1969

The 1969 Honda CT90 'K1, continued the use of model designations that started with the letter 'K", followed by a number. A major improvement to the CT90 'K1 was the addition of the Telescopic Front Fork Suspension. This provided a better ride with a longer travel of the front suspension than the older style bottom link suspension. There is a report that the 1969 'K1 telescopic front forks are unique (shorter top bolt) and thus not interchangeable with later years. Additionally, the engine air intake was moved to be "out of the way", on the left side of the frame, below the seat. However, this lowered the height of the air intake, thus restricting the ability of the CT to cross deep streams. This is a unique, one year only shape for the air intake. This move of the air intake, did allow the use of a plastic, frame downtube cover for the first time. The single side cover for the battery and tool kit was the same color as the CT frame. There were some mid year changes to the K1. Some people think the later K1's are called K1b's (many individuals use this terminology), but Honda never created anything like that, all 1969 Honda Trail 90's, are just K1's. The early K1's had a carburetor with 4 screws (unique to this early model of K1) and the later K1's had the 2 screw model carburetor (the screws held the top and bottom together), confirmed on serial number CT90-233448, perhaps earlier. Both types of carburetors had a specific manifold for each type of carburetor (which are not interchangeable). Early 1969 'K1's had a front, fender mounted, amber side reflector (prized by some CT'ers) and later models had the front amber side reflectors mounted on the front fork tubes (one on each side).

The "States", via their Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or similar named agencies, control the regulation of equipment on vehicles and NOT the United States Federal Government (which could be a more "uniform" set of laws, used in all states). Thus, each state is allowed to set its own laws regarding equipment on vehicles. Several states (Indiana - 1956, Ohio - 1968, Texas - 1960) had by 1969 already written laws requiring motorcycles to have turn signals as standard equipment. Several motorcycle manufacturers, including Honda, were preparing for this requirement and had in fact started installing turn signals on other models. The best evidence of this is the inclusion within the speedometer of an indicator light for turn signals and on some years the left handlebar switch to activate the turn signals. The 1969 'K1, was the first year to have an extra light for indicating the activity of turn signals (often called "winkers" in documentation, and labeled with a "W" on the speedometer face in coming years). And, there are a few reports of 1969 'K1's having turn signals factory installed, but as of yet we don't have photo proof. The 1969 'K1 has a unique, one year only, style of speedometer, with a shape that was triangular.

Model ID	CT90 'K1
Common Name	Honda Trail 90
Serial or VIN Number Begins At	CT90-200001

Engine Size	89 cc
Engine Type	Overhead Camshaft

Carburetor Type	T90KA, 4 Screw with "O ring" gasket. (Early Model). K29A, 2 screw (Later Model).
High Altitude Knob Present	Yes
Fuel Petcock Positions - ON RES OFF
Jets - Factory - Other