Honda CB650R Mod | ELIMINATE FALSE NEUTRALS + IMPROVED GEAR SHIFTS | Racetorx Shift Support Review

Believe it or not, this awesome Honda CB650R has its flaws with one being the frequent false neutrals and vague gear shift experience. NOT A PROBLEM, a small device called the Racetorx Shift Support will solve these issues and improve the overall shifting experience of the bike.
I went ahead and bought one to try it out myself. In this video I will explain the issues with this bike relating to gear shifts and false neutrals, guide you through the installation and provide an impression to the difference after having installed the device.
Again, I am not an expert, just an owner who is willing to share his experience with an objective to be helpful to the community. Let me know if you have any comments or questions in the comments section below.
#Honda #CB650R #Racetorx
Racetorx Website: racetorx.co.uk/
Racetorx Shift Support for Honda CB650R: racetorx.co.uk...

[@dannywallaard]

I also got the Racetorx and it’s a big difference. I bought the Racetorx after 6 month owning my bike. I also had this false neutrals from first to second and back. Now with the Racetorx on for about 18 month I’m still happy with this upgrade. Makes the bike shifter feel more premium.

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Exactly! That’s precisely how I feel. Ride safe buddy.

[@lukebarnsley6710]

I would have thought this would have fallen under a mass recall as a safety issue. Also, its low beam headlight is also dangerously dull.

[@screatyswote3035]

I have the same bike as you (2022) and just stumbled on this video. Thanks for sharing this mod. It makes a bigger difference than I expected.

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Awesome bike is it! Thanks for the comment glad you enjoyed it!

[@user-jq5pe8kr7g]

Добрый вечер, у меня такой же, как эта штука называется ,кто производитель или каталог номер?спасибо ​@@RUBBERNMETAL

[@peterroda4181]

Mine arrived today. Hope I have the same positive experience. Thank you for the suggestion.

[@peterroda4181]

I installed mine the other day and to be honest, there is no change at all. Perhaps is is because I have a quickshifter on my bike. Hard to say. On a positive note it has not hurt the ride.

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Congrats on your new ride!!! And sorry that it didn’t make any difference to you. It only made me aware after I was told and convinced but then again I felt the difference. How’s the quickshifter? It’s taking me too long to decide to order one. I’ll do it soon haha.

[@peterroda4181]

@Rubber N Metal the quickshifter is fun but you use a lot more gas because you drive much faster!

[@UntaGT]

this bike simply awesome, now with this mod it just couldnt be bettter 👍 this bike was one of my wishlist, before i finally decided with touring bike. nice content bro.

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Thanks for the comment bro! It’s ok bro touring bike is more comfortable. The CB is a bit uncomfortable on long tours.

[@Birb_of_Judge]

Neat, i need to get that next month when my paycheck arrives. Got my CB650 last Saturday and i can finally register it on Tuesday

[@Spiderwebb92]

Same here.... got mine last Tuesday.... it's great

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Hey buddy did you get the shift support? If you did how is it?

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Nice!!!!

[@Birb_of_Judge]

@@RUBBERNMETAL i did, it's a nice addition. But sadly i layed her down a moth ago. Luckily it's not too bad 2 Plastik parts near the intake and the alternator cover. But I'll use this opportunity to get black covers for the air intake and powder coat the pillion foot pegs black

[@RammyGn]

Thanks man. Day two of my bike and it was the first thing I noticed. Just ordered one and can’t wait to see if it’s as significant as you mentioned. Love the content by the way. Keep it up.

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Thanks man! Let me know what you think of the change to your bike.

[@danielyakimov7073]

Hey man, any change with the shifts?

[@Extremegaz25]

Bike ordered yesterday, shift support ordered now, cheers from the isle of man!

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

From the Isle of Man!! Wow! Wow! Thanks for watching my video hope you have your bike already.

[@afiqkurshid]

I already use my cb for 1month(1xxxkm). Now i feel what you feel... Too many times after traffic light from gear 1 back to N. Now i might need this...

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Yea it can get annoying. Much better with the racetorx shift assist. You should definitely get.

[@francisho3056]

I have been anticipating of you trying the new Trident and give your unbiased view from a CB650R owner. 😅

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Hey buddy that is something that is very much overdue. Part of me doesn’t want to test it. I’m also worried that it’s a lot better than the CB 🤣 and I might be biased 😂

[@HZMVMotoVlog]

Awesome content bro! 🔥🔥

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Thank you bro!

[@shindeiru1557]

The Honda CB125 r has the same false neutral problem. It is pretty annoying but it does not happen all the time.

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

It’s a Honda design flaw I think. Maybe it’s worthwhile to look into this product or similar if there is for your bike. If you plan for keeping it longer that is.

[@zach_waltonn]

The honda oem quick shifter fixed all the false neutrals I was having

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Glad you felt that. I still get it sometimes when I don’t pay attention during gear shifts especially when the revs are too low.

[@zach_waltonn]

@Rubber N Metal I went from having them like every other shift to once like every other week (I daily the motorcycle and put about 1300-1400 miles a month) and that's around same as you generally I'm tryna "be efficient" and I shift to softly, to early and if falls in a weird in between gears spot when it's still pulling but didn't go into gear right and I have to reshift

[@mrfulgore7922]

Many thanks for this info , noticed this from day 1 on the model 2021 but dealer always said you are a new driver ( at the moment i accepted that cause i was a new driver) , so your mistake... after 3000km's still have the issue and read more topics about this, and this weekend had a terrible downshift from 4th to 3th and was in neutral, luckly could shift back with a terrible noise off the transmission , orded today the RaceTorx

[@derriswong113]

I had the same experience just yesterday and I was shocked, now I’m thinking to change quick shifter or getting this Racetorx, can’t make my decision

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Awesome. How is it now you got the racetorx? Feels better right? Altho you still have to firmly shift. Most people wouldn’t know if weren’t told and just shift firmly every time to get rid of this issue.

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

You can have both quickshifter and shift assist. I have on mine. It’s even better!!

[@mrfulgore7922]

@@RUBBERNMETAL yeah, its much beter now, still have it sometimes from 1st gear to second gear. Garage is looking into it🙂

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

@@mrfulgore7922 yea I still get it too. I guess it’s just how the bike is just gotta adapt to it. It’s not a perfect fix I guess but you can feel the gear changes better with the racetorx.

[@kevinthailand2567]

Apparently no longer being made for the 650

[@TheSteratul]

Good Day. I noticed that your bar-end mirrors do not vibrate much if not, nothing at all during high RPMs. May I know where you got them? Thank you!

[@joelfiat147]

False neutral destroyedmy 2° gear trans fork, has to opem whole engine to change

[@LordHurricaneHD]

Have the switching paths become shorter/longer? or stayed the same? after installing the switching stabilizer?

[@ceciliatabbi4218]

I haven't had any false neutrals but I keep getting non-shifts between 3rd and 4th; just ordered this, hoping it will help.

[@danielyakimov7073]

Hey man, i have the same issue between 3d and 4th, any changes after installing the racetorx shoft support?

[@ceciliatabbi4218]

@@danielyakimov7073 a little. It can still happen but seems less regular.

[@danielyakimov7073]

@@ceciliatabbi4218 Thank you for the quick reply. I will consider buying it

[@ceciliatabbi4218]

@@danielyakimov7073 I still think it's worth it. My bike is still in the break in period so that could be affecting my gear shifts, too. Definitely not getting any false neutrals anymore, though.

[@Moon-magic109]

Love the bike, looking into getting 2019 this summer. Be safe.

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Awesome! That’s great to hear. You’ll love it (I hope). Ride safe!

[@puterafarrock6598]

Hey man, I’m interested in buying the Honda CB650R but I’m stuck with two decisions. It’s either the 2021 Honda CB650R or the 2021 Yamaha MT-09. I love the design of the Honda but also I love the performance on the Yamaha. The thing that bothers me about the Honda is the vibrations and the power dip. I watched many reviews and read a lot of forums about it and some sound extremely annoying or extreme. I’m not sure if it is caused by the inline 4 since I never own an inline 4 coming from a person who owns parallel twins. Well, I hope you reply. From Kuching, Sarawak. Ride safe and take care man.

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Hey bro I would be in a difficult position if I had to choose a bike now. The 2021 MT09 has improved immensely which makes it a great candidate but personally I don’t prefer the design. Then again you have some Suzuki’s and Triumph to consider too. As for the Honda’s vibration it’s not common amongst inline 4 engines it’s just particular to this Honda. It doesn’t bother me too much because it only comes in around 6,000 rpms and I tested recently in 3rd gear @6000rpm you’re already doing 90kmh. The solution is to shift up a gear. It’s not a bad vibration more like a buzzing sensation. If you’re accelerating hard the vibration won’t be obvious cos you’re going through the revs and focusing on riding. It’s only obvious if you ride constant speeds at revs higher than 6000rpm. It’s a concern but not a deal breaker to me.

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Hope that helps. Ride safe bro!

[@ivansim1876]

There are a couple of times where when i downshift quickly at traffic stop, from 5 to 2 then 1, it will get stuck sometimes, using racetorx one of the way to solve it?

[@gbutzesc7255]

Nice informative video. Where did you buy the racetorx shift support and for how much? Will ask a friend working there to buy for me. Ty

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Thanks 🙃 I got it from the racetorx website. I paid almost MYR300 including shipping. Here’s the link below: racetorx.co.uk/product/rtx218/

[@labasrytas2876]

on ebay - it cost 10 times less than on website :)

[@vintagerealityvr]

The false neutrals on this bike were mentioned in almost like every review back on the bike came out. I have never had an issue on mine, maybe it was only some models. I can see how this would improve the Shift feel either way

[@Birb_of_Judge]

Do you have the RH02 or RH08? The one is made in Thailand and the other is made in Japan

[@vintagerealityvr]

@@Birb_of_Judge I don't know. I bought it in the usa. They call it the 2020 CB650RA

[@pantarei5227]

@@Birb_of_Judge can you confirm any differencies between the 2 friend? thanks

[@Birb_of_Judge]

@@pantarei5227 the differences are mainly in the quality of the fit and finish and of some components. And the RA doesn't necessarily clarify which it is. It should say in the vehicle papers which one it is

[@pantarei5227]

@@Birb_of_Judge Thank you, ride safe friend!

[@berlinteo]

on their site i couldn't find it for the 2021 model. :(

[@MartinHubbard1]

2019 on, all fit the same. My bike is a 2021...I also fitted the Honda quick shifter. Never missed another gear or had a false neutral since.

[@lukebarnsley6710]

Thanks for that. I will have to order one. Hopefully, someone stocks it in oz. Otherwise, it's gonna be a long wait... Have also noticed that the low beam is dangerously dull. What's the fix for that?

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

I haven’t done anything about the lighting and yea I agree I went touring once and had to ride back on a rainy evening it was horrible to be honest.

[@farzankhansaheb]

@@RUBBERNMETAL is the Racetorx shift support helpful with the quick shifter too or is it not required if the bike has a quick shifter?

[@jimmychiariotti5372]

Hi !! what is the shock absorber setting on your motorcycle? you left it on the original position?

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Hi there. I believe I stiffened the preload by 2 or 3 clicks cos I’m a bit heavy (rear suspension). It’s really easy to do.

[@chrisskedstrengthandcondit192]

Just bought this bike covered around 200 miles and just about every 2nd too 3rd gear is a miss and 3rd too 4th and today i was in 4th 11k rpm and let throttle off and the bike jumped oit off gear -- showing ghost gear then it tried too jump bakc into a gear you could feel it catching on the teeth god knows whats up with it but its nowhere near as smooth as yours

[@daniell274]

Hmm, I notice rarely shift to N and when I release clutch it pop to 1st gear 😑 luckily engine cut off. Not sure you encounter such annoyance…

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

It happened to me once I think. It was a weird experience where i thought it was in neutral then it leaped forward and went into gear as I released the clutch. Hope it doesn’t happen to you often.

[@cgg200980]

Good morning, just wondering what the latest update is in regards to the racetorx. I'm thinking of getting one for my 22 Triumph Trident as I keep getting false neutrals or sometimes it won't shift down into first gear and I'm wondering if this product actually works like it's supposed to, if you can please update me that would be greatly appreciated thank you.

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Hi there. I’m not too sure what the update is but from my brief search they do offer the shift assist for a trident. Here’s the link: racetorx.co.uk/product/rtx261-2/ Btw I’m very curious about how the trident rides since it’s better than the CB according to reviews :)

[@XxzDragoRedzxX]

I just wonder what if we adjust the shift gear level to get more force when we do the shifting thing. So, if I do that do it really needs the Racetorx?

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Good idea in a way to better position your shift lever but the vagueness is still there. You feel the shift better with the racetorx.

[@peterroda4181]

Can you use it with a honda quick shifter?

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Yea you could. It works well with the quickshifter apparently.

[@boylefoong4980]

I have a CB500F, same thing annoys me - false neutral.

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

The free solution to it is to be firm every damn time you shift gear. You’ll get false neutrals if you’re too soft on it.

[@manueljojo6538]

I'm still sourcing and seeking for my first bike. Would you recommend CB/CBR650 or other particular bike as my first?

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

It would make a decent first bike as it’s so friendly but to be honest the weight could be a little overwhelming. Also be mindful to keep the throttle sensible as it is quite powerful if you open her up.

[@WPEOW]

Hi! I have been watching some of your videos since when the moment I was aiming for Honda CB650R! I would like to ask for a favor if that’s ok. Could I test ride your CB650R? I went to Honda Big Wing in Old Klang Road, but unfortunately they do not have test ride services. Or would you recommend any Big Wing dealers in Klang Valley that would allow their customer to test ride? I’m riding a custome Triumph Bonneville A3 and would want to try out something new! Looking forward for your reply. Thanks!

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Hi there just saw your comments bro sorry for the late reply. I would definitely love to try a bonneville. Damn. But hey bw wing Setapak now has a CBR650R test unit. You should check it out.

[@WPEOW]

@@RUBBERNMETAL Thanks for the info! I will give them a call to check. Also, let me know if you wanna take a ride on my bonneville! hehe

[@hakim7894]

Bro boleh bagi reason kukuh tak kenapa tak tukar ekzos lagi? 😂 Motor dah setahun kan

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Hahaha komen terbaik ni. Taktau la nak cakap mcm mana bro. jarang bawak + kedekut + rasa diri dah tua

[@martinslater381]

Next day delivery but still no grease supplied.

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Haha same man. Did you get the haribo tho?

[@martinslater381]

@@RUBBERNMETAL I contacted them and it's an issue with their website they promptly dispatched the grease and another Haribo, awesome.

[@twizzian]

Can it be installed with the Quick shifter? Do you still get false neutrals with the quick shifter only

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Hi there. Sure I have installed both on my bike. They are separate in a way that doesn’t interfere with each other but makes the shifting experience perfect.

[@twizzian]

@@RUBBERNMETAL Thank you

[@labasrytas2876]

i have honda original quickshifter installed. do i also need this racetorx, or its not needed with quickshifter?

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Hi there. They both do different things. I have both on mine. It’s a sweet setup!

[@giman6520]

Hi there! Does it work with the quick shifter installed too?

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Hi! Yes it does work great with the quickshifter.

[@amen6846]

Hey, i have the same problem. Can i use this product for 2019 Honda Cb125R?

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Hi there. It’s compatible to some other Honda bikes but yours isn’t in the list so I don’t think so.

[@lucasgrihander112]

el timo de la estampita cuñado.........

[@Scoottoots]

Agreed. I installed the Racetorx shifter support on my CB650F. As you say, more precise cleaner shifts. Occasionally I still have an issue where the shift lever will occasionally hang up and not return down when I shift into 2nd. Then when I want to shift to 3rd, the lever is in its uppermost position and so I cannot shift without first tapping the lever down. It's like the return spring does not engage somehow to return the lever after the shift. That may not be an issue that is addressed by the Racetorx support, but it does happen less frequently now. I've tried to figure out what causes it, to no avail. The shift mechanisms on the exterior are all free and unrestricted and the return spring is strong. I think it is internal somehow. Do have any ideas?

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Hey man sorry for the late reply. That’s a problem I’ve never had with this bike on the lever refusing to return. Should get that checked probably something insignificant. I remember on my old bike that I used to fill with only mineral engine oil, the shifter will feel really sticky when it’s due for an oil change. Could it be the case of old oil in your bike?

[@Scoottoots]

@@RUBBERNMETAL No worries. No, I use Motul 7100 full synth ester base, and I keep it fresh. All my Hondas (3 of them) did the exact same thing from the showroom floor. Every now and then it hangs up after a shift into 2nd, and I have to tap it down to shift into 3rd. A mystery I'll live with. The shifter support did help to reduce the frequency though.

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

@@Scoottoots nice. I was thinking of trying out the motul 300v or the 7100 for my next service. Have you tried other engine oil for comparison?

[@Scoottoots]

@@RUBBERNMETAL Yup, I've tried quite a few, but for a bike like the cb650f, cb650r, or similar high performance bike, the motul 7100 is the one I prefer. There is no drop-off of smoothness in shifting, etc., with this oil. I have used the Motul 300V but found it did not last for regular intervals of 4,000 to 6,000 kms. I phoned Motul and talked to one their techs. He explained that the 300V is meant only for racing or extreme street use where it will be changed out quickly. He said the additive package in 300V is designed to perform optimally for a brief period and then it breaks down. He suggested an interval of no more than 2500 kms. So I can highly recommend the 7100.

[@conkm6458]

advice from a year later.... lol or anyone els who reads this. I have had this problem on my CB500F, what fixed it for me was cleaning out and re lubing the actual ball joint things in my shifter link, turns out one was hanging up/binding on itself just enuf to not let the return spring push it back down into place. they seemed fine till i took it off the bike then it was clear they where not moveing as freely as they should. This was after like 6 years of riding year around on the daily tho so cannot bash Honda for it

[@Spiderwebb92]

I have been getting this "-" when I come to light and try to go to first any one have been getting this problem? Or had this fixed it?

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

I still get it sometimes only if I was light on my shift. The difference to having this thing is that you can feel more clearly whether you’re shifting hard enough to not get the false neutral or the ‘-‘ sign.

[@mright3412]

Bro does your cb650r jumps a bit when shifting to gear 1 from neutral?

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

It does. It’s normal for most bikes in my experience not just for the cb650r.

[@MissMan666]

Does the cheap shift supports from aliexpress work the same ? They look just like it

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Hi there I don’t think they work the same as per feedback from others that I heard of. The bearings around the spindle that are on the racetorx ones makes a difference to the feel apparently.

[@MissMan666]

@@RUBBERNMETAL thx, i just got the racetorx, installing it shortly on my CB650R

[@danielyakimov7073]

@@MissMan666Hey man, having regular miss shifts between 3d and 4th gear. Any effect from the upgrade ?

[@joelsloper530]

Would this work on my cb300r or is it a waste of money for me ?

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Not sure if it’s compatible for the cb300r. If you have the same issue and there’s a part for it, why not.

[@joelsloper530]

I found the part hopefully it works and not a waste of money

[@peterroda4181]

Have you tried a booster plug

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Now that I’ve never heard of before. What is that?

[@hot88shot88]

what is the dash recorder using on this bike?

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

It’s not a dash recorder bro. It’s a display screen for my action camera.

[@PMS_CB650R]

Do u have quick shift?

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

No I don’t have it yet. Clutch-less shifts for now.

[@PMS_CB650R]

@@RUBBERNMETAL thks

[@peterroda4181]

Does it get rid of the first gear clunk when shifting from neutral?

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

No unfortunately. that first gear clunk is apparent in almost all bikes I’ve ridden.

[@danielmohan6710]

nice riding boots, mana beli pls?

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Thanks bro! Rider’s garage Sunway. It was the last pair then. But I’m sure they have other stock now.

[@danielmohan6710]

@@RUBBERNMETAL Thanks and thoroughly enjoying your videos boss! Am going to pickup my first bike tomorrow, and its a red cb650r too! If I see you on the road, will recognize your voice.

[@randynepomuceno326]

hello why did you not use your clutch while shifting? beacouse of that thing you add to your bike?

[@Birb_of_Judge]

No, he's just shifting without the clutch. It's something you can learn how to do. If you want i can explain it

[@randynepomuceno326]

@@Birb_of_Judge wow nice

[@Birb_of_Judge]

@@randynepomuceno326 i'll take that as a yes. So basically, you need to apply a moderate amount of pressure to the shifter, then you quickly let of the throttle and keep the pressure on the shifter. Then it should just fall into gear, but don't use excessive force. That works for up and downshifts, but down is a little harder than up

[@randynepomuceno326]

@@Birb_of_Judge thank you very much i will this to next ride ride safe and gid bless

[@Birb_of_Judge]

@@randynepomuceno326 please tell me if you have been able to do it and of you have further questions, you know where to find me

[@9W8o7l7f4]

Honda should have more self respect and install this part before we buy it

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

You would think so right knowing that this is a problem found in many Honda bikes over the years.

[@p.l.c8876]

😉👌

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

😎

[@brianmeuse7595]

This only keeps your shaft straight so your seal doesn't leak when you shift. It doesn't do anything to improve shifting. I have one. There is no difference.

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Your input is still important in shifting gear. Having this device doesn’t mean you can put in less effort and guarantee no false neutrals. It enables you to distinguish between getting a false neutral or not.

[@brianmeuse7595]

@@RUBBERNMETAL No. I've raced the bike for five years now in four different states. I strip the entire bike every year end down to the camshaft, every bolt, every screw and you have no idea what you're talking about. It's a needle bearing just like the one that's in the block, now you just have two for added support on the shift. The star and the roller arm are what makes a shift happen smoother or not compared to OEM. Made by Factory Pro costs like $250 and actually works.