Next Motorcycle Suggestion

CheapThrills · 02-02-2022, 06:38 PM

I am looking for a Grom-clone type of street bike. What brand and vendor do you recommend, and why?

I would like something that I can tinker on, so it should have after market parts (Amazon, Ebay, etc.)

Thank you!!!!

Falkon45 · 02-02-2022, 07:43 PM

So far, the boom Vader seems to be a good choice, as a lot of Grom parts can fit on it.

culcune · 02-02-2022, 11:48 PM

Boom Vader. Contact Pete at Kronik Racing--stand up guy; has sold a lot of Vaders here on Chinariders, and knows his stuff as far as aftermarket or replacement parts. His prices are on par with discount mail-order companies, but he actually sells these out of his store in Southern California for the same price to local customers (but he does have to charge fees, registration, and sales tax). He stands by the Vaders he sells.

https://www.kronikracing.com/scooters.html

Edit: If you have the money, the Lifan KPMini 150 is more powerful and faster than the actual Grom; Pete sells those, too.

CheapThrills · 02-05-2022, 05:53 PM

I like the Boom Vader suggestion and the supplier info is helpful.

I have been also looking at the HellCat. Anyone have reviews on the Hellcat and any chance a comparison between the Boom Vader and the HellCat?

Thx,

Megadan · 02-06-2022, 12:42 AM

I would say it depends a bit on your budget. The Lifan KP Mini is 150CC 5spd vertical engine Grom clone is more expensive than the rest by a decent amount, but you also get what you pay for. IMHO it's the best of the Grom style bikes offered from China. You pay more, but you also get what you pay for. Lifan quality standards are pretty decent, even by the big manufacturers standards. It's also about 4hp more powerful to boot, along with the extra gear.

Otherwise, take your pick of the rest. There is definitely enough info on those bikes on this forum to keep you aware of potential issues, mods, etc.

CheapThrills · 02-15-2022, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by culcune

Boom Vader. Contact Pete at Kronik Racing--stand up guy; has sold a lot of Vaders here on Chinariders, and knows his stuff as far as aftermarket or replacement parts. His prices are on par with discount mail-order companies, but he actually sells these out of his store in Southern California for the same price to local customers (but he does have to charge fees, registration, and sales tax). He stands by the Vaders he sells.

https://www.kronikracing.com/scooters.html

Ordered.

culcune · 02-15-2022, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CheapThrills

Ordered.

Which model? I am not sure if there is a difference other than plastics, but just curious which one.

buzz · 02-15-2022, 11:34 PM

Cheap thrills it will get better after break in,also change sprockets for more speed,Mine runs 65 no problem. Plus rejet carburetor think mine is a 125jet. Good luck buzz

CheapThrills · 02-18-2022, 10:46 AM

culcune,

https://www.kronikracing.com/-Boom-V...10-_p_437.html

FYI, mentioned your 'name' on the order sheet.

CT

CheapThrills · 02-25-2022, 06:20 PM

Just got a message the bike should be delivered next week.

CheapThrills · 04-30-2022, 08:46 AM

Wow, it has been a while since I replied here.

So the Boom Vader is in. It had problems right out of the box. Broken parts that were replaced under warranty. Then I had insurance issues. The 'underwriters' couldn't figure out the motorcycle, so they classified it as a 'custom' motorcycle. It took a couple of pics and MCO with the bill of sale to fix this. Or, more importantly, time.

So now riding, man the, the bike rode as smooth as rolling down a hill inside a bag of rocks. The shifting was rough, and I almost felt like stomping on the shifter to downshift; neutral was playing hide and seek and winning.

Then it happened a gas tank leak. I got that fix in(JB Weld), so only doing trial runs. I added a new carb, vm22, and the engine dies, opening the throttle under load, so going to play with that too.

In summary, perfect bike? No. Perfect bike to get some wrench time, do a bunch of upgrades, and still have cash left over. As far as a long-term ride, the jury is still out.

Just touching base, thanks for the suggestions, everyone!!!!

dig4dirt · 04-30-2022, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CheapThrills

Wow, it has been a while since I replied here.

So now riding, man the, the bike rode as smooth as rolling down a hill inside a bag of rocks. The shifting was rough, and I almost felt like stomping on the shifter to downshift; neutral was playing hide and seek and winning.

Sounds like a match made in heaven! jk

Wanted to say I just put 2 n 2 together and noticed your sig line
I have read your blog on the TBR7 and wanted to say thanks!

Saw that you got the new bike but have not been reading it up since focusing on the bike I am trying to get on the road!

02-02-2022, 06:38 PM	#1
CheapThrills Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Lehigh Valley Area Posts: 177	Next Motorcycle Suggestion I am looking for a Grom-clone type of street bike. What brand and vendor do you recommend, and why? I would like something that I can tinker on, so it should have after market parts (Amazon, Ebay, etc.) Thank you!!!! __________________ - My 3 Bikes: 1. TaoTao TBR7 (My TBR7 Upgrades) 2. Boom Vader (FYI: My Boom Vader Upgrades) 3. 1978 Suzuki SG750 --------------------------------------------- Testing a YouTube Channel
	0

02-02-2022, 11:48 PM	#3
culcune Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yuma, Arizona Posts: 9,056	Boom Vader. Contact Pete at Kronik Racing--stand up guy; has sold a lot of Vaders here on Chinariders, and knows his stuff as far as aftermarket or replacement parts. His prices are on par with discount mail-order companies, but he actually sells these out of his store in Southern California for the same price to local customers (but he does have to charge fees, registration, and sales tax). He stands by the Vaders he sells. https://www.kronikracing.com/scooters.html Edit: If you have the money, the Lifan KPMini 150 is more powerful and faster than the actual Grom; Pete sells those, too. __________________ "They say that life's a carousel, spinning fast you got to ride it well..." TGB Delivery Scooter 150 TMEC 200 Enduro--carcass is sadly rotting in the backyard
	1

02-05-2022, 05:53 PM	#4
CheapThrills Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Lehigh Valley Area Posts: 177	I like the Boom Vader suggestion and the supplier info is helpful. I have been also looking at the HellCat. Anyone have reviews on the Hellcat and any chance a comparison between the Boom Vader and the HellCat? Thx, __________________ - My 3 Bikes: 1. TaoTao TBR7 (My TBR7 Upgrades) 2. Boom Vader (FYI: My Boom Vader Upgrades) 3. 1978 Suzuki SG750 --------------------------------------------- Testing a YouTube Channel
	1

02-06-2022, 12:42 AM	#5
Megadan Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 8,149	I would say it depends a bit on your budget. The Lifan KP Mini is 150CC 5spd vertical engine Grom clone is more expensive than the rest by a decent amount, but you also get what you pay for. IMHO it's the best of the Grom style bikes offered from China. You pay more, but you also get what you pay for. Lifan quality standards are pretty decent, even by the big manufacturers standards. It's also about 4hp more powerful to boot, along with the extra gear. Otherwise, take your pick of the rest. There is definitely enough info on those bikes on this forum to keep you aware of potential issues, mods, etc. __________________ Hawk Information and Resource guide: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=20331 2018 Hawk 250 - Full Mod list here. http://www.chinariders.net/showpost....62&postcount=1 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 https://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=34124
	2

02-18-2022, 10:46 AM	#9
CheapThrills Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Lehigh Valley Area Posts: 177	culcune, https://www.kronikracing.com/-Boom-V...10-_p_437.html FYI, mentioned your 'name' on the order sheet. CT __________________ - My 3 Bikes: 1. TaoTao TBR7 (My TBR7 Upgrades) 2. Boom Vader (FYI: My Boom Vader Upgrades) 3. 1978 Suzuki SG750 --------------------------------------------- Testing a YouTube Channel
	1

02-02-2022, 07:43 PM	#2
Falkon45 Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Savannah, Ga Posts: 760	So far, the boom Vader seems to be a good choice, as a lot of Grom parts can fit on it.
	1

02-15-2022, 11:34 PM	#8
buzz Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Dayton Pa. Posts: 1,035	Cheap thrills it will get better after break in,also change sprockets for more speed,Mine runs 65 no problem. Plus rejet carburetor think mine is a 125jet. Good luck buzz
	1

02-25-2022, 06:20 PM	#10
CheapThrills Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Lehigh Valley Area Posts: 177	Just got a message the bike should be delivered next week. __________________ - My 3 Bikes: 1. TaoTao TBR7 (My TBR7 Upgrades) 2. Boom Vader (FYI: My Boom Vader Upgrades) 3. 1978 Suzuki SG750 --------------------------------------------- Testing a YouTube Channel
	3

04-30-2022, 08:46 AM	#11
CheapThrills Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Lehigh Valley Area Posts: 177	Wow, it has been a while since I replied here. So the Boom Vader is in. It had problems right out of the box. Broken parts that were replaced under warranty. Then I had insurance issues. The 'underwriters' couldn't figure out the motorcycle, so they classified it as a 'custom' motorcycle. It took a couple of pics and MCO with the bill of sale to fix this. Or, more importantly, time. So now riding, man the, the bike rode as smooth as rolling down a hill inside a bag of rocks. The shifting was rough, and I almost felt like stomping on the shifter to downshift; neutral was playing hide and seek and winning. Then it happened a gas tank leak. I got that fix in(JB Weld), so only doing trial runs. I added a new carb, vm22, and the engine dies, opening the throttle under load, so going to play with that too. In summary, perfect bike? No. Perfect bike to get some wrench time, do a bunch of upgrades, and still have cash left over. As far as a long-term ride, the jury is still out. Just touching base, thanks for the suggestions, everyone!!!! __________________ - My 3 Bikes: 1. TaoTao TBR7 (My TBR7 Upgrades) 2. Boom Vader (FYI: My Boom Vader Upgrades) 3. 1978 Suzuki SG750 --------------------------------------------- Testing a YouTube Channel
	1