In search of the very best CRF125F mods or efficiency components to make your Honda grime bike sooner or extra snug? Whether or not you’re an informal path rider or need to construct a candy “play bike”, you’ve discovered the proper article.
I’m going to indicate you why modifying your Honda CRF 125 can truly damage your grime bike, why it’s essential select the proper upgrades, and the way to decide on the finest mods based mostly in your particular wants and funds!
Earlier than you begin modifying your grime bike…
Upgrading to aftermarket components is cool, however you might discover that it doesn’t trip or really feel higher than when it was inventory – in actual fact, it’d really feel worse or be tougher to trip, whether or not it feels harsh, free, or have poor throttle response.
It’s simple so as to add or “overlook” to tune a brand new half/system, which causes it to be worse than earlier than – what a waste, proper?! That’s why it pays to perform a little little bit of analysis (studying this text) in order that you realize what mods or upgrades will truly enhance your Honda CRF 125 based mostly in your particular wants and driving type.
The place do you trip most?
For instance, when you’re an informal path rider that rides at low speeds, then putting in heavy-duty suspension and taller gearing for the next prime velocity most likely received’t make your CRF125 simpler or extra snug to trip. As an alternative, you need to give attention to tuning for clean and controllable energy with a luxurious suspension based mostly in your weight, which I’ll cowl shortly.
Which era/yr “bike” do you’ve got?
Whereas the Honda CRF125F hasn’t modified a lot because it was first made in 2014, there are a few belongings you want to bear in mind earlier than ordering aftermarket components. First, there’s a massive wheel and a small wheel mannequin, after which there’s the carb vs EFI years.
The usual CRF125F has 17/14” wheels and the CRF125FB (massive wheel) has 19/16” wheels.
Listed below are the two totally different “bike” generations by their mannequin yr:
- 1st gen (carburetor): 2014 – 2018
- 2nd gen (gas injection): 2019 – Present
Airbox/Consumption mod
For the reason that CRF125F and 125FB are path bikes, they’re made to be dependable and sturdy. Which means that the airbox is sealed up very properly so that you simply’re much less prone to suck in mud, water, and extreme quantities of grime.
This retains the air filter cleaner longer and fewer prone to suck grime into the engine, however it additionally significantly restricts the quantity of air entering into, which limits your energy potential.
So, by merely eradicating the airbox lid/baffle on prime, extra air can get to the engine, thus, supplying you with extra potential for torque and horsepower when you tune it correctly.
Extra airbox mod
If you would like much more air coming in, you may seize a set of Uni airbox vents (Examine worth on Amazon). They’re an reasonably priced mod they usually include particular person filters to assist stop grime from getting sucked in whereas permitting extra air to get to the carb for extra potential energy.
Will it’s essential re-jet after an air field mod?
Relying on the way it’s at present tuned, you’ll most certainly must re-jet the carb or tune the EFI for the very best outcomes after opening up the airbox. Should you don’t get it correctly tuned, you possibly can run into points, akin to:
- Arduous beginning
- Poor throttle response
- Much less energy
- Popping/backfire on deceleration
The most effective place to start out tuning a 4 stroke grime bike carb is with the gas screw.
Jetting – extra advantages than you suppose
Not solely are you able to get extra energy from a correctly jetted CRF125 carb, however it is going to additionally begin simpler (scorching or chilly), have a smoother throttle response, and be extra dependable since you’re much less prone to foul spark plugs or overheat the engine.
Inventory jetting:
- Pilot: 38
- Important: 112
- Needle: Non-adjustable
Really helpful jetting for 1000 ft. @ 70F deg (uncorked):
- Pilot: 40
- Important: 117.5
- Needle: 2 shims beneath clip (richens gas combination)
- Gasoline screw: 1.5 seems
This jetting chart/information is an efficient place to begin, however it actually relies on your local weather and the mods your particular bike has that may decide the jetting. You should purchase your individual jets for DIY tuning, or you should purchase the 6 Sigma jet equipment (verify worth on Amazon) that comes with what you want already that may work for many CRF125’s which might be inventory or near inventory.
Rebuild inventory carb or purchase low cost aftermarket carb?
Possibly your CRF125F has dangerous gasoline in it from sitting for months or years, inflicting it to not begin or simply run poorly. It’s simple to simply need to purchase a new low cost Amazon carb as a substitute of coping with troubleshooting or cleansing the unique carb, however that may truly require extra work.
You see, the rationale why these aftermarket “knock-off” carbs are so cheap is as a result of they’re poorly made in comparison with the real OEM carb and components. Merely put, you’re most likely going to want to tune a budget carb as a lot or greater than the OEM when.
So, my suggestion is to give the inventory carb an excellent cleansing and if it’s essential substitute any components, then a easy rebuild equipment (verify worth on Amazon) is extra reasonably priced than shopping for a brand new one.
Carb improve – is it value it?
Greater is just not all the time higher – it actually relies on what your objectives are. Should you just like the inventory energy curve of the CRF125F – clean and predictable, then the inventory carb can be your most suitable option, particularly if all the pieces else is inventory or near it.
When is it value it to improve to a much bigger carb?
Should you’re searching for extra top-end energy, otherwise you’re rising the displacement and wish extra total energy, then it is likely to be time to think about a much bigger carb to your CRF 125. If you improve one system, then the remainder of the bike is likely to be proscribing/choking off its energy potential.
For instance, once you set up a much bigger carb with out altering anything, there’s an excessive amount of air for the small engine and exhaust to suck via – this reduces the low-end torque.
However once you enhance the engine and exhaust dimension, the small carb can be limiting the ability as a result of it’s not permitting sufficient air to and thru the engine and exhaust – make sense?
CRF150F carb improve
Going from the 20mm inventory CRF125F carb to the 24mm CRF150F carb in case your engine and exhaust are modified or if you would like barely extra top-end HP whereas decreasing low-end torque. It’s nearly a bolt-on mod (data from TT discussion board).
The inventory consumption manifold is ALMOST a direct match. There’s a slight “lip” on the highest portion of the consumption mouth. About two minutes with a mini file and it’ll match.
CRF125F cable received’t match
The primary downside is that the OEM CRF125F throttle cable for the CRF150F carb received’t work. The cable inside is just too brief, so it’s essential order a Movement Professional cable that’s 35.25” lengthy with a 90-degree bend on the carb finish.
The cable wants to increase 3 7/8″ past the threads on the throttle finish, or you possibly can simply purchase the CRF150F throttle meeting (verify worth on Amazon) once you get the carb.
Suspension improve
When you get your CRF 125 operating proper, it’s time to deal with the protection considerations of the inventory suspension – particularly when you weigh over 150 lbs. The CRF125FB can deal with barely extra weight, however each small and massive wheel fashions are path bikes with tender suspension which might be made for teenagers, teenagers, and younger adults which might be simply beginning out.
That doesn’t imply it will possibly’t be nice for skilled path riders, however the inventory forks and shock can be uncomfortable and harmful when you’re driving quick or aggressively on technical terrain. There are some low cost upgrades in addition to costly and time-consuming mods you are able to do to your CRF125, relying in your objectives and the way a lot you need to put money into it.
Forks – what will be achieved?
The inventory forks will backside out usually when you’re over 150 lbs or trip quick, which won’t solely really feel harsh in your arms, however it will possibly throw you off the bike and harm the forks and/or body when you repeatedly do it. So, the very first thing it’s best to do is get the correct springs to your weight and driving type.
Upgraded fork springs
Heavy obligation springs (which I can’t discover on Amazon but, however there are these on eBay), will make your CRF125 entrance finish a lot stiffer in order that it received’t dive as a lot beneath braking or backside out simply. Not solely will it’s extra snug to trip, however it will likely be safer for you and your bike if the inventory fork springs are too tender.
The 2nd era CRF 125 forks modified, so be sure to order the proper springs to your mannequin yr. These are the half #s for particular CRF125 fashions:
- 2013 – 2018 CRF125F massive wheel: 650-HCF-1405 (verify worth on eBay)
- 2019 – Present CRF125F small wheel: 650-HCF-1305 (verify worth on eBay)
- 2019 – Present CRF125F massive wheel: 650-HCF-1205 (verify worth on eBay)
Two springs too harsh?
Possibly you tried upgrading to the heavy-duty fork springs however now it’s too harsh – it’s too harsh on bumps and shocks your arms, inflicting you to get fatigued rapidly.
There’s a bit of trick – as a substitute of going again to the inventory springs, strive one tender and one stiff. This makes it stiffer than inventory however softer than each being stiffer.
Low-cost “re-valve”
For the reason that inventory CRF forks are quite simple in comparison with trendy forks that may be extremely modified via a “re-valve”, an affordable manner to enhance the damping management is by altering the oil weight and top.
You need to use a heavier-weight fork oil (verify worth on Amazon) and lift the oil degree in order that there’s much less air to compress. This makes slows the fork down throughout compression and rebound when going over bumps and obstacles.
Simply be sure to keep throughout the OEM most oil top/air hole specs.
Low-cost preload
Should you simply need to add a bit of bit extra preload to the forks in order that they sit up a bit of bit greater, you may add some PVC spacers beneath the fork caps on prime of the springs. Begin with ½” and use washers beneath and on prime of the spacer.
The PVC must be thick (schedule 80) in addition to simply barely smaller than the inside fork diameter, in addition to the washers so that they don’t slide round. You possibly can experiment with totally different size spacers for kind of preload, however finally, you’ll must go to a stiffer spring price if the preload spacers aren’t doing sufficient.
Fork emulators
If you would like much more efficiency and don’t thoughts spending a bit of bit extra time tuning, some Race Tech Gold Valve Emulators (verify worth on eBay) are the subsequent step up. You’ll be able to tune the valving, which lets you decelerate or velocity up the compression and rebound damping, which makes your CRF125 forks really feel stiffer or softer.
Fork conversion/swap
A fork swap is just not for the faint of coronary heart. The commonest 125cc path bike fork conversion could be putting in an 85cc 2-stroke MX bike entrance finish – on this case, a CR85 or perhaps a CRF150R set of forks, clamps, and entrance wheel.
Nevertheless, there’ll most certainly be some machining or fab work required to suit the steering stem, clamps, and brake caliper/rotor, relying on which components you select.
Different mods to bear in mind when doing a fork swap
For finest outcomes, you may must get totally different fork springs based mostly in your weight, however not the entrance finish can be a lot greater, which is able to trigger dealing with issues. You possibly can increase the forks within the triple clamps so the entrance finish sits decrease, however the rear finish may nonetheless be too low, leading to a slow-turning bike with much less front-end traction.
You’ll both need to increase the rear with preload and/or linkage mods or take into account changing the rear shock to a different unit with extra journey. All of this requires time and planning so that you don’t run into points, particularly when you’re the primary to strive it.
Rear Shock Upgrades
Though there is no such thing as a damping adjustment on the inventory CRF 125F rear shock, there are a few issues you are able to do to enhance the efficiency earlier than upgrading to an aftermarket shock when you’re on a tighter funds. The very first thing, just like the forks, is to be sure to have the proper spring price.
Right shock spring for YOU?
The inventory shock on the small-wheel and big-wheel Honda 125 is tender when you’re over 150 lbs, so upgrading to a heavy-duty rear shock spring is likely to be essential, particularly if you’re making the entrance finish stiffer. Happily, it makes use of the identical shock spring because the older XR100 mannequin, so discovering one on Amazon received’t be arduous (verify worth).
Do you’ve got the proper trip top?
After you have the proper shock spring, it’s essential ensure the sag is correctly set. The sag (preload) controls the peak of the rear finish, so if it’s too low or top in comparison with the front-end, you received’t have as a lot traction or stability or each – A balanced suspension arrange will provide you with extra confidence as a result of you’ve got essentially the most total traction and management.
Completely different shock
The 2 best shock choices for the CRF125F are:
Are you able to decrease the seat top?
Sure, when you like your CRF125F however would really like it decrease even for just some rides, you may decrease the seat top. One of many best methods to decrease it’s with an aftermarket reducing linkage (verify worth on Amazon).
It drops the seat top by nearly 2 full inches, making it simpler to the touch the bottom, and it’s fully reversible if you wish to return to inventory – simply swap the OEM linkage hyperlink again in.
2 points with a reducing hyperlink that may be resolved
Whereas it may be nice to have your CRF 125 decrease to the bottom, there are two minor drawbacks to utilizing a reducing hyperlink. One, is the dealing with can be modified – it will likely be slower and tougher to show and slower speeds, but in addition extra steady.
Second, the entrance finish can even be too excessive in comparison with the rear, so that you’ll need to increase the forks within the clamps in order that the suspension is balanced. These points received’t be very noticeable when you’re a model new rider and are pretty simple to reverse – simply one thing to bear in mind when you’re contemplating this CRF 125 mod.
One other pretty simple method to decrease the seat top is by shaving the seat foam, however this makes the seat even tougher as a result of there’s much less foam to take a seat on – suppose “wood 2×4”.
Gearing – low cost efficiency improve
Time to give attention to velocity and energy mods, and this primary one is among the best/most cost-effective! By merely altering the gearing with a distinct dimension sprocket, you can also make your CRF125F speed up faster or have the next prime velocity – one thing that’s considerably missing because of solely having a 4-speed transmission (different 125cc path bikes have 5 gears).
Higher acceleration for off-road
Inventory gearing for the CRF125FB (massive wheel) is 13/49 and 13/46 for the small wheel, so a straightforward method to get faster acceleration is by going as much as a 50-tooth rear sprocket (verify worth on Amazon)
Finest Exhaust improve
There are fairly a couple of methods to improve the inventory exhaust in your CRF125F and whilst you received’t get mega energy from this mod, it’s a surprisingly good share of achieve when correctly tuned.
For instance, if a brand new exhaust system provides 0.6 HP, that doesn’t sound like a lot, however once you go from 6.0 HP to six.6 HP, that’s a ten% enhance with only one half!
Free/low cost CRF125 exhaust mod
The simplest method to uncork your inventory exhaust is by eradicating the baffle/finish cap, however there are some drawbacks. You’ll get much more noise, and it removes the spark arrestor, so that you received’t be authorized to trip on state trails.
It’s pretty loud and it appears to be like form of ugly with the exhaust tip eliminated, however you should purchase a low cost tip (verify worth on Amazon) with a spark arrestor display to make it look a bit of higher.
FMF Powercore 4 (‘14-’18)
Need a better-sounding and flowing exhaust? The FMF Powercore 4 system (verify worth on eBay) is a pleasant improve at an affordable worth.
Nevertheless, when you stay in an space the place noise is a priority, the FMF PC4 muffler or full exhaust is unquestionably so much louder than inventory – it’s not obnoxious, however not very quiet up shut.
BBR D3 (‘19+)
For barely extra, you will get a BBR D3 full exhaust (verify worth on eBay) that provides you a bit of extra efficiency because of the truth that BBR places a bit of extra time into their improvement for these path bike exhaust pipes.
It’s light-weight, and offers you higher throttle response and total energy, particularly when you tune the ECU. You additionally get a spark arrestor display, a wash plug, and a warmth defend for the stainless header.
It’s fairly a bit louder than inventory, so remember. You possibly can add a quiet core insert (eBay) if you wish to hold it nearer to inventory sound ranges.
Professional Circuit T6 (‘19+)
For across the identical worth, you may as well get a top quality T-6 full exhaust from Professional Circuit (verify worth on eBay). Not solely does it look good, however it sounds higher, reduces weight, and offers you a bit of extra energy.
It’s not quiet, so don’t trip it close to neighbors that may complain in regards to the noise. It comes with a detachable spark arrestor display as properly.
Yoshimura RS-9 (‘19+)
Yoshimura is the most costly possibility on this listing, however the RS-9 full system (verify worth on Amazon) can be the general finest CRF125 exhaust if you would like higher energy, sturdiness, and sound with out being ridiculously loud. It’s nonetheless fairly a bit louder than inventory at excessive RPM, however at idle and low RPM it’s pretty quiet.
It comes with a spark arrestor and you should purchase an non-obligatory insert to make it even quieter.
Do you must re-jet the carb after putting in an aftermarket exhaust?
It actually relies on the way it’s at present jetted, however because of the truth that the 2014-2018 CRF125F carb is jetted lean from the manufacturing unit, you’ll most likely want to regulate to the jetting specs I gave earlier on this article. Should you don’t regulate it, it is likely to be tougher to start out, particularly when chilly, and the throttle response and energy is likely to be worse as properly.
Do it’s essential tune the EFI with an exhaust?
For the 2019 and newer CRF 125 with gas injection, you won’t must tune it with a gas tuner – so long as it begins and runs superb and also you don’t want extra energy. Nevertheless, if it’s arduous to start out, runs tough, backfires, otherwise you need essentially the most energy along with your exhaust improve, then you definitely’ll must get a gas tuner/controller and tune it, which isn’t as arduous as it’d sound.
Engine upgrades
The CRF125F is way from being a high-performance grime bike, however there are some efficiency components which you could set up to make the engine fairly a bit extra “full of life” – it solely makes about 9 horsepower on the crank, which is about 7HP on the rear wheel.
Greater compression piston
Should you simply want to interchange the piston and have entry to a machinist, a reasonably cheap method to get a bit of extra energy is with a greater compression Wiseco piston equipment (verify worth on eBay). This piston is 1.1mm greater than the OEM-size piston, so it requires boring and honing the inventory cylinder bore.
Growing compression from 9.0:1 to 10.0:1, and the extra few cc’s of displacement will provide you with a small increase in torque and horsepower. It’s not enormous, but when your piston and cylinder must be bored over because of scoring, it is a good possibility.
Massive bore equipment
The most effective methods to go extra energy in every single place after tuning the exhaust and consumption is with a giant bore equipment, such because the 140cc equipment from Engines Solely. Extra torque, horsepower, and it’s nearly as dependable as a inventory engine when you correctly preserve your bike and don’t hit the rev limiter consistently.
Camshaft
Each little bit counts, and when you actually need to be an superior CRF125F engine that makes extra energy in every single place, then you definitely want an excellent camshaft to your particular setup. The DCR cam will assist a inventory and modified engine – the larger the engine, the extra low-end torque you’ll really feel with this cam.
Head work
One of many final steps to constructing a high-performance engine, whether or not it’s a CRF125F path bike or a motocross bike, is cylinder head work – however most individuals neglect this necessary step though there’s much more energy potential.
Give it some thought – when you’ve got a vacuum with a standard-size hose and then you definitely give the vacuum motor 50% extra energy to suck, it’s not going to suck 50% extra as a result of the hose dimension is proscribing it.
Give it some thought – if the cylinder head consumption and exhaust ports aren’t correctly sized AND formed, you’re not getting optimum circulate, which might significantly enhance torque/throttle response, and horsepower at nearly each RPM.
Porting – Warning!
Greater isn’t all the time higher, particularly when you go too massive – you may drastically destroy the ability curve and lose plenty of low-end torque, which is the place the CRF125 engine works properly. That’s why it’s essential discover a man that is aware of what he’s doing with these air-cooled engines in relation to porting and cylinder head work.
How one can make your CRF125F taller
Whether or not you’re an grownup or simply outgrowing your Honda 125 path bike in dimension, it’s arduous to cease driving it as a result of it’s so enjoyable and straightforward – don’t fear, there are a couple of methods to make it really feel a bit of bit bigger.
After making the suspension stiffer, as listed earlier, beginning on the CRF 125FB massive wheel is finest as a result of it’s over an inch taller.
After that, these are the very best mods to make it really feel greater & extra snug when you’re a taller rider:
How one can decrease your CRF 125
- Reducing hyperlink (verify worth on Amazon)
- Shave the seat
- Decrease forks in clamps
CRF125F crash safety mods
Should you trip plenty of rocks or trails with arduous objects that you simply may hit, then including some safety may help stop accidents to you and your bike! Or when you plan on falling usually, then your finest wager is to study some safer driving strategies…
These are the highest upgrades to maintain your CRF125 dependable and guarded:
Finest Tires to your CRF125F
Finest entrance tire for tender sand/intermediate terrain:
Finest rear tire for tender sand/intermediate terrain:
Finest entrance tire for rocks/arduous terrain:
Finest rear tire for rocks/arduous terrain:
Placing all of the mods collectively
Finest CRF 125 upgrades for path driving:
- Carb jetting (‘14-’18 fashions)
- Consumption lid mod
- Suspension improve to your weight
Finest CRF125F efficiency components for racing/pit bike driving:
- Carb jetting/EFI tune
- Consumption mods
- Fork improve
- Shock improve
- Efficiency exhaust
- Massive bore equipment
- Camshaft
- Head work
- Lightened flywheel
The most effective mod to make you a greater rider
All of those efficiency components, mods, and upgrades will make your CRF125F sooner and extra snug, however there’s one mod that trumps all of them in relation to your total management. It begins along with your confidence, however simply getting extra seat time isn’t one of the best ways to get there.
That’s why I made a information that exhibits you crucial strategies to work on, and you may obtain that information right this moment without spending a dime by clicking right here.
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