Honda CT125 Hunter Cub / Trail 125 (JA65) — OEM Fluid, Tire Pressure & Maintenance Specs
124cc Air-Cooled Single-Cylinder SOHC Long-Stroke (Wet Centrifugal 4-Speed) · Source: Honda CT125 Hunter Cub / Trail 125 (JA65) Official Owner’s Manual Specifications
According to the Honda CT125 Hunter Cub / Trail 125 (JA65) Official Owner’s Manual Specifications, the 2023–Present Honda CT125 Hunter Cub / Trail 125 (JA65) (chassis JA65) requires 0.8 L (0.85 US qt) of SAE 10W-30 (JASO MA, API SJ or higher) engine oil for a drain-only change and 0.85 L (0.90 US qt) with filter service (15412-MGS-D21 / HF117). Standard solo cold tire pressure is 175 kPa / 1.75 bar / 25 PSI front (80/90-17 M/C 44P) and 225 kPa / 2.25 bar / 33 PSI rear (80/90-17 M/C 50P), paired with 1× NGK CPR7EA-9S spark plug(s) and a YTZ5S battery.
Drain only: 0.8 L (0.85 US qt)
R 225 kPa (2.25 bar)
Est. Range: ~318 km (198 mi)
1. Engine Lubrication, Filter & Clutch Specifications
| Clutch Architecture | Wet Centrifugal Semi-Auto Clutch NEVER use JASO MB |
|---|---|
| Recommended Viscosity & Grade | SAE 10W-30 (Alt: SAE 10W-40) · JASO MA · API SJ or higher |
| Oil Volume (Drain / With Filter / Overhaul) |
• Drain only: 0.8 L (0.85 US qt) • With filter/strainer: 0.85 L (0.90 US qt) • Complete dry overhaul: 1 L (1.06 US qt) |
| OEM Oil Filter Code & Type | 15412-MGS-D21 / HF117 |
| Correct Oil Level Check Method | Hold upright on level ground; rest dipstick UNTHREADED on filler neck (do NOT screw in) |
| Oil Drain Bolt Torque | 24 N·m (17.7 lb-ft / 2.45 kgf·m) — Use fresh crush washer |
2. Cold Tire Pressures, Wheels, Ignition & Drivetrain
| Front / Rear OEM Tire Sizes | Front: 80/90-17 M/C 44P · Rear: 80/90-17 M/C 50P (Tube-Type Spoke Rim) |
|---|---|
| Cold Tire Pressure — Solo Riding |
Front: 175 kPa / 1.75 bar / 25 PSI Rear: 225 kPa / 2.25 bar / 33 PSI |
| Cold Tire Pressure — 2-Up / Loaded Touring |
Front: 175 kPa / 1.75 bar / 25 PSI Rear: 280 kPa / 2.80 bar / 41 PSI |
| OEM Spark Plug & Quantity | NGK CPR7EA-9S × 1 (Gap: 0.8–0.9 mm) |
| OEM Battery Code & Rating | YTZ5S (12V 3.5Ah MF AGM) |
| Final Drive Maintenance | 428 Sealed Chain (108 links) — Maintain 25–35 mm slack |
| Brake Fluid & Coolant | DOT 4 · Air-Cooled Engine (No coolant — clean mud behind bash plate) |
3. Ergonomics, Range & Scheduled Service Intervals
| Displacement · Max Power · Peak Torque | 124 cc · 9.1 hp @ 6,250 rpm · 10.8 N·m (8.0 lb-ft) @ 4,750 rpm |
|---|---|
| Seat Height & Wet Curb Weight | 800 mm (31.5 in) · 118 kg (260 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank & Est. Real-World Range | 5.3 L (1.4 US gal) · ~60 km/L → ~318 km (198 mi) |
| OEM Scheduled Maintenance Intervals |
• First Break-In: 1,000 km • Engine Oil / Filter: 6,000 km / 12,000 km • Air Filter / Spark Plug: 18,000 km / 12,000 km • Valve Clearance Check: 6,000 km |
4. Generation Cutoffs & Real-World Wrenching Gotchas
Model-Year & Chassis Generation Notes
From 2023 onward (JA65), Honda introduced the updated long-stroke engine with a replaceable paper cartridge oil filter (15412-MGS-D21). Earlier 2020–2022 JA55 models lack a paper oil filter.
Oil & Clutch Mechanical Engineering Note
Slow technical trail climbing heats the wet centrifugal clutch heavily; use SAE 10W-30 JASO MA oil (never JASO MB scooter oil) at 0.85 L with filter change.
Garage Wrenching Gotchas
- Wire-spoke wheels run inner tubes—tubeless bacon strips will NOT fix a flat! Pack a spare 17-inch TR4 inner tube and tire spoons on remote trail rides.
- Drop the lower skid plate before pulling the drain plug so waste oil doesn’t pool inside the bash guard.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main maintenance difference between JA55 and JA65 CT125 models?
Only the 2023+ JA65 features an external replaceable paper oil filter element (0.85 L refill vs 0.80 L on filterless 2020–2022 JA55 bikes).
Why is the CT125 front cold tire pressure only 25 PSI?
Honda sets front pressure at 175 kPa (25 PSI) to absorb trail chatter on the light front end, paired with 225 kPa (33 PSI) rear solo or 280 kPa (41 PSI) with heavy camping gear.
How far can a Honda CT125 Hunter Cub go on one tank of fuel?
Its 5.3 L tank and ~60 km/L fuel economy deliver roughly 300+ km (185+ miles) of trail and backroad range.