Honda CT125 downshifting tips and tricks
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
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Alright guys. I've had a few questions about downshifting the little trail 125 and how to do it smoothly. I wanted to take the bike out for a bit of a ride on this nice warm day last weekend to test out my new mic setup. I set up a mic near my right ear speaker so we can hear Koty's voice on our upcoming trip the the Mid Atlantic Back Country Discovery Route. I had to move the camera a bit to make room for the external mic plug. I thought while I tested it I could share this with you guys in hopes that it will help. If you'd like a bit more detailed video about this with a better angle of the actual shifter I will be glad to do so! I also touch on fuel octane and quality due to having to fill up on this ride! Stay tuned, the latter part of this day was spent doing some awesome riding on some trails we hadn't rode in 30 years! Muddy hill climbs, plowing through thick woods and a visit to a pond we stomped around as tikes! All on the next video out in a few days!
Thanks for watching guys and make sure to stay tuned for the next one!
Music used in this video: Superepic by Alexander Nakarada
Link: filmmusic.io/s...
License: filmmusic.io/s...
#CT125 #hondatrail125 #hondact125
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Game Changer. Thank You! I'd never ridden a bike without a clutch before and this tip helped immensely.
Awesome! Glad to help!!
and here I thought I was the only noob having a hard time with that after just getting the bike lol... after reading the other comments i feel much better about myself haha I'll get this
I'm slow. I need much clearer, step-by-step instruction. I understand how to gear up, but I don't fully grasp how to gear down and stop. Do I need to go 4, 3, 2, 1, N? Or can I flip it from 4 to N and then brake? Thank you to anyone who responds. Feel free to talk to me like I'm an idiot if you feel it is meritted.
Wow!! I never knew that. Guess I know what I'll be practicing today! Thanks for sharing! Edit: I've been trying it and love it. Great tip!
Awesome, great news!!
Thanks for the tip. I just tried it and it works. I never did like the kick when shifting down to first at a stop. Now I can hold the shifter down until I'm ready to release and put my foot down.
Glad to help man! Share the video up with anyone you like
Circle Jerks (round abouts) are ridiculous in my opinion, yes especially out in the middle of nowhere. Everyone (most everyone) was already aware of the concept of a 4 way stop. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Now all these little towns think they have to add them to feel important and fancy. I think it's the equivalent of common core math for adults. Thanks for the videos, just got a Trail over the weekend.
Awesome!! You'll love that little thing!! Thanks for watching and couldn't agree more about the roundabouts
Super worthy technique share!
I’m eager to add another view; my bride will also be grateful for the hold down/up to remain in neutral method + mellow rev matching - we’re getting more proficient.
Our bikes start riding season 2022 with a little over 1,600 miles each and they become more silky smooth mirthful joy with each added mile ridden.
Regards from Minnesota
Thanks for watching man!! Here's to many awesome miles and adventures to you and your wife!
Nice explanation of smooth operation. The CT125 is awesome. Thank you. And thank you also for taking us along on the ride. Good times ahead.
Glad to do it!
That’s the shortest green light I’ve ever seen!
Great video! So, I only run non ethanol in all my off road stuff, including my new CT. So do you think in your opinion there isn't much advantage in running higher than 87 octane in this bike. I usually buy at least 89. Maybe I'm wasting my money, lol. I have about 160 miles on my bike now. EE
There's a ton of opinions out there about this. Here's mine. 87 is plenty fine for our 125s. However, (my opinion here) there are a few reasons I run 89 and 90 if available non ethanol. I've tested a ton of fuel and talked to people that service pumps. The higher the octane, the less trash and water etc in the fuel. Basically, around here anyway, the quality is better in the higher octane. Also, in an air cooled engine in tight woods, the combustion chamber gets pretty hot, the hotter it gets the less resistant it is to knock. I've taken low compression engines like ours apart that have always ran 93 even, and they are clean inside.
That’s what I have always been told. That’s why I asked your opinion. I have a friend that has been a small engine mechanic all his life. He said the engine he has been inside of that ran mostly higher octane were a lot cleaner also. I’ve only put fuel in mine once. I usually keep 89 here at the house so that’s what I used. I know the 93 is a lot higher in price. Which isn’t a big deal on this bike for the mileage it gets. I just wonder, would 93 make the motor run cooler. Thanks EE
@@luvbgrass I don't think you'd see much of a difference on cylinder head temp, but definitely better against detonation when it's hot.
Are they different than Thailand? If you are going to come to a complete stop, like a red light there is no need for downshifting, it won't stall. Pull to a complete stop, step it down twice - once for neutral, once back into first. There is no way to shift into neutral from 4th while moving.
@RonniesRambles Definitely not like that in the states. Have to go all the way back to first from 4th, 4th to 3rd, 3rd to 2nd, 2nd to first and one more back to neutral. It's not circular like the Asian and Canadian market.
@@PSBEadventures Ugh! that's a bummer with such a tiny range. That property is a real tension-headache saver for me.
@RonniesRambles by the way, you mentioned stalling. It won't stall because of the centrifugal auto-clutch so no worries there. The main reason for the video was because of folks going back to 1st at too high of a speed. It can cause the rear tire to skid, over rev the engine and make you body lurch forward. This method of pressing down and disengaging the clutch really helps. I don't mind the gear pattern at all. That's how bikes have been here for my whole life
Hey ,where you live/state? My ca local honda powersports tell me, no more ct. Let me forget it.
I'm in upstate SC. You may have to call around to different dealers. I had to travel 5hrs to get mine
Another great video! I’ve been riding mine around trying to figure just that out
Thanks!!
Great information. Thanks for sharing.
Anytime buddy!
or don't downshift
125cc's make that pretty tough! 😀
I've been riding a variety of bikes for 20+ years, and other than the Yamaha Warrior quad, never had a clutchless bike , though I've thoroughly enjoyed my PCX 150, Burgman 650 and when they were working my two Genuine 50cc 2 stroke scooters. I totally grasp the idea of rolling off the throttle as you accelerate to change gears, but since you can't blip the throttle coming off of speed, what is the best method for downshifting? I"ll watch the video again, and of course keep practicing, but I just picked up my 2023 today, having put a $500 deposit on it yesterday after finding out by chance someone else backed out of the deal. What a fun little bike! My boots are covered in mud and I explored an area near my house that I'd never consider riding my KLR, but had an absolute blast plowing through...though I purposely avoided the deep puddles, knowing they was soft mud below! Great video! I've thoroughly enjoyed your channel as I researched purchasing this fun little bike!
Congratulations on the new bike! I really love mine and it continues to supply the great times! Yeah, pushing down on the shifter and holding it down, and easing it up as the speed comes down. The clutch is attached to the shifter. So it's basically like holding the clutch in as you roll and ease it out as you slow but doing at all with the shifter
The roads down there don't have sholders like they should. Thanks for the heads up
I've just been slowing down to almost a complete stop before downshifting... it's terrible.. this is my first bike ever and I've had to just hop on and wing it for the most part
Give this a shot, I'll definitely help
@@PSBEadventures will coming to a complete stop damage the gears? I’ve also just been coming to a complete stop then down shifting
@@Mike-nq2em shouldn't hurt a thing
@@Mike-nq2em That's the way it's done by millions of Thais on the Waves etc, 2 clicks down if at a full stop . Makes it very easy. So it's a different configuration here I understand.
Good info! I'm new to the CT125 and a little herky jerky on the shifting.
Check out the jerky throttle video as well I have. Thanks for watching!
Great explanation!! I knew this, but love the way you put it. 2022 CT125 is coming to USA. Announced Wednesday, 30,2022. No changes, Glowing Red only. No Green, or Coffee color. No new engine like Monkey. No oil filter. Not yet.
Thanks for watching!
I just got my ct a month ago and drove it home from the bike shop was my first ride and it was only 40 degrees out upstate ny lol I did ok but I did have that problem shifting and stopping I had a Honda 250l with a clutch lol but I want to say thanks for posting this I’ll just have to practice when the weather breaks I’ll have to practice I enjoy your videos on the ct125 keep them coming please I’m 67 years old so perfect for me
Will do! Thanks for watching! Lots of good riding up your way?
Yes thank you I just picked mine up last Saturday and I have to get use to down shifting i apreciate you posting this I’m upstate New York so this spring I’ll be rocking it
Awesome!!!
Good information!
Thanks man!
I just got this bike and have been trying to master the downshifting. Explain the sequence to me. I understand you are saying to release the shift slowly. When and how do I give it throttle.
Hey Johnny, thanks for reaching out man. So you don't want to downshift too fast since the lower gears are super low. As you slow down, push the lever down and leave it down, as you ease it back up slowly, bring the revs up to match what the drivetrain will want to rev the engine to. Take it way back off the beaten path and practice it over and over, it won't take long and you'll have it. I usually don't even put it back in 1st until I'm completely stopped. If you watch the video and listen closely, you'll hear me rev to match the drive line. Hope this helps man. Practice will really make it become natural
@@PSBEadventures oh ok I think I understand better now. For me, I don't use the heel shifter at all. I toe it down to upshift and toe it up to downshift. So you are saying, hold the shifter up with my toe, don't release, and slowly release it - as I slowly release it, I should be giving it a little throttle with the release?
Also, I think I agree with your comment about 1st gear. Going 2nd to 1st is the most jarring of the moves. From now on I will only go to first off a dead stop.
@Johnny L if we're talking about downshifting, you'll be pushing it down, and easing it up as you slow down, revving it a bit as you let up on it.
Enjoyed meeting you guys on the Blue Ridge parkway. Richard here and I was on the Vespa 300GTS with my dog Sammy the Samoyed.
Talking about down shifting on these small Honda's with the centrifugal clutch. I rode these bikes for years and recommend 'blimping' the throttle particularly if you are down shifting to power up into a hill or accelerating to over take (for example).
I rode a Honda Dream II (100cc) in the mountains of northern Vietnam on many road trips. You can ride these bike hard all day and that little engine and gear box love it.
Happy trails!!!
Great to meet you and the pup as well buddy! I'll get that footage uploaded here soon. Thanks for coming by the channel!! How far south did ya end up so far?? And thanks for the English muffin too!!!
Yes this is my first clutch less bike I traded in my honda250l enduro it was to tall for me this is perfect for me being 67
Congratulations on the 125 and enjoy! Thanks for coming by the channel. A ton more to come!
Great thank you
Great video, thank you for this!
More than welcome! Thanks for watching!
Hey there, great video, thanks for the tip. I just had my 600 mile service and on the way home the bike kept getting stuck in first gear at stop lights. I came home and adjusted my chain back to spec. It was over about 10mm. Do you think that was causing the shifting issue? Seems to shift better but still has trouble downshifting from first to neutral, it takes a few extra attempts. Sorry, I’m new to all this.
Hey Philip, thanks for stopping by man. I'd say it may need a bit more time to break everything in, chains being super slack can definitely affect the driveline some, but probably not so much as the clutch adjustment. I'd put maybe 4 or 500 more miles on it and see how it goes. This clutch adjustment definitely helped mine and it had been a bit notchy like this since new. Keep in mine it takes a bit more effort to shift these bikes, your foot is actually actuating the clutch ad well during the shift
@@PSBEadventures Thanks for the advice, I adjusted the chain and all seems to be going better for now. New to the world of semi-auto, I can say that I love it every time I’m on it! The wife just got her Trail 125 also so we have a lot of adventures waiting for us! Big fan of your channel, thanks for making great content! Hit me up if you are ever around Emerald Isle, NC!
@@gruntfish20 will do! Appreciate the kind words man!
Hey man really appreciate your videos, been watching them across the South Pacific in little old New Zealand after recently acquiring a CT - Absolutely love this bike! Couple of questions: Will you bring out a oil spinner cleaning video on the CT125?
And this comment below vvv "This not how to ride an auto-clutch. Learn the RPM range and leave it in gear. Unless you want to junk the transmission." Is there any logical explanation for this comment? As I've heard mixed opinions on blipping the throttle on an auto clutch when it is disengaged. The downshifts are definitely smoother when engaging 'neutral' on them but would like to know if this potentially increases wear. Cheers
Thanks for watching, and thanks for the kind words! In my honest opinion, the oil spinner is only designed to be cleaned if major service is needed. If regular maintenance is performed on time, I've seen them with 30k on them and they have minimal debris in there. If I ever have to tear it down I'll certainly do one for ya. On the clutch issue, in my honest opinion after servicing auto-clutch machines for 30yrs, this is the way to ride them smoothly and there is absolutely no more wear on one's I've taken apart that have been ridden like this. That little honda clutch design is nearly indestructible. Thanks again, glad you are enjoying the little Trail! We love ours!
@@PSBEadventures Okay thanks man that would be awesome. So other than servicing the oil and air filter, there really isn't too much else to service on these bikes :) Would you check your valves at a certain mileage too? I've seen a few vids on people checking them at around 6k+ miles.
In regards to downshifting, that's good to know! I have been blipping the throttle while engaging neutral and it definitely generates a smoother downshift! Thanks for your expedient reply.
@@sasquatch3857 That's correct, very minimal service required on these for sure! I think Honda wants an initial service at 600mi if I'm not mistaken. Get the break in oil out, initial valve adj and I like to add a magnetic drain plug. I have a video up on the channel for the oil change with links to the drain plug. I think it really helps catch debris.
Thanks for posting this good information. I think I recognized where you were riding -- Liberty, SC - correct? I got my CT back in August of last year. I live in Clemson, so maybe I'll see you out and about. Take care and please keep sharing your vids....
Yes sir! Awesome man! Yeah, we'll have to ride sometime! Liberty is my hometown!
@@PSBEadventures Sounds good -- I'm an older guy and not nearly as able as you are to go off roading, however I'm looking forward to riding my little CT125 this spring and summer. Thanks for responding.
@@tjdimmock4005 I have another friend in Oconee County that rides a CT, he's 77!! We all can plan a little ride up to Warwoman maybe
Thank you! Really helped to shift.
Great news!!
Thanks for the tips. Good video.
Thanks for watching!!!
I like the grandeur music.
You’re clutch handling tips will make our two CT125s purr. I appreciate and my wife will REALLY appreciate your techniques.
@@NitwitMN glad to help man!!
Great fuel tip; I also use ethanol free.
I wonder what the worst fuel these babies will operate with - like operating in regions with sketchy petroleum refining / dispensing arrangements. Hmm.
How about downshifting from higher gears, like 4th to 3rd? If I'm riding in 4th gear and i see a hill coming up i usually try to downshift into 3rd but have noticed its a rough shoft. Do i use the same technique of holding the shift lever and revving up as i release the shift lever?
If downshifting to maintain speed, no. You want a quick blip of the throttle and a quick downshift. It will always be a little notchy due to design but will get smoother as you get miles on it
This not how to ride an auto-clutch. Learn the RPM range and leave it in gear. Unless you want to junk the transmission.
JIm, you may have not watched the video man. The CT when gearing down on the road lurches forward a bit coming to a stop, and sometimes bad. There is nothing to "trash" by doing this. You are simply disengaging the clutch and slowly releasing it on the downshift. In all honestly it will be more gentle on the transmission. I've been building auto clutch transmissions for over 30 years. I would never release a video that would attempt to harm someone's trans. This is for this particular machine, as it's geared pretty low for the road and downshifting is a bit clunky. It's simply a means to smooth it out a bit.
@@PSBEadventures I haven't tried out my new ct-125 yet. I have 2 ct-90s and it seems to me you are not slowing down enough before you shift. That simple because it's just a mini-bike. Be well my friend
@@jimmillard3513 awesome, same to you man. Yeah, when you ride one you'll see. First gear is so low for the road you just about have to be stopped before gearing down. It's nice to do it that way so you can already be in first to take off in traffic as well as taking slight advantage to engine braking. It's definitely a bit different than the CT90, which by the way is an awesome machine! The CT125 is a great machine as well, hope you get to ride one someday. They are a blast!
@@PSBEadventures I got my ct-125 last summer but it's in the house. It is still winter in MN but I can't wait to try it. Take care!
@@jimmillard3513 congrats man!! Awesome!!! Let me know how ya like it!