Shift support installed

[Senior CTptmcd]

I also experienced a small step up O.D. on my shift shaft about half way in. i tried both the Hard Racing .com and the DROWSPORTS.COM units with the same results. shaft o.d. is to large at the step neither support kit fits my shift shaft.

 

[ScooterD]

Yes, the HR part has roller bearings on a sleeve that is bored out to be a tight fit on the shift shaft. The sleeve has a lip on one side and is removable. I called HR to talk about my issue before I started removing metal. They told me that they have sold 3,000 of these kits for Groms without a problem. Although the engines appear to be identical between Grom and CT125 he thought there might possibly be a difference due to the semi auto tranny. I think my issue was more of a case of the factory machining my shaft with a tiny imperfection. Nobody else seems to be having a problem fitting these kits to the CT125. It's a super easy install.

Thanks Guys jest ordered one i'll let ya All know how it goes

 

[Fun4me]

I fitted the HR one and it fitted perfectly. Didn’t need to force it. HR one has a sleeve then roller bearing.

You convinced me. Ordered one from HR today.

 

[ScooterD]

Update for my Hard Racing

Shift Shaft Support Bracket ALMOST Fit​

On mine the included sleeve bushing had the previously mentioned internal dimension step up in it. The larger dimension was perfect but only went maybe 1/2 " in from the crankcase side of the assembly! I hade the required dimension on one side so I took it to Chuck at the Moto Stop in Daytona and he drilled it out to the larger dimension and it seams to fit well. I will update tomorrow when it is installed.

 

[Fun4me]

Update for my Hard Racing

Shift Shaft Support Bracket ALMOST Fit​

On mine the included sleeve bushing had the previously mentioned internal dimension step up in it. The larger dimension was perfect but only went maybe 1/2 " in from the crankcase side of the assembly! I hade the required dimension on one side so I took it to Chuck at the Moto Stop in Daytona and he drilled it out to the larger dimension and it seams to fit well. I will update tomorrow when it is installed.

I have the same step up mentioned by several other folks, so the HR part wouldn't fit. Do you know what dimension you had the bushing sleeve drilled out to?

 

[ScooterD]

I didn't ask what size bit he used. When inserted on the shaft it could move jest slightly. To make it fit snug I added a small piece ow medical tape to the shaft and it slid on perfectly. If Hard Racing where to include a sleeve with that larger interior dimension going all the way through installation would have been a breeze

I inadvertently replaced the shifter in the factory position and find that with the support bracket shifting is so much smother that I think I may keep it there.
CONCLSION: Well worth the price and extra effort. USPS had it here in 2 days

 

[Lostagain]

The bushing had a very slight taper...only a couple thou difference end to end. I opened it up on the lathe to be the same ID all the way through. Then it fit snugly.

 

[bustupbiker]

I am mean, i am making my own support .
Bought the bearings and made the sleeves.
Marked out the block of Ali, bored mount holes and first
centre 15mm hole for the shaft to pass through, next job
is bore down 7mm for the bearings. Then remove from
Ali block and make them look nice

 

[Fun4me]

I didn't ask what size bit he used. When inserted on the shaft it could move jest slightly. To make it fit snug I added a small piece ow medical tape to the shaft and it slid on perfectly. If Hard Racing where to include a sleeve with that larger interior dimension going all the way through installation would have been a breeze

I inadvertently replaced the shifter in the factory position and find that with the support bracket shifting is so much smother that I think I may keep it there.
CONCLSION: Well worth the price and extra effort. USPS had it here in 2 days

Thanks for the info. I spoke to the folks at Hard Racing concerning the fit on the Trail. They said that's why they currently only list it to fit the Grom. They're aware of the minor mod some people have made to make it fit the trail and will keep their listing as is until they install one on a Trail. I suspect it's a matter of limited availability and they will make one with the modified sleeve once they get more requests from Trail owners.

 

[GORT]

Installed the shift support today - I'm happy with the purchase and result - shifting feels more precise. No problems sleeve.

 

[AZ7000']

Honest question, we’re you having shift issues before? Or just $60 burning a hole in your pocket?
The 2021 already shifts crisper then the 1975 so I’m fine with it now.

 

[Lostagain]

For me, it was all about seeing how much money I can throw at the LRD. Oh, and a bit more support for when (not if) the bike takes a serious dirt nap on the left side. That shift shaft is unsupported for about 3" when it comes out of the case.

 

[AZ7000']

For me, it was all about seeing how much money I can throw at the LRD. Oh, and a bit more support for when (not if) the bike takes a serious dirt nap on the left side. That shift shaft is unsupported for about 3" when it comes out of the case.

Copy, thanks. I find when I reenforce one thing I just find the next weakest link, like the case or whatever is next to snap!

 

[GORT]

I could sense some axial twist in the shifter before, had to keep it in mind while shifting. Now it's more like every other bike I've had. YMMV.

 

[Fun4me]

Honest question, we’re you having shift issues before? Or just $60 burning a hole in your pocket?
The 2021 already shifts crisper then the 1975 so I’m fine with it now.

Good question. Here's what I had to say about this on another thread. "Have to admit I was a bit skeptical when I first read about the shift shaft support bracket. I couldn't see how that little part could make the claimed improvements. Positive reviews by a couple of folks on this forum I've learned to trust convinced me to try it. After installing the $59.95 part ordered from Hard Racing, I'm a strong supporter. Installation was simple and took 10-15 minutes. Eliminating flex in the shaft makes shifting much more precise and smooth. Money well spent."
To answer your specific question, switching between my five bikes I could feel some flex in the shifter on my LRD and experienced some fumbling around with my foot on the shifter both upshifting and downshifting. After seeing so many positive reviews I thought it was worth a try. I felt a definite improvement and am glad I made the change.

 

[usaff4]

Easiest mod I did so far, took about 20 minutes.

 

[op46]

So I finally put the HR shifter supports in my two LRDs. The first was a little struggle as the aluminum inner bushing that rides on the shifter arm larger diameter section was very tight on that diameter of the arm. So tight that I had to remove it from bearing assembly and drive on separately with flat flange part towards engine. I wound up driving it a little to far and had to pop off with a flat tip screw driver. Lucky it did pop off. I probably could have left it as was but the non lipped edge of the bushing was recessed in the outer edge of the bearing and I was afraid dirt might get in. I re-drifted it on with just a little of the shoulder of the shifter arm shaft protruding. You can see how much if you zoom on the picture. The 2nd install when much faster due to the learning curve and actually I didn't have to drift the bushing on but it was tight and took some taps with a dead blow hammer and chop stick to get to correct position. The spacers on the bolt help find that position. If you leave just a little wiggle of the spacers between engine and the bearing assembly arms the bolt will tighten them up. Now on to the OPMOD new speedo's install.

 

[Fun4me]

So I finally put the HR shifter supports in my two LRDs. The first was a little struggle as the aluminum inner bushing that rides on the shifter arm larger diameter section was very tight on that diameter of the arm. So tight that I had to remove it from bearing assembly and drive on separately with flat flange part towards engine. I wound up driving it a little to far and had to pop off with a flat tip screw driver. Lucky it did pop off. I probably could have left it as was but the non lipped edge of the bushing was recessed in the outer edge of the bearing and I was afraid dirt might get in. I re-drifted it on with just a little of the shoulder of the shifter arm shaft protruding. You can see how much if you zoom on the picture. The 2nd install when much faster due to the learning curve and actually I didn't have to drift the bushing on but it was tight and took some taps with a dead blow hammer and chop stick to get to correct position. The spacers on the bolt help find that position. If you leave just a little wiggle of the spacers between engine and the bearing assembly arms the bolt will tighten them up. Now on to the OPMOD new speedo's install. View attachment 1011

Good on you. I didn't want to damage the aluminum bushing by trying to force it on and went the machining it out a little route. Sounds like your simpler method works just as well, and HR has another satisfied customer.

 

[Kcboom10]

I pulled the trigger and bought the HR shift support. The sleeve that fits inside the bearing took a little bit of emery cloth sanding to fit over shift rod. Got it to slide right on. It was a pretty easy install.
It does shift clean, crisp with a more positive feel. The part is well engineered and built. I was surprised when I unboxed it and felt how light it was. It seems more like a $25 part than a $50.

 

[AZ7000']

Would you buy it again?