The History and Evolution of the Honda Grom
The Honda Grom was first released for sale to the public in 2014. It quickly became known as the smallest hooligan bike in the world. It's also known as the Honda MSX125 and it caught on quickly gaining popularity among younger riders as much appreciated gifts from their parents, but it also has a place with adults. The modern version of the bike is a throwback to the millions of small monkey bikes that were sold in the decades of the 1970s and '80s and it tips its hat in a respectful nod to the nostalgic days that the Grom brings back as fond memories and a few flashes of inspiration that create a sense of de ja Vu. T.he Grom has the definite DNA of the former bikes with its small size and a big heart.
Leaving the past behind
There are certain aspects of the Grom that are reminiscent of the monkey bikes from decades ago, but let's be clear about the fact that this isn't one of them. It's a distant relative for certain but it's not just a bike that's suited for kids who want to tear up the back 40 or raise some hell in the neighborhood. It has features that make it a useful bike for people of all ages, whether it's for joyriding on the backroads or for using as a serious commuter bike and navigating through a busy city. It's highly capable of doing both. When it's fully dressed out and accessorized it hardly comes across as the monkeys of yesteryear.
The Honda Grom as a commuter bike
When we say that adults can have as much fun on this bike as the younger generation, it's true. While it's a small motorcycle with limited power, it's ideal for taking out on the backroads for some innocent fun and for the sheer pleasure of riding
The Specifications
The Honda Grom has an air-cooled single cylinder four stroke SOHC engine with a 125cc displacement. The tank capacity is an impressive 5.5 liters which will get you a long way down the road before it needs a refill. The engine may be familiar to you if you've ridden the Honda Wave scooter because it's about the same with fuel injection. It also sports USD forks with front and rear disc brakes. The modern dash is nice for around town riding as it's really a more attractive look and more importantly, it's functional. There's no speed to discuss other than the fact that you can take it on the freeway for short stretches, but it has a tough time keeping up with traffic, so highways and back roads are the best bet. Its nimble handling, on the other hand, makes it a champion for downtown driving and especially when it comes to parking in tight lot spaces. The gearbox is a four-speed with a decent gap in between gears, but it's something you get used to over time.
2018 Honda Grom
Over time, the Grom has gained some respect for its sporty appearance although the small wheels remain a dead giveaway to its genetics. It's not a big bike or even a mid-range one. It's a small motorcycle but it's design features gives it the aesthetic of a cool and sporty machine that is capable of handling the task at hand. It looks fast and it's attractive as hell.
The Grom is catching on as a viable commuter bike that you can still take out for some fun on the weekends. It's not a monkey and it's not your average youth learning model. It's a serious contender for commuters who appreciate the classy aesthetics and decent city performance in a small and fuel efficient motorcycle that has a personality of its own. If you're not fond of the stripped down version that's available for a reasonably low price tag, there are plenty of accessories available to customize your Grom. After just four years on the market, it's just getting started.
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Written by Garrett Parker
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