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Dedicated JA55 vs JA65 differences thread: UPDATED NOV 2ND 2025

Dia1Up

Member
Joined
Jun 13, 2025
Messages
47
Location
BC Canada
Original Post:

I've seen many threads talking about specific differences, I think we should have a general thread, a single place people can go to. I see people asking all the time

I remember seeing an excellent site that listed everything different, but I've just spent 2 hours search and can't find it again.

Things like: Engine, plastics, oil filter, longer wheel base, stock gearing, apparently the ja65 has a transmission sensor built in but no display? And much more

These are all things I've read in different places, but can't remember when or where. Especially things like the ja65 having the new ECU plug, could open options for easy cluster swaps, but to even find that the updated trail has a different plug is extremely buried.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JA55 to JA65 changes (not complete).
All information is as accurate as I think I can make it, but by no means does that mean is 100% correct.

Generally is about non-USA models. Will be updated as the list becomes more complete

New engine: (Now meets Euro5)

Engine combines the bottom end (with redesigned crankcases) from the Japanese-market C110 with the SOHC, two-valve top end of the Grom
Longer stroke and higher compression
Actual oil filter
Different stator/generator, but same output (190w)
The JA55 CKP (crankshaft position) sensor outputs an AC waveform (analog), while the JA65 CKP sensor outputs a square-wave signal (digital).
Lower maximum RPM?

Transmission:
Now has helical cut primary gear (quieter)
Gear position sensor is wired to read all gears from the shift drum rather than just Neutral. This allows the gear indicator accessory that is available in Japan to work. (Most likely won't work on USDM models since it uses a different transmission. And unconfirmed what other market bikes the accessory will work on)
Stock sprocket set up is now 14t-39t, up from 14t-40t

Suspension:
New preload adjustment on rear
Longer swingarm

Smaller Changes:
Different exhaust pipe
Different kick start lever
Different gear shift foot lever
Larger side stand foot
Different side stand kill switch and wiring
Reinforced center stand
Updated protection bars

Aesthetics:
New body plastics
Rear rack is now black regardless of body colour
Some additional accessory attachment points in some regions
Updated Honda logo stickers now with black shadow backdrops instead of white



Significant parts with new numbers from P to S:

Cam chain guide
Primary clutch weights
Inner clutch discs
Right side case
Crank sensor
Crank sensor plate
Throttle body
TPS
Fuel injector
ABS modulator
Front fork boots
Exhaust
Rear shocks
Rectifier
Wire harness
FI computer


Thank you to dmonkey and bt619

Sources:
 
Last edited:

dmonkey

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Joined
Jul 4, 2021
Messages
3,211
Location
Loveland, CO 🇺🇸
You'll find most of the changes listed in https://hondatrail125.com/index.php...-downloads-owners-service-parts-catalog.1189/ , and more detail on this page:

Something to keep in mind is that there are also a few regional differences. Other than color availability, regional differences include accessory electrical connections, rear carrier accessory attachment points, passenger pegs and black plastic exhaust shield cover, shift pattern (4-up vs 4-down rotary), side decals (Trail 125 vs CT125), EVAP canister & gas recycling system, spark arrestor, right hand kill switch, side stand kill switch, rear reflectors, and unit of distance used on the meter (some markets can toggle between mi and km).

2025 model year changes are that the JP market bikes had their wiring harness updated to accommodate the clock & gear indicator OEM accessory, and in all markets the bike seems to have received updated mirrors, lower exhaust cover design better matched to upper exhaust cover, and part number revisions to many parts such as the one-way clutch assembly.

Both generations have a gear position sensor as that's how they read that the bike is in Neutral to display that on the meter. The JA55 only reads or has wiring for that one position though, while the JA65 gear pos sensor reads Neutral but has 5 wires to the plug so the accessory gear indicator can read all of them (N+4) when installed.

For the USA market at least I think the ECM plugs are all the same. One vendor warned that early models may have had a different plug, but I don't think that was true for USA market bikes, and it may not have been true for any CT125s but just some confusion over it being an early bike to switch to the new ECU plug that is now in common across the latest generation of Grom/MSX, Monkey, Super Cub, Dax, etc. If you look up actual photos of the ECM part numbers listed in the 2020 Aus/Indo, Thai, and JP parts fiches they're the same as the 2021+ USA one. If there were early bikes with a different plug, it must have not been many as I've come across no evidence of it.

Official markets I've been able to confirm the CT125 has been sold in: USA, Canada, Japan, Thailand, Australia (discontinued), New Zealand (technically these were Aus market bikes, and are now JP market bikes imported by Blue Wing Honda, but that's about as official as it gets for NZ), Indonesia, and Korea.
 
Last edited:

bt619

Active member
Joined
Oct 13, 2024
Messages
58
Location
Japan

oscar1243

New member
Joined
Sep 25, 2025
Messages
5
Location
USA
You'll find most of the changes listed in https://hondatrail125.com/index.php...-downloads-owners-service-parts-catalog.1189/ , and more detail on this page:

Something to keep in mind is that there are also a few regional differences. Other than color availability, regional differences include accessory electrical connections, rear carrier accessory attachment points, passenger pegs and black plastic exhaust shield cover, shift pattern (4-up vs 4-down rotary), side decals (Trail 125 vs CT125), EVAP canister & gas recycling system, spark arrestor, right hand kill switch, side stand kill switch, rear reflectors, and unit of distance used on the meter (some markets can toggle between mi and km).

2025 model year changes are that the JP market bikes had their wiring harness updated to accommodate the clock & gear indicator OEM accessory, and in all markets the bike seems to have received updated mirrors, lower exhaust cover design better matched to upper exhaust cover, and part number revisions to many parts such as the one-way clutch assembly.

Both generations have a gear position sensor as that's how they read that the bike is in Neutral to display that on the meter. The JA55 only reads or has wiring for that one position though, while the JA65 gear pos sensor reads Neutral but has 5 wires to the plug so the accessory gear indicator can read all of them (N+4) when installed.

For the USA market at least I think the ECM plugs are all the same. One vendor warned that early models may have had a different plug, but I don't think that was true for USA market bikes, and it may not have been true for any CT125s but just some confusion over it being an early bike to switch to the new ECU plug that is now in common across the latest generation of Grom/MSX, Monkey, Super Cub, Dax, etc. If you look up actual photos of the ECM part numbers listed in the 2020 Aus/Indo, Thai, and JP parts fiches they're the same as the 2021+ USA one. If there were early bikes with a different plug, it must have not been many as I've come across no evidence of it.

Official markets I've been able to confirm the CT125 has been sold in: USA, Canada, Japan, Thailand, Australia (discontinued), New Zealand (technically these were Aus market bikes, and are now JP market bikes imported by Blue Wing Honda, but that's about as official as it gets for NZ), Indonesia, and Korea.
So the 2025 USA market bikes can’t take the gear indicator 08E70-K0F-JF0 (need harness?)
 

oscar1243

New member
Joined
Sep 25, 2025
Messages
5
Location
USA
It's not plug-and-play, but with some DIY wiring you can get it to work.
Do you know what harness people purchase on Webike? I’ve looked but havnt been found which one people on here are talking about…
 

dmonkey

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Joined
Jul 4, 2021
Messages
3,211
Location
Loveland, CO 🇺🇸
For the USA market bikes JA55 are 2021-2022, JA65 are 2023+. The JA## comes from the VIN, so you can check there to find out which your bike is if you're not sure.
 

oscar1243

New member
Joined
Sep 25, 2025
Messages
5
Location
USA
Webike have a "OEM Motorcycle Parts Quotation Form" you can fill out to get most OEM parts that don't have a product page on their site.
ooooooh okay, thanks for the info.

Regarding PN - 08E-10K2-WJ10, what makes this correct for modification? Why do people choose this cable? (Apologies for all the questions, just want to make sure it's g2g before dropping $100)
 

Mntnmike

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Joined
Sep 18, 2025
Messages
15
Location
Yosemite National Park
Curious … my 2023 green CT125 (USA) (I’m third owner) doesn’t have a black rack as it states in the post but a green one. Is that an aftermarket one that I didn’t realize?
 

dmonkey

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Jul 4, 2021
Messages
3,211
Location
Loveland, CO 🇺🇸

alnvilma

New member
Joined
Jul 9, 2025
Messages
25
Location
Bend, OR
My JA55 has the longer shift shaft which allowed me to install a needle bearing support bracket and a Yamaha long version shifter. Smoother and easier shifting with my size 10.5 boots like a ‘real’ motorcycle ;)
 
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