Vader Experience Boom

[cbrfxr67]

Rode a z125 awhile back and had so much fun on that little thing, I started looking around for one. Seeing the $ for one versus what I could buy with that same money, I checked the Boom, Vader, Hellcat listings, watched a bunch of videos etc.

Was going to buy a BD125-15 from RedFoxPowersports and right before I clicked BUY I decided to call.

https://www.redfoxpowersports.com/boom-125cc-groom-style-motorcycle-bd125-15

Guy told me they didn't have any in stock and weren't getting any more. So, I closed that window on the computer. :shrug:

Later that night, letgo app chimed that '125cc' had an update. I clicked and found a boom for $400. Praise Jesus!

Threw it in the back of my buddy's cherokee and took it home
https://image.ibb.co/dNCozo/IMAG6681.jpg

Got it running with a new battery and playing with the fuel screw. Ordered a bunch of parts and will add pics as a stuff starts coming in. I'd like to do an engine swap in the future.

Anyone know how to resize pictures so they post smaller? I tried a string that works in another forum but that didn't post at all.

Thanks and happy to be here.
https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/headbang.gif

[JerryHawk250]

Nice find :tup:

[RedCrowRides]

Damn dawg,nice find!

[cbrfxr67]

https://image.ibb.co/dpk9H8/IMAG6683.jpg
Wish I could html resize these instead of manually doing it.

Anyways, messing around with it. Took off plastics, gone through it pretty well and seems ok. Waiting on parts :clap:

PO mangled the rear mounting plastics so chunked the fender even though it didn't bother me. Made a little fender delete bracket.

Is it just me or do these steer heavy?:hmm: Maybe it's the tires on it. It seems like it fights you in the turns. Looking at some michelin boppers to replace these as they have good reviews for cornering.

More pics as I get parts in. Waiting on parts is https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/icon_bounce.gif

[cbrfxr67]

couple more after resize,..
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[cbrfxr67]

Changed out blinkers, added a switch to turn the headlights on and off and just run the led bar. Went riding and the back brake drags like crazy. Not sure if po mightve bent the rotor slightly or if brake just needs to wear in. Seems very loud and annoying 'shhh shhh shhh shhh shhh' as I ride down the road. I dunno.
Seems like it's running ok. Got it to 40mph on a straight. haha Cuts out, like it's missing at high rpms. Still waiting on parts :/ but hopefully eliminate that with new carb etc. I keep forgetting to take pics.

[RedCrowRides]

Heyas - check the rear wheel alignment with the chain adjuster marks ,if it's cocked to one side even a little bit it will make it rub the brake pad, and to be honest that isn't unusual because the chain adjusters on the chinese bikes are kinda sloppy .Other than that the rotor might be warped but if it aint too bad it will eventually wear the brake pad to fit it, if you don't fell a strong "pulse" from the rear brake pedal when braking the rotor shouldn't be so warped it wont eventually wear the pad to fit it.One last thing is check your rotor bolts and make sure they are all fully tightened , you pretty much have to drown all bolts on these bikes in blue or red loc tite or the bolts will loosen up.



thats all i can think of offhand, i am still waiting on both all my parts to come in as well as my Vader itself, it isn't shipping til the 15th and i'm about to go freaking nuts

with anticipation. I'll try to put together a post with all the parts i ordered and links to them on amazon and ebay later today, it's a hella long list lmao, if that bike dont get here soon imma go broke ordering parts , thats what i do when i get bored, spend money lol !

[cbrfxr67]

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Stuck my levers on. Quick and easy on that,...

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Went for the carb, pulled the airbox, etc. Pretty straightforward. Ran out of time but back on it asap. I'm hating that ronald mcdonald colored air filter.
Also, anyone that says the carb can go on front or back, missed that there's a starter in the way to mount it to the rear!

[RedCrowRides]

Positioned to the front might be only option ,I can't say because mine ain't got here yet , but i ordered a Carb Spinner https://www.ebay.com/itm/26mm-Carb-Manifold-Spinner-Plate-Adaptor-For-Monkey-Dax-ATV-Dirt-Bike-4-Wheeler/162492788618?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=461500646962&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
The idea is, it's thick enough to lift the Carb enough to clear the starter to allow a rear facing position , or at least let you set it on an angle toward the rear ,due to all the graded hole sets. I can't say for sure how it will work out until it gets here ( and my Vader too lol ) and I can see what is where as far as clearances go . What I'm concerned with is being in FLA we get a lot of rain, and it can come in FAST and it POURS so that front facing filter /carb liable to suck a lot of water, there are "rain socks" made tho for those filters that help a lot , i run one on my Sportster and I've been caught in some pretty stupid downpours and it has never choked down from sucking water so I suppose that's an option if the Carb Spinner is a total wash out.,and at 6 bucks it won't be like I'm out any major cash !

[cbrfxr67]

I ordered one straight off your list! Also an intake elbow too, just in case. Tuned my carb today. Had a pita time with float not sealing and gas kept leaking. Finally got it and it does 'sound' better running. Tomorrow, gears and muffler, then see where I'm at. Can't wait to see yours come together red!

[RedCrowRides]

There is a pretty active Grom Squad in Houston iirc , I have seen Vides from one of the members on YouTube ,I think PhotoGromer is going to stop there and do a ride with them on his coast to coast Grom Tour ,you might want to follow PhotoGromer on YT to see that . There is also the Smoky Mountain Crawl each year in Tenn. which is like Daytona Bike Week or Sturgis , only for Groms,clones and scooters and Jacksonville FLA has Grom Day once a year , last time they had 300+ Groms /clones.

Yeah man I got this big pile of parts in my shed ready to go, and no Vader to put them on yet lol ! It's shipping the 15th last i heard ,so until then i guess i'll go get the handlebars i ordered for it that came in, and run laps around the yard going "Brooooooom! Brooooooooom ! "again, like i did yesterday !

[cbrfxr67]

Ha too funny! I'll check that yt tip also! Today put my 17 front sprocket on and adjusted the rear (redcrow right on the alignment solution!) and exhaust install. I used the front pipe and welded on my end. Took awhile to warm up but I took it out and got 50mph. I'm stoked about that. First gear is useful! Why are these little bikes so much fun???! So next is put it all back together and go get my inspection.

[RedCrowRides]

:yay: Glad you got the brake drag issue fixed up ,even better it didn't cost anything hah! Yeah man the 17 toof sprocket is a "must have" ,they really respond well to that change ,along with a carb and pipe and you've got those done as well so you should be good to go ,from here on out it's just a question of deciding what you like to do with it most and setting it up for that ,and maybe some appearance pieces if you are into that .
Such a sweet find for $400 and it doesn't seem to have had any major issues at all ,just needed some tunin and tinkerin !

[cbrfxr67]

https://image.ibb.co/esiDhT/IMAG6723.jpg

Feels good. That muffler is brap brap braaaap lol. I have some jets coming that I may switch out and see if it helps with warm up. Seemed to take way too long to get warmed up. https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/clock.gif

Cmon red I'm dying to see what you do to yours! Shipping is taking too long! haha The back sprocket was already a 34 so I just inserted my 17. Amazing difference. https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/36b8786f.gif

[cbrfxr67]

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Almost back together. Need to tie up some wiring and last blinker. Maybe tomorrow I can try to get my inspection done. I prob shouldve mounted the exhaust higher with better alignment to the seat lines :doh: meh,...

[RedCrowRides]

Nah man I think you are good where the pipe is, you seem like the kinda guy who is gonna get used to that thing and start wheelieing and what not, and if you get to where you want a 12 O'clockbar that pipe is just low enough to clear the pegs on the bar,and still high enough to look good.

That bike looks amazing to be a $400 buy , and you have got the basics all done so once you get it tagged so you can get out and ride it you are going to be so jazzed at how much fun they are! Yeah man I'm about to go crazy waiting on mine to get here ,I'm so bored i started building a 8 by 8 addition onto my shed which will be the "Vader Vault" lmao !

[RedCrowRides]

Update : Venom emailed me and said my x20 Vader "should "ship on Monday the 16th ,
so if all goes well I should have it by end of next week by the 20th or 21st ,then let the assembly and modifying begin! I still have a lot of parts that have not come in yet ,but I do have a goodly amount here I can go ahead and start on, and of course I will have to do the entire initial assembly /inspection loctite everything /tighten everything drill and all that noise so I will have plenty to do ,and maybe more or all of my parts will come in next week before it gets here ! Either way i am glad to know the long wait is almost over !

[cbrfxr67]

https://image.ibb.co/gvGw1y/IMAG6749.jpg

Took it out yesterday and got 57 and still had some throttle left. For me that's plenty for these roads around gym, work and back home. It's cold natured and takes forever to warm up. I'm going to try a bigger main jet, see if it helps. I'm hoping they spec'd the valves right but I may have to check them. Don't want to.

Other than that been fun little bike. Today was first day I rode into work. I love the size coming from an ElectraGlide. Easy to squeeze between cars, on sidewalks, back alleys, etc,... :clap:

[RedCrowRides]

Yeah man if you can get 60 out of her and hold it thats really good imo , everyone seems to want to make them go faster but I've ridden a modified one at 75 and my impression was ,it was real sketchy at that speed due to the 12" tires and it was not an experience I am in a hurry to repeat. It's just not designed for that ,it's a 125cc urban commuter bike ,not an interstate missile ,and plenty of fun at what it is designed to be.
Yours is looking good , and sure cant complain for what you have invested in it!

[Chinabike]

Yeah man if you can get 60 out of her and hold it thats really good imo , everyone seems to want to make them go faster but I've ridden a modified one at 75 and my impression was ,it was real sketchy at that speed due to the 12" tires and it was not an experience I am in a hurry to repeat. It's just not designed for that ,it's a 125cc urban commuter bike ,not an interstate missile ,and plenty of fun at what it is designed to be.
Yours is looking good , and sure cant complain for what you have invested in it!

exactly, like an upgraded/cooler scooter, or oversea UnderBelly style bike that you see all over asia. well that's my thoughts. Haha i start feeling sketchy at 55mph getting 45mph is fine with me for my local rides.

[cbrfxr67]

https://image.ibb.co/dxX2zJ/inspection.jpg

$7 big ones for my inspection. I think the attendant wanted to talk more about the bike then do the inspection. Happy to get that part done,...

[Chinabike]

$7 big ones for my inspection. I think the attendant wanted to talk more about the bike then do the inspection. Happy to get that part done,...[/QUOTE]



What is an inspection for? In cali i didn't have to do that.

[cbrfxr67]

Hit 200 miles on Friday. Bellypan bolt fell out and it vibrated until it cracked on the back bolt too. Fortunately I had already ordered a replacement so no biggie except annoying. My throttle a bit looser than I'd like. I'm trying to think of things to update on. Seems to be running better and better. I'm guessing it is barely broke in at 200 miles. I've ditched my bicycle in favor of riding the pee out of of my vader. It's simply loads of fun.
https://preview.ibb.co/jea568/shirnk.jpg
Hmmm how about squeaky front brake? This isn't a ducati so it isn't a huge deal but wondering how to quiet that. Any ideas anyone? Looks in good shape, nothing obvious, but come to a stop and 'squeak, squeak squeak' haha

[RedCrowRides]

You should see performance continue to slowly improve right on up to the 500 mile mark, at which point everything is pretty well sealed and seated and it will stabilize.

These small motors for whatever reasons seem to take a long time ( well, if 500 miles is a long time) for the rings to seat correctly ,valves to wear in, and so forth and so on.

Everything I have read indicates there is a really noticeable power increase from day 1 to 500 miles as well as the top end speed going up.,so you will see even more improvement there .Glad you are enjoying it ,and if you are in Dallas or Houston check out Photogromer on YouTube, he is doing an coast to coast Grom Tour and was just in Houston, about 50 - 75 Groms etc turned out and they were hoonin hard core ,lot of wheelies , stoppies, and assorted hooliganisms.

[cbrfxr67]

So as my miles climb, I find the front suspension to be crap, not below average, not so so,...it is https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/pottytrain2.gif. I was thinking of trying to swap some grom forks or do the cheap grom mod I saw on yt. Anyone have suggestions? Maybe there is something wrong with my forks that could be fixed. I mean they clunk and bonk and suck. I haven't seen any fluid leaking. I dunno. Tips from anyone with some ideas would be great. Appreciate anything,....:doh:

[RedCrowRides]

First thing I'd try which is sort of a pain physically but is cheap is change the godawful stock excuse for fork oil out and put a good quality 15 weight in there ,there are some decent Videos on how to do that on YouTube .From that point if it's still just intolerable you can try either Takegawa ($65) or Slingshot Racing ($99) Front Preload Adjusters ,or get a set of Ohlins or Kitaco front springs for $100 and pay another $100 'ish to have them installed since it takes some specialized tools . I'd really suggest the fork oil change first and try to adapt the "$15 Fork Mod" for a Grom and go from there,I have a buddy in Japan who got me the Takegawa PReload Adjusters dirt cheap and sent them to me so im going to use them but other than that my plan was fork oil change and figure out how to adapt the fork mod to a Vader .,i really don't want to end up with a 500$ front end on a $1,000 Motorcycle lol. ( Not saying I won't mind you, just saying I'm trying to avoid that lol ).



Link to Preload Adjusters here :https://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-Grom-125-MSX125-CNC-Billet-Aluminum-Fork-Preload-Adjuster-Adjustor-Set-Kit/272306821305?epid=2120913328&hash=item3f66c058b9%3Ag%3ANPYAAOSwAPlXhps7%3Asc%3A USPSFirstClass%2132420%21US%21-1&_sacat=0&_nkw=grom+front+preload+adjuster&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313


And link to front springs here :https://www.ebay.com/itm/Race-Tech-75KG-Fork-Springs-for-Honda-2014-14-Grom-125-FRSP-S2534075/132557865298?fits=Make%3AHonda&epid=214814408&hash=item1edd108152%3Ag%3AqpsAAOSwubRXLPAh&_sacat=0&_nkw=honda+grom+front+springs&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313

[cbrfxr67]

https://image.ibb.co/bSP4BU/IMAG6882.jpg

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https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/happy7.gif
Going to find sometime to do my fork oil. Maybe I can find some sonic springs for this. I did sonic springs on GS500 and major improvement.

(edit four months later: nobody every asks me what this says. Maybe it's obvious. "Made in China" lol)

[RedCrowRides]

Lol, yeah my rear shock came from the factory with the preload all cranked like crazy ,super stiff and opposite the totally mush front end, it is a handful.I 've got a new rear shock to put on there when i get that far along I really think a fork oil change to a quality 15w will help the front, given the crankcase had less than half a quart in it , my guess is on top of the fork oil they put in there from the factory being worthless, I'd bet $5 it doesnt have the correct amount in it either, as in low . Oh, check the play in your steering stem ( triple tree ) too, some of the clank might be coming from there, mine was not loose but did have some play i tightened out of it.

[cbrfxr67]

10-4 red crow good tips! Where's your build pics???

[RedCrowRides]

I'm trying to get some pic's up, I am having technical issues with my go pro but i took some pix with my kindle fire ,i got to upload them to a photo hosting site iirc and then load them to here from there . sorry it's taking so long but i am swamped under with stuff atm and i'm struggling to find time to get it done lol.

[wlfpck]

cbrfxr67, what did you register your motorcycle under for make/model?

Like for the Icebear Fuerza it's Daix PMZ125-1.

For the Vader... it should be something like Baidao 125 or something like that.

[cbrfxr67]

Mine's a Jiangsu Baodiao BD125-15,.... great little bike, well except crappy front suspension but can fix that eventually :P
------------------------
and it's time to do the forks. Rode home last night, bonk bonk, bonk bonk, bonk,... I cant take it anymore. Going to try the https://youtu.be/1zhXzm2NUSs and will update with results

[cbrfxr67]

https://image.ibb.co/ipzGqz/IMAG6903.jpg
I don't always use my engine hoist but when I do, I use it to lift chinese minibikes! haha

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So the honda fork mod does not work on the vader. The internals are not the same. Maybe someone can figure out a way to make it work but the way they did it is a cheapo version. I used some 20 weight at 250ml after pumping out all the old metallic slimy whatever oil that was. Much better than the previous bonk bonk bonk suspension I had.
https://image.ibb.co/kKgkiK/IMAG6908.jpg
I don't know how my front axle got bent but replaced with with a grom japanese upgrade.
https://image.ibb.co/gLFBOK/IMAG6911.jpg
Took it out to go to the gym and snapped a picture challenge pic for another forum. Why don't we have a picture game challenge here,...:shrug:

[RedCrowRides]

That goo they put in the front end shouldn't even be called " Fork Oil", I don't know what exactly it is but it is horrible and has the damping quality of gnat piss. Just switching over to real fork oil should have helped a great deal, the valving really isn't bad on a Vader ,the problem is that goo is so bad it doesn't allow the valving to work as it should.

Anyways I have some Front Fork Preload Adjusters I ordered that according to your photos should work ,by taking the stock fork cap off ,the preload adjuster bolt sits on top of that shaft and then when you install the adjustable caps, running the adjuster bolt down sets the preload by pressing that shaft down ,so it should work which is a relief since they were kinda pricey heh. I really need to stop making excuses and post a photo of my Vader, i'll try my best to get it done today.

[wlfpck]

Looks like the fork mod should be even easier/cheaper on the clones.

By the looks of it, that rod screws into the factory cap. Adding a couple washers should still give it enough room to be screwed into the cap but would effectively add some height.

[cbrfxr67]

wlfpck i did consider it but didn't think it would add enough to make a difference. Been looking at grom forks to swap, maybe; I'm not in a hurry. Feels way better with the 20# oil so I'm ok for now.

[wlfpck]

wlfpck i did consider it but didn't think it would add enough to make a difference. Been looking at grom forks to swap, maybe; I'm not in a hurry. Feels way better with the 20# oil so I'm ok for now.

Did you pull the whole thing out? Curious as to see if it is like the Grom where everything has to come out to change the spring, including getting the bottom of off (where the wheel and brakes mount). Watching the video for the Grom on putting in the full upgraded suspension involved heating with a torch and a special clamp tool. :|

[cbrfxr67]

https://image.ibb.co/jS23v9/bolt.jpg
Been hearing some jingling lately and found this last night while adjusting my clutch cable. Was a real pita to get out. The grom bolt did not fit. Seems like the frame bolt hole is too small. There are two other slots where nothing is bolted up that fit the grom bolts perfect. I dunno. :shrug:
The bolt they used is definitely too small. Looking for a replacement bolt. Was a little pissed but it isn't like this issue hasn't been posted over and over:ohno:

[RedCrowRides]

Yeah, for those engine mount bolts to fail as often as they do, seems like the Dealers would have notified the Factory that they got to do something about it .Also, I knew about it but one of the stock bolts absolutely does not want to come out ,found that out when I tried to change it out before it became a problem, since as you mentioned this is a known issue, but I'm afraid its going to strip out or wring off it is so over tightened now .,I am thinking thats whats making them fail is they are stretching the bolt by overtightening it that hard, on top of it being too short and of poor quality. So far I've been hosing it down with WD40 for 3 consecutive days ,in a couple more days I guess I'll try and use my electric impact and hope for the best .

[Bruces]

A lot of the Chinese bolts are made in the exact same factory and to the exact same recipe as “I can’t believe it’s not butter “ .

[Chinabike]

Bolt, Flange (8mmX140)
and
Bolt, Flange (8mmX110)

[Hellkitty]

Yeah, for those engine mount bolts to fail as often as they do, seems like the Dealers would have notified the Factory that they got to do something about it .Also, I knew about it but one of the stock bolts absolutely does not want to come out ,found that out when I tried to change it out before it became a problem, since as you mentioned this is a known issue, but I'm afraid its going to strip out or wring off it is so over tightened now .,I am thinking thats whats making them fail is they are stretching the bolt by overtightening it that hard, on top of it being too short and of poor quality. So far I've been hosing it down with WD40 for 3 consecutive days ,in a couple more days I guess I'll try and use my electric impact and hope for the best .

When I bought my Hellcat last Dec. there were two replacement engine bolts in a pouch taped to the outside of the crate with no instructions, it just said "parts". Initially I had no idea what they were for, but I later figured out they had to be engine bolts cause there was nothing else they could be for. Two grade 8 bolts with zinc or cad plating and nylock nuts. I still dont know if the dealer or the manufacturer put them there. Since they were SAE grade 8 it leaves me to believe the dealer put them there. Anyway,someone knew there was an issue with the stock bolts.

[RedCrowRides]

Well that's good news Hellkitty, at least some Dealers are reacting .Sadly I did not receive that same Care Package from who I purchased my bike from . It's a shame the issue is so widely known and experienced to the point that it is now "common knowledge" that you just need to plan on replacing them as part of your purchase ,and apparently the powers that be feel that they are okay with that . It just doesn't make any sense to me, even in the "It's a China bike" context. Upgrading two key bolts to acceptable ones just isnt a lot of money to a Manufacturer who would buy in bulk and the known issues have been reduced to so few that to address them and put out a trouble free Bike just isn't that far away cost wise and I'm sure everyone would gladly pay an addtl $25 or so on the front end to have them dealt with by the Factory and be done with it ,why they have seemingly made the decision to keep cranking out bikes with engine mount bolts that WILL fail is just baffling to me , but what ever lol.

[wlfpck]

Use Zinc Coated (for corrosion protection) Class 10.9 or better yet Class 12.9 bolts.

Class 10.9 is the grade 8 equivalent. Class 12.9 is even stronger.

Fastenal carries them. Should be less than $5 a bolt.

[cbrfxr67]

Finally got some time to work on this. Sorry I didn't take as many pics as I shouldve. The grom bolts were bigger than the crappy little one Jiangsu used. So, I drilled out the hole to accept the bigger bolt. Yes it was a pita.
I can see why they use the smaller bolt though. The weld from the swingarm bushing area doesn't give much space for wide (shoulder) bolt or nut. In fact you can't even get the bolt/nut in there with the swingarm on.

https://image.ibb.co/ceOsTU/IMAG6955.jpg

I used my jack to slightly get it out of the way enough to get my nut on. I used a hobby knife to trim the chain rubber a bit, just to make sure it didn't bind.

Again sorry I didn't take more pics. Here's my nice big bolt installed after alot of smack talking,...

https://image.ibb.co/gJwqF9/IMAG6957.jpg

Much more 'solid' feel to the bike. Buzzier in the foot pegs as well. What's next,....

[Chinabike]

What size bolts did you put in?


Finally got some time to work on this. Sorry I didn't take as many pics as I shouldve. The grom bolts were bigger than the crappy little one Jiangsu used. So, I drilled out the hole to accept the bigger bolt. Yes it was a pita.
I can see why they use the smaller bolt though. The weld from the swingarm bushing area doesn't give much space for wide (shoulder) bolt or nut. In fact you can't even get the bolt/nut in there with the swingarm on.


I used my jack to slightly get it out of the way enough to get my nut on. I used a hobby knife to trim the chain rubber a bit, just to make sure it didn't bind.

Again sorry I didn't take more pics. Here's my nice big bolt installed after alot of smack talking,...


Much more 'solid' feel to the bike. Buzzier in the foot pegs as well. What's next,....

[cbrfxr67]

Whatever comes stock on the grom. The package didn't have the size on it, just the Honda part #. I'll post a comparison pic,....

[Chinabike]

Whatever comes stock on the from. The package didn't have the size on it, just the Honda part #. I'll post a comparison pic,....

Oh you put in Oem grom bolts. Ya they are not the right size. 10mm

I still have my shock mounting bolts in, they have been ok i just put lock tight on them. I have replacements 8mm bolt for them but waiting to see if/till the stock break first.

I also have Oem Grom bolts here as i bough them first then found out they don't fit.

[Zx250r]

What bolts didnyou.end up with?

Oh you put in Oem grom bolts. Ya they are not the right size. 10mm

I still have my shock mounting bolts in, they have been ok i just put lock tight on them. I have replacements 8mm bolt for them but waiting to see if/till the stock break first.

I also have Oem Grom bolts here as i bough them first then found out they don't fit.

[Zx250r]

Bolt, Flange (8mmX140)
and
Bolt, Flange (8mmX110)

These are the engine bolts needed?

[cbrfxr67]

I've been riding and that's about it lately. Did have a run in with a lady's bumper a couple weeks back. Been meaning to post but keep forgetting:

Was filtering through traffic and the left hand lane was wide open to the light while the right lane was packed. Putt putting my way up to the light, I should have seen this coming, a lady decides she wants my lane. Bumper meet hip and knee armor. 'Hi, nice to meet you' Craaack! Luckily it was one of those soft flexy bumpers. Maybe it was a lexus, not sure.

I held onto the bike and kind of laid up on her hood, then rolled back down and realized I could keep my balance. Heavy swerve left, then right and I kept going. I guess I really didnt think about it at the time. I split to the front and bailed as soon as I got the green light.

My knee armor really did save my leg from getting squished between the bike and the car. My hip was a tiny sore but all n all I was grateful to Jesus that it wasn't worse. Bike was ok. Nothing at all to remember the incident,...

Lesson is, if you're ever next to a packed lane of cars, and your lane is open, be extra cautious of them wanting your space to zip to the front!

[RedCrowRides]

Everyone rags on me for wearing my MX elbow guards and shin/knee guards on street rides but i do it anyways, I learned a long time ago how much damage they can prevent ,and todays cage drivers are worse than ever, what with the cell phone talking, texting, watching movies while driving.

[cbrfxr67]

Yea, I don't care either. I always wear my elbow and knee guards if I'm going somewhere. Too much can go wrong too easily and I'd rather keep my knee, elbow, skin etc
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/Smileys/New_Smile/thumbup.gif

[cbrfxr67]

Update,... . . not much new. Been riding about everyday back n forth to work. Got caught in second rain downpour yesterday and Vader ran just as well. Stock tires are a little slippery in heavy rain. Other than that, not much changed. Still great little bike and lane splitting wonder!

[cbrfxr67]

Update,.... lately I've been having trouble with second gear. Either it won't go into second or coming down from third it'll skip right into neutral. Really annoying and in Houston traffic, dangerous. It isn't every time, maybe 4 out of ten times shifting. I'm at 542 miles and counting. Will change the oil and see if it helps. I'd adjusted my clutch a few weeks back and shifting was really good. Annoying to start having issues,....

[wlfpck]

Lol I hear you on the Houston traffic issue. That's why I stay around my side of town. I don't want to take mine anywhere near a feeder or highway.

For your clutch issue... Check the cable. Make sure it hasn't stretched out for whatever reason. Also if you open up the engine, check the clutch basket assembly thing. On the Honda Groms, people upgrade the springs to say the Hayabusa springs and stuff like that. Maybe something wore out or is busted.

When you change the oil, check for any metal particles/stuff in the oil.

[cbrfxr67]

Adjusted my clutch lever and seemed to help. Still every now and then the same thing,...annoying.

My tail light about fell off this morning. I heard some rattling and it's just kind of hanging in the tail fairing. Locktite and lockwashers are your friends on these bikes for sure!https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/roflmao.gif

wlfpck, maybe with a 190cc swap but no freeway for me either lol. I think the typical Houston 5 oclock traffic isn't too bad, because everybody is stopped! I lane split most of my ride home. https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/toothy9.gif

[cbrfxr67]

https://image.ibb.co/fQ6uie/IMAG7161.jpg
waiting at the gym this morning and took a pic :P

[cbrfxr67]

Went to leave this morning and gas gauge was blinking at me. I could hear gas swishing around in tank and I knew I could make it to the gas station but it wouldn't fire up.
Starter turned it over and over and I know the carbs had gas in them but it wasn't happening, like no fire. Anybody else experienced this?
I don't see why they'd make you have a no start condition if the gas gauge showed too low. Lame,....rode bicycle to work:shrug:



watch ill go home and kill switch'll be on:doh:

[RedCrowRides]

I was just gonna say " check the kill switch" lol.

[cbrfxr67]

(no start - gas light blinking low, kill switch off)
https://youtu.be/D8yT5id00JI

(start after filling)
https://youtu.be/6PmKuXwGbN0

Went home and tested my presumption. Really I think this is a stoooo-ooopid design. I guess if your'e low on gas, don't turn it off until you get to the gas station!:shrug: I know it had gas in it, could hear it swishing around tank and carb had gas in it.

[RedCrowRides]

That's crazy if it's true, i was going to say maybe the gas was so low it was below the outlet and that was the issue but if the carb had gas in it-

Lowest i have run mine is one bar, have never seen the low gas flash yet, guess i know now not to let it happen or don't turn it off til i hit a station if it ever does.

[Chinabike]

I would say it was just out of Gas. Even if there is a little gas in the tank it's probably not feeding to the carb, To low.

Flashing like that is out of gas. I always fill back up on two bars.

[Whisky]

I've had my fuel gauge flashing before and it still started but it was right when it started flashing

[cbrfxr67]

Maybe I'm wrong. It just seemed that way to me with gas in the tank swishing around. Either way I'm going to try and keep my level up.
Onto something else https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/happy7.gif Want to replace my crappy fuel lines and have a Molkt carb I want to give a shot, so going to see how that goes

[imapdog]

i have gotten to the point i don't even use a fuel filter anymore on these 125cc.

[cbrfxr67]

https://image.ibb.co/cUf2Yp/IMAG7186.jpg

messed around with swapping molkt last night but didnt finish,... hopefully get some time tonight to wrap it up and tune it

[cbrfxr67]

Got Molkt on and really good over the weekend and seemed really good with 120. This morning coming in to work was acting funky and pop (losing power) at higher rpms. :ohno:

Not cold natured at all anymore, as it was ready to go with non choke this morning. Mikuni and 115 had me waiting two or three minutes to warm up and get going.

I'll ride it a bit and check plug to see how it looks,...

https://image.ibb.co/n8RTBL/IMAG7199.jpg

[cbrfxr67]

Plug looking a little rich but not bad yesterday when I checked and changed oil at 700 miles. Took off the outer air filter but still have a blip of power loss at 55mph. This has been ongoing and trying to figure out what it is. Runs good up until around 45mph and then when you hold the throttle, it'll >blip< miss, >blip< miss. That's only way I can think to describe it. If you keep on opening the throttle it's good until you max out and then >blip< miss, >blip< miss again. Maybe try a different coil.

2nd gear is pissing me off more and more. Shift from first to second gets neutral, reshift and sometimes reshift again before getting to second. flaming >:( irritating. Going to order a 190 swap if I can't figure get it work like it's supposed to,....

[cbrfxr67]

Was having some glub glub, stall issues and played around with settings. Finally, set needle on second from the top slot and it's running good. Beat my record of 58mph this morning! The big 60mph!:clap:


Also second gear was my shifter bolt loosening up.:doh: Put too much slop in it and giving me a headache. Tightened it up and aces!

[RedCrowRides]

Most everyone runs the carb pointed front wise , but just to throw it out there :
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Carburetor-Carb-Inlet-Manifold-Spinner-Plate-Pit-Dirt-Monkey-Bike-110cc-125cc/123275318338?epid=2206023997&hash=item1cb3c81442:g:~u4AAOSwD9pbWvZ1:rk:6:pf:0


This lets you turn the carb for a more traditional backwards pointing position or even slanted backwards or side exit ,I have seen many side mounted like say how a Harley Sportster is done. The one in the above link is red anodized but if you poke around on EBay you can find them in a variety of colors.

[cbrfxr67]

I put that coil/cdi upgrade you advised me to get on there redcrow. Deleted the fuel filter too. No sputtering though all I did this morning was 53mph.
The carb spinner I bought also but haven't put it on.
Typically I don't do more than 45 and I don't even drive that far to gym work and home again but if I 'want' to do 60, I want to do 60, not worry about missing, sputtering bs. :tup:
https://image.ibb.co/kVK6V0/IMAG7318.jpg

[RedCrowRides]

Glad you got it tuned out to how you wanted it ! I know it can be aggravating but once you get it right, it's not hard to maintain ,carbs don't require near the maintenance once tuned people seem to think they do.



there is a certain aspect of "black magic" to them at first but once you get it figured out ,then it's all good. I suspect that raising that clip up one notch was all it needed all along ,moreso than changing jet sizes but if it makes you feel any better- I've done the same on more than one bike ,changing jets and only later moving the clip , it can be a slow process between jet sizes, fuel/air ratio mixture adjustment ,even throttle cable adjustment at bars etc ,and once I even did all i could think of , then found out i had a bad plug that had a hairline crack in the ceramic that was causing all the issues- another time it was a bad spark plug wire boot .

[wlfpck]

I put that coil/cdi upgrade you advised me to get on there redcrow. Deleted the fuel filter too. No sputtering though all I did this morning was 53mph.
The carb spinner I bought also but haven't put it on.
Typically I don't do more than 45 and I don't even drive that far to gym work and home again but if I 'want' to do 60, I want to do 60, not worry about missing, sputtering bs. :tup:
https://image.ibb.co/kVK6V0/IMAG7318.jpg

Which coil/cdi did you get?

[cbrfxr67]

https://image.ibb.co/gmXKcq/10.jpg

redcrow sent me a link to
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ignition-Coil-CDI-Spark-Plug-For-Dirt-Pit-Bike-SSR-90cc-110cc-125cc-150cc-160cc/292444034237?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

So far been great. I didn't use the plug since I had an ngk already.

[cbrfxr67]

Seems to be a crunchy bearing sound starting from around the front sprocket. Funny cause everything has been dialed in nicely. Was thinking to get some new tires and this noise starts creeping in. I haven't taken off the cover to look at it yet so we'll see what I find later. 'where's that z190 link,....':ohno:

(finds it)
https://pitsterpro.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=10&product_id=79


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
took off cover and ssprocket looked ok. On the stand in first and second it doesn't make the noise at all. I think it might be front wheel bearing. I'll check later this evening.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
spun front wheel around but seems tight and quiet. I'm not sure wth this sound is. I'll try making a recording and post it. :hmm:

[cbrfxr67]

Had this creaky, plastic, hollow strange sound from the front for awhile and went ahead and did the wheel bearings, thinking there isn't any other moving part it could be. I ordered Grom bearings on the fly, hoping they'd fit. Luckily the bearings fit. Seal on one side fit but on the speed pickup side, not so much. My old one was in good shape so I reused it.

https://i.ibb.co/7NJyqVf/IMAG7594.jpg
Never used this style front stand before though I've had it for years. Worked ok but I like the understem stand better.

https://i.ibb.co/1mCjcXk/IMAG7595.jpg
Craptastic bearings out

https://i.ibb.co/47qQM9t/IMAG7596.jpg
All balls replacements. So this kit works but again, you'll need a bigger seal on the speedpickup side and end up with two extra seals, but the bearings are smooth and bring a smile to my face, not hearing that weird sound anymore.;)

[Megadan]

I would check the rear wheel bearings too. They may be fine, but in my experience if one set of wheel bearings is starting to go out, the other set are often not too far behind. Better safe than sorry.

[RedCrowRides]

I see you have got it all sorted out , but just as a footnote-

Keep a sharp eye on chain tension, especially on a Vader ,doubled down if you are running the stock chain. The stock chain just stretches faster than anything I've ever seen ,and for whatever reasons the Vader seems sensitive to almost any slop in the chain and you will get strange noises from the front sprocket cover area, which will be even more sensitive if you have gone up to the 17 toof front cog.

I actually installed a dirt bike style spring loaded tensioner to help with the issue in between actual chain adjustments which helped tremendously on cutting down chain slap and noise.

[cbrfxr67]

Thanks for tips redcrow! I did have my chain loosening up on me and making me >:(. Solved my problem with extra lockwashers on the adjusters. So far been ok.

[cbrfxr67]

Quick update,...still going well for the most part. I think I'm at 1250 miles now, or right around there.

Did have my throttle lock up in the rain. The rain drips down the cable into the rubber grommet and into the top of the carb. Gritty dirt rides with the water and coats the slide. When enough builds up, the slide ain't sliding no mo' and mine got stuck around 5000 rpm. I clutched it home and opened it up, cleaned and lubed it and back to normal.

I used 6" heat shrink on the cable and over the grommet. Hopefully next time I get stuck in the rain it'll be ok.

Still happy with my Vader.

[MDStroup]

Any more updates? I have really been thinking about getting a mini bike for the hell of it for a while now. Would love to stuff a ZS190 in one as well. How many parts for a grom fit on these?

[RedCrowRides]

Most Grom bodywork and chassis parts will fit right on, however engine parts or parts that bolt onto the engine ( some engine stunt crash guards bolt to the engine sides for example) will NOT fit because while the frames and bodywork are virtually identical , the engines are two different designs and the holes will not match up .This is not really a problem tho because there are parts for chinese scooters / pit bikes for almost all the applications of that type where Grom stuff won't fit. For example, i run a blue anodized skid plate on my Vader ,a Grom one wouldnt fit but i easily found one on Ebay for "chinese pit bike" that fit right on there.

[MDStroup]

Most Grom bodywork and chassis parts will fit right on, however engine parts or parts that bolt onto the engine ( some engine stunt crash guards bolt to the engine sides for example) will NOT fit because while the frames and bodywork are virtually identical , the engines are two different designs and the holes will not match up .This is not really a problem tho because there are parts for chinese scooters / pit bikes for almost all the applications of that type where Grom stuff won't fit. For example, i run a blue anodized skid plate on my Vader ,a Grom one wouldnt fit but i easily found one on Ebay for "chinese pit bike" that fit right on there.

I don't give a shit about the engine. I want to slap on a ZS190, i was talking more about parts like swing arms and wheels.

http://www.msx125accessories.com/honda-grom-msx125-extended-swingarm-3-4?search=swingarm

http://www.msx125accessories.com/honda-grom-msx125-sf-14-rcb-rims-wheels#!prettyPhoto

I would like a slightly longer wheel base and tires for stability if i slap in a big bored ZS190.

[MDStroup]

It is good to hear most body work fits, i would love to give it a new tail end.

http://www.msx125accessories.com/body-parts/seat-cowl/honda-msx125sf-rear-seat-cowl-grom#!prettyPhoto

https://i.imgur.com/MzOqAEH.jpg

[cbrfxr67]

Nothing new on updates but 190 would be sweeeet. Just having another gear past 4th would be fantastic.

Going home today felt some slop in the rear and found the lower shock mount loose, like the bushing disintegrated. Wish I had an upgrade handy to swap in. Anyone know of shock that works and decent quality? Of course maybe I'll open it up and replace whatever fell apart in there. ��

[wlfpck]

Nothing new on updates but 190 would be sweeeet. Just having another gear past 4th would be fantastic.

Going home today felt some slop in the rear and found the lower shock mount loose, like the bushing disintegrated. Wish I had an upgrade handy to swap in. Anyone know of shock that works and decent quality? Of course maybe I'll open it up and replace whatever fell apart in there. ��

Get a rear Ohlins Shock Clone. Mine came in a while back. Haven't had a chance to install it yet.

https://i.imgur.com/PdT0q4f.jpg?1

[scoot newb]

The grom bolts were bigger than the crappy little one Jiangsu used. So, I drilled out the hole to accept the bigger bolt. Yes it was a pita.


I got some Grom engine bolts and haven't put them on yet. How did you drill out the holes in the engine case? What type of drill bit etc.. etc..

Do you think it is something a newb could do?

Thanks

[wlfpck]

If you don't want to drill out the casing... pretty sure it's M8 bolts (check my other posts. been a LONG time). Just get some that are Class 10.9 or better yet Class 12.9.

[scoot newb]

If you don't want to drill out the casing... pretty sure it's M8 bolts (check my other posts. been a LONG time). Just get some that are Class 10.9 or better yet Class 12.9.

Thanks. I got a set of the 8mm too. I am still not sure which way I'll go.

[Whisky]

Anyone know what size the swing arm bolt is? Length?

[scoot newb]

Anyone know what size the swing arm bolt is? Length?

I bought a Grom one after reading they are the same. I don't know how many mm they are. Maybe this will help.

https://www.partzilla.com/product/honda/42301-K26-900

It looks to be a 12 1/2 inches total

Aha. 300mm

https://www.motorkit.com/en/wheels-accessories/14036-swingarm-and-rear-wheel-axle-300mm-for-honda-msx-125-grom-125.html

Other forums say the nut and spindle are M10 fine.
So 10mm diameter at a pitch of 1mm, not the more common 1.25mm pitch.

[Whisky]

I bought a Grom one after reading they are the same. I don't know how many mm they are. Maybe this will help.

https://www.partzilla.com/product/honda/42301-K26-900

It looks to be a 12 1/2 inches total


Aha. 300mm

https://www.motorkit.com/en/wheels-accessories/14036-swingarm-and-rear-wheel-axle-300mm-for-honda-msx-125-grom-125.html

Other forums say the nut and spindle are M10 fine.
So 10mm diameter at a pitch of 1mm, not the more common 1.25mm pitch.

Thanks you

[cbrfxr67]

Thanks for tip wlfpck on ohlins style but I picked up a z125 shock and am going to see how that goes. I'll take some pics and chronicle what a pita it'll be to use it!:grr: hahah

scootnewb,....
On the casing I don't remember what size bit I used but it was just enough to fit the grom bolts. I use Norsemen Goldstrike bits for pretty much everything but you could use any decent bit since the case is aluminum.

[Du_you_copy?]

Bikebandit.com is helpful for ordering Grom parts & has diagrams (most things are interchangeable w/ these clones)
https://www.bikebandit.com/oem-parts/2014-honda-grom-125/o/m155498

[cbrfxr67]

Started my z125 shock swap last night.
https://i.ibb.co/2v7DXd8/IMAG8064.jpg
i don't always lift up the rear of my chinese mini to work on it but when I do, I use two cat litter buckets and some barely balanced jackstandshttps://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif

https://i.ibb.co/MCZXZqF/IMAG8065.jpg
the rubber falling apart in there

https://i.ibb.co/HN1KcCL/IMAG8067.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/QmqZ9yf/IMAG8069.jpg
of course the bolt holes are bigger so need to figure that out

https://i.ibb.co/qpmWF1j/IMAG8066.jpg
z125 shock next to old one

That was as far as I got. Have to wallow out the holes a little to accept bigger bolts. Fun fun fun

[RedCrowRides]

Hey yo. If there is a Tractor Supply store in your town, they have a nice selection of bronze bushings in their hardware aisles, that is where i got bushings to press into the shock eye on my Ohlins copy rear shock i got from 402 Innovations to put on my Vader.



Take the shock and bolt with ya and see what kinda bushing / sleeves they have to make it fit. Of course you can drill it all out to fit a larger bolt but if its tempered steel

thats gonna be a big pain in the arse lol.

[cbrfxr67]

continued with my z125 shock swap when i got home from work,..
https://i.ibb.co/hVp6fHc/IMAG8071.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/SdB6hG4/IMAG8070.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/0XRpSZ2/IMAG8072.jpg

annnd,...rode in this morning thinking it is 100% better. I have it on the second notch. Compared to the craptarded shock that was on there this is AMAZING.

https://youtu.be/GATU3M7YBuM
is where I got the idea although :58 is the best part of that video http://gstwins.com/gsboard/Smileys/New_Smile/icon_razz.gif
I seriously recommend this over the chinese turd shock.

The top bolt holes I used a little round file to open it up just a wee tad and sprayed some rust preventative in there. The bottom holes took the bigger bolts with no problem. Thanks Red for the bushing tip! Next time I'll know where to go!

[RedCrowRides]

Glad you got it all sorted out ! Yeah man i agree, even tho a lot of Grom and Z125 owners swap their stock shock out for something better, there still is just no getting around that the stock Grom or Z shock is miles better than the stock Chinese one - if nothing else due to the quality of construction and materials, plus given that we know the fork oil and brake fluid they put in the Chinese clones is terrible, I'd guess the same is true with the rear shock as well. So it doesnt matter if you go with a Grom stock shock, a Z shock, or an aftermarket part, it is still 100% likely to be far superior to the stock Chinese rear shock. You can get by with the stock unit , but you can find used shocks ( and even some new ones) so cheap on Ebay there isnt much reason not to swap it out, it really makes a huge difference for the better.

[scoot newb]

@Whisky. I found the swingarm bolt on the Hellcat is 305mm.The longest Hellcat engine bolt is also 5mm longer than the Grom. 140mm-vs-135mm.
@cbrfxr67 Very nice.

[Whisky]

@Whisky. I found the swingarm bolt on the Hellcat is 305mm.The longest Hellcat engine bolt is also 5mm longer than the Grom. 140mm-vs-135mm.
@cbrfxr67 Very nice.

Thanks. I think I got what I needed based on the info you provided

[scoot newb]

My bad. I just didn't want to give out inaccurate information.

[Whisky]

I don't have a hellcat. I have a boom Vader, the bolt length I needed is 12.5" long. I think it's around 318mm

[cbrfxr67]

Riding to work yesterday and things were good. Riding home from work,..blarrp blaaarp blaaawp,..stall. Repeat all the way home. Dang it.

Pulled molkt carb and really dirty inside. I guess my 'filter' aint too good at filtering. Pulled new mikuni clone off the shelf and prepped to replace and realized I'd used my matching air filters on another project. dang it again.

,..waiting on new filter to come in,...https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/confused1.gif

Found my problem to be a clogged vent hose. Waste of time messing with carb and it was the vent hose the whole time. 'check the easy stuff first, right?'

doh https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/angry2.gif

[scoot newb]

I had a similar problem Sunday. My splash proof filter broke off. I ordered the same one and put it on yesterday. I had to drop from 100 to 98 on the main. These filters are really restrictive but they are good if it is wet out.

[cbrfxr67]

I swear every bolt needs locktite or a lockwasher on it. My ignition fell off the other day. It was still working, just fell down into the space behind headlight. Opened it up to find
https://i.ibb.co/wrQrP5c/IMAG8598.jpg
The two bolts securing it to the bracket had fallen out.
https://i.ibb.co/Xb5rYNm/IMAG8600.jpg
Took the bracket off and locktite'd everything, and reassembled.
I think I'm around 1650 miles now,....

[Electrorange]

Does any one know what the spark plug is on a baodiao boom bike i know many other bike use the 125cc engine but can't figure out which plug they use

[sirmaxwell]

Does any one know what the spark plug is on a baodiao boom bike i know many other bike use the 125cc engine but can't figure out which plug they use

A7RTC buddy...THERE is a plaque riveted onto your swingarm near your rear wheel on the brake caliper side that tells you emissions info, what oil type to use (15w40 oil) AND what spark plug. hope this helps. peace

[sirmaxwell]

I swear every bolt needs locktite or a lockwasher on it. My ignition fell off the other day. It was still working, just fell down into the space behind headlight. Opened it up to find
https://i.ibb.co/wrQrP5c/IMAG8598.jpg
The two bolts securing it to the bracket had fallen out.
https://i.ibb.co/Xb5rYNm/IMAG8600.jpg
Took the bracket off and locktite'd everything, and reassembled.
I think I'm around 1650 miles now,....

WOW that's not good. I don't have half that mileage. I was expecting my Vader to show up and be kind of like the Chinese sooters that are very bad with bolts and hings falling off nearly every ride--plus the plastics on every Chinese scooter I have ever seen turn to junk and break pretty quickly--BUT the Vader IMO is a lot better in fit and finish than the scooters, only time will tell if mine holds up. I just got rid of my POS 150cc scooter (thank God!) which was starting and idling ok but was an absolute pile so I literally gave it away for nothing--And the same thing happened to the ignition on that scooter and all the plastics were busted--that scooter was terrible, looked like junk and was borderline dangerous to ride because all the parts were so cheap and falling apart just from normal riding and taking the plastics off one in awhile and not being able to fit them back together properly because they clip together with cheap clips in many places

Do you have a caribeaner or many keys or anything heavier than 2-3 keys and a small ring on your Vader key ring?

[Electrorange]

A7RTC buddy...THERE is a plaque riveted onto your swingarm near your rear wheel on the brake caliper side that tells you emissions info, what oil type to use (15w40 oil) AND what spark plug. hope this helps. peace

Thanks for the info i dont have the boom bike just the engine so i did not have any reference.

[cbrfxr67]

Way home yesterday and it started bogging and acting crappy:doh:. The vent tube was blocked again. Some kind of gooey grease comes up from the engine case into the breather tube and then blocks the T to fresh air. It looks and feels like a lithium grease. I dunno.http://gstwins.com/gsboard/Smileys/New_Smile/dunno_black.gif

I double T'd vent hose. One gives the gooey grease an escape route down and the other keeps my vent to carb open to breathe. If yours is running crappy, make it one thing to check whether your vent hose is blocked. That's three x for me,...

Rode in this morning in the rain with no problems brap braap https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/36b8786f.gif haha

[sirmaxwell]

Way home yesterday and it started bogging and acting crappy:doh:. The vent tube was blocked again. Some kind of gooey grease comes up from the engine case into the breather tube and then blocks the T to fresh air. It looks and feels like a lithium grease. I dunno.http://gstwins.com/gsboard/Smileys/New_Smile/dunno_black.gif

I double T'd vent hose. One gives the gooey grease an escape route down and the other keeps my vent to carb open to breathe. If yours is running crappy, make it one thing to check whether your vent hose is blocked. That's three x for me,...

Rode in this morning in the rain with no problems brap braap https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/36b8786f.gif haha

Just to be clear ( and for the somewhat mentally challenged like me) , which vent hose are you talking about was clogged? is it the emissions hose pumping fresh air into the engine or a crankcase breather? or...?

You mentioned double teeing a line and I think I see only one line with a single tee coming out of (or going into) the charcoal cannister. So I'm not sure if you meant you added a second tee to that or I missed a different single tee or you added two tees somewhere else. I think I have also seen at least 2 vents that end in open air--a carb vent and I think a gas tank vent, although I can't remember if my gas tank vent terminates in the airbox or if that's a hose from the charcoal cannister. I have only had issues with my carb vent to the best of my knowledge. And my problems seem to only happen when below 60 degrees--next time its cold and Im riding I will attempt to adjust my carb richer to see if my problems go away. I also left my right fairing off for now because my factory gas line is a bit long and would pinch itself plus get into the choke on the carb and wreak havok on holding the choke open and the gas line was even interfering a bit with the clutch cable--I can hardly believe they routed it that way but its an easy fix. I will put my fairing back on whenever I feel like rerouting and probably shortening my stock fuel line and maybe changing out or adjusting my factory carb more.

I have found after breaking my engine in the reccomended way for nearly the first 500 miles--th eVader loves to be revved high--it shifts better when you rev it to 6000 RPMs out of every gear except maybe 1st sometimes, but I rarely use 1st after leaving my driveway. Even if my top speed is like 55-60mph, it is kinda fun having a bike that feels like youre supposed to wring the snot out of it. Mine only starts doing the high frequency vibrating thing at very high rpm/speeds in lower gears or at close to 50mph. It seems to be working as described and if it proves to be reliable like my friends bikes are and like another bike I have, then Im happy

[cbrfxr67]

This is crankcase breather. I took off all my emissions stuff & airbox so I have a line from carb vent T'd to breather and tank, then to fresh air,....but I double T'd it to give the grease a way to not block my carb vent,...
And since you're looking at bbk's I tried that on a scooter I had but I could never get it to run right. Was easy to install and everything seemed good but it sucked I couldn't make it work. I don't know if Vader would be pita like that. Maybe not,... I'm hoping the zs $ will come down as time goes by and I can eventually pick one up woo hooo

[scoot newb]

I would skip the BBK and go for a larger motor. I don't think the zs190 kit from pitsterpro will drop below $640 shipped anytime soon. That kit comes with everything besides an exhaust and a jet kit. A floor jack, screw drivers, wires cutters and a metric socket set is all you need to get the motor in and running. Oh wait... you'll also need a drill and misc nuts and bolts to mount the oil cooler to the horn mount. I am new to wrenching and did it in less than 4 hours.

[scoot newb]

Oh shit, you'll want to get an oil catch can too.

[Electrorange]

A7RTC buddy...THERE is a plaque riveted onto your swingarm near your rear wheel on the brake caliper side that tells you emissions info, what oil type to use (15w40 oil) AND what spark plug. hope this helps. peace

Do you the spark plug gap?. Thanks

[Whisky]

do you the spark plug gap?. Thanks

.027-.029

[cbrfxr67]

Latest update,...lost my N light. Maybe try to figure it out http://gstwins.com/gsboard/Smileys/New_Smile/dunno_black.gif

[scoot newb]

Do you know where the gear sensor is on the motor? It is by the front sprocket. It has 5 wires on it. The green and red one is for neutral. You could check the gear sensor itself to see if the "pick-up" for neutral is damaged.

That same green and red wire connects to the wiring harness and makes its way up to the cluster which has the same pin outs. You could use a multimeter to figure out where it is failing. Hope this helps

https://imgur.com/U8Eu3f0.jpg

The gear indicator look like this

https://imgur.com/QI7DOZi.jpg

[cbrfxr67]

that's great info! wish i could rep you for that! thanks tons!
http://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2016/06/30/14466486/REP%20STARS%20FINAL%20large.jpg

[scoot newb]

Someone else posted the cluster wiring diagram to this site some time ago. I can not find it again. I'm just passing it along. But yeah, I want to find that post again and thank him because this solved a problem where 3 lit up on the cluster when I was in 4th and visa versa.

[PLYROWNER69]

I've had mine for 850 miles, engine bolt went missing, had to extract a few bolts (learned to avoid reusing green china bolts), my blinker relay gave out.

Some of the mods/improvements I've done:
-Mikuni knock off carb from Amazon, yet to mess with the jetting
-Custom exhaust pipe
-Down 1 tooth in the front sprocket
-Higher grade bolts used for the engine mounts, rear suspension mounts, axles
-Maxxis Knobby tires

I ride with Groms in my area every Tuesday, I love how cheap it is to completely change my Boom's performance and I enjoy wrenching on it. Hoping to throw on a cheap big bore kit and fixing a few lighting electrical issues.

[cbrfxr67]

Looks great PLYROWNER! Be cool to see how it turns out with big bore on it.

[cbrfxr67]

https://i.ibb.co/C0QsKWD/IMAG8900.jpg

Hit my 2000 miles mark. 2000 mile review, you say?

Overall I think it's been great. My initial investment was $400 so I started out ahead. The best thing about it is the size which gives me lane splitting winning abilities haha. Second, related maybe, is that it's agile, easy to ride and very forgiving when I make a mistake. It's simple to work on too, even for someone with lesser than mechanic knowledge as in a learning tool. I mean at worst if it breaks, you get to upgrade to a zs190. I'm not sure that's a bad thing!

The bads,..... Number one bad would be suspension. Rear shock bushing crapped out which made me upgrade to a z125 shock. Front shocks are terrible. I did some 20w awhile back and they were night and day difference but they still suck. Starting to think about finding shock upgrade. Other issues would be screws, bolts, nuts that fall out or break. This has been covered over and over but really annoying. Stock tires weren't so bad but my front has developed a significant unbalanced wheel hop at higher speeds. It isn't worn out but upgrading soon. I guess that's about it for high and low notes,....
2000 miles and it's running well on that Molkt carb.

[RedCrowRides]

I had the same issue with rear shock bushing which made me upgrade ,but it was more than a little my fault most likely since i stunt and am really hard on drivetrain / suspension. I agree on the front suspension also, i too changed the forkoil which helped a lot and also added some preload adjusters i got from a friend in Japan but while a lot, lot better than stock it still aint nothin to brag on.,if i ever see a decent set of used Grom forks on Ebay i think i will buy em and put the $99 dollar springs in em and new oil and my preload adjusters and try that.


And yeah the "chinesium" bolts, screws, nuts are laughable but an easy and cheap fix

to upgrade em ,i don't mind that since i like working on the damn thing almost as muchas riding it lol.

[Whisky]

Im at just a little over 1k on my lil Ducati and haven't had any issues at all but I have upgraded most because I wanted to, I am however still on the original motor mount bolts believe it or not.

[cbrfxr67]

Time for inspection and this time,....see if I can get my Texas plates.
https://i.ibb.co/DY0cbjd/IMAG8971.jpg
Inspection went ok. Clerk gave me a couple dubious looks this time around, but still did it.

Then,...off to Texas DMV,..a magical land of happy people and smiling faces,...yea right! That lady tried hard to shoot me down on my plates.

She gave me crap about it being Vermont plated and that I'm not a Vermont resident (I said that I'm trying to get it from Vermont, in my name, to be legal in Texas, in my name), Vermont Title not actually being a title (Vermont doesn't issue a title for under 300cc), no tax receipt that I paid Vermont tax to register it (I asked her how would I have a legal Vermont plate/registration if I didn't pay the tax for it), she said that I would have to pay the Texas tax (ok how much?), repreatedly grilled me on the make, model and size (Baodiao Jiangsu! 125cc haha. Maybe people in the waiting areas were laughing at me bellowing BAODIAO JIANGSU! lol), finally she actually called Vermont dmv to confirm (they did). She made me wait about an hour and a half. Finally she said that she would give me my plates.

BAM! Feeling good admiring my legal Texas plate. https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/la.gif

[wlfpck]

Someone else posted the cluster wiring diagram to this site some time ago. I can not find it again. I'm just passing it along. But yeah, I want to find that post again and thank him because this solved a problem where 3 lit up on the cluster when I was in 4th and visa versa.

Talking about this post? This is what I posted up when I had to swap my cluster.

http://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=21374

[cbrfxr67]

Wednesday the rain came down right a 5 oclock on the way home and got soaked. I'd previously put some heat shrink over my cable where it goes into the carb but I guess it had backed off.

The slide got water, grit in there and locked up again around 6000rpm. I clutched it home, running all the stop signs and passing people on the right, wrong side of the road etc cause I really didn't want to stop and push it.

Anways, oiled up the slide and blew it out with air and it's ok. This time I put heat shrink with tape over it. Hopefully that'll keep the water out. Was dong great until then. Was plowing through the water while cars had their blinkers on waiting for it to pass,....:D

[scoot newb]

Talking about this post? This is what I posted up when I had to swap my cluster.

http://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=21374

Yes that is the one!

Thanks it was very helpful. I've since gotten another new cluster and found it was easier for me to switch the wires on the gear indicator sensor and leave the cluster as is.

This do-hickey here.

https://imgur.com/B0JBVv0.jpg

[scoot newb]

Latest update,...lost my N light. Maybe try to figure it out http://gstwins.com/gsboard/Smileys/New_Smile/dunno_black.gif

Oddly enough my N light is hit or miss now. It worked fine for a couple of days after installing the new sensor. I am going take a look maybe the screw that holds it in needs tightening. If not I got a couple more lying around. I ordered a bunch.

[cbrfxr67]

Anyone have any thoughts on front forks swapping? I'm hating this suspension. Maybe early grom forks would swap, I dunno. My steering bearings crapped out too so I have to figure those notchy turd piles out also.:doh:

[scoot newb]

Anyone have any thoughts on front forks swapping? I'm hating this suspension. Maybe early grom forks would swap, I dunno. My steering bearings crapped out too so I have to figure those notchy turd piles out also.:doh:

Same.

Bump

[cbrfxr67]

https://i.ibb.co/zFpd27Q/IMAG9240.jpg

got m' forks in and some grom bearings. Hopefully these bearing fit or I'll be on the hunt for the right ones. Can't wait to get some time. unfortunately I'm right in the middle of,...

https://i.ibb.co/xfqmXQ2/new-im.jpg

[cbrfxr67]

Made some time last night to do the quick swap,...

https://i.ibb.co/6BKccpS/IMAG9264.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/pd3NJBP/IMAG9269.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/SXcx7tM/IMAG9270.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/MnYLVcb/IMAG9272.jpg

I'm not crazy about that bright gold color. I prefer the black but :shrug:. Was an easy swap out. I putted around in front of the house but couldn't tell much of a difference actually. Maybe out and about it'll be better.

This weekend tires which I think 'will' make a huge difference,....

[Whisky]

Where did u get that triple tree stand at. I agree there isn't much of a difference between the grom forks and the clone forks, there definitely built better and they can be upgraded, I too am not a fan of the gold, I might try and wrap them in black.

[cbrfxr67]

Was thinking the same on back to black!

It's a Venom stand. Ebay had some decent prices at the time and it's worth getting one even if you only use it now and then.

It comes with a standard 5 pin kit and then you can buy an add on kit with bigger sizes. I couldn't get it to work on the big kawasaki voyager but everything else it's great.

What's next on yours Whisky?

[Whisky]

I have the front stand but it goes under the forks instead of the triple tree so will look into that. As far as next on the bike, Probably instead of grom calipers I will go with Brembo instead, better brakes is always a good thing. That will probably be it, when I get bored I will just paint it again. I did get another set of plastics, frame bars and rims for that reason. For preventive measures, I still need to do the shift star fix on the 190, might be next yr as my riding season will be ending soon probably. Would be nice to live somewhere that's warm all yr.

[cbrfxr67]

Brembo sounds like sweet upgrade! Houston is pretty good for all year riding. Sometimes maybe it's too HOT to ride instead of too cold down here.

This weekend did somemore. Interesting journey through bullcrap,... I was thinking I'd document everything for the next guy who needed steering bearings and,...well yea

Started out good. My wife surprised me by buying me a hf tire machine. I'd complained about tires taking me so long and she actually got me the tire machine set up. Was speechless!

Let me get this out of the way now.
Warning: GROM BEARINGS DON'T FIT. Well not easily anyways.

Got bike set up and started on bearings:
https://i.ibb.co/LP7xyBy/IMAG9290.jpg
easy enough spanner nut allright

https://i.ibb.co/qRMTpHg/IMAG9292.jpg
here's what you end up with, nothing too complicated

https://i.ibb.co/PhNFPBk/IMAG9295.jpg
bottom bearing missing a couple bbs. I'm thinking 'great there's my problem.'

https://i.ibb.co/jLtB82c/IMAG9297.jpg
pop out these races. Top one looked ok.

https://i.ibb.co/tLGYgMN/IMAG9299.jpg
My walkthrough, thinking to show how to get that bottom race off. I tap a wedge in there and move it around, lever it off. Takes a bit of patience but it'll come off,....

https://i.ibb.co/Rh3NXv7/IMAG9300.jpg
new all balls grom bearing on. Things going ok. It's a bit taller than the crappy chinese bearing that came out but I'm thinking it'll work out.

annnd that's when things went bad. Pounded in the races and then my steering stem was too short. The spanner nut threads on to the lower threads and could no longer reach them. Called it a night and thought about how the f am I going to fix this now. Also all pictures and walkthrough down the drain at this point,..sorry

Morning and Holy Ghost whispered to me to cut it, add an extension and weld it up. I thought why not, if it doesn't work I can always go back. I love having a welder.

Cut it in the middle and fit a piece inside the stem to keep it straight. Welded it up and bravo, it actually worked. Maybe 5/16's longer. Reassembly went good. All's looking good. Changed out my tires and mounted them. Tires are Shinko Blackwall 120/70-12 & 130/70-12 SR723's,...

This morning rode in and those bearings are butter smooth. Amazing difference. Tires are ten times better than stock kendas. Grip and 'feel' made me smile.

So, yea Grom bearings no buenos. They are too tall to fit. I have the old ones to measure later and post sizes for the next guy trying to find the right ones.

https://i.ibb.co/ygZPRyf/IMAG9301.jpg
Need to change front brake fluid,... Up one on rear shock for stiffer ride,.. Oh and figure out what that occasional chirpy-squeaky sound is,...making me nuts

[Whisky]

2 Questions. How did the hf tire changers work out. Did it make a pita job considerably easier? Secondly. Will a Grom triple tree fit on these clones or to bypass the cut and welding, I'm guessing the bearings would still be a no go unless u matched up with a Grom frame, which would be a little much just for the better bearings.

[wlfpck]

So, yea Grom bearings no buenos. They are too tall to fit. I have the old ones to measure later and post sizes for the next guy trying to find the right ones.



This is interesting... I think on the Icebear Fuerza they do fit. Or at least I think that's what someone said on the Facebook groups.

You consider just getting a Grom Triple Tree? That may make it easier and faster to source parts later.

[cbrfxr67]

wlfpck that would have been a better idea. In fact the guy I got my forks from had it included and I told him that I didn't need it.:doh:

On another note, I've been chasing a rattle & chirp sound that is driving me nuts. I've taken all the panels off and riding it like that, checking all the bolts and used a prybar around the frame looking for crack or something.

Found the main bolt on the gas tank was loose and that helped but this annoying chirping sound just keeps coming back. Only does it on acceleration but >:(. I'll find it sooner or later.

I need to go find a tire shop to bump the picture challenge,......

[Redvader]

Wow 400.00 what a deal it’s looking really good.

[cbrfxr67]

2 Questions. How did the hf tire changers work out. Did it make a pita job considerably easier? Secondly. Will a Grom triple tree fit on these clones or to bypass the cut and welding, I'm guessing the bearings would still be a no go unless u matched up with a Grom frame, which would be a little much just for the better bearings.

Whisky, my bad I missed your message,...

hf tire changer,....the 'motorcycle' tire changer part didn't work at all. The rod in the middle is too big to fit through the center. I strapped it down and it was just,...dumb. Now the bead breaker on the bottom is absolutely amazing! That part made it all worth it to me. I'd fought with tires before and using the bead breaker makes everything smooth. After breaking the beads, I use some spoons on the floor and off/on pretty easy.

Not sure on the triple. If the stem is a little longer then the bearings/races will fit with some encouragement.http://gstwins.com/gsboard/Smileys/New_Smile/hithead.gif

Thanks redvader! Where's yours? Need to see some pics!?

[cbrfxr67]

https://i.ibb.co/rbGLQMm/IMAG9613.jpg

Took Vader out for a 60 mile ride yesterday. Guys on Harleys and big bikes blowing by me, but was a great cruise and little bike buzzing along,....

[ikeus685]

Harley image.. That's all they want..Image.. Talk to any high mileage rider/tourer and they'll tell you that their best riding memories and enjoyment comes at speeds at and below the double nickel.
Mine came in today:yay:Hope to be riding mine soon!

[wlfpck]

wlfpck that would have been a better idea. In fact the guy I got my forks from had it included and I told him that I didn't need it.:doh:

On another note, I've been chasing a rattle & chirp sound that is driving me nuts. I've taken all the panels off and riding it like that, checking all the bolts and used a prybar around the frame looking for crack or something.

Found the main bolt on the gas tank was loose and that helped but this annoying chirping sound just keeps coming back. Only does it on acceleration but >:(. I'll find it sooner or later.

I need to go find a tire shop to bump the picture challenge,......

Where in Houston are ya? The weather's been pretty good lately. Not too hot/cold.

[bogieboy]

wlfpck that would have been a better idea. In fact the guy I got my forks from had it included and I told him that I didn't need it.:doh:

On another note, I've been chasing a rattle & chirp sound that is driving me nuts. I've taken all the panels off and riding it like that, checking all the bolts and used a prybar around the frame looking for crack or something.

Found the main bolt on the gas tank was loose and that helped but this annoying chirping sound just keeps coming back. Only does it on acceleration but >:(. I'll find it sooner or later.

I need to go find a tire shop to bump the picture challenge,......
a rattle/chirp could be exhaust related... the stock exhaust on my roketa was very "chirpy" for lack of a better term...

stock:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GY6EHr-S_fU

and fixed...LOL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-hrpmAZEk4

[cbrfxr67]

wlfpck
On NW side. Weather has been great this past week! I still ride in the rain and (texas) cold (ha) but these beautiful days are a blessing! Praise Jesus! This morning leaves blowing all over the place, gorgeous sky and about 68!https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/headbang.gif

bogieboy
I see what u mean. Mine turned out to be the bolt that goes all the way through from one rearset to the other, which I probably need to check it again. Thanks for posting those tips!

Changed oil and tightened up my chain (for the 18x) last night. Should go over all my bolts again. A week or so back, front fender mounting tab broke and have a replacement inbound. Tired of hearing that vibrating rattling noisehttps://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/angry9.gif

[wlfpck]

wlfpck
On NW side. Weather has been great this past week! I still ride in the rain and (texas) cold (ha) but these beautiful days are a blessing! Praise Jesus! This morning leaves blowing all over the place, gorgeous sky and about 68!https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/headbang.gif



I was out riding a little. Breaking in the Grom before all the parts get in. Was riding around the Spring area.

[cbrfxr67]

Where's some info on that 2020? How you liking it?????

[wlfpck]

Where's some info on that 2020? How you liking it?????

Lol pretty much the same as the 2019. It's nice having fuel injection. Got a pretty good deal over at Honda of Houston.

Fuel injection is nice. No more fiddling around with the carb. Bike seems a bit heftier than the clones... but that may be just me. Since I sold my Grom Clone... I have nothing to compare it with.

WAY less vibrations than the stock 125cc on the clones.

Ordered the H2C rear fender which is shorter than stock but still a fender. I don't stunt so wanted a fender, but just a bit shorter of one.

Ordered the Ransoto exhaust on Amazon during Black Friday so got it for $68. Couldn't leave that alone.

Next is the Kitaco clutch cover to get an oil filter and get rid of the oil spinner. While I have it apart, I'll do a high flow pump upgrade and maybe change the clutch spring holder out to a 6 bolt design and put in the stiffer Kitaco springs.

For the intake... currently looking for a way to keep the stock airbox. Ordered a 135 deg silicone elbow. Will need something for the stock airbox for the silicone elbow to connect to.

Probably going with either PCV piggyback or the aRacer mini ECU.

Overall... somewhat different experience from the Grom Clone... but still very similar in a sense. The only difference other than the fuel injection vs carb... is that on a Grom... you go bore kit.... on a Grom Clone... you go zs190 swap.

If I ever get the itch to play with a carb again... I may pick up another Clone.

[cbrfxr67]

spankin review! Thanks for that wlfpckhttps://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/notworthy.gif

Can I ask what you got for your clone? I've thought about selling mine but I'll just get another one or a scooter. I have bigger bikes but it's kick azz for splitting/filtering around here.

https://www.partzilla.com/article/grom-sweepstakes
I'm not sure where I saw this but I've been entering everyday. haha Then i can sell mine for sure.

[wlfpck]

spankin review! Thanks for that wlfpckhttps://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/notworthy.gif

Can I ask what you got for your clone? I've thought about selling mine but I'll just get another one or a scooter. I have bigger bikes but it's kick azz for splitting/filtering around here.

https://www.partzilla.com/article/grom-sweepstakes
I'm not sure where I saw this but I've been entering everyday. haha Then i can sell mine for sure.

Sold mine for $700. Gave the guy the bike and a box full of factory parts and some aftermarket parts.

I still have a new Ohlin's rear shock copy I can sell it for cheap. Either that or I'll throw it on my Grom. Haven't decided yet.

But yeah... that's what everyone says... even though they have bigger bikes, having a Grom or Grom Clone is just too much fun. It's easy to ride/park/flick around.

If you're interested in getting a Grom instead of the clone... Honda of Houston should do the same deal that I got. Wouldn't hurt to ask if you want to go that route.

[cbrfxr67]

Got my fender in from Ebay special and turned out to be legit honda part numbered grom fender. Of course fit grom shocks so,..new shiny front fenderhttps://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif.

Thanks for tip on HoH wlfpck. I'd probably look for something broke and cheap to fix. Maybe someday I'd actually buy a new bike but I love fixing turds or doomed bikes and getting them rolling again https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/c746f3c0.gif

You riding this week? It's been so nice. I been riding my bicycle to work:crazy:

[wlfpck]

Gonna try to get out and ride. Not sure yet. Will depend on what errands I gotta get done. It sucks being an adult. :(

[cbrfxr67]

https://i.ibb.co/h1q25mz/IMAG0039.jpg

My gas tank started leaking which really sucks. It looks like it's coming from the front mount. Trying to find a new one.

Here's a pdf of parts in case anybody is looking. Hopefully, the link works.

https://pdfhost.io/v/csom7Sa0_GEN_I___Vaderpdf.pdf

I asked Bellemont and they quoted me $109. Asked Venom and waiting for their answer. Also sent Cajun maddogs a message to see if they could get it. $109 bucks hurts,..https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/16203a32.gif

[JerryHawk250]

Looks to be the same as the Hellcat. https://partskit.com/product/search/schematic?s=100793&query=HELLCAT%20125%20and%20Power%20And%20Fuel%20S upply%20System

[cbrfxr67]

That's some winning right there Jerry,...https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/notworthy.gif

I didn't even look cause I thought it'd be different. Ordered just now,....

[JerryHawk250]

The $45 sounds better on the wallet too.

[cbrfxr67]

New tank went on well. I should have a pic right,... lemme find some,..(in case anybody wondering how tank mounts)

front mount
https://i.ibb.co/HVv2fGF/IMAG0064.jpg

back mounts
https://i.ibb.co/7pwsLMW/IMAG0063.jpg

reference no tank
https://i.ibb.co/w7gTMY1/IMAG0062.jpg

new tank
https://i.ibb.co/wyPkSzF/IMAG0071.jpg

The difference was that the sender unit mount has welded on nuts compared to studs on the original. Other than that was exact same. Rep for Jerry on that one! Thx again.

After this, back to riding and became harder and harder to start. I think I'm at 2800 miles now. Push started it one day and it started so easily. After that I push started without even trying starter. Annoying but whatever,... I didn't care that much.

Then last week, went to start and fired up, cruised down the street and kind of faded out, died. Restarted and seemed like it was, gasping. I don't know how to explain it. Stalled and I pushed it home. In garage I looked it over, cleared my drain tubes that get clogged with that gooey white shi@ and started up again. Ran in the garage at 7000 for a bit, cut it off and checked plug which looked great.

Allright? I hop on and test it and it dies about 200 yards down the street. Start again and more gasping. Irritated I push home and take Jeep to work.

Since then I've only used a spark tester and it was questionable to where I need to check that again. I barely put a new mikuni on it a few weeks back and don't too much suspect it.

Been putting R1 back together, riding 500 and little bike is waiting for some attention. Any ideas? Thanks for any tips! Funny how I have a love/hate relationship with this bike. Sometimes want to set it on fire, other times want to tell everybody I talk to how great it is. haha

[Weldangrind]

Next time it gasps and stalls, pull the gas cap off and see if it starts easily.

[cbrfxr67]

Yes I did try that W&G,... forgot to mention. Thanks for that idea though!

[cbrfxr67]

Been running ok since I removed the tank vent valve. I just cut it out of the line. Since then A ok. I think I'm at 2900 miles now. Took these this morning for a picture game challenge on another forum:D

https://i.ibb.co/nB55bNK/warehouse.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/m0WB4mn/warehouse1.jpg


my passenger left peg broke. The whole bracket cracked. I took off the peg til I can get a new one or get somebody to aluminum weld it back together.

keep on rollinghttps://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/36b8786f.gif

[CaliVaderBD-125-15]

I have been working on and modifying my bike for almoat a year now and I have had setback but I knew buying a knock off would come with a few issues to tend too. So I have had to replace clutch cable, motor mounts, the headlights flicker and don't work properly, and I fixed a hole in my gas tank. The gears were too quick so I changed the front sprocket to a 16t which helped with that but now I needed/wanted more power. So I put a new carburetor and dumped the air box completely but now I can feel the bike is way too lean and looses power especially in 4th gear I know that a Power Commander V can fix those type of problems or re flashing the ECU but I was hoping that maybe I just needed to re jet my carbs to fix that problem or something. Also I have been trying to look into a big bore kit if anyone knows about the dynamics of doing a big bore install. Thanks to whom ever can help me out with this seriously.

[Jonoc]

I just started modding my Vader 2 but I don't think a power commander is applicable to carbureted bikes. I'm still shaking it down. I had the gas tank vent issue and I'll look at my mounts now since it seems like a common issue. Besides the swap I don't see much more power coming besides a big bore some some engine and head work that would only bring marginal improvements.

[cbrfxr67]

I'm starting to think about a swap too Jonoc. 125 has been ok for my little sandbox area I ride in but more and more I want to get moving and brrrrrrrrrrrr,..stuck at my usual pace.

https://i.ibb.co/nzQV9sc/IMG-20200708-115156.jpg

I dunno if I posted my passenger peg broke awhile back. Still haven't fixed it. I should do that sooner or later. Been riding almost everyday and I think I'm around 3400 miles now. Lower belly pan cracked again, vibrated loose although I put a bigger washer on it and it's ok. Something is rattling somewhere that I've yet to find. I hear it when I'm idling at lights. arg Other than that haven't had to do anything to it lately, but wash it and ride.

[cbrfxr67]

Haven't posted much in awhile. Actually haven't been on chinariders in awhile. Sacrilege! hahah
Got a swingarm from msxaccessories and put it on over the weekend. Little bike prob around 5600 miles now but my speedo stopped working. Running good although hasn't been liking rainy weather much.
Picked this one up mainly for the chain adjusters. The Vader chain adjusters are crap!

https://i.ibb.co/dj4j6zn/PART-1627320041359-IMG-20210725-141144.jpg

I'd ordered black but two months later started inquiring and they didn't have black. I told them to send me whatever they had and got a blue one. I thought about painting it but wtvr,...

https://i.ibb.co/K51ndzM/PART-1627320284183-IMG-20210725-135529.jpg

i don't always lift my mini bike but when I do I use cat litter buckets and a stick! ha idk why that's always funny to me,..

https://i.ibb.co/bz26cKG/PART-1627320255783-IMG-20210725-135545.jpg

Thought these were going to be rubbish but they looked fine. Did the bearings while I had it off. They were rough and needed to be changed. Used sealed grom bearings from ebay,...

On the frame mount I had to grind off a bit on both sides. On the axle spacer I had to grind it down a wee bit also. Other than that, it was pretty simple. Riding in this morning was a huge difference. It had felt kind of spongy and now it feels new again.

https://i.ibb.co/0V1W1w3/PART-1627320016795-IMG-20210725-142202.jpg
Will be changing soon w new chain but I think it's done well for 5000+,..

Almost forgot the end pics,...

https://i.ibb.co/qypPWY6/PART-1627323887466-IMG-20210726-125545.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/ncSB6Js/PART-1627323894504-IMG-20210726-125558.jpg

Next wanting to do a 190 so going to start putting my tens of dollars aside,...https://www.motohouston.com/forums/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif

[TyGuy]

This is looking great!

[2LZ]

If I wasn't so girth-y, I'd love to have one of these.

[cbrfxr67]

Been awhile but I haven't done much to it except ride. My speedo stopped working so I'm guessing I'm around 10k now. Been waiting for this 125 to take a dump and it keeps on going.

I converted the battery to us a M12 Milwaukee battery. Kind of convenient for me since I have M12 tools. Can't think of anything else I've done to it. Oh my rear z shock crapped out and I picked up a cheapo amazon shock. The amazon shock is way too bouncy and too high. I'm always scooting back as I slide forward. Need to figure that out,....

https://i.ibb.co/6DHFJjm/SMALL.jpg

Guy at worked picked up a new spiffy '23 this morning. Funny how someone getting a bike can spur you to fixing yours! I ordered a zs190 a couple hours after I saw it. haha

https://i.ibb.co/FWMfxJF/IMG-20220608-172849794-HDR.jpg

Found that I can use a work stand to hold the rear up for anything I need to do. atdtools.com/7811

https://i.ibb.co/D1VgWKN/89690476802730379411655072009111-1.jpg

Fun with bikes,...

[cbrfxr67]

ZS190 wasn't too hard to get installed. I had to slightly shave a teeny bit of clearance. Was harder to get my rearsets to fit. I didn't like how the brake lever fit and ordered some aftermarket cnc rearsets that looked good. What a b to install. After that, got it running on the old harness. Things looked great. I ran it for about ten minutes and then it stalled. Figured I'd get back to it in a day or so.

That was 4 months ago. It hasn't ran since. I've wired and rewired, multiple coils, cdis, everything I could think of and only have gotten intermittent spark.>:( Yesterday tried a new magneto and pickup and still nothing. I'm way past frustrated with this one.

Right now, I'm on the wiring that came with the engine. I thought about making my own simple harness and trying it but haven't gotten to that level of :doh: yet. This weekend I'm going to plug back into the vader harness and see how that goes with the new magneto and pickup.

So,....if anybody has any tips on wtf I could try, please advise. I've never had this much of a problem from any bike I've ever had. Well there was that old sabre that got flooded twice and i timed wrong, but other than that one:shrug:

https://i.ibb.co/s9br0cT/received-1537187790113747.jpg

[cbrfxr67]

Wow, glad I wasn't waiting on a response :)

Ended up ordering a new wiring harness. I think I've done 2000 miles or so. My speedo doesn't work anymore. Not cause I didn't connect it, it just doesn't work. Thinking of new front light set up.

Riding on freeway now, I10, 290 and 610. Little bike does great so far.

My brakes are pretty crappy. Looking to upgrade asap.

That's about it for update. I love 5th gear and also the major power difference from the 125, although that was a GREAT engine.

https://i.ibb.co/3C4Y1J4/IMG-20231010-122314000.jpg

[cbrfxr67]

Forgot pictures but my dang starter chain has broken at least five times. So sick of that. This morning was taking it out and have been tuning a pwk28 here and there and it broke when I was getting it started.

Wondering if a DID chain would stop that from happening or just prolong it til it broke again. I bought a sixteen foot length from some chain supplier and been doing fairly well this last go around til this morning. facepalm

[2LZ]

Starter chain? Do these pull start like a lawn mower? I have no experience with these.