New to the Forum, getting the Trail on either Thursday or Friday

[Mother Goose]

I debated quite some time about this purchase, I started riding in 2011, and have ridden over 200,000 miles starting with a Honda VTX 1300, now on a BMW R1250 GS. I was looking for something a bit smaller but fear I might have overshot my mark. I had an opportunity to get one a few months back but talked myself out of it. After reading this forum & watching YouTube videos I talked myself back into one that I should pick up the end of this week. I thought I'd ride for a bit before adding any accessories. That said, is there any accessories out there that I shouldn't ride without?

 

[dmonkey]

Welcome!

Nope, it's a solid machine that you can putz around on just fine in stock form. Accessories only improve the capability and experience, dress it up, or otherwise cater it toward one's preferences. Best first accessory might be attaching a milk crate on the rear carrier for hauling stuff. If you do that, consider that the crate might mark up the paint. A dish drying mat or tool drawer mat can be used inbetween to prevent scuffing. Personally I recommend keeping any bike mostly stock until the first oil change, that's 600 miles for the CT125. Then you'll have a more informed idea of what you want from the bike. Many people buy the CT125, put a few miles on it, and then sell it - sometimes with tons of accessories already added.

There are however a few non-accessory items I'd recommend before you start putting miles on the bike. Many owners including myself have encountered a lack of dealer prep, so go over the basics of inspecting the bike, checking fluid levels especially oil, check chain tension, check throttle free play, check tire pressure off the lot, etc and make adjustments as needed. If you're a taller rider you may find that flipping the handlebar mounts or otherwise changing the position of the handlebar can help with ergonomics, and some owners don't like the stock position of the heel-toe shifter so they rotate it up 1 notch.

You'll find lots more in-depth info in the Mods and Accessories section of the forum.

 

[Mother Goose]

Great advice, Thanks! I already have a metal wire milk crate that should fit almost perfect. Also great advice on the preflight items. Being an old Crew Chief, everything gets an inspection prior to its use. It's served me well over the years

 

[mcmd]

That's great advice from dmonkey. I'd only add two thoughts. You may find that the stock mirrors give you a great view of your shoulders, but little else. There's a couple of ways to remedy this. New mirrors or the el cheapo mirror extenders from Amazon. I went with the extenders and they work for me. The alternative to the milk crate is the GIVI case. Many sizes and styles to choose from. They mount on the luggage rack and can be locked closed. I find this handy when going to the store. I'm able to put my helmet in the GIVI case which allows me to shop without carrying the helmet around in the store. https://giviusa.com Happy motoring!

 

[ssaigol]

I debated quite some time about this purchase, I started riding in 2011, and have ridden over 200,000 miles starting with a Honda VTX 1300, now on a BMW R1250 GS. I was looking for something a bit smaller but fear I might have overshot my mark. I had an opportunity to get one a few months back but talked myself out of it. After reading this forum & watching YouTube videos I talked myself back into one that I should pick up the end of this week. I thought I'd ride for a bit before adding any accessories. That said, is there any accessories out there that I shouldn't ride without?

There is really only one accessory you need to get and that is a cargo net for holding things down on the cargo rack. Otherwise this bike is ready to go right out of the box.

 

[SneakyDingo]

<good advice>

Additionally, a few of us with big feet also tend to rotate the kickstarter one spline backwards. Makes an awful noise if you accidentally kick it while the bike is already started. I left mine in the stock position.