Honda TRX90

Changes, updates, and technical stuff
The TRX90 has been a mainstay in the mini ranks for years. When we heard that it was up for some updates, we we’re hoping for a complete new machine that would revolutionize the mini market. While we didn’t get what we were looking for, at least Honda didn’t leave their sole youth quad stagnant for another season.

While the 86cc air cooled mill remains mainly unchanged for 2006, the addition of electric starting will make both dad and Jr. happy. From there, it’s still the same reliable four speed auto clutch setup that Honda has been using for years. Next is the TRX90’s styling. Honda is really tying the looks of their sport line together, so the 90 received the look of the 450R.

The ergonomics have been changed through the use of a taller handlebar with smaller brake levers. While the taller handlebars leave taller riders less cramped, the smaller levers allow young riders with small hands to get a firm grip on the brakes. Floorboards with raised foot pegs replace the old standard foot peg design. In addition, centered mud guards were added to help prevent mud from building up on the floorboards.

A wide footprint and low center of gravity make the TRX90 a stable mount for the aspiring young rider.

The shocks received larger bottom out bumpers for 2006. We were hoping for dual A-arms and twice the suspension travel however.Minor suspension updates and a tougher skid plate wrap up the changes on the 06 TRX90. The shocks now feature larger bottom out bumpers to help cushion things when the rider reaches the limit of the suspension’s capabilities.

Wheel travel is still somewhat limiting with 2.6 inches at both ends. No dual A-arm setup like we were hoping, but before we start complaining, we will have to ride it and see what its all about.

Ride Time
After years of neglect, Honda went to work on the TRX90 for 2006. While we were glad to see any updates at all, we were hoping for a lot more. The styling changes definitely gave the machine a racier look, but what we were looking for was racier performance.

The new floor boards with raised foot pegs are fine for beginner level trail riders, but for racing applications, we would definitely make the switch to a foot peg/ nerf bar style setup.

The raised foot pegs floor board setup has become standard on today’s mini and youth sport ATVs. The raised pegs allow the riders foot to pivot as he traverses rough terrain. This is definitely a better design over a solid floor board setup.

Gone are the traditional foot pegs and in there place is a floorboard with raised foot peg setup. We like this feature for beginner level riders. Honda kept the floorboard area large enough for adult size feet so anyone can hop on this bad boy for some fun around camp or in the pits. Although the motor is unchanged, except for the addition of the electric starter, it remains a strong point on the machine. The four speed gearbox with centrifugal clutch is versatile enough for most riding situations. The little TRX90’s top speed is a good match for the machines handling manners, (more on that later) and first gear is low enough for most hills the young rider will face on the trail. Most of the 90s power lurks in the midrange. While it pulls down low, most of the work gets done in the middle of the powerband. On top the 90 flattens out a bit. No worries though, there are plenty of performance parts on the market to make the 90 flat out fly. In stock trim though, it’s a fun machine to learn on with good trail riding ability.

Handling on the TRX90 is acceptable. Its reasonably stable for its power output. It’s plenty long and wide enough for most trail and play riding situations and the suspension is adequate for a single A-arm design with only 2.7 inches of travel at both ends. Honestly, we haven’t spent enough time with the old 90 to appreciate the changes Honda made to the suspension, but no matter how improved it is, it’s still a disappointment to us. In our opinion, single A-arms are no longer acceptable, especially on a machine that costs $500 to $700 more than most of its competition.

Cody Smith looks gangsta rollin’ the TRX90. Even a full-on pro am racer can’t deny the fun factor of this little sport machine.

As with all Honda models, the brakes on the TRX90 work exceptionally well. Measuring up what you get, the suspension worked surprisingly well. Cody Smith at 150lbs, is a bit heavier then the average rider who will spend a lot of time on the TRX90, but still the suspension did a decent job of holding him up. Compared to the suspension on many Taiwanese quads, the suspension feels refined. There is actually a decent amount of damping built into the shocks limited travel. Play trail riding is handled fine as are small jumps, but with a mere 2.7 inches of suspension travel, a rider of any size is well advised to not get carried away with airtime antics. When the suspension bottoms, it does so surprisingly smoothly, but bottoming means you ran out of travel, of which this machine needs more.

The new ergonomics look spot on for the 8 to 12 year old crowd and even the adults on hand for the intro ride had fun on it. The smaller levers will be appreciated by those riders who are growing into the 90, although they felt fine for full sized adult hands as well. Brakes on the 90 work as well as you would expect for a Honda, very well. The dual sealed drum units up front and single sealed drum in the rear did a surprisingly good job of slowing the 90 on steep decants with an adult on board, so there’s plenty of stopping power for the kids.

The little 90cc four stroke motor does an impressive job of providing an entertaining ride. The smooth power delivery was strong enough to carry Cody up this steep hill with the wheels in the air. Don’t worry, beginners wont be intimidated.

With the taller bars, even Cody felt the TRX90 had decent aerial manners. The suspensions 2.7 inches of suspension travel did a good job of absorbing small leaps like this one. Imagine what it could do with more travel.

While we were glad to see the TRX90 received styling from the TRX450R, we were hoping that it would have inherited more of its high performance technology.The Honda remains one of the highest quality minis on the market, unfortunately, the Taiwanese companies have caught up and in some ways surpassed the TRX90. While reverse isn’t available on the Honda, there are companies out there that are now offering it on their minis. Honda continues to offer a single A-arm setup, where Dinli is now offering their sport youth lineup with dual A-arms. For the asking price, we feel that Honda should be offering more for the money. While we are grateful for the updates, we were hoping that Honda would be offering a much more hopped up longer suspended 90. It may still be the best 90 on the block, but for the asking price, it’s a tough sale.

Model:	TRX90
Engine Type:	86cc air-cooled SOHC single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke:	47mm x 49.5mm
Carburetion:	15mm piston-valve
Ignition:	CDI
Starter:	Electric
Clutch:	Automatic
Transmission:	Four-speed
Driveline:	O-ring-sealed chain
Suspension	Front: Independent suspension; 2.6 inches travel Rear: Swingarm with single shock; 2.6 inches travel
Brakes	Front: Dual sealed drum Rear: Sealed drum
Tires	Front: 20 x 7-8 Rear: 19 x 8-8
Length:	58.6 inches
Width:	35.2 inches
Height:	36.5 inches
Seat Height:	26.0 inches
Ground Clearance:	.9 inches
Wheelbase:	38.7 inches
Turning Radius:	8.3 feet
Dry Weight:	251 pounds
Fuel Capacity:	2.0 gallons, including 0.3-gallon reserve
Colors:	Black, Red
Recommended for riders 12 years of age and older.

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