First Ride Report

[MonotoneCulprit]

Took advantage of the randomly good weather here in the Northeast, and got my first ever ride in. Went with 30 miles of state forest and low traffic back roads so I could get familiar with the bike without too much pressure.
First things first, I'm undecided on whether I want to try to get used to the heel shifter or slice it off. Everything about it is awkward, and it feels like I really need to throw my heel down to ensure I change gears. Had several instances where I missed a shift entirely, and a few more where I was entirely unsure if I had changed gears until the clutch re-engaged. It is way harder to feel the lever through the thick boot heel than the toe. New rider so it's entirely possible this is just inexperience. Any tips and tricks appreciated.
Other than that the bike is awesome. Handled the forest roads like a champ, and was very comfortable on my windy back roads. Spent the trip taking random turns and just exploring and enjoying the environment. Ended up thoroughly lost two towns away, but had an absolute blast doing it. Quick lunch, and then I'll be straight back out there. Glamour shot below.

 

[m in sc]

rotate the shifter so the front is 'up' one spline... makes a huge difference, especially if you are used to 'normal' bikes. then the heel shifter isn't in the way.

 

[MonotoneCulprit]

That's a good idea. I'm seeing both ideas of moving the heel up one spline to make the heel shift easier, and also moving the toe up one spline to get the heel out of the way and just shifting both ways with toe instead. Might be worth trying both. Toe shifting is definitely more natural.

 

[m in sc]

yeah, i rode mine from the dealership home like that, and was like 'nope', and changed it immediately when I got home. less that 3 miles.

 

[Shoot870p]

press down on rear of pedal with toes? Give that a try too.

 

[eastema]

I agree shoot, I ride it that way 100% of the time, and it is "just perfect".

 

[m in sc]

i ride in boots, and the heel shifter got stuck on the heel of my boot, just once, that was enough.

 

[sieg]

My heal shifter went up inside my pant leg twice in the first 50 miles...................before I sawed it off.

 

[Shoot870p]

I certainly can understand the safety aspect but have not experienced that, luckily!

 

[MonotoneCulprit]

Got back out into the forest today. Swapped to using my toe on the heel shifter and that has worked out much better so far. Was about 35⁰ when I left the house, and I ended up having to stop several times to warm up my hands. Think I might throw on some handguards, at least for winter riding. Glamour shot below.

 

[brian5060]

Fellow Connecticut guy here. Picking my CT125 up tomorrow from Danbury Powersports. Excited! (I believe they have one more available should anyone be interested and local.)
I live in Groton and look forward to exploring a bit more around here once I get it - maybe kick off with Pachaug State Forest. Should you know any fun spots to check out in the state let me know!

 

[Shoot870p]

Nice photo op right there!

 

[Tanston]

Fellow Connecticut guy here. Picking my CT125 up tomorrow from Danbury Powersports. Excited! (I believe they have one more available should anyone be interested and local.)
I live in Groton and look forward to exploring a bit more around here once I get it - maybe kick off with Pachaug State Forest. Should you know any fun spots to check out in the state let me know!

I wish I had seen this post! I'm on the waiting list here in western mass but lived in new milford CT for awhile and would have had no problem making that drive to score one that was in stock.

 

[MonotoneCulprit]

For what it's worth I inquired at Stamford Powersports, and they are still calling me so I think it's likely they have one in stock still.

Just checked their website they have 2 listed in stock still.

 

[SneakyDingo]

Got back out into the forest today. Swapped to using my toe on the heel shifter and that has worked out much better so far. Was about 35⁰ when I left the house, and I ended up having to stop several times to warm up my hands. Think I might throw on some handguards, at least for winter riding. Glamour shot below.

I put some cheap pogies from Amazon that are doing great without guards considering the price. I can ride bare handed down to about 34F, and then below that a light set of gloves does the trick nicely. I will preface this with they are supposed to go over the top of hand guards so they kind of flop a bit, but I just wanted to add weight to your idea of adding some hand guards and potentially additional covers being a good one.

 

[nienchiamao]

rotate the shifter so the front is 'up' one spline... makes a huge difference, especially if you are used to 'normal' bikes. then the heel shifter isn't in the way.

If you ride harley or bmw R18,than you already use to it. 2023 also change the shape of the kick start. So won't hook to ur shoe....