Honda CT110 road ready

It's been almost three decades in the making, but it's finally happening. No, they haven't put a man on the second moon of Saturn, but Honda is now selling a road-registerable CT110.

The CT110 has in the past only been available as an agricultural bike, one that didn't have the green light to be legally ridden on public roads.

But why now? The most likely explanation is that Kawasaki's Ninja 250 is the current market leader in the lucrative under 250cc segment and Honda is keen as mustard to win back some market share.

Honda released a glowing press release saying it is "thrilled to be able to meet one of the demands of the Aussie motorcycle market that has been on the 'wish list' for some time." For a number of die-hard enthusiasts, this is indeed a big event. Price is $3490 (before dealer and statutory charges).

Power comes from one of the most reliable engines in existence, a four-stroke 105cc single-cylinder unit with a single overhead cam. Honda adds that this engine is also "very low maintenance and simple to service".

The air-cooled engine is carburetted and features a kick-starter and is paired with a dual range four-speed transmission with low and high range. Honda claims the engine delivers "plenty of grunt for getting around town as well as enjoying the open road".

Known for its ease of use Honda expects many learners and novice riders to be among the buying group, and riders who may have been thinking about a scooter but who want something more akin to a proper motorcycle.

Unlike the CT110 ag bike, the road registerable version features indicators, head lamp and brake like plus a speedometer, not to mention the usual bits and pieces such as heel-toe shifter and automatic centrifugal clutch, a closed chain guard and wet sump oil system.

The 91kg two-wheeler also comes with front and rear gear carriers plus left and right side stands as standard, and an easy-access low 775mm seat height that makes it "ideal for smaller riders" according to Honda.

It features drum brakes front and rear has a 4.6lt fuel tank.

Honda's CT110 is mainly for road use but can hold its own off-road too, and has been a staple mode of transport on rural properties and farms for almost three decades.