Cheap hacks to squeeze the max performance out of the Trail.

[Jules]

Let's face it, with only around 9hp any improvements will be incremental. Here's what I've found after 21000kms on my '22.

1. Replaced the standard chunkies with Michelin Anakee Streets. Much less rolling resistance, noticeable improvement after 70kph. (I don't off-road on the CT.)

2. The standard chain is awful; at 10,000kms I fitted a proper o-ring EK 428SR-X2 steel 108 link chain, after bedding in it's much smoother and less resistant than before.

3. Tightened up the excess slack in the throttle, not too much mind.

4. After market screen; can't do any harm.

By themselves each mod doesn't do that much, put them all together and the difference is noticeable.

What have you got? (no expensive mods please)

​

 

[kevvyd]

Is the EFIE too expensive @ $50 shipped?.....Fast and easy.

A lot of guys like to tout the benefit of a 13t countershaft sprocket. Many claim it better even during pure street/high speed riding. Keeps the engine more in the "making power" RPM range, bogs down less on hills, less shifting. You can try that for a paltry $15.

Speaking of that......I'd be 100% changing the countershaft sprocket with the installation of the new chain. You are not doing your nice new chain any favors by not changing that.
If we were going "by the book" most agree that both sprockets should be changed at the time you "introduce" a new chain to the final drive of the machine.

There is no "bedding in".......it's more like mismatched things taking a toll on one another. No insult intended

 

[TXMoose]

If you really want an “ off the line” performance boost I’d fab a rack system and fit a pair of JATO’s

 

[NMCoyote]

Pretty sure the wind screen is working against your goal of more power, the 13 tooth counter sprocket is your easiest, cheapest, and best way to achieve more power, that and going downhill!

 

[CTExplorer]

Find some wind and go the same direction

I'm in the Midwest where we had like 30mph sustained wind yesterday and for a pretty flat mile and a half or more I was bouncing between 61 and 62 actual GPS confirmed and speedo MPH at around half throttle. I've got over 8k on the bike and first time thats happened. Struggled to stay above 45 on the way back. (3.0s front and rear and 14t sprocket)

The 13t I put on for off road trips but just winds out too much for me for top speed filled normal drives around here but it is nice off the line.

I have a lot of added weight and some basic mods and will say the Kitaco (Type 1?) cam with 1st gen Grom injector and EFIE make a pretty good difference in pulling hills for not a ton of $$. It's made the biggest difference over intake and pipe alone which was barely noticable and still getting good MPG.

 

[Daytripper]

13 tooth front sprocket. While I hated giving up 3 mph on top end, it is a real improvement for most everything else. I can now pull the 2 hills between my house and town in 4th gear at 35 mph. With the 14 I always had to downshift.

 

[Pittsburgh_Bob]

um. I ride mine stock. I figure the Honda engineers know more than me.

 

[George S.]

um. I ride mine stock. I figure the Honda engineers know more than me.

Now that’s not pertinent to the thread title, is it?

 

[BaldRider]

Losing weight is probably #1.

 

[Texan]

Losing weight is probably #1.

Well crap, I’m going backwards on performance

 

[George S.]

My doctor said I can’t gain any more weight. I told him “that’s what I thought too.”

 

[BaldRider]

My doctor said I can’t gain any more weight. I told him “that’s what I thought too.”

I’ve lost 40lbs this year so far. Aiming for another 10 before June 22nd. That mod was expensive, though. Drugs aren’t cheap.