Am I too big for a grom clone?
 

5”11” 270 lbs. looking to commute to work and back. Well this Thing be able to take me up to 55 mph or am I too heavy? I’d obviously change the front sprocket and get a better carb. Any bigger guys ride one of these?

Thanks!

I'd most recommend the Lifan KP Mini SS3. The most power (13 hp) at 150cc, with a 5-speed. They claim a top speed of 65 mph. Stick a smaller windscreen on it for better aerodynamics, and find out what sprocket combination works best for your needs. Lifan has a dealership network and you can also order it from Venom.

The windscreen that I had in mind is 15" high X 17" wide. Pretty inexpensive too. Various Chinese brands, in clear or smoke.
https://www.amazon.com/Krator-Windsc...cx_mr_hp_atf_m

I agree with Tom on the Venom SS3! I would think if you made the upgrade to the Nibbi carburetor and a different exhaust or at least a different muffler you should be able to maintain 50-55mph. You may have to upgrade to a 16 or 17 Tooth front sprocket. I have a nibbi and a aftermarket muffler as well as a 17 tooth front sprocket and weigh 185lbs at 6’ 1” and the SS3 will maintain 55-60mph for me pretty good. I’m not certain how 85 more lbs would affect it. It is a really good bike though, I enjoy riding mine.

Venom SS3
 

I'd love to get one but unfortunately they are not California legal. Our choices here are limited.

The 2024 models are 50 state legal. They will also be EFI. :)

Or you can get a Venom KPR 200, those are CARB approved and are a fantastic bike if you like that style of bike.

2024 Model
 

Are they available for purchase anywhere yet?

An actual Grom would struggle to get a 200lb rider much past 55mph, even with the new ones having an extra gear.

An RPS Condor 150 would be a better bet I think, if you can't go with the SS3.

I would contact Pete at Kronik Racing in Simi Valley. He sells boatloads of the Boom/Baodiao Vaders (both locally and delivery all over SoCal as well as mail-order to further areas) and knows and sells the performance upgrades for them. Vaders are California legal. that being said, and as everyone has mentioned the Lifan SS3, they will become California legal and Pete also sells those (right now to out-of-state customers via mail-order) so should have some insight into when the CARB-legal ones will be available.

There are a couple other Chinese brands with 'premium' minis that are CARB legal such as from both Benelli and QJMotor which are related and are both distributed via SSR Motorsports in the US (and they are out of of So Cal if you are in the L.A. area). http://www.ssrmotorsports.com/

I think there are other brands of premium Chinese brand minis as well that are CARB certified, but my mind is drawing a blank right now, but hopefully someone can toss in some names for you.

I, personally, feel the Lifan would be the most worth it due to its superior power rating and from several members and numerous videos on YouTube--VERY high quality), but sometimes it takes months and months after obtaining certification before the bikes show up on our shores and in shops. However, they may be available as we speak, so I suggest to contact Pete.

Deckard_Cain suggested to look into the RPS Condor 150 (RPS being the same company that is owned by Hensim, who manufactures the Hawk 250), but I am fairly certain those are not CARB legal (but look around--they may be?).