Many enthusiasts are passionate about classic motorcycles, and machines like this 1971 Honda CT70 Trail 70 ignited their love for two wheels at a tender age. The Trail 70 represented an excellent entry point for young people to develop their skills, as they are among the most user-friendly machines in history. This Honda is a tidy survivor that has only clocked 1,024 miles and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner. It’s worth a close look, whether as a piece of garage art or the ideal gift for the young person in your life.
Honda abandoned some of the traditional motorcycle construction techniques when developing the CT70. Most machines of this type feature tubular steel frames, but opting for pressed steel greatly reduced build time and cost. The second factor was critical as the company focused on affordability as a key marketing strategy. This little Honda wears what is claimed to be its original Candy Gold paint, and its condition is impressive. There are no significant flaws or defects, and the stickers and decals look crisp and clean. The lack of scratches on the crankcase suggests it hasn’t been crashed or abused, and the original exhaust has survived remarkably well. The seller believes a previous owner may have repainted the wheels, but that seems to be the only restoration work. The chrome looks acceptable for a survivor-grade machine, and the lights are in good order.
The seat may be the most noteworthy feature when assessing this Honda’s overall condition. The vinyl is prone to wear and physical damage, with many exhibiting splits and tears exposing the foam beneath. However, this Trail 70 hasn’t suffered that fate, and the metal support structure is in good order. This photo reveals minor corrosion on the studs and the inside of the taillight bracket, but that appears to be the worst of this classic’s shortcomings.
The secret of the Trail 70’s success wasn’t just its low sticker price, but the user-friendly nature of its mechanical layout. The 72cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine produces 5.5hp, and its delivery is as smooth as silk. Honda offered a four-speed manual transmission option, but this survivor features a three-speed unit with a centrifugal clutch. That made the Trail 70 ideal for someone taking their first steps into the two-wheel world because it removed clutch operation from the equation. The seller confirms that this gem has a new carburetor, but is otherwise as it left the factory. Even the tires are original, showing no signs of significant deterioration. The seller is awaiting a new battery to test the light, but this YouTube video confirms the machine starts on the first kick, and that it runs perfectly. It is ready to provide a young person with years of motorcycling pleasure or to rekindle fond memories for someone slightly older who used a similar machine to develop their two-wheel skills.
The seller listed this 1971 Honda CT70 Trail 70 here on eBay in Hunker, Pennsylvania. Thirteen bids have pushed the price to $2,175, which is below the reserve. Recent sales results suggest there isn’t far to go before it passes the reserve, although pristine examples frequently change hands for around $5,000. I don’t think it will threaten that figure, but what would you pay for this pint-sized classic?
Not sure the listings are paired for any reason, but you couldn’t have a more opposite bike than the Excelsior posted earlier. The 2 wheels are the only things in common.
The temptation is great with this one. I’m looking for something as an alternative to the Jeep and bicycle, that I no longer ride, to just go 8 blocks to Safeway. An E-bike was considered,,,for about 2 seconds, a monkey bike could be the answer. While I simply cringe at the thought of a license, insurance, ORV permits, it almost isn’t worth it. While we gasp at the low miles, something like this is not rare. I bet most sales were a flash in the pans, and many got stuffed in a corner, and never used. With E-bike prices around $2500 for a nice one, although prices coming down some, people are turning their attention to monkey bikes and older mopeds. If the moped is under 50ccs, which most are 49, you don’t need a license in Colorado. While “Trail” here is a bit misleading, what it is, is a step saver for a hike. The going gets pretty rough, and these won’t cut it. Great find, but I wouldn’t pay too much here.
Howard, ever ride these on the trails? I did, as a kid in the 70’s. They were a blast and could handle anything I threw at them. Lots of torque, knobbys for plenty of traction, then ride back home at almost 50mph! What amazed me most about them before I owned one (I had typical Briggs powered mini bikes), was the fact that they could idle for several minutes with no sign of overheating, despite not having a blower and air housing.
Oh yeah we rode this thing on rough trails and creeks all the time..
Hi Fred, well, yes I have ridden these and you are correct to a point. Their size allows you to literally go anywhere and still be able to muscle it out of a mudhole. Thing is, you may not be aware, as I wasn’t, just what kind of “trails” we have here in the mountains. Oh, they start out harmless enough, but the further back you go, it’s almost rock climbing. Before I had my Jeep, I had a Suzuki DRZ400, that was an okay bike for a dual sport. Had a big gas tank and I took that thing WAY back, places I’d never take the Jeep, and it got to the point, I was more worried about dumping it( did once) because the trails were so rough. I don’t think this particular bike would do 50, it says on the speedo, 3rd is good for 45, and even that was a bit much. 35-40 was about the best cruising range and eliminates any road travel.
Mine would do 48, Neighbor was a police sergeant and clock me on radar. Speedo is an est. Kinda like a Tach Howard. Of course I weighed around 115 lbs. too then! But still very close to 50! Put a 65 lb person on it and would probably hit the 50 mark. And If you are going to go by the actual Speedo the marks are actually 47-48. He said almost. 47-48 is almost 50.
Have you thought about a foot powered scooter? The Amish around my area use them frequently, to get around. In lieu of the more polluting and expensive horse and buggy.
Walking with a bundle buggy would be the healthiest solution. You could also try an adult tricycle, they usually have a nice deck on the back for baskets.
A trike would definitely be cheaper and healthier than anything with an engine. Check your local Walmart.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mooncool-Adult-Mountain-Tricycle-7-Speed-Three-Wheel-Bike-24-26-27-5-Inch-Adults-Trikes-Seniors-Shopping-Basket-Exercise-Men-s-Women-s-Tricycles/487566646
Well now tony, that all depenz . .
I had the same exact one color and all,beat that thing to death.
$3,350 now, reserve met, with time still left.
Have one just like it with just a little more miles…..looks to be a good seller but not sure why his feedback is at 90%.