Vintage Honda Trail 90 For Sale: Find Your Classic Ride

Nov 18, 2025 by Alex Braham 56 views

Hey there, fellow vintage motorcycle enthusiasts! Are you on the hunt for a vintage Honda Trail 90 for sale? You've come to the right place! The Honda Trail 90, also known as the CT90, is a true icon of the 1960s and 70s, renowned for its reliability, versatility, and sheer fun factor. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a weekend adventurer, or simply someone who appreciates classic engineering, a vintage Trail 90 can be an incredible addition to your garage. Let’s dive into what makes these bikes so special, what to look for when buying one, and where you might find your perfect vintage Honda Trail 90.

The Enduring Appeal of the Honda Trail 90

So, what's the big deal with the Honda Trail 90? Why are people still searching for a vintage Honda Trail 90 for sale decades after they stopped making them? The answer lies in its unique blend of practicality and charm.

Versatility: The Trail 90 was designed to be equally at home on paved roads and rugged trails. Its step-through frame made it easy to mount and dismount, while its high-mounted exhaust and dual-range transmission allowed it to tackle challenging terrain. This versatility made it a popular choice for everyone from farmers and ranchers to campers and casual riders.
Reliability: Honda built a reputation for bulletproof reliability in the 1960s and 70s, and the Trail 90 was no exception. These bikes were known for their simple, robust engines that could keep running for years with minimal maintenance. Finding a vintage Honda Trail 90 for sale that still runs well is a testament to their build quality.
Simplicity: In an era of increasingly complex motorcycles, the Trail 90 stood out for its simplicity. Its air-cooled engine, basic suspension, and straightforward controls made it easy to work on and maintain. This simplicity also contributed to its reliability.
Nostalgia: For many people, the Trail 90 evokes a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time. These bikes were a common sight on American roads and trails in the 60s and 70s, and owning one today can be a way to reconnect with those memories. The search for a vintage Honda Trail 90 for sale is often driven by this desire to own a piece of history.
Fun Factor: Above all, the Trail 90 is just plain fun to ride. Its lightweight handling, torquey engine, and go-anywhere capability make it a joy to explore backroads and trails. Whether you're cruising through the countryside or tackling a challenging off-road section, the Trail 90 delivers a unique and rewarding riding experience.

What to Look for When Buying a Vintage Honda Trail 90

Okay, you're convinced. You want to find a vintage Honda Trail 90 for sale. But before you jump in and buy the first one you see, it's important to do your homework. Here are some key things to look for when evaluating a potential purchase:

Overall Condition: This is the most obvious factor, but it's worth emphasizing. Look for a bike that is complete, relatively unmolested, and free from major damage. A vintage Honda Trail 90 for sale that has been well-maintained will generally be a better investment than one that has been neglected or abused.
Engine Condition: The engine is the heart of any motorcycle, and the Trail 90 is no exception. Check for signs of excessive wear or damage, such as leaks, strange noises, or excessive smoke. Ask the seller about the bike's maintenance history and whether it has had any major repairs. If possible, take the bike for a test ride to assess its performance. If the engine starts easily, idles smoothly, and revs cleanly, that's a good sign. However, if it struggles to start, runs rough, or makes unusual noises, it could be a sign of underlying problems.
Frame and Suspension: Inspect the frame for cracks, dents, or rust. Pay particular attention to the areas around the welds and mounting points. Also, check the suspension for leaks or excessive play. A vintage Honda Trail 90 for sale with a damaged frame or worn-out suspension can be costly to repair.
Electrical System: The Trail 90's electrical system is relatively simple, but it's still important to check it out. Make sure all the lights, signals, and horn are working properly. Also, check the condition of the wiring harness and battery. A vintage Honda Trail 90 for sale with electrical problems can be frustrating to own.
Originality: For collectors, originality is a key consideration. A Trail 90 that retains its original paint, decals, and components will generally be more valuable than one that has been modified or restored. However, even if you're not a collector, it's still worth considering the bike's originality. A vintage Honda Trail 90 for sale that is mostly original is more likely to be in good condition and will be easier to maintain.
Paperwork: Make sure the seller has a clean title and registration for the bike. This will make it much easier to transfer ownership and register the bike in your name. A vintage Honda Trail 90 for sale without proper paperwork can be a legal headache.
Price: Finally, consider the price. Do some research to find out what similar bikes are selling for in your area. Be realistic about the bike's condition and factor in any potential repairs or restoration costs. A vintage Honda Trail 90 for sale that is priced too good to be true may be a scam or may have hidden problems.

Where to Find a Vintage Honda Trail 90 for Sale

So, you know what to look for, but where do you actually find a vintage Honda Trail 90 for sale? Here are some good places to start:

Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are great places to find vintage motorcycles. You can search for specific models and filter your results by location, price, and condition. However, be sure to exercise caution when buying online. Inspect the bike carefully before you buy it, and be wary of sellers who are unwilling to answer your questions or provide additional information.
Online Motorcycle Forums: Many motorcycle forums have classifieds sections where members can buy and sell bikes. These forums can be a great resource for finding rare or unusual models, and you may be able to get a good deal from a fellow enthusiast.
Local Classified Ads: Don't forget to check your local newspaper and classified ad websites. You may be surprised at what you can find in your own backyard.
Auctions: Motorcycle auctions can be a great place to find vintage bikes, but be prepared to pay a premium. Auctions often attract serious collectors and enthusiasts, so the bidding can be competitive.
Vintage Motorcycle Dealers: Some motorcycle dealers specialize in vintage bikes. These dealers can be a good resource for finding high-quality, well-maintained examples. However, be prepared to pay a higher price than you would if you bought from a private seller.
Word of Mouth: Sometimes, the best deals are found through word of mouth. Let your friends, family, and fellow motorcycle enthusiasts know that you're looking for a Trail 90. You never know who might have one sitting in their garage.

Tips for Negotiating the Price

Once you've found a vintage Honda Trail 90 for sale that you're interested in, it's time to negotiate the price. Here are some tips to help you get a good deal:

Do Your Research: Before you make an offer, find out what similar bikes are selling for in your area. This will give you a good idea of the bike's fair market value.
Be Polite and Respectful: Even if you're trying to get a good deal, it's important to be polite and respectful to the seller. A positive attitude can go a long way in negotiations.
Point Out Any Flaws: If you find any flaws or issues with the bike, be sure to point them out to the seller. This can give you leverage to negotiate a lower price.
Be Prepared to Walk Away: Don't be afraid to walk away from the deal if the seller is unwilling to negotiate a fair price. There are plenty of other vintage Honda Trail 90 for sale, and you'll eventually find one that fits your budget.
Offer Cash: Cash is always a strong negotiating tool. If you're willing to pay cash, you may be able to get a better deal.

Restoring a Vintage Honda Trail 90

If you're lucky enough to find a vintage Honda Trail 90 for sale that is in need of restoration, you're in for a rewarding experience. Restoring a vintage motorcycle can be a challenging but also incredibly satisfying project. Here are some tips for restoring a Trail 90:

Start with a Complete Bike: It's always easier to restore a bike that is mostly complete. Finding missing parts can be time-consuming and expensive.
Take Lots of Pictures: Before you start taking the bike apart, take lots of pictures. This will help you remember how everything goes back together.
Organize Your Parts: As you take the bike apart, organize your parts in labeled containers. This will prevent you from losing anything and will make reassembly much easier.
Clean Everything: Clean all the parts thoroughly before you start restoring them. This will remove any dirt, grease, or rust and will make it easier to inspect the parts for damage.
Replace Worn Parts: Replace any worn or damaged parts with new or refurbished ones. This will ensure that your bike is safe and reliable.
Be Patient: Restoring a vintage motorcycle takes time and patience. Don't rush the process, and be prepared to spend a lot of hours in the garage.

Conclusion

The vintage Honda Trail 90 for sale represents a piece of motorcycling history that continues to captivate enthusiasts today. Its unique blend of versatility, reliability, and simplicity makes it a joy to own and ride. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time vintage bike buyer, the Trail 90 offers a rewarding experience that's hard to match. Happy hunting, and may you find the perfect vintage Honda Trail 90 to add to your collection!

So get out there and start your search for that perfect vintage Honda Trail 90 for sale! You won't regret it!