Honda’s Grom is simple to dismiss as a scooter that is trying to pass for a motorbike. The fun-size bike, which debuted in 2014, has had a visual makeover for 2016. Yes, it has the same single-cylinder, air-cooled engine as the company’s Wave scooter.
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The Honda Grom is a scooter, right?
The Grom can best be described as a 3/4-scale motorcycle, which is perhaps the best way to put it into perspective. The 225 lb curb weight, 125 cc motor, 12- and 13-inch wheels, and 47.4-inch wheelbase all point to a scooter.
What category does a Honda Grom fall under?
The Honda Grom is a member of Honda’s “miniMOTO” lineup of “pocket-sized” motorcycles, which are also known as “Pocket bikes,” “Minibikes,” or “Tiny Motorcycles.” These motorcycles have small displacements and are often 125cc or less. The MONKEY, SUPER CUB C125, TRAIL125 ABS, and NAVI are other motorcycles offered by miniMOTO.
A Grom is it a street bike?
The Honda Grom was a mystery when it made its debut in 2014. What the hell is a grom, was the first query. In Southern California, a region renowned for its delicious waves, American Honda has had its headquarters since 1959. A 125cc minibike was given the slang term for a skilled teenage surfer when it was time to name it.
Who would buy it was the next query. As it turned out, everyone. A sleek, fun minibike with a cheap buy-in price of $2,999 proved to be unstoppable. Dealers placed orders for them by the dozen, and when they were unable to obtain the quantity they required, they accepted deposits and added customers to waiting lists. Early purchasers sold Groms at a profit.
Grom subcultures appeared almost immediately after a downpour. Groms were first modified by businesses like Steady Garage in California and MNNTHBX (man in the box, get it?) in Tennessee, and aftermarket suppliers started selling unique components like shocks, exhaust pipes, and big-bore kits. Fans of groms began racing them, and groups of friends and clubs organized rides.
Four bikers who drove customized Dynas and dressed like Sons of Anarchy characters lived in a house in my neighborhood. I’d occasionally see their garage door open, and four identical Groms would emerge dressed in black vests and half-helmets, their typically solemn “cruiser expression” replaced with playful smiles.
Since its release, the Grom has been Honda’s best-selling streetbike in the United States. More than 750,000 units have been sold globally. Additionally, Honda’s miniMOTO line-up has grown in recent years to now include the 125cc air-cooled Single-powered Monkey, Super Cub C125, and Trail 125.
The Grom was redesigned for 2022 with a new look, a revamped engine, a new transmission, a larger fuel tank, and a broader, flatter seat after receiving an edgy aesthetic refresh in 2017. The Grom was intended to be more adaptable, cozy, and, dare we say it, useful.
Why is it known as a “Grom”?
The term “grom” refers to a young surfer who is going places and pursuing a professional career in the world of waves and riptides.
According to the rumor, if Honda America had called their new motorcycle the “MSX125,” it would have violated trademark laws. So, after some deliberation over coffee and doughnuts, a creative mind came up with the name “Grom.”
And what about that? Even in nations where the MSX125 name was retained, the rest of the globe quickly started referring to it as Grom.
Five minutes on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram will demonstrate why Grom is so pertinent. Thousands of young riders treat their Grom like a surfer rides a board, pulling tricks at every chance, all around the world.
A devoted group of owners also enjoys nothing more than ordering parts to modify their bikes, giving them a unique flair and making them the topic of forums and get-togethers of Grom owners. Everything is allowed, including unique chassis extensions and custom paint jobs, which turn it into a low-rider with the attitude—if not the performance—of a race bike found at a drag strip.
Does using a scooter require a license?
Your license will allow you to ride any motorcycle up to 125cc as long as its power is limited to 11kW, without L-plates, and as long as you are allowed to carry a pillion passenger.
Why are Groms so beloved by people?
Continue reading to learn more about the qualities of the Honda Grom that make it so well-liked, valuable, and potent.
The success of the Honda Grom surprised the executives. Dealerships nearly instantly ran out of stock when it first hit the sales floor in 2013, and customers kept going back multiple times a week. To get a Honda Grom, people made higher-priced offers and created waiting lists. The Honda Grom is a highly desired motorcycle among all demographics due to its affordable pricing, noticeably high fuel economy, user-friendliness, quick maintenance, and light weight. People are also taken aback by how well the bike handles on busy streets and how well it can keep up with certain full-size motorcycles. Even today, the bike is still very popular and has undergone various upgrades.
Does a 150cc scooter require a motorcycle license?
For instance, because 150cc scooters and above may travel at speeds greater than 50 mph and be driven on highways, the majority of states demand a motorcycle license for them. Even for 50cc cars, several states also demand a motorcycle license.
Is riding a Grom simple?
The Honda Grom is a fine entry-level motorcycle for folks with no prior motorcycle riding experience, but it isn’t really practical outside of parking lots or the suburbs. You don’t have to worry too much if you drop it because it’s cheap and simple to ride.
What is the price of filling up a grom?
Its single-cylinder, four-stroke, 124.9cc air-cooled, electric ignition engine favorably sucks gasoline. According to estimates, Grom’s 1.45 gallon gasoline tank can fuel you for more than 100 kilometers at a cost of roughly $5.
What is need to operate a Honda Grom?
To operate a scooter or moped, you might require a motorcycle license, depending on the state in which you reside.
Depending on where you live, there are different rules governing scooters and mopeds. Almost often, a motorcycle license and registration are needed for scooters. These cars frequently feature 150 cubic centimeter (cc) or smaller engines. On the other hand, mopeds with engines under 50cc do not need a specific motorcycle license or registration.
California and other states only need that you have a regular driver’s license or learner’s permit if your moped or scooter has an engine that is 50cc or smaller. Other states impose age restrictions on riders but don’t require a license. Riders in North Carolina and elsewhere must be at least 16 years old.
Most states demand that you obtain a motorcycle license or a driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement if your moped or scooter has an engine larger than 50cc. For example, a Vespa is regarded as a scooter in the majority of states. You typically require a motorbike license to operate a Vespa that is more than 50cc.
A motorcycle license is normally required to ride the Honda Grom, another well-known sports bike, as all of the variants have engines larger than 50 cc.
Can I use my vehicle license to operate a 125cc scooter?
Yes, you are allowed to ride a 125cc scooter or motorcycle off-road if you possess a valid driver’s license. Before riding a motorcycle on the road, you must complete and pass your mandatory basic training (CBT).
What kind of license do I require for a 125cc?
Light motorcycle license type “A1” (max power 11kW) Your license will allow you to ride any motorcycle up to 125cc as long as its power is limited to 11kW, without L-plates, and as long as you are allowed to carry a pillion passenger.
How quickly can a 125cc bike travel?
There is a wide variety of 125cc bikes available, ranging from scooters to sports bikes, so it is worthwhile to shop around before making a decision.
As the biggest engine size that can be legally ridden by anyone who is at least 17 years old, has a provisional license, and has completed Compulsory Basic Training, 125cc bikes are very popular (CBT).
They also compare favorably in terms of pricing, running costs, and performance, all of which are likely to have an impact on the bike you ultimately decide to purchase:
- They are typically inexpensive to operate, and several can achieve more than 100 miles per gallon.
- A used 125cc motorcycle costs only a few hundred pounds, but a brand-new, high-performance vehicle might cost up to four thousand pounds.
- The typical 125cc bike should be able to easily cruise around at 50 to 60 mph and have a top speed of roughly 70 mph.
Is it comfortable to ride a Grom?
The majority of my time riding the bike was spent negotiating city traffic because CT’s office was located in the heart of London; the MSX is perfectly sized for this job. I must admit that when I initially saw the little Honda, I had the impression that it would be crowded to ride and extremely uncomfortable over long distances. However, as it turned out, I could not have been more mistaken.
The Grom is surprisingly roomy with broad bars, an upright riding stance, and a 29.7-inch seat. Additionally, you are seated high enough to have a dominating vantage point over other drivers, which is essential for navigating traffic. In fact, I never once felt exposed while riding in congested traffic while riding with the Grom.
Unfortunately, not every component of the MSX is perfectly ergonomic. Taking a passenger presented the toughest challenge. Even though the MSX can accommodate a passenger, I’m not sure I’d recommend it after spending the afternoon traveling around with my girlfriend in the rear. Even at city speeds, the extra weight overpowered the rear damper, the brakes became difficult after repeated usage, and the acceleration away from traffic lights was severely limited. Not optimal.
What does a Honda Grom serve?
The Honda Grom is the ideal motorcycle for city commuting. It has a great riding position, is really lightweight, affordable, and is just a lot of fun to ride. The Grom has a seat height of about 30.1 inches and weighs only 225 pounds.
Throwing the little commuter around and weaving in and out of traffic won’t be a problem. Although it only has a modest top speed, the majority of municipal roadways have speed restrictions between 10 and 25 mph, with some only going up to 35 mph. You’ll feel at home with the Honda Grom as long as you avoid the A roads.