So what is with all the fuss around the undersized motorcycle and how could it become the favourite toy for more than 300.000 riders in the past five years?
Follow my story and learn everything about the Honda MSX 125 Grom:
- Specs
- Handling
- Design
- Reliability, maintenance and insurance costss
- Does it make a good beginner motorcycle
- Why would you want to own a Honda Grom?
THE HONDA MSX 125 GROM SPECIFICATIONS
If you search for performance, you definitely won’t find anything impressive here. But, that isn’t what makes the Grom special. However, it still offers adequate performance compared to other motorcycles in the 125cc segment.
ENGINE
- 124,9cc air-cooled 2-valve single-cylinder
POWER
- 9,7bhp (7.2kW) @ 7000rpm
TORQUE
- 8,1 lb-ft (10,9Nm) @ 5500rpm
You easily push this bike to the limit all the time, twisting the throttle to the fullest. You will reach speeds around 60 mph (ca. 97 km/h) which won’t make it very suitable for highways, but it is more than enough for every day commuting.
SUSPENSION
- Unadjustable 31mm USD forks and mono shock
BRAKES
- FRONT: Single 220mm disc with a two-piston sliding calliper and ABS (2017 and 2018 model);
- REAR: Single 190mm disc with a single-piston sliding calliper
TANK CAPACITY
- 5,5 litres
FUEL CONSUMPTION
- 98mpg (2,4l/100km)
RANGE TO EMPTY
- 118 miles (190km)
SEAT HEIGHT
- 765mm
KERB WEIGHT
- 101,7kg
HANDLING THE HONDA GROM WILL BRING A SMILE ON YOUR FACE
The 4-speed transmission makes riding the Grom a very dynamic experience in congested city traffic. The other thing that makes the Honda Grom a rocket-like commuter is its small size, narrow frame and easy handling.
With only a fraction over 100 kg, the Grom handles almost like a bicycle. You will be tempted to jump over curbs in no time. Not that I recommend it, but if you check some YouTube reviews, most of the guys gave it a severe beating.
Despite the low engine power, you can do wheelies with ease. Low weight certainly helps here. The stock brakes are more than powerful enough to stop the Grom efficiently at any time. Stoppies – easy, but if you have to do it, it is at your own risk.
Don’t let the fun and the excitement fool you, it still is a motorcycle and safety should always be your first priority.
WHAT ABOUT THE DESIGN?
Imagine a photo of the Honda MSX 125 Grom. Everything you would expect from a motorcycle is there. It looks like any other motorcycle. The design is simple yet modern.
But then you put it next to a person or any other motorcycle. It instantly becomes evident that Honda Grom is very much different and unlike any other motorcycle out there. At first glance, it seems it shrunk somewhere between the production line and the motorcycle store.
As I mentioned before, don’t let the size fool you. It has a pretty regular seat height, and even some taller riders could comfortably sit on it and take it for a spin. It will definitely attract attention. Not only will it bring a smile onto your face, but also the viewers will feel amused watching you riding it.
Another fantastic thing about the Honda MSX 125 Grom is that you can modify and upgrade this bike in any way you like. Not only the visual appearance but practically everything you come up with from the after market or custom-made parts. It can become a hobby for years to come.
RELIABILITY, MAINTENANCE AND INSURANCE COSTS – PREPARE TO BE AMAZED!
Honda is very well known for its excellent reliability score. It is something you can count on, not only with Honda motorcycles, but all the Japanese brands have an astonishing reliability score, unlike any other brands worldwide.
You shouldn’t expect anything less from the Honda MSX 125 Grom. Not only is it very reliable, but also maintenance costs are ridiculously cheap. If you take into account the low insurance cost compared to any other, bigger motorcycle, it will seem you own and ride it for free. Add the decent fuel efficiency, and it will feel like a dream come true.
Well, at this point I have to mention that the price of the Honda MSX 125 Grom is still quite high. It depends where you live, but it will cost you between 3.200 USD up to 4.500 USD. However, the joy you will have with this bike will make you forget the hard times emptying your wallet 😉
IS THE GROM A GOOD BEGINNER MOTORCYCLE?
Most certainly is it a perfect bike to learn to ride. Why do I think so? Well, all attributes speak in favour. That is a small size, easy handling, the low power that will not rocket-launch you when you learn to control the clutch and shifting gears.
Also, the low weight makes it easy to keep upright even when you lean it at a standstill. Any girl could handle it and also the youngest riders.
Manufacturers see the opportunity to address new and young riders, and this is the main reason why the manufacturers push the “low cc” segment over the last few years, trying to attach future riders to their brand name with the hope they will stay faithful even when they upgrade to a bigger motorcycle eventually.
BUT…
…my primary concern about the Honda MSX 125 Grom being a good beginner motorcycle is a small size and subsequently your visibility on the road. Even though it is very easy to manoeuvre, beginner riders have a hard time to dominate their spot on the road due to their inexperience.
The small size surely doesn’t help here so that you could consider this as a disadvantage.
WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO OWN A HONDA MSX 125 GROM?
Well, the best advice to figure it out is to give it a try and experience it for yourself. I couldn’t put it anyway, other than it offers FUN FUN FUN. You won’t enjoy longer rides on straight roads, but it is a perfect second motorcycle for the daily commute and pleasure rides around town.
It makes you feel special when riding it. You know everybody is watching you. You have to push it to its limits, which also gives you the feeling of the total control even in the upper end of the Grom’s capabilities. If you check any YouTube review of the Honda MSX 125 Grom, you will notice the Fun factor immediately.
