After its introduction in 1964, the CT line of Honda minibikes developed a cult-like following. The 72cc Honda CT70, introduced in 1969, was especially popular. It’s known as the Honda Trail—designated by the “T” in its name.
These motorcycles are often referred to as monkey bikes because of the crouching, simian-like position it takes to operate. The CT70 is an inviting ride for motorcycle novices because it weighs only 150 pounds, with fold-up handlebars that make it easy to store in the trunk of a car. The design was mainly unchanged over a 14-year run.
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Its three-speed semi-automatic transmission is a breeze to operate. The bike came in various red, gold, or blue candy-tone paint schemes that made it even more enticing to riders of the time. Later models also featured a four-speed transmission and even more sparkling colors, including Candy Topaz Orange, Candy Emerald Green, and Candy Riviera Blue.
The cute small bikes also found popularity with the RV crowd seeking a cool way to zip around the RV park. It’s not a big bike, but it can still manage two riders.
Changing Times
The rise of bigger low-cost bikes like the BMX two-strokes, however, eventually helped lead to the CT70’s demise. By the early 1980s, American riders who became more concerned about safety got over their love affair with the CT70.
Honda stopped offering the CT70 in America in 1994.
Honda stopped producing the CT70 in 1982. The company tried to revive the popularity of the motorcycle with a limited three-year production run from 1991 to 1994. But consumers saw the small monkey bike as a throwback rather than something new and exciting. Nonetheless, the CT70 made its mark as one of the two most popular motorcycles ever produced by Honda, second only to the CB750.
What’s Old Is New
While the 2023 Honda ST125 DAX is street-legal in Europe, it’s unavailable in the USA.
Honda reintroduced the CT70-inspired bike for 2023 in Europe as the Honda Dax ST125. It’s a bigger version of the CT70, with a 9 HP air-cooled 124cc SOHC engine and a slightly longer wheelbase. It weighs 236 pounds.
This new edition features a pressed steel “T-Bone” frame that hides the one-gallon gas tank capable of going 150 miles between fill-ups. Honda added an LCD gauge display, LED lighting, and ABS brakes. It comes in Pearl Nebula Red or Pearl Cadet Gray.
Designed primarily for the street, the 2023 Honda Dax includes various road-worthy upgrades, including 5-spoke 12-inch cast aluminum wheels and a four-speed semi-automatic chain drive transmission.
Shop now for Honda CT partsThe mini-moto was released in European markets this past May. But Honda says the bike won’t be offered for sale in the United States.
One of Evel Al’s numerous tributes to the mighty Honda Trail
Meanwhile, collectors are now hunting down and scooping up surviving CT70 monkey bikes. Unfortunately, they are paying premium prices for well-preserved examples, driving up the price.
On the other hand, CT70 parts are available to help you restore one of these vintage bikes, and eBay is an excellent source.
