Masimo MB200: Removing The Governor For More Power (2025)

Aug 14, 2025 by Ahmed Latif 58 views

Removing the Governor on Your Masimo MB200 196cc Mini Bike (2025): A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey guys! Want to unlock the full potential of your Masimo MB200 196cc mini bike? One of the most common modifications enthusiasts make is removing or bypassing the governor. The governor restricts the engine's RPMs, limiting its top speed and overall power. Removing it can give you a significant boost in performance, but it's crucial to understand the process and potential consequences before you dive in.

This guide will walk you through the process of removing the governor on your 2025 Masimo MB200, step-by-step. We'll cover everything from understanding what a governor does to the tools you'll need and the actual removal procedure. We'll also discuss the risks involved and how to mitigate them. So, let's get started!

Understanding the Governor and Its Function

Before we jump into the how-to, let's discuss what a governor actually is and why it's there in the first place. The governor is a mechanical or electronic device designed to limit the engine's maximum speed. In the case of the Masimo MB200's 196cc engine, it's a mechanical governor located inside the engine. Its primary function is to prevent the engine from over-revving, which can lead to serious damage and potential safety hazards.

Think of it like a speed limiter in a car. The manufacturer sets a maximum speed for a reason, usually to protect the engine and ensure the vehicle operates within safe parameters. The same principle applies to the governor in your mini bike's engine. By limiting the RPMs, the governor helps to:

Prevent engine damage: Over-revving can cause excessive stress on engine components like the connecting rod, crankshaft, and valves. This can lead to premature wear and tear, or even catastrophic failure.
Ensure rider safety: A governed engine provides a more controlled riding experience, especially for beginners or younger riders. Limiting the top speed reduces the risk of accidents caused by excessive speed or loss of control.
Meet regulatory requirements: In some areas, there may be regulations that limit the top speed of recreational vehicles like mini bikes. The governor helps manufacturers comply with these regulations.

However, for experienced riders looking for more performance, the governor can feel restrictive. It prevents the engine from reaching its full potential, especially when climbing hills or accelerating quickly. This is why many enthusiasts choose to remove or bypass the governor.

The mechanical governor in the Masimo MB200 typically works using a system of gears, levers, and a weighted arm. As the engine speed increases, the centrifugal force acting on the weighted arm causes it to move outwards. This movement then pushes against a lever connected to the carburetor's throttle plate, restricting the airflow and limiting the engine's RPMs. It's a simple but effective system for controlling engine speed.

Removing the governor essentially eliminates this limiting mechanism, allowing the engine to rev higher and produce more power. However, as we'll discuss later, this comes with certain risks that you need to be aware of.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Okay, so you've decided to remove the governor. Before you start wrenching, you'll need to gather the necessary tools and materials. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more efficient. Here's a list of what you'll need:

Socket set: You'll need a variety of sockets to remove different bolts and nuts on the engine. A metric socket set is essential for working on the Masimo MB200.
Wrench set: A set of wrenches, both open-end and box-end, will complement your socket set and provide additional leverage when needed.
Screwdrivers: Both Phillips head and flathead screwdrivers will be necessary for various tasks, such as removing covers and adjusting components.
Pliers: A pair of pliers, preferably both regular and needle-nose, will be helpful for gripping and manipulating small parts.
Torque wrench: This is a crucial tool for ensuring that you tighten bolts and nuts to the correct specifications. Overtightening can damage threads, while undertightening can lead to parts coming loose.
Oil drain pan: You'll need this to catch the engine oil when you drain it.
New engine oil: After removing the governor, you'll need to refill the engine with fresh oil. Check your owner's manual for the correct type and amount.
Gasket sealant: You may need this to reseal engine covers or gaskets that you remove during the process.
Shop towels or rags: These are essential for cleaning up spills and keeping your workspace tidy.
Pen and paper or a camera: It's a good idea to take notes or pictures as you disassemble the engine. This will help you remember how everything goes back together.
Safety glasses: Protect your eyes from debris and splashes.
Gloves: Protect your hands from grease and oil.
Optional: Impact wrench: An impact wrench can make removing stubborn bolts much easier, but it's not strictly necessary.
Optional: Magnetic pickup tool: This can be helpful for retrieving dropped bolts or small parts from hard-to-reach areas.

Having the right tools not only makes the job easier but also reduces the risk of damaging your engine. Invest in quality tools, and they'll last you for years to come.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing the Governor

Now, let's get to the main event: removing the governor from your Masimo MB200's 196cc engine. This process involves disassembling part of the engine, so it's important to be methodical and careful. Follow these steps closely:

Prepare your workspace: Find a clean, well-lit area to work on your mini bike. Place the bike on a stable surface, and make sure it's secure. Gather all your tools and materials, and have them within easy reach.
Drain the engine oil: Before you start disassembling the engine, you'll need to drain the oil. Locate the drain plug on the bottom of the engine, and place the oil drain pan underneath it. Use a wrench to loosen the drain plug, and then carefully remove it. Allow the oil to drain completely.
Remove the side cover: The governor mechanism is located inside the engine's side cover. This is usually the cover on the left side of the engine (when sitting on the bike). Use your socket set to remove the bolts securing the side cover. Be careful, as there may be some residual oil inside.
Identify the governor components: Once the side cover is removed, you'll see the governor mechanism. It typically consists of a weighted arm, a gear, and a linkage that connects to the throttle. Take a good look at how these components are arranged. This will help you when it comes time to reassemble the engine.
Remove the governor arm: The governor arm is the weighted arm that controls the throttle linkage. It's usually held in place by a pin or a bolt. Remove the pin or bolt, and then carefully remove the governor arm. You may need to wiggle it slightly to get it out.
Remove the governor gear: The governor arm is connected to a gear that meshes with the engine's camshaft. This gear needs to be removed as well. It may be held in place by a clip or a bolt. Remove the clip or bolt, and then carefully remove the governor gear.
Inspect the engine: Now that the governor components are removed, take a moment to inspect the inside of the engine. Look for any signs of wear or damage. If you see anything concerning, address it before reassembling the engine.
Reassemble the engine: With the governor components removed, it's time to reassemble the engine. Make sure to clean the mating surfaces of the side cover and the engine block. Apply a thin layer of gasket sealant if necessary, and then carefully reinstall the side cover. Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's specifications using your torque wrench.
Refill the engine oil: Once the side cover is back in place, reinstall the oil drain plug and tighten it securely. Then, refill the engine with fresh oil. Check your owner's manual for the correct type and amount.
Test the engine: After reassembling the engine, start it up and let it idle for a few minutes. Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations. If everything sounds good, take the mini bike for a test ride. You should notice a significant increase in top speed and acceleration.

Important Note: Some people choose to simply disconnect the governor linkage instead of removing the internal components. This is a simpler method, but it doesn't fully eliminate the governor's effect. The internal governor components can still create drag and reduce engine efficiency. Removing the components entirely is the best way to unlock the engine's full potential.

Risks and Considerations

Removing the governor can significantly boost your mini bike's performance, but it's essential to be aware of the risks involved. Here are some key considerations:

Increased engine wear: Without the governor limiting the RPMs, the engine can rev much higher. This puts more stress on engine components, potentially leading to premature wear and tear. It's crucial to maintain your engine properly by changing the oil regularly and performing other routine maintenance tasks.
Potential for engine damage: Over-revving the engine can cause serious damage, such as bent valves, broken connecting rods, or even a blown engine. It's important to be mindful of the engine's RPMs and avoid pushing it beyond its limits. Installing an aftermarket tachometer can help you monitor the engine speed.
Safety concerns: A mini bike without a governor can reach much higher speeds, which can be dangerous, especially for inexperienced riders. It's crucial to ride responsibly and wear appropriate safety gear, such as a helmet, gloves, and protective clothing.
Warranty implications: Removing the governor may void your mini bike's warranty. Check your warranty documentation to be sure.
Legal restrictions: In some areas, there may be legal restrictions on modifying the speed or performance of recreational vehicles. Be sure to check your local laws and regulations before removing the governor.

Before removing the governor, carefully weigh the benefits against the risks. If you're not comfortable with the potential consequences, it may be best to leave the governor in place.

Aftermarket Upgrades and Modifications

If you're removing the governor to improve performance, you might also consider other aftermarket upgrades and modifications. These can further enhance your mini bike's power and handling. Here are a few popular options:

Performance carburetor: Upgrading to a performance carburetor can improve airflow and fuel delivery, resulting in increased horsepower and torque.
Performance air filter: A high-flow air filter allows more air into the engine, which can also improve performance.
Exhaust system: An aftermarket exhaust system can reduce backpressure and improve exhaust flow, leading to a power boost.
Performance camshaft: A camshaft with a more aggressive profile can increase valve lift and duration, resulting in more power at higher RPMs.
Clutch upgrades: Upgrading the clutch can improve power transfer and prevent slippage, especially with a modified engine.
Gearing changes: Changing the gearing can affect the mini bike's acceleration and top speed. Lower gearing provides better acceleration, while higher gearing provides a higher top speed.

When making modifications, it's important to choose components that work well together and are compatible with your engine. It's also a good idea to consult with experienced mini bike enthusiasts or mechanics for advice.

Conclusion

Removing the governor on your Masimo MB200 196cc mini bike can unlock a significant amount of performance, but it's not a decision to be taken lightly. Understand the risks involved, and make sure you have the skills and tools necessary to do the job correctly. Remember to prioritize safety and ride responsibly.

By following this guide, you can safely and effectively remove the governor from your mini bike and enjoy the added performance. Just remember to maintain your engine properly and be mindful of the potential consequences. Happy riding, guys! And as always, if you're not comfortable doing this yourself, take it to a qualified mechanic.