Starter Guide
This starter guide will be based on the Boom Vader Grom Clone Gen 2.
Many other Grom Clone models including the TaoTao Hellcat 125, Icebear Fuerza, Boom Lil Duc, Razkull 125 SSR, and any other Chinese made 125cc Clones should be the same with minimal differences.
These bikes can go by many names, but the Boom Vader BD-125 style clone is the base style and others are renamed. Examples are, Boss Vader 125, X-Pro Vader 125, Venom x20 125, Boom Vader SR6 125.
Haven't bought a Grom Clone yet? Check the Buyer Guide Below.
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Step 1: Unbox your Grom Clone
When your Grom Clone arrives, it will be delivered in a crate, from a freight style shipping company. The bike will be strapped down to a metal cage and will be covered in a cardboard box. The bike will be mostly assembled, but some parts will need to be installed. Remove the straps on the box and remove the cardboard box, to be left with the bike on the metal cage. Untwist any metal ties and free anything you can immediately see. Inside the crate look for the Certificate of Origin as this can often be lost. From here you can try and locate all the parts and pieces that are included with the bike. The most important things to do when unboxing and assembling your bike is to check for any shipping damage, use loctite on absolutely everything. This is not an option, every single bolt will unrattle. From there you must attach the handlebars, front wheel, rear shock, and battery. Also be sure to adjust your chain tension as it often comes extremely tight.
Step 2: Initial Necessary Checks
Once the bike is assembled and standing on its own, you can start to make some important initial modifications. The shipping oil used in the bike is essentially water and should be replaced immediately. When changing the oil, it must be wet clutch compatible, and 10w-40 is the recommended weight. Be sure to remove the correct drain screw, it will be the one directly under the exhaust. Double check the chain tension and adjust as needed. For fuel, this is a carbureted chinese bike, 87 octane will work just fine, ideally you want to use ethanol free fuel. Check the fuel tank vent line and make sure it is not pinched. Check the throttle cable and check if it twists freely.
10w-40 Wet Clutch Motorcycle Oil
10w-40 wet clutch motorcycle oil for oil changes.
$10.00
Buy on AmazonStep 3: Initial Startup
Once the bike is assembled and the oil is changed, it is time to start the bike. Turning the key to the on position, the gauge should light up. From there we can attempt to start the bike. The bike will have a choke, and a fuel petcock, be sure to try the choke and turn the fuel on. The stock carburetor is very cheap and often can be hard to get running if at all, especially with all the emissions equipment. If you manage to get her running, let her warm up for a few minutes. Once the bike is warm, you can turn the choke off. You may need to adjust the idle screw to get the bike to idle properly. This is a good time to check for any leaks, and to check the lights and horn. If you manage to get the bike running congrats, the stock carburetor is junk.
Step 4: Initial Ride
Once the bike is running and idling properly, it is time to attempt to get it moving. You may notice the bike will idle fine, but when you give it gas it will die. This is due to the stock carburetor, and the emissions equipment. Rejetting this stock carburetor is not possible with the anti-tamper screws. It often is jetted for incredibly lean conditions for emission requirements. The stock carburetor's float bowl screws will often rattle loose, which is extremely dangerous. If you can't manage to get the bike to idle or run properly, you can start to remove the emissions equipment. Check out the "Emissions Delete" guide for more information. It is highly recommended to replace the stock carburetor with a Chinese Mikuni VM22 or a Nibbi 22. See the Starter Parts and Upgrades guide for more information.
Step 5: Registering The Bike
Once the bike is running and moving, it is time to register the bike. The bike will come with a Certificate of Origin, which is essentially a title. You also will need your proof of purchase, which is just a receipt from your selected dealer. Take this to your local DMV and register the bike. Some states may need an inspection. It will be titled as a Baodiao BD-125 or something similar. You will need to pay sales tax, and registration fees. The bike will also need to be insured. Many riders use Geico, and it is very affordable, with some riders paying less than $100 a year. Once you have all of this, you can legally ride your bike on the road.
Step 6: Enjoyment and Mods
Now that that your Grom Clone is road legal and somewhat rideable, it is time to start enjoying the bike and modifying it. Check out the Starter Parts and Upgrades guide for a starter guide to get a better understanding of what you can do to your bike. There are tons of parts and upgrades available for these bikes, and often are incredibly affordable.