1974 Honda 90 Trail Bike
Donor: John Schmidt, Kearney, NE
Engine, etc.: 89.5 cc, OHV, 4-stroke; transmission: dual-range 4-speed, automatic clutch; wheelbase: 1.22m; fuel capacity: 5.5 l
Honda began the now-familiar numbering system with the CT90. The prefix letters indicate the bike family and the numbers indicate engine size.
The 87cc OHV engine was replaced by an 89cc alloy-head OHC engine. It was a 4-speed version of the same engine used in the CM91 Super Cub model.
Two improvements were made with the CT90 model: the stepped-chainring was replaced with a secondary gearbox requiring only a turn of a small lever located near the rider’s left heel. The fork was replace with a modern telescopic fork with greatly increased travel.
One color was available: Mars Orange accented with a dark gray metallic plastic shroud and side covers. Handlebars had a swivel lock. The exhaust system was black and the head shield was chrome. The chrome luggage rack behind the seat was standard.
The transmission was an 8-speed dual range.
The Trail 90 was in production for 13 years. It was one of the most innovative and all around best trail bikes in the the industry for its time. It was fun, peppy, and had light rideability.
Sources: “The 1974 Honda Trail 90 (CT90K5)” – http://www.hondatrail90.hondagl.com/ct90_yearbook/the-1974-honda-trail-90-ct90k5/#more-7
History: http://www.hondatrail90.hondagl.com/category/honda_90_honda_110_history/
“Honda CT series”: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CT_series
Original advertisement (other ads for the Trail 90 also available at this link) “Announcing the Honda Trail 90”: http://www.hondatrail90.hondagl.com/ct90_ads_brochures/honda-trail-ct90-ad-announcing-the-honda-trail-90/
