2018 KYMCO Spade
 

Yesterday, I went to the AIMExpo in Columbus, Ohio. I did direct comparisons between all the small motorcycles in the playbike category. The KYMCO Spade is the clear winner. I compared the Honda GROM, Kawasaki Z125Pro, SSR Razkull 125, Vader125, Boom125, American Lifan KP150, Benelli TNT135 and the KYMCO Spade. The only feature that I do not like on the Spade was the rear drum brake. The handlebar risers are a little too high but a new top clamp is available. I was told that the rear brake will be addressed by the aftermarket and possibly the factory at some point.

The Spade has a 150cc counter-balanced, 4-valve head, vertical cylinder-single engine, w/efi, and a 5-speed transmission. The styling is perfect with the retro cafe racer look and the bodywork is minimal. Just a fuel tank, fenders and side panels. It even has right side down forks and twin rear shocks. Ohlins rear shocks are already available for it. MNNTHBX has 19 aftermarket parts available for this bike with more to come.

My previous list was topped by the CSC TT250 but honestly, I like the KYMCO Spade much more. It has the speed, looks and power to do what I want. It's the perfect platform to build upon. A Spring purchase is most likely in my future. If you are looking for a bike is this category you need to look at the Spade. The Benelli runs a very close second and has an even better 6-speed transmission. Sadly, the Benelli 135cc engine is not counter-balanced. A counter-balanced engine is high on my list of desirable features. The biggest engine in the class doesn't hurt either. There is talk of a 200cc big bore kit other performance parts. The Ohlins rear piggyback shocks lift the rearend of the bike to a nice level.

I am very excited about this bike. The SSR was at the top of my list but the Spade beats it hands down. The KYMCO Spade is priced at $2999, same as the Honda Grom but the engine and tranny make the Spade the better deal in my opinion. The Spade is in no way a GROM clone or similar to a GROM. It is in the same motorcycle category and that's where the comparison ends.

The Spade deserves it's own thread within the Street section. Technically it is a Chinese bike as Taiwan is the (PRC).

SamM

wow that is a great looking bike!

The Spade has a longer wheelbase than most Grom clones, so larger people can still get comfortable on it.
-I will be going to the Lone Star rally next month on Galveston. I hope the Spade is among the new bikes available for test rides there.

At the AIMEXpo I was able to spend a good bit of time on the Spade. It is much more comfortable than the other playbikes. It is and does feel bigger. The longer wheelbase is 47” I believe. The Ohlin rear shocks would make a huge difference in ride height. Lifting the bike would aid in that bigger bike feeling. KYMCO really got this bike right. The styling is right on the mark.

SamM

That's the coolest playbike I've seen so far. I have no problem with a rear drum brake at that weight level. My TW has drum brakes on both ends.

So far, I’ve got 2k saved up for a playbike or a cool toy. All the Hemi engine parts are on the way for my CT200U. I’m considering the KYMCO Spade, the CSC TT250 and possibly a new Zodiac inflatable. It’s going to be a tough choice.

SamM

The Lifan KP150 Mini fits in that price range; 2 year warranty as well.

The Lifan KP150 is a great bike but it feels very small to me. It’s more like the GROM in size. The Lifan engine has a 2-valve head and no counter-balancer. The Spade has a longer wheelbase which should make it more stabile in the tight turns. Also, the KYMCO engine specs are perfect. 150cc, 5-speed trans, efi, 4-valve head and counter-balanced.

The owner of MNNTHBX returned a call to me today. They have some great things coming for the Spade. I can’t say much but if you want a serious playbike, save for the Spade. Trust me!

SamM

Which bike?
 

My dilemma now is that I really like the KYMCO Spade. I also, really like the SSR Razkull 125 and it’s time to place an order. Unfortunately, I am forced to make a choice. You see my problem. Below are the pros & cons of each choice.

KYMCO Spade 150i:
Pros: Very nice 150cc engine, 4-valve head, efi, 5-speed transmission, cafe racer styling, 12.5 hp, nice seat. The aftermarket will be huge for this bike.

Cons: it has a rear drum brake, 1.6 gallon fuel tank, needs rear Ohlins shocks ($1350), needs handlebars, pegs and exhaust. Higher $2999 MSRP.

SSR Razkull 125:
Pros: Lower $1999 MSRP, great dual disc brakes, 3.2 gallon fuel tank, GROM exhausts fit, nice seat, Ducati type stylings.

Cons: engine needs mods or I would need to change the engine ($1000), gearing needs changed, carburetor, 4-speed transmission.

Basically, I like the Razkull but I would want to mod it beyond the price of the Spade to make it better. The $1999 cost makes it very attactive and I could do the mods at my leisure. I’m trying very hard to just go ahead and purchase it.

The Spade is very cool but I hate the rear drum brake. It already has most of the features that most people want. It really is the perfect bike for me. I really should just pony up the money and get the Spade and live with it as is. Change the exhaust whenever. The counter-balanced engine will sway my choice.

Thanks for listening to me ramble!

SamM

2018 KYMCO Spade 150i
 

I have decided to buy a 2018 KYMCO Spade 150i for $2999. Picking it up out of state next week. I’ll post pictures of the purchase and pick up. I hope to get the brown colored Spade. If they don’t have it Tuesday. I will just order one.

The modifications will start this Winter. Handlebars, pegs, grips and levers are first. A tuner and exhaust from MNNTHBX will follow after that.

Sam

I really look forward to seeing the bike and all your mods. I think i would like this bike better than my vader just because it doesn't have all the plastics to remove if you need or want to do some work.

It looks like I am going to purchase my new KYKCO Spade Tuesday morning. I put a deposit down on it today. They had the root beer colored bike that I wanted. Hopefully, everything goes well Tuesday. It will be hauled home on my motorcycle carrier with my Wrangler. I’m very excited about getting it.

I’ll be posting about the bike in this thread, so keep looking here, if you are interested in the Spade. This is going to be a great little bike.

SamM

Nice!

Thanks jsumd! I’m really excited to get it. My plan was a Spring purchase but I just wanted to get it done and over with. It’s going to be a great bike for me.

Dropping some weight off the Spade will probably be the first thing to do. The other mods that I listed should be done this Winter as well. The center stand has no real use for me. All the guards on the pipe will come off. I’ll gut the pipe and cut a bigger opening in it or buy a slip on. MNNTHBX has new heavier front springs for the Spade and some other cool parts.

Some new riding gear is in the works for me. I have a list.

SamM

My next bike is on layaway at venom until springish. It wouldn't do anything but sit anyway. I'm going to do more mods on the vader this winter.

Any gear in mind? I'm in the market there myself. My old scorpion textile is beyond old.