Tao ATA 125D - Cuts out & Backfires at Full Throttle

[eneusiis]

My son's 2016 Tao Tao ATA 125D starts, idles and has great throttle response up until about 1/2 to 3/4 throttle. When going past 3/4 throttle, the engine seems to stumble as if it is cutting out and starts backfiring. The engine does not shut off and will go back down to idle just fine.

The carb is relatively new, always ran rec fuel, always drained and stored dry. I have not pulled this yet, but may do that next.

I double checked the valve gaps and they are within spec.

Last night I pulled the stator as it seems like it is possibly not firing at the right time maybe. It is also relatively new as I replaced it a few years back. It looks great, no loose bolts etc.. No burnt out pieces either. It could still be bad and that is my gut feel, but I am kind of stumped at this point.

Any thoughts/feedback?

Thanks in advance.

Eric