1966-1977 Honda Trail CT90 S90 CL90L C90 CL90 CD90 Service Repair Manual

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The Honda Trail (CT90 and later models) from 1966-1977 was a versatile, lightweight, four-stroke minibike designed for off-road use by outdoorsmen, featuring knobby tires, a high-mounted snorkel intake and upswept exhaust for water crossing, and a dual-range transmission for low-end torque. It also had street-legal lighting, a rear rack for cargo, and folding handlebars for easy transport, offering excellent fuel economy and moderate top speeds, making it suitable for trails, small farms, and local commuting.

Key Characteristics

Engine:

89cc four-stroke, single-cylinder engine.
Transmission:

Dual-range, four-speed automatic clutch with a high and low range for varying terrain.
Off-road Features:

Knobby tires, high-mounted intake with a snorkel to minimize dust, and an upswept exhaust to ride through water.
Versatility:

A large rear rack could carry heavy loads, and a passenger seat could be installed, making it a practical utility vehicle for workers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Transportability:

Quick-release swiveling handlebars and a locking mechanism on the handlebar clamp allowed the bike to be folded for compact storage.
Street Legal:

Equipped with street lighting and a speedometer, it could be registered for road use, though its power was limited for highway travel.
Reliability & Economy:

The bikes were known for their robust, simple, and durable design, excellent fuel economy (around 100 mpg), and inexpensive, readily available parts.

Target Audience

The Honda Trail was marketed to a variety of users, including farmers, hunters, fishermen, and anyone needing a reliable, lightweight vehicle for navigating narrow trails and rugged terrain.

Key Features by Year

Early Models (e.g., 1966):

Featured a single saddle, a large chrome rack, and a skid plate with a flat, horizontal exhaust pipe.
Later Models (e.g., 1972 onwards):

Standardized features like the upswept exhaust, a snorkel intake, and eventually integrated auxiliary gas tanks. Indicators (turn signals) became standard equipment.