2023 Venom SS3 mini

[culcune]

Originally Posted by herbie

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.

[culcune]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by culcune

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

[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

[culcune]

Originally Posted by herbie

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]

Originally Posted by 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

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...1-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-S...lbWF0aWM&psc=1

[herbie]

Yeah, I was actually considering something like this; https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WRXY7G4...v_ov_lig_dp_it