Honda produced a range of small motorcycles designed to get the world on wheels. Its iconic Super Cub remains the highest-selling vehicle in automotive history, with over 100 million rolling off the line. The CT70, also known as the Trail 70, was designed for those seeking off-road adventure, and this 1972 example is a gem. It is an original and unrestored survivor in exceptional condition for its age. It is ideal for a novice wishing to develop their riding skills safely, and its original owner ordered it with the desirable 4-speed transmission. The Honda is listed here on Craigslist in West Seattle, Washington. They set their price at $3,950, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting it.
Honda’s recipe for the Trail 70 was elegantly simple. It abandoned the traditional tubular steel frame in favor of pressed steel. As an aside, it is easy to underestimate the importance of machines like this in the company’s history. Many motorcycle manufacturers have struggled when attempting to enter the passenger car market. Their experience in producing pressed steel components is often limited to fuel tanks and a few small parts, but by the time Honda made that transition, it had built millions of motorcycles with frames utilizing that technology. Rider controls on the Trail 70 were basic and uncomplicated, and the engine was a four-stroke, providing smooth power delivery. This little survivor wears its original Candy Ruby Red paint, and its condition is surprisingly good. Honda’s decision to market the Trail 70 to novice riders meant that many machines became quite battered and bruised as operators tumbled to the ground, developing their skills. A close inspection reveals minor imperfections but no significant problems or paint damage. The decals are crisp, and the seat is free from rips and wear. The chrome is in good order, although the wheels would benefit from a refresh if the new owner wanted to improve the overall presentation.
Powering this Honda is a sweet little 72cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine producing 5.5hp. Most buyers ordered their Trail 70 with the three-speed transmission and centrifugal clutch, but this machine’s first owner selected the more desirable four-speed manual transmission. These engines are ideal for learners because they provide linear power delivery, meaning there is no sudden surge that would catch the rider unaware. The excellent engine presentation is consistent with the seller’s claim that this Honda has a genuine 1,306 miles showing on its odometer. The seller states it kicks easily into life, idles smoothly, and runs perfectly. The electrical system works as it should, making it a “kick and go” proposition for the new owner.
This 1972 Honda CT70HK1 Trail 70 is a genuine survivor, and its condition is particularly impressive. The sorts of lives these machines typically lead often leave them looking battered, bruised, and badly scratched. This gem has avoided that fate and is a turnkey proposition ideal for a learner wishing to experience the freedom a motorcycle provides for the first time. It is undeniably affordable, so if you have a young family member searching for motoring fun, it could be the perfect candidate for the job.
At another transportation crossroads, it seems. Too paranoid to ride a bicycle again, I’ll be in the cold, cold ground before you see me on an EV bike, or a mo-ped, ATV, too much hassle, King Midget, Cushman truckster?,,,Hmm, maybe, or a “monkey bike”. Anything over 49cc in Colorado needs a plate, and insurance, another PITA, and riding one of these in traffic, is downright dangerous. While an EV doesn’t go fast enough for traffic, another hazard, I’ve never been a fan of small motorcycles. For strictly off road( more permits required) I’m no hiker, so they save a lot of steps, but getting it “back there”, requires more BS, (trailer, plate and ins. for that), see where I’m going with this? They’re sucking all the fun out of it.
Seller is trying to cash in on its uniqueness, as most of these were trashed, but it’s still what it is, and I wouldn’t give $500, $100 bucks more than when new, for one, in any condition.
The maintenance guys at work ride heavy duty tricycles with their toolboxes on the back. Perhaps you could look into one of those to get around town.
There’s this thing called Uber….
If it’s a 4 speed it’s not a 72. The 4 speed was only made for one year, 1970.
These things are regularly hitting $7,500 – $9,000 on BaT. It’s the nostalgic value; old guys either rode one when they were kids, or wished they had. If I had grandchildren, I’d be tempted to buy one or two to teach them to ride a proper vehicle with a clutch and a transmission you actually shift yourself. Plus, it would make me a hero in my grandkids’ eyes, although maybe not their with parents.
I’m just amazed what these are going for today… I never had one myself but a bunch in the neighborhood did… so there was plenty of driving and riding around in the ‘tween years… a couple quarters got you a days ride… trails in the woods… sand pits… powerlines. Lots of cuts and bruises… no helmet required… no parental supervision… we survived. Where a lot of us picked up our rudimentary driving and wrenching skills. By the early ’80s most were tucked in dark corners of garages and barns in various stages of disassembly… or worse, out back, behind the shed “covered” with a long ago disintegrated tarp… to be ultimately dragged to the scrap yard by Dad after relentless nagging by Mom to clear the “junk” out of the now empty nest. Oh to have had the foresight to collect them all up back then.
Amazing the bucks these things are bringing. I had a 1970 model 4-speed, ran the wheels off of it and sold it to a friend who did the same. Only weak spot was the folding handlebars. Didn’t take much of a lay-down to bend them inward. Should have had a brace between the two sides.
Absolutely shocking what people are paying for these! We beat the crap out of those types of bikes. Barely more than a cheap mini-bike!
YES. Even one in great shape is not worth more than $1,000 tops.
Hmmm… “Barely more than a cheap mini-bike”?… really?… The cheap mini-bikes of the day had simple 1 inch tube frames (that often cracked, ask me how I know)… a side shaft, pull start, 3 hp Briggs and Stratton or Tecumseh lawn mower engine… a centrifugal clutch, no transmission, no lights, no horn, barely a seat with maybe a rear brake… The CT70 was essentially a small, but fully functional, road legal motorcycle… Ya, the prices they are getting today are nostalgia driven silliness, but they were way more than a cheap mini-bike.
I had the one produced in 1970 which I think was the only year of the 4 speed. I loved it and road it for years off road in the Marble area of Western Colorado. It was stolen out of our back yard in 1986 and never seen again by me. No way would I pay that kind of money for this $400 machine. Some people have more money than brains though.
I bought a dead z-50 for my kid for $20. Spent $75 getting a new head gasket put on. $20 for a carb kit, and $25 to recover the seat. It was more fun than a barrel of monkeys. That doesn’t mean that a really nice one is only worth $20 today. Prices are determined by willing buyers meeting willing sellers. Would I pay $4K for this? No, nor would I insult the intelligence of the person who does.
More than it’s worth to me. I liked them when I was a kid. Nothing now.
I had a 4 speed trail 70, loved to stand on the back pegs and ride wheelies for miles. The problem here is he us stating he is the original owner with no title ? Just go to your local DMV and ask for one, problem solved !!!