Gromance

The Honda Grom is a motorcycle that not only captures the essence of adventure but also redefines the joy of riding. Since its inception, the Grom has become a symbol of innovation, community engagement, and unparalleled riding pleasure, embodying Honda's unwavering commitment to excellence. With its compact design and spirited performance, it invites riders into a world where the joy of the journey is more important than the destination, making every ride an unforgettable experience.

The birth of a legend

Launched in 2014, the Honda Grom, also known in some of the world’s other markets as the MSX125, heralded a new dawn in two-wheeled transportation. Its debut was not just another addition to the vast motorcycle market; it was a bold statement, a declaration of Honda's innovative spirit and understanding of riders' evolving needs.

With its compact stature, the Grom presented itself as an antithesis to the conventional belief that size and power are quintessential for a motorcycle's appeal.

Its affordable price tag further demolished barriers to entry, making motorcycling accessible to a broader audience than ever before, and created an entirely new genre for two-wheeled transportation: Honda Powersports miniMOTOs.

Receiving updates in 2017, 2021, and 2022, the Grom features a design philosophy that emphasizes simplicity blended with an allure that resonates across demographics. Its appealing aesthetics—a mix of both sharp angular lines and curves—coupled with a variety of color schemes and plug-and-play body panels that are easy to remove, make it a perfect canvas for customization right off the showroom floor. The Grom is more than just a machine; it’s a statement of individuality and freedom, packaged within a chassis that is both approachable and immensely enjoyable to ride.

Today’s models

At the core of the Honda Grom's appeal is its 124cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, a reliable and easy-to-use showcase of Honda's engineering expertise. This compact yet potent powertrain stands as a testament to the philosophy that performance and enjoyment in motorcycling are not solely dictated by size or power. Engineered to punch above its weight, the reliable powerplant delivers a surprise package that delights and impresses in equal measure.

The fuel-injected engine's design strikes a balance between simplicity and technological innovation. It features a 10:1 compression ratio, delivering performance and efficiency unmatched in its class. The mighty mini motorcycle gets close to a whopping 166.5 miles per gallon* (no, that’s not a typo), while its five-speed transmission works just like that of a bigger motorcycle for excellent performance. The engine exemplifies Honda's dedication to creating motorcycles that are not just machines, but companions on the road, accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Its nimble handling and impressive ride comfort stem from its chassis and ergonomics. The bike's lightweight steel frame is a wonder of modern engineering, providing a solid foundation that enhances handling and ride quality. This design philosophy ensures that the Grom remains nimble and responsive, regardless of the riding environment – from tight city streets to open country roads.

Complementing the chassis is Grom's suspension system, which, like a top-of-the-line sportbike, features an inverted hydraulic fork front suspension for control and road feel. Rare in its class, the 39mm fork provides superior damping properties and enhances the bike's handling characteristics when paired with the 12-inch cast wheels and wide tires. At the back, a single hydraulic monoshock is finely tuned to balance comfort and performance, ensuring stability on different types of surfaces.

Great handling is nothing without adequate control, which is why it comes equipped with single hydraulic disc brakes on both ends – 220mm up front and 190mm out back – for confident and secure stopping. An ABS model is also available, which features Honda’s Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), further improving the bike's safety, especially in adverse conditions like rain or gravel.

Together, the Grom's chassis, suspension, and brakes defy the conventional limitations of small motorcycles, offering riders unparalleled agility, comfort, and stability. This combination further enhances the bike’s appeal as a versatile and, most importantly, fun-to-ride motorcycle. It cements its reputation as a bike that brings joy and excitement to every ride, redefining what riders can expect from a motorcycle of its stature.

Redefining motorcycle culture

Beyond its specifications and performance, the Grom has given rise to a vibrant community and a culture of customization that transcends the typical motorcycle experience. In fact, Honda has officially recognized this, offering a factory-customized Grom SP model that includes special graphics and a cool Matte Black color scheme.

It has become more than just a mode of transportation; it's a platform for personal expression and camaraderie. With numerous social media pages and forums dedicated to the Grom, and many ‘Grom Squads’ emerging across the country, these groups have garnered an impressive following, bringing a sense of belonging and shared passion. This cultural phenomenon further underscores the original miniMOTO machine’s role as a catalyst for creative and social connections.

Small size, large legacy

The success of the Honda Grom challenges traditional ideas about what makes a motorcycle desirable. In a world often fixated on speed and power, this compact yet incredibly fun ride reorients the focus toward joy, community, and the fundamental essence of motorcycling. It shows us that the heart of motorcycling isn't just about how fast you can go or how powerful your engine is, but rather the experiences you create and the connections you forge along the way.

As the first miniMOTO machine, the Honda Grom has not only launched an entire line of Honda motorcycles but has also inspired a vibrant community of riders eager to explore, customize, and share their adventures. Its influence, surprisingly profound for such a small bike, reminds us that the journey is as important as the destination. In the end, the Grom proves that when it comes to motorcycling, it's not the size of the bike that matters; it's the size of the smiles it creates—because every ride is an adventure waiting to unfold, and sometimes, the best journeys come in the tiniest packages.