Kymco Spade - Grom Clone

[wheelbender6]

The Spade should be available in August. 155cc engine and a 5 speed manual.
http://www.motorcycle.com/manufactur...le.com20170531

[ben2go]

That's a cool little retro looking bike.

[da4design]

that is a very cool lil bike..tempting

[PhildoScaggins]

I would love riding that. My main gripe with my Vader 125 is that there's no 5th gear. The lifan kpmini looks pretty fun too. Have to agree with the journalist, ditch that exhaust and this thing is perfect.

[SamM]

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. Online shocks are already available for it. MNNTBX 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.

SamM

[ben2go]

That little rig looks pretty good. I like the upright engine. It appears that it may be able to handle a skid plate. I thought there was a company making a similar bike as a 250 with the 223cc or 229.9cc engine.

[SamM]

A skid plate might work on this bike. It's so new to the market, there isn't much like that available yet. My bet is that the aftermarket is going to be huge for the Spade. It's very comfortable. There are a few videos online. The bike comes stock with a centerstand. I'd probably ditch that.

SamM

[Adjuster]

Like all of the Grom style it is just too small. You look like a giant on that bike.




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[Megadan]

I was eyeballing the Spade too, but I would just look ridiculous on that thing lol.

That said, my weird mind wants to get one just to put saddle bags and a little windshield on it so I can pull up to cruisers and act like I fit in.

[ben2go]

Originally Posted by Megadan

I was eyeballing the Spade too, but I would just look ridiculous on that thing lol.

That said, my weird mind wants to get one just to put saddle bags and a little windshield on it so I can pull up to cruisers and act like I fit in.

Slip up between some obnoxious Harley riders sporting a straight pipe and leather saddlebags with tassels.

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by ben2go

Slip up between some obnoxious Harley riders sporting a straight pipe and leather saddlebags with tassels.

Oh, I would tassel fringe the heck out of it and myself. Born to Ride vest, and a skull on my helmet.

[culcune]

It looks like the Honda Ape 100 (we never got that in the US), and the clone of the Ape, the American Lifan Pony 100 (we did get that about 2 or 3 years ago). For the next few 'moments' (until a manufacturer tries to outdo the prior bikes) it seems like this and the Lifan Kp150 Mini are the top dogs of the mini world. My guess is the EFI will give this an edge over the Lifan, but we need a comparison to find out!

[SamM]

The KYMCO Spade fits me better than every other playbike except the Razkull 125. I’m 5’9” and go about 185 to 190#. The Ohlin rear shocks from MNNTHBX are longer than the factory shocks and would lift the bike a couple inches. These would make the ergos and the ride worlds better. Pricey at $1350 though. It’s a nice option to have. Ohlin makes shocks and fork kits for the GROM & Z125 Pro as well.

If you aren’t looking at playbikes then this bike obviously isn’t for you. If you are, this bike is much better than the others. Also, this is not a cruiser, it’s a standard bike and honestly much more like a cafe racer. KYMCO was going for the cafe racer look. I talked with the factory reps about this. What you get for $2999 is loads better than even a GROM. Many GROM owners spend more than $3000 on mods after buying the bike for $3299. That’s crazy! The KYMCO Spade just needs a few mods. A smaller counter sprocket, an exhaust and maybe the Ohlin rear shocks, if you have the means and want. The aftermarket will be huge for this thing.

The Lifan does not have a 4-valve head either!

SamM

[ben2go]

Originally Posted by Megadan

Oh, I would tassel fringe the heck out of it and myself. Born to Ride vest, and a skull on my helmet.

[Megadan]

The Lifan kp mini doesnt have a 4 valve head, but still makes the same power. Sure, the 4 valve might bebetter up top with mods, but I wont knock a Lifan down either. I would love to see a side by side comparison of the two. Considering its a grand less, the Lifans only real sacrifice, in my eyes, is its lack of efi. However, it is also almost a grand cheaper