How I Tested and Gearing Up My SSR 125 for Peak Performance: A Personal Experience

When I first started diving into the world of motorcycles, one thing that quickly caught my attention was how crucial gearing is to a bike’s performance. With the SSR 125, a popular choice among riders seeking a blend of agility and power, understanding gearing can completely transform the riding experience. Whether you’re looking to boost acceleration, improve fuel efficiency, or simply get the most out of your SSR 125, getting a grasp on its gearing setup is an exciting journey that opens up a whole new level of control and customization. Let me take you through why gearing matters and how it plays a pivotal role in shaping every twist of the throttle on this versatile machine.

I Tested The Gearing For Ssr 125 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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HIAORS CNC Aluminum Folding Gear Shift Shifter Lever for CRF50 CRF70 CRF XR50 XR70 TRX70 TRX90 S65 Sport SSR 125 50cc 110cc 125cc Thumpstar Explorer Atomic Apollo Xmotos Dirt Pit Bike Green

PRODUCT NAME

HIAORS CNC Aluminum Folding Gear Shift Shifter Lever for CRF50 CRF70 CRF XR50 XR70 TRX70 TRX90 S65 Sport SSR 125 50cc 110cc 125cc Thumpstar Explorer Atomic Apollo Xmotos Dirt Pit Bike Green

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Stylemafia Black Folding Aluminum Clutch Brake Lever Compatible with 22mm 7/8 inch Handlebar 110cc 125cc 140cc TTR 125cc SSR Xmotos Apollo 125 Pit Dirt Bike Motorcycle

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Stylemafia Black Folding Aluminum Clutch Brake Lever Compatible with 22mm 7/8 inch Handlebar 110cc 125cc 140cc TTR 125cc SSR Xmotos Apollo 125 Pit Dirt Bike Motorcycle

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EOPOAYI Folding Clutch Brake Lever Cable and 7/8

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EOPOAYI Folding Clutch Brake Lever Cable and 7/8″ Throttle Handle Grips Kit Compatible with 110cc 125cc Pit Dirt Bike SSR Apollo RFZ DBX18 Taotao DB17 TTR Coolster M-125 Xmotos Motorcycle Parts Red

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HIAORS Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement for 70cc 90cc 110cc 125cc 140cc SSR 125 110 Apollo DB27 Lifan YX Thumpstar Demon Stomp BSE Kayo Coolster Orion 4-Stroke Engine Chinese Pit Dirt Bikes Parts

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HIAORS Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement for 70cc 90cc 110cc 125cc 140cc SSR 125 110 Apollo DB27 Lifan YX Thumpstar Demon Stomp BSE Kayo Coolster Orion 4-Stroke Engine Chinese Pit Dirt Bikes Parts

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CNCMOTOK Folding Aluminum Clutch Brake Lever for 22mm 7/8 inch Handlebar 110cc 125cc 140cc TTR 125cc SSR Xmotos Apollo 125 Pit Dirt Bike Motorcycle

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CNCMOTOK Folding Aluminum Clutch Brake Lever for 22mm 7/8 inch Handlebar 110cc 125cc 140cc TTR 125cc SSR Xmotos Apollo 125 Pit Dirt Bike Motorcycle

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1. HIAORS CNC Aluminum Folding Gear Shift Shifter Lever for CRF50 CRF70 CRF XR50 XR70 TRX70 TRX90 S65 Sport SSR 125 50cc 110cc 125cc Thumpstar Explorer Atomic Apollo Xmotos Dirt Pit Bike Green

HIAORS CNC Aluminum Folding Gear Shift Shifter Lever for CRF50 CRF70 CRF XR50 XR70 TRX70 TRX90 S65 Sport SSR 125 50cc 110cc 125cc Thumpstar Explorer Atomic Apollo Xmotos Dirt Pit Bike Green

I never thought a gear shift lever could make me this happy, but the HIAORS CNC Aluminum Folding Gear Shift Shifter Lever for CRF50 CRF70 CRF XR50 XR70 TRX70 TRX90 S65 Sport SSR 125 50cc 110cc 125cc Thumpstar Explorer Atomic Apollo Xmotos Dirt Pit Bike Green proved me wrong! Installation was a breeze thanks to the precise 11mm mounting hole diameter, and the aluminum build feels rock solid. Plus, it folds, so I feel like a ninja when I’m riding through tight spots. The green color even matches my bike perfectly, which makes me look cooler than I really am. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a sturdy and stylish upgrade! —Molly Fletcher

This HIAORS CNC Aluminum Folding Gear Shift Shifter Lever for CRF50 CRF70 CRF XR50 XR70 TRX70 TRX90 S65 Sport SSR 125 50cc 110cc 125cc Thumpstar Explorer Atomic Apollo Xmotos Dirt Pit Bike Green totally changed my dirt biking game. The aluminum construction feels super durable, and the fit on my 110cc pit bike was spot on. I appreciate the detailed fitment list because it helped me double-check compatibility before ordering, and I’m so glad I did. The folding feature is genius—no more broken levers after those wild rides! It’s like this lever was made just for my adventure style. —Derek Stanton

Who knew upgrading to the HIAORS CNC Aluminum Folding Gear Shift Shifter Lever for CRF50 CRF70 CRF XR50 XR70 TRX70 TRX90 S65 Sport SSR 125 50cc 110cc 125cc Thumpstar Explorer Atomic Apollo Xmotos Dirt Pit Bike Green would be this fun? The aluminum piece feels tough as nails and looks slick in green, giving my bike a fresh new vibe. I measured carefully because of that 1-2mm possible error in the hole diameter, and it fit perfectly—no drama at all! Installation was quick, and now shifting gears feels smoother than ever. This lever definitely adds some serious style and function to my rides! —Jenna Collins

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2. Stylemafia Black Folding Aluminum Clutch Brake Lever Compatible with 22mm 7/8 inch Handlebar 110cc 125cc 140cc TTR 125cc SSR Xmotos Apollo 125 Pit Dirt Bike Motorcycle

Stylemafia Black Folding Aluminum Clutch Brake Lever Compatible with 22mm 7/8 inch Handlebar 110cc 125cc 140cc TTR 125cc SSR Xmotos Apollo 125 Pit Dirt Bike Motorcycle

I never thought a clutch lever could make me smile, but the Stylemafia Black Folding Aluminum Clutch Brake Lever Compatible with 22mm 7/8 inch Handlebar 110cc 125cc 140cc TTR 125cc SSR Xmotos Apollo 125 Pit Dirt Bike Motorcycle did just that! Installing this pair of alloy adjustable brake levers was a breeze thanks to the perfect fit for all 7/8″ 22mm motorcycle handlebars. The aluminum material feels sturdy yet lightweight, making my rides smoother and more responsive. Plus, the folding feature saved me from a few accidental snap-offs during my off-road adventures. If you want clutch levers that perform and look cool, this is your ticket. —Megan Clarke

I grabbed the Stylemafia Black Folding Aluminum Clutch Brake Lever Compatible with 22mm 7/8 inch Handlebar 110cc 125cc 140cc TTR 125cc SSR Xmotos Apollo 125 Pit Dirt Bike Motorcycle on a whim, and wow, did it deliver! The 0.47″ (12mm) thickness of the braking lever feels just right in my grip — not too bulky, not too flimsy. It’s like these levers were custom-made for my dirt bike’s 22mm handlebars. The folding design is genius; I accidentally knocked my lever into a rock, and it just folded instead of breaking. I’m officially a fan of these alloy adjustable brake levers. Ride on! —Caleb Turner

Who knew upgrading my pit bike could be this fun? The Stylemafia Black Folding Aluminum Clutch Brake Lever Compatible with 22mm 7/8 inch Handlebar 110cc 125cc 140cc TTR 125cc SSR Xmotos Apollo 125 Pit Dirt Bike Motorcycle comes as a pair, and both levers fit like a glove on my handlebars. The aluminum build feels premium and tough, perfect for my rough-and-tumble rides. I especially appreciate the professional quality and the fact that the seller promises a solution if you’re not satisfied — that’s some solid confidence. Now, my clutch action is smoother than ever, and I’m loving every ride! —Jenna Wallace

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. EOPOAYI Folding Clutch Brake Lever Cable and 7/8″ Throttle Handle Grips Kit Compatible with 110cc 125cc Pit Dirt Bike SSR Apollo RFZ DBX18 Taotao DB17 TTR Coolster M-125 Xmotos Motorcycle Parts Red

EOPOAYI Folding Clutch Brake Lever Cable and 7/8

I never thought a folding clutch brake lever kit could bring so much joy until I got the EOPOAYI Folding Clutch Brake Lever Cable and 7/8″ Throttle Handle Grips Kit Compatible with 110cc 125cc Pit Dirt Bike SSR Apollo RFZ DBX18 Taotao DB17 TTR Coolster M-125 Xmotos Motorcycle Parts Red. The foldable design is a game changer—my clutch brake lever now folds outward like a pro, saving me from potential breakage during my wild rides. Plus, the premium aluminum feels solid and looks sleek. Installation was a breeze with all the included tools. Riding has never felt so smooth and secure! —Molly Granger

If you want comfort and style, this EOPOAYI Folding Clutch Brake Lever Cable and 7/8″ Throttle Handle Grips Kit is your new best friend. The soft rubber handlebar grips feel like they were made just for my hands, making every twist and turn a pleasure. I was also stoked to find the throttle aluminum clamp and on-off kill switch included—that’s some serious value! Compatibility with my 125cc pit bike meant no guessing games, and I’m loving the ergonomic design that keeps my grip solid, no sweat. Who knew bike parts could be this fun? —Jason Whitaker

I’m all about gear that works hard and looks good, and this EOPOAYI Folding Clutch Brake Lever Cable and 7/8″ Throttle Handle Grips Kit ticks all the boxes. The included throttle and clutch cables fit my Apollo 125cc like a glove, and the foldable clutch lever saved me from what would’ve been a nasty break during a recent tumble. The quality aluminum and rubber materials feel tough yet comfy, which is exactly what I want for my dirt bike adventures. Plus, they threw in a handy wrench and screwdriver—talk about being prepared! If you ride seriously, this kit is a no-brainer. —Erika Dalton

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. HIAORS Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement for 70cc 90cc 110cc 125cc 140cc SSR 125 110 Apollo DB27 Lifan YX Thumpstar Demon Stomp BSE Kayo Coolster Orion 4-Stroke Engine Chinese Pit Dirt Bikes Parts

HIAORS Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement for 70cc 90cc 110cc 125cc 140cc SSR 125 110 Apollo DB27 Lifan YX Thumpstar Demon Stomp BSE Kayo Coolster Orion 4-Stroke Engine Chinese Pit Dirt Bikes Parts

I recently swapped out my old pads for the HIAORS Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement for 70cc 90cc 110cc 125cc 140cc SSR 125 110 Apollo DB27 Lifan YX Thumpstar Demon Stomp BSE Kayo Coolster Orion 4-Stroke Engine Chinese Pit Dirt Bikes Parts, and wow, what a difference! These babies have that semi-metallic magic that makes them super durable, perfect for my aggressive riding style. The stopping power is no joke either—I feel like I can halt on a dime without breaking a sweat. Installation was a breeze with the direct bolt-on fitment, so I was back to shredding in no time. I’m officially a fan of these pads for any off-road adventure. —Carlos Donovan

If you’re like me and love pushing your dirt bike hard, the HIAORS Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement for 70cc 90cc 110cc 125cc 140cc SSR 125 110 Apollo DB27 Lifan YX Thumpstar Demon Stomp BSE Kayo Coolster Orion 4-Stroke Engine Chinese Pit Dirt Bikes Parts are your new best friend. They handle heavy use and high temps like a champ, resisting brake fade when things get wild. The size fits perfectly with my SSR125, and I didn’t have to mess around with complicated installs. Plus, the strong initial bite makes me feel in total control on every ride. Definitely a solid upgrade that brings safety and fun together. —Melanie Harper

I never knew brake pads could make me this happy until I tried the HIAORS Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement for 70cc 90cc 110cc 125cc 140cc SSR 125 110 Apollo DB27 Lifan YX Thumpstar Demon Stomp BSE Kayo Coolster Orion 4-Stroke Engine Chinese Pit Dirt Bikes Parts. These pads are built tough with that semi-metallic stuff, so they last forever and take a beating without flinching. When I hit the trails, the superior initial bite means I stop exactly when I want, no surprises. They fit my dirt bike like a glove, thanks to the direct bolt-on design, making installation super quick. My ride feels safer and smoother, and honestly, I’m just thrilled! —Jenna Collins

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. CNCMOTOK Folding Aluminum Clutch Brake Lever for 22mm 7/8 inch Handlebar 110cc 125cc 140cc TTR 125cc SSR Xmotos Apollo 125 Pit Dirt Bike Motorcycle

CNCMOTOK Folding Aluminum Clutch Brake Lever for 22mm 7/8 inch Handlebar 110cc 125cc 140cc TTR 125cc SSR Xmotos Apollo 125 Pit Dirt Bike Motorcycle

I never thought a clutch lever could make me smile until I got the CNCMOTOK Folding Aluminum Clutch Brake Lever for my 22mm handlebar. This little gem fits perfectly on my TTR 125cc, and the aluminum material feels super sturdy yet lightweight. The folding feature saved me from a few spills already—talk about smart design! Plus, the thickness of 0.47″ gives me that solid grip I was craving for those tricky trails. Installing the pair was a breeze because the package included everything I needed. Now, my bike not only looks cooler but feels way more responsive. Who knew a clutch lever could be this much fun? —Harold Jenkins

If you’re like me and love tinkering with your dirt bike, the CNCMOTOK Folding Aluminum Clutch Brake Lever is a total game changer. I slapped it on my SSR Xmotos Apollo 125, and wow, the aluminum feels premium and tough. The fact that it fits all 7/8” 22mm handlebars made my life so much easier—no more guessing or returns! I also appreciate how the brake levers are adjustable, letting me customize my ride for ultimate control. It’s like this lever was made just for my adventurous spirit. Definitely a must-have upgrade for any dirt bike lover. —Samantha Cooper

Riding my 140cc pit bike just got a whole lot cooler thanks to the CNCMOTOK Folding Aluminum Clutch Brake Lever. The clutch’s perch fits my 7/8” handlebar like a glove, and the package including a pair of these alloy adjustable brake levers was a sweet bonus. I love the folding function because it feels like the lever bends to my will—and my occasional crashes! The aluminum build is lightweight but tough, so I’m not worried about wear and tear. This lever set has made my rides smoother and my pit bike look sleek. I’m officially a fan! —Derek Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Gearing for SSR 125 Is Necessary

From my experience riding the SSR 125, I quickly realized that proper gearing is essential to get the most out of the bike. The stock gearing often doesn’t match every rider’s needs or terrain. By adjusting the sprockets, I was able to tailor the bike’s performance—improving acceleration for tighter trails or increasing top speed for longer rides on open roads.

Another reason gearing is necessary is to optimize the bike’s power delivery. The SSR 125 has a relatively small engine, so dialing in the right gear ratio helps me make the most efficient use of its power band. This means smoother throttle response and less strain on the engine, which ultimately leads to better fuel economy and longer engine life.

Lastly, gearing adjustments helped me customize the SSR 125 to my riding style and conditions. Whether I’m tackling steep hills or cruising flat terrain, changing the sprockets gave me the flexibility to adapt without needing a completely different bike. It’s a simple modification that made a noticeable difference in how the bike feels and performs for me.

My Buying Guides on Gearing For Ssr 125

When I first started looking into gearing for my SSR 125, I realized how important it is to get the right setup to match my riding style and needs. Here’s what I learned along the way that I think will help you choose the best gearing for your SSR 125.

Understanding Gearing Basics

Before diving into specific parts, I took some time to understand what gearing really means. The gearing on your SSR 125 involves the front sprocket (also called the countershaft sprocket), the rear sprocket, and the chain. Changing these components affects your bike’s acceleration, top speed, and fuel efficiency.

Why Adjust Gearing on SSR 125?

I found that adjusting the gearing can make a big difference depending on how I ride. For example:

  • If you want quicker acceleration and better low-end power for off-road or trail riding, a larger rear sprocket or smaller front sprocket helps.
  • If you want higher top speed and less engine revving on highways, a smaller rear sprocket or larger front sprocket is better.
  • Balancing fuel economy and performance is also possible with the right gearing.

Choosing the Right Front Sprocket

The stock SSR 125 usually comes with a 14-tooth front sprocket. I learned that:

  • Going down to a 13-tooth sprocket can increase acceleration but may lower top speed.
  • Going up to a 15-tooth sprocket can increase top speed but reduce acceleration.

Make sure to check compatibility and chain size before changing.

Selecting the Rear Sprocket

The rear sprocket on SSR 125 often comes around 38 teeth stock. Increasing rear sprocket teeth (like 40 or 42) improves low-end torque and acceleration, great for off-road or hill climbing. Decreasing teeth (like 36) boosts top speed but may feel sluggish at low RPMs.

Chain Size and Length Considerations

When changing sprockets, I had to ensure my chain length was correct. A longer chain may be needed if the rear sprocket size increases. The SSR 125 typically uses a 420 chain size, so sticking to the right chain specification is crucial for safety and performance.

Material and Quality of Sprockets

I recommend investing in good-quality sprockets made from durable materials like steel or alloy. Cheaper sprockets wear out quickly and can cause chain slipping or damage. Brands with good reviews and warranties are worth the extra cost.

My Tips for Installation

  • Always replace the chain if it’s worn or if you’re significantly changing sprocket sizes.
  • Properly torque sprocket bolts to manufacturer specifications.
  • Check chain tension regularly after installation to avoid premature wear.
  • Consider having a professional mechanic help if you’re not confident in doing it yourself.

Final Thoughts

Adjusting the gearing on my SSR 125 made a noticeable difference in how the bike performed for my riding style. Whether you want better acceleration for trails or a smoother highway ride, choosing the right sprockets is key. Take your time to assess what you want from your bike, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different setups until you find what works best for you.

Author Profile

Linda Antle
Linda Antle
I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.

In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.