2023 Venom SS3 mini

[herbie]

I just bought another bike, well a mini bike :tup: So the fun begins!

[herbie]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBYjfg7FMLs

[JerryHawk250]

Sweet looking bike. Like the color. :tup:

[herbie]

Thanks Jerry, I really like that orange!

[herbie]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqP_3UWskhs

[herbie]

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KEM91IddB0g

[JerryHawk250]

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KEM91IddB0g

I love the safety gear. Flip Flops and a hard head. Geez Herbie. You supposed to be setting and example :p

[herbie]

I did, a bad one! :p

[culcune]

I love the safety gear. Flip Flops and a hard head. Geez Herbie. You supposed o be setting an example :p

:lol:

[culcune]

I did, a bad one! :p

:lmao: I oftentimes resemble this comment!

[herbie]

Getting close to time to do a valve adjustment and oil screen cleaning on the mini. For some odd reason the oil screen on this bike is behind the clutch cover, cover has to be removed. I heard the valve cover is going to be a bear as well. Oh well, I like a challenge. :lmao:

[PastorCzo]

I wonder if this is a better buy than the Papio from CFMoto

[JerryHawk250]

I wonder if this is a better buy than the Papio from CFMoto

I would say yes. The KP 150 has more HP.

[PastorCzo]

Either this bike or the KPR 200 will be my next purchase thanks to Herbie!!!

[herbie]

Either this bike or the KPR 200 will be my next purchase thanks to Herbie!!!

I still have the $100 discount code from Venom if you wanted to get a Ss3, I’d be happy to give it to you Pastor. Thanks for the encouragement, I think I needed that, had kind of a rough day yesterday.

[PastorCzo]

I still have the $100 discount code from Venom if you wanted to get a Ss3, I’d be happy to give it to you Pastor. Thanks for the encouragement, I think I needed that, had kind of a rough day yesterday.

I cannot justify the purchase right now...adulting sucks

[herbie]

I completed understand, if I had my way I’d have a garage full of bikes :lmao:
Unfortunately too many other things take precedence

[herbie]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aMlR9IJz3I

[TominMO]

Nice video, thanx.

[PastorCzo]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aMlR9IJz3I

I honestly cannot stop watching your videos. You should be more popular than wammy boob

[herbie]

Thank you Tom and Pastor, I appreciate that!

[herbie]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFf58KOEnYg

[TominMO]

Herbie, I noticed on your website that you have about 8 or 9 vids on the KP Mini. How about a playlist for them?

[herbie]

Good Idea Tom, Thank You
Here it is for anyone interested

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7hap-B19l0ofnc2xdzbQcTIc83p2KBlQ

[culcune]

The most recent edition of the EPA/DOT certification list for street-legal motorcycles in the US was released in May, and it (still--I think I posted this information on a separate thread) shows a 2024 Lifan KPMini S as being 50 state legal and the bike will have SFI rather than a carb. It lists the engine size as being 149.0 rather than the upgraded SS3's (upgraded from the original KPMini) 149.2cc engine. The transmission will still be a 5-speed.

[herbie]

Fuel injection would be a definite plus and I prefer efi anymore. But sometimes there is just something nostalgic about carburetors. Once you get them tuned right they run pretty flawlessly unless of course you live in an area that has nothing but ethanol gas and you leave your bike sit too long :hmm:

[McQueen216]

I would say yes. The KP 150 has more HP.

The Papio is EFI and a six speed. But… it claims 9.4 hp @ 8,500 rpm.

The KP150 claims 12.2hp/8000 RPM.

Do you need EFI? That 6th gear?

[culcune]

The Papio is EFI and a six speed. But… it claims 9.4 hp @ 8,500 rpm.

The KP150 claims 12.2hp/8000 RPM.

Do you need EFI? That 6th gear?

I am guessing that Lifan wanted the potentially lucrative California market for this bike. Ironically, when it was first introduced a few years ago, there seemed to be a batch of the bikes that were CARB certified for California. Then, they became 49-state legal with Californians not needing to apply (anymore). Fuel injection was probably able to push it over that last 'hump' for California's sacred CARB blessing. I know there is a fledgling mini-racing scene in the so-called Inland Empire just outside of L.A. and I could see this bike being very competitive now that it is legal again there. When these were first being introduced, there was a press release from Lifan in China showing them in full racing trim with slick tires and no street-legal equipment and I had always thought that American Lifan should promote a one make KPMini budget racing league of sorts.

As far as a 6th...why not, but I doubt it would be a deal-breaker for most without it (it wouldn't be a deal-breaker for me by any means).

[TominMO]

My 2024 SS3 wish list:
6th gear
175 or 200cc
EFI

If they did only two of the above, I totally could not help myself, I would have to have one.

[JerryHawk250]

My 2024 SS3 wish list:
6th gear
175 or 200cc
EFI

If they did only two of the above, I totally could not help myself, I would have to have one.

Well the 2024 will have EFI. That's one wish to take off the list. ;)

[TominMO]

Well the 2024 will have EFI. That's one wish to take off the list. ;)I wonder if there will be a modest horsepower boost as well.

[McQueen216]

EFI, 200cc, and 5 speed with some great gearing… that would be fantastic. And not difficult to do… even 250cc.

A US importer could probably order up something like this - American motorcycle licenses are for all-size bikes, when other countries can have classes (eg 50cc and under, 50-125cc, 400c and under, unlimited, etc) A 125 or 150cc version, and a 250cc version? That’s be awesome… especially if they can figure out not just parts but aftermarket.

[herbie]

The SS3’s first trip to the campground

[JerryHawk250]

The SS3’s first trip to the campground

Looks good! I wish i was camping. I bet my Evader is quieter than your SS3. lol

[herbie]

Looks good! I wish i was camping. I bet my Evader is quieter than your SS3. lol

Thanks, it’s only quieter when it’s moving :lmao:

[culcune]

The SS3’s first trip to the campground

Is that just the place you parked it for the photo, or is the campground a bit rustic as far as ground goes. Just wondering if you have to ride it in 'trailbike' terrain and how the bike does.

[herbie]

That was just a picture taken by the marina at the lake. I’ve taken it down some dirt roads and rock roads, it does pretty good on those, dirt more so than rocks. I do plan on taking it trail riding when I can. Unfortunately the trails here are just for walking, no bikes or vehicles. My daughter and her husband have a membership at an exclusive off road park so I’ll be able to take it there soon I hope.

[TominMO]

Herbie, what's that little pack you have on the rear seat?

[herbie]

Herbie, what's that little pack you have on the rear seat?

It's just a little bag to hold my cap and gloves and rain suit if I need it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K3VLHRQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[culcune]

That was just a picture taken by the marina at the lake. I’ve taken it down some dirt roads and rock roads, it does pretty good on those, dirt more so than rocks. I do plan on taking it trail riding when I can. Unfortunately the trails here are just for walking, no bikes or vehicles. My daughter and her husband have a membership at an exclusive off road park so I’ll be able to take it there soon I hope.

A few years back, I recall someone had a thread about how they took their Taotao Hellcat and made it into a trailbike of sorts for light dirt roads. I don't recall all the modifications they did, but I do recall some small knobbies.

[herbie]

A few years back, I recall someone had a thread about how they took their Taotao Hellcat and made it into a trailbike of sorts for light dirt roads. I don't recall all the modifications they did, but I do recall some small knobbies.

Yeah I think motocheez did that on one of his bikes too. I may make some mods to it but honestly, my wife said she would like to get her motorcycle endorsement and ride it alongside me and my KPR. That would be a dream come true for me! So for now I will probably keep it as is, it has really good pickup and speed for a 150cc, surprised me actually. Besides I have my newly acquired Kawasaki KL250 for the trails, if I ever get it done :lmao:

[herbie]

I’ve been asked a few times lately if I still like the bike, if I’m glad I bought it? Let me just say this little over $2k machine is a hoot. I like it more each time that I ride it. I just changed the oil for my 500 mile service and it’s running like a top! The only issue I have is that the gas tank is small. Only about a gallon or a touch more of fuel before you hit reserve. I find myself at the gas station on every long ride but the trade off is how fun this bike is. It’s super easy to ride, would make a great beginner bike or even a good bike for a rusty ole nail like myself :tup:

[culcune]

It’s super easy to ride, would make a great beginner bike

That was always the selling point when we first were introduced to the Grom. Then, it seemed to start a whole cult following of minis. For the most part, the Lifan has kind of become the 'king' of this segment, essentially out-Groming the Grom. Will be interesting to see how much difference the fuel-injection makes, with one difference being an increase in sales since it will be California street legal.

[TominMO]

I’ve been asked a few times lately if I still like the bike, if I’m glad I bought it? Let me just say this little over $2k machine is a hoot. I like it more each time that I ride it. I just changed the oil for my 500 mile service and it’s running like a top! The only issue I have is that the gas tank is small. Only about a gallon or a touch more of fuel before you hit reserve. I find myself at the gas station on every long ride but the trade off is how fun this bike is. It’s super easy to ride, would make a great beginner bike or even a good bike for a rusty ole nail like myself :tup:
You could bungee a small gas can to the rear of the seat, so you are not dependent on being near a gas station. Add any amount you want (i.e. add less to save weight). Even just an extra half gallon is probably good for about 50 miles. Refill the bike's tank after the first long ride to get rid of the weight back there.
I like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001PCRFYG/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&aaxitk=711c9454b9891b3072d04c36a292188c&content-id=amzn1.sym.cd95889f-432f-43a7-8ec8-833616493f4a%3Aamzn1.sym.cd95889f-432f-43a7-8ec8-833616493f4a&hsa_cr_id=0&pd_rd_plhdr=t&pd_rd_r=b848e240-3c40-4dc8-9fd9-ee96e94e0736&pd_rd_w=xmTm0&pd_rd_wg=uU2hM&qid=1690027684&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_lsi4d_asin_1_title&sr=1-2-9e67e56a-6f64-441f-a281-df67fc737124

If you already have a can you like but hate the modern caps on most newer cans, there are conversion kits:
https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Spouts-Improved-Design-Flexible/dp/B0B63KKYQM/ref=sxin_16_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.4a292f39-c27c-4e62-9abd-d68116d07607%3Aamzn1.sym.4a292f39-c27c-4e62-9abd-d68116d07607&crid=27DQW6ZK36DDE&cv_ct_cx=1+gallon+gas+can&keywords=1+gallon+gas+can&pd_rd_i=B0B63KKYQM&pd_rd_r=8cf0561d-7b13-48fe-9534-3fbe1d63e1c3&pd_rd_w=QVAj0&pd_rd_wg=oFZRG&pf_rd_p=4a292f39-c27c-4e62-9abd-d68116d07607&pf_rd_r=K9Q062X7P80K8FE5TR6V&qid=1690027684&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=1+gallon+gas+can%2Caps%2C126&sr=1-3-2b34d040-5c83-4b7f-ba01-15975dfb8828-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&psc=1

[herbie]

Yeah, I was actually considering something like this; https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WRXY7G4/?coliid=ITQRLZ2P8027Q&colid=CHXJTOP6WQ59&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

[TominMO]

Yeah, that too. Is that opening big enough for a gas pump nozzle or would you have to transfer gas from a gas can anyway?

The prob with the SS3 is that it is hard to find a luggage rack for them. I am amazed that this has not been addressed by Lifan or an aftermarket company.

[herbie]

Yeah, that too. Is that opening big enough for a gas pump nozzle or would you have to transfer gas from a gas can anyway?

Good question! It doesn’t look like the opening is big enough, I guess I’m going to have to check into that or just scrap that idea. Thanks for the heads up :tup:

[McQueen216]

I bought a couple of faux-rotopax 1gal fuel containers to mount to my Royal Enfield, off eBay and straight out of Delhi. They’ll mount to… anything. With shipping, I think I paid a hair over $100, to include shipping that was bonkers fast. Not fancy, just works.