NEW Honda Grom First Ride

Twelve-inch wheels and a 124cc engine aren’t considered exciting things in the world of motorcycles. Fortunately, nobody ever told Honda that. And so in 2013, it introduced the Grom. The 2025 Grom is not significantly different from that iconic first model and even less so from the third-generation Grom that replaces it. Actually, the 2025 Grom is identical to the previous model in terms of running equipment and only differs in tweaks certain body panel.

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[markbrown-usxe]

No matter the size,
I love the sound of a single.

[BoostFiend_Bud]

Loved my 2019 Grom, gonna be getting a black SP model, love the added style of the undercowl. Likely add handguards cause the Grom has been awesome to goof off on around the woods and farm fields. It'll be weird having a 5th gear on the road finally

[RideJapanWorld-dm]

The 2025 red Honda Grom is so cool! I also ride a red 2023 Honda Grom.😁

[adam]

Own a cb300r, did my MSF on a tiny Honda Grom... thing is a laugh and the cb feels like an "adult" Grom and is all the more fun for it.

[dantownsend]

Please no connectivity to phones or electronics. Gas gauge and speedo only.

[magellanicspaceclouds]

I like the new look. I wasn't a fan of the "bullet hole" panels on the older Groms.

[SSS-mpth]

I wish Honda would see what the community is doing with these mini-moto's and make a 2nd version perhaps with the super moniker that has 150 or 200cc oil cooled motor.

My modded Monkey make about 11-12hp but it would be ideal if it had around 20, would make an awesome commuter for me.

[exothermal.sprocket]

Sound is blown out in the video.
Besides that, most all motorized two wheeled stuff is great. The Grom holds value, is inexpensive enough to be a second or third unit, is small and don't hog up space, can run on most roadways with adequate speed, dirt cheap to run, and holds adults without being smashed into the ground. Not to mention reliable as a stone axe. It doesn't have the stigma of a scooter... which some people might otherwise be bothered about.

[sizfhyb]

That Klim Cycle World jacket is pretty cool.

[ShadeTreeKennyT]

Nah, keep the display the same, simple and functional, just like the bike. No need for techie stuff, that just ups the price and the possibility for something to go wrong. Too many unnecessary electronics on things as it is.

[HAL-sumz]

Amazing! After 60 years, Honda finds a way to put a 5th gear in!

[Irishlad]

I like the looks of this new model. I didn't like the big panels.

[captainthruster]

You said it helps them keep price down to use hold over parts. That does not affect the price my young friend. It just affects how much goes in their pocket

[guylr]

Hey, both hands on at the Barber Parkway dip!

[ebutuoY_kcuF]

I still hate its exhaust layout. Would be nice if it is like the Kawasaki XSR 110 layout. 😅

[lorimcquinn]

Why is this bike slower than a 50+ year old Honda 125? Both air cooled and this bike is lighter plus this is F.I. over the old Carb'd bike.

[marcoluoma]

Thanks for a fun review. I don’t want one but I hope they’re still available when the granddaughter turns 8.

[Ramon]

I live in a city with steep streets; how/can it handle them? I weigh ~195....ish. A dealer near has a 2024 in stock, and last weekend my Hypermotard builder and his fiancé both spent the day mountain riding a pair of them and they couldn't stop smiling.

[KRAM-zbvc]

I go full throttle everywhere on mine and it still returns 148mpg 😅👍🏻

[radianman]

If Honda imported it’s CB125R and CB125F models into North America, they would never sell another Grom (yes, I am exaggerating) and it would also reduce sales of their CBR300 and CB300 models. If Yamaha (YZF-R125, MT-125, YZF-R15, MT-15, XSR-15, FZ-S), Kawasaki (Ninja 125, Z125) and Suzuki (GSXR125) did the same there would be no appreciable market for these mini bikes.

While in other markets the Grom does co-exist in Honda’s lineup with other 125cc models; in the UK for example there are six Honda 125cc models on offer, including three mini bikes.

There are many reasons why riders purchase Groms (including very small riders for whom a Grom is not miniature at all), but the most pertinent of these are affordability (both purchase price and operating costs, i.e., fuel, servicing, etc.) and availability. As new full sized Japanese 125cc motorcycles are generally not sold in the largest markets in North America (i.e., Canada and the USA), availability has been deliberately limited to minibikes, scooters and underbone models such as the Super Cub and Trail 125, all of which are limited in their capabilities, utility and appeal. Very few people would be taking their Honda Grom for a 100km highway trip, let alone riding cross country.

While there will always be a contingent of riders to whom minibikes appeal, the majority of riders, whose primary objective is transportation, if presented with a 125cc minibike and a full-sized 125cc motorcycle at a similar price point will opt for the latter. For example the Honda CB125F with its 18” wheels, 70mph top speed and 20% lower price. See the examples below from Honda. As the CBR125R is no longer offered in the UK I have substituted Yamaha’s YZF125R.

MSX125 Grom: 9.6hp, 12” wheels. Top speed: 60mph. £3, 929 ($4, 828 in Canada).

CB125F: 11hp, 18” wheels. Top speed: 70mph / 113km/h. £3, 149

CB125R: 15hp, 17” wheels. Top speed: 80mph/130km/h. £4, 699

Yamaha YZF-R125: 15hp, 17” wheels. Top speed: 80mph/130km/h. £5, 303