Venom Vader

ikeus685 · 11-18-2019, 06:53 PM

I am impressed !Venom Contracted delivery for my soon to arrive Vader 125cc and to ship From Onterio Calf Nov 16th and has arrived in Portland Oregon this after noon. They are unloading the trailer now and transferring transferring to a smaller truck with a lift gate for local deliver. I am jazzed!! No drawn out unknowns.. I should expect delivery appointment tomorrow.

ikeus685 · 12-25-2019, 01:33 PM

These Shinko knobbies take a bit from the top end. I heard the debate about going with a larger counters shaft sprocket but,.. Until you have ridden.. these bikes with a completly useless 1st gear that is good for..nothing!! This 1st is even too low for the slowest speed manuvours. You end up thinking that this is really only a 3 speed.
Front suspension was improved by upgrading the fork oil to 20 wt and a couple additional rubber washers to initiate preload.
My main point that I am worried about has been with the rear suspension.
Possible up grades coming to include Swingarm replaced with a Kepspeed Aluminum swing arm with needle bearings.. Removing the swing arm earlier. revealed again the simplicity. Which to be honest is the whole appeal to these motorcycles. Harkening back to the 60's and 70's where working on your bike you gain...Along with confidence to successfully ride untethered to retail maintenance support. The world expands.
Sure glad Santa delivery is accurate! Merry Christmas

cbrfxr67 · 12-26-2019, 10:28 AM

definitely agree w you about first gear,...! Nice upgrades you got! I put a z125 rear shock on mine and it's been spankin better than that old pos that came on it.
Can't wait to see more of your build!

ikeus685 · 12-30-2019, 01:15 PM

Is that z125 that you have a rear shock from a kawa z125 or??
The foot peg will have to wait until I grind off a bit of metal. Pretty content with this bike,

cbrfxr67 · 01-02-2020, 12:32 PM

Yes off a kawasaki z125,... only had to wallow out the top hole a tiny bit. Other than that, fit great,...

ikeus685 · 04-20-2021, 01:03 PM

This little Grom Clone was a test platform to determine what percentage or, rather if,
I wanted a dual sport bike again.. Ans yes!! but this small rake and 12" tires just doesn't cut it for me.
Offroad it is easy to bury the front wheel of which I am not fond of doing that classic "flying W" .. I broke my collarbone and collapsed lung from the impact of the front wheel wash out. I take her out occasionally still but, this is not for me as I avoid harder trails as mud, deep ruts and rocks overtax this small wheel diameter.
Next bike.. will be more dual purpose, full size wheels and capable to head off road on a bike that doesn't require a lift to mount for this vertically challenge older rider.

ikeus685 · 04-20-2021, 01:06 PM

That "Flying W" wash-out was done more n 30+ years ago

Big Bird · 04-20-2021, 03:04 PM

I had similar feelings. The 12" wheel is just too small for any real off roading. Even rough paved roads can be irritating. They work great for just putting around but if you want to travel at any higher rate of speed its gonna be a rough ride. The build quality seems much higher on the 250cc bikes which inspires much more confidence going farther out.

ikeus685 · 04-22-2021, 11:52 PM

Yeeah., If I am unable to get a loan for another bike. I am thinking of going with a 60/100-14. Found these on amazon TDPRO right at a 100.00. I think this increase in wheel size increases (slightly) it's rake.
Slowing down the steering is sorely needed to help these Grom clones handle rough roads better.

11-18-2019, 06:53 PM	#1
ikeus685 Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Coastal Oregon Posts: 154	Venom Vader I am impressed !Venom Contracted delivery for my soon to arrive Vader 125cc and to ship From Onterio Calf Nov 16th and has arrived in Portland Oregon this after noon. They are unloading the trailer now and transferring transferring to a smaller truck with a lift gate for local deliver. I am jazzed!! No drawn out unknowns.. I should expect delivery appointment tomorrow.
	1

12-26-2019, 10:28 AM	#3
cbrfxr67 Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: HOuston Posts: 357	definitely agree w you about first gear,...! Nice upgrades you got! I put a z125 rear shock on mine and it's been spankin better than that old pos that came on it. Can't wait to see more of your build! __________________ BD125-15
	1

01-02-2020, 12:32 PM	#5
cbrfxr67 Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: HOuston Posts: 357	Yes off a kawasaki z125,... only had to wallow out the top hole a tiny bit. Other than that, fit great,... __________________ BD125-15
	1

04-20-2021, 03:04 PM	#8
Big Bird Join Date: May 2020 Location: California Posts: 169	I had similar feelings. The 12" wheel is just too small for any real off roading. Even rough paved roads can be irritating. They work great for just putting around but if you want to travel at any higher rate of speed its gonna be a rough ride. The build quality seems much higher on the 250cc bikes which inspires much more confidence going farther out. __________________ 2020 Boom Vader Gen 2 2019 CSC TT250 2021 Kayo Fox 70
	1

12-30-2019, 01:15 PM	#4
ikeus685 Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Coastal Oregon Posts: 154	Is that z125 that you have a rear shock from a kawa z125 or?? The foot peg will have to wait until I grind off a bit of metal. Pretty content with this bike,
	1

04-20-2021, 01:03 PM	#6
ikeus685 Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Coastal Oregon Posts: 154	This little Grom Clone was a test platform to determine what percentage or, rather if, I wanted a dual sport bike again.. Ans yes!! but this small rake and 12" tires just doesn't cut it for me. Offroad it is easy to bury the front wheel of which I am not fond of doing that classic "flying W" .. I broke my collarbone and collapsed lung from the impact of the front wheel wash out. I take her out occasionally still but, this is not for me as I avoid harder trails as mud, deep ruts and rocks overtax this small wheel diameter. Next bike.. will be more dual purpose, full size wheels and capable to head off road on a bike that doesn't require a lift to mount for this vertically challenge older rider.
	0

04-20-2021, 01:06 PM	#7
ikeus685 Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Coastal Oregon Posts: 154	That "Flying W" wash-out was done more n 30+ years ago
	0

04-22-2021, 11:52 PM	#9
ikeus685 Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Coastal Oregon Posts: 154	Yeeah., If I am unable to get a loan for another bike. I am thinking of going with a 60/100-14. Found these on amazon TDPRO right at a 100.00. I think this increase in wheel size increases (slightly) it's rake. Slowing down the steering is sorely needed to help these Grom clones handle rough roads better.
	0