First Ride Impressions

[Coldrider]

My first ride impression today was that I wish I had my old Trail 110 with it’s High/Low range as the CT125 is geared much too high for my use. With the 110 I could ease a cow down the trail to get her back where she belonged but the 125 doesn’t go slow enough for that. I do have the 13 tooth sprocket but haven’t installed it yet but am thinking I will have to get a bigger rear sprocket too. The throttle response was not smooth so experienced some jerking due to erratic throttle. Am hoping there is some linkage adjustment on the throttle that will smooth things out but at this stage have to say I was a little disappointed. I didn’t want a street bike, I wanted something like an improved Trail 110. Comments or suggestions please.

 

[TRF90]

The 13 tooth sprocket will help. Also, some hours on that engine. My first ride off-road gave me a similar impression. But when the engine and clutch got some hours on them, I found it had more power than at first and I could idle along at a walking pace. Right now, I'm at 500 miles. Unless I'm plowing through deep sand, it does just fine now. If you're happy, cruising on the road between 35 and 40, a larger rear sprocket will help even more.

 

[Coldrider]

The 13 tooth sprocket will help. Also, some hours on that engine. My first ride off-road gave me a similar impression. But when the engine and clutch got some hours on them, I found it had more power than at first and I could idle along at a walking pace. Right now, I'm at 500 miles. Unless I'm plowing through deep sand, it does just fine now. If you're happy, cruising on the road between 35 and 40, a larger rear sprocket will help even more.

I appreciate your reply as right now I am definately not liking the 125 for my use. It was the first real ride as winter didn't want to end but will give the 13 tooth sprocket a try and put some more miles on it. I never got out of first gear in the 4.8 miles I put on the bike out in the pasture today. This bike is unlikely to ever see pavement so a higher top speed is of no concern.

 

[dmonkey]

In NZ the farm kit for the CT125 uses a 13T front sprocket and 51T rear, something to consider.
https://www.hondamotorbikes.co.nz/farm-off-road-bike/ct125

Throttle should smooth out with miles, if not check your throttle slack and chain slack.

 

[TRF90]

Also, you might have a case of old gasoline in the tank if the bike has been sitting all winter.

 

[Coldrider]

Also, you might have a case of old gasoline in the tank if the bike has been sitting all winter.

Yes, Old gas is a possibility. I bought the bike in November and it only showed about quarter of a tank so I topped it off with fresh non-ethanol gas but it may take awhile for the old gas to clear the system. I did find a YouTube video of adjusting the throttle free play and as my throttle has a lot of slop/free play it definately needs adjusting and that should end the jerking, poor throttle response.

 

[Cpd419]

What is the black guard thingy on the muffler side?

 

[Coldrider]

What is the black guard thingy on the muffler side?

An aftermarket thingy dingy to supposedly protect the muffler when I spill the bike. It does make a nice hand grip too. Not so sure it's necessary but could be.

 

[dmonkey]

The exhaust shield ends up being a contact point with the ground if the bike falls on that side, so it's a nice add-on to have. Easier to touch up the black paint than it is to deal with scratches on the exhaust shield. Here's what happened to mine before I added the same exhaust crash bar:
https://hondatrail125.com/index.php?threads/exhaust-modification-consequences.603/#post-5935

 

[Ken270741]

I grew up on a dual range trail 90. First few rides on the new 125 I was afraid I wasn’t going to like it. Like TRF90 says….get some miles on it and then see what you think. I’m little over 500 and agree it seems to break in nice. Smoother, more power and better response. Nothing crazy mind you just a nice riding experience now I think. I can putt around my yard trails in first at a few mph seems no issues. My trail is stock

 

[Coldrider]

The 13 tooth sprocket will help. Also, some hours on that engine. My first ride off-road gave me a similar impression. But when the engine and clutch got some hours on them, I found it had more power than at first and I could idle along at a walking pace. Right now, I'm at 500 miles. Unless I'm plowing through deep sand, it does just fine now. If you're happy, cruising on the road between 35 and 40, a larger rear sprocket will help even more.

I changed to the 13 tooth sprocket today and it did make a difference, had ordered it and had it on hand but wanted to try the stock 14 tooth sprocket first. It was not a radical change but headed me in the right direction. I will put some miles on the bike first but think I will end up with a larger sprocket on the rear to gear things down even more.

 

[AZ7000']

I'm guessing the throttle issues you have are sloppy 50yo carb and design vs Fuel Injection... I'll bet your wrist will intrinsically adjust as much as the bike mechanically loosens up