more about the CSC SG250 and the other affordable motorcycles at CSCMotorcycles.com

---

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.

CSC Wolf 125: Manufacturing Date Delayed

The MUCH-anticipated introduction of the CSC Wolf 125 has been delayed – stay tuned for updates in 2025!

CSC Motorcycles has been delivering “Fun You Can Afford” for over a decade. There has never been a motorcycle model that promised more AFFORDABLE FUN than the new CSC Wolf 125.

This past Spring, CSC announced that they had begun the certification process for this new model. This small, 125cc motorcycle (the Zonsen “Cub” or “Yemi”) has been sold in other markets around the world for nearly two years. The introduction of the “CSC Wolf” to North America was planned as a 2025 model. But first, the new motorcycle needed to pass the DOT, EPA, and CARB certification processes – which are long and expensive.

If you follow this channel, you have seen more and more content leading up to the actual introduction of the 2025 CSC Wolf 125. This includes the first and only offroad content where I put the Wolf to the test in the mountains and on remote back roads in Arizona.

After many months, the tedious testing processes were nearly complete. In the meantime, CSC built the website for the new Wolf 125 and was fielding DOZENS of inquiries per day from enthusiastic, prospective buyers – including many who wanted to pre-order multiple motorcycles.

Just as CSC Motorcycles was ready to begin accepting deposits on the first Wolf 125’s to be delivered later this Fall, they were informed of a halt to manufacturing.

Besides technical, mechanical, and environmental standards, the CSC Wolf and the Zonsen Yemi/Cub are also subject to DESIGN standards. Just last week, reps from Zonsen notified CSC Motorcycles that the MUFFLER on the Wolf/Cub/Yemi violates the design patent on the Honda Trail CT125 and Super Cub.

The worldwide sales of this model were STOPPED via a court order in Thailand. (Thailand is where the Honda CT125 and Super Cub are manufactured.)

After a massive investment of time and money, the introduction of the CSC Wolf 125 is delayed until the muffler is redesigned and ready for manufacture. At that point, CSC Motorcycles must submit the new design for recertification of the emissions tests.

How long will the redesign and recertification processes take? No one knows!

Best case – early in 2025. Both the design and certification timelines are beyond the control of CSC Motorcycles. To say this is a disappointment is an understatement. THOUSANDS of motorcycle riders have been watching and waiting for the new Wolf 125. We will all need to wait a little longer!

But – what if you are ready NOW for an economical and affordable motorcycle?

Your BEST alternative is the same as it has been for several years. CSC Motorcycles still sells the TT250 Enduro and the SG250 Café Racer. These two models share the same 229cc, air-cooled motor. CSC has thousands of satisfied customers who own and love these dependable models. BOTH of these 2024 models are IN STOCK NOW. BOTH models are for sale on the CSC Motorcycles website for $1,995 and $2,495, respectively.