2019 Honda Grom Review and Test Ride

Written by The Duke of DC.

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Introduction

The Honda Grom (or MSX125 for our overseas readers) took the world by storm. If you had told me a 125cc single-cylinder minimoto was going to be the poster child for hoons and goons alike, I would have told you that you’re crazy. And yet, since hitting showroom floors in 2014, the Honda Grom has done just that. A pack animal, the Grom, and subsequent Grom-gangs that have formed, have been fueled by a flourishing aftermarket parts catalog, ultra customizability, and low costs of entry. After years of wondering, I finally got to throw a leg over and give this plucky single a shot, and it doesn’t take long to fall in love.
 

Overview of the 2019 Honda Grom

With limited power, tech, and, well, features in general…the 2019 Honda Grom has remained pretty much the exact same over the last five years of production. But hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Zipping through the hill country in Northeast Pennsylvania was pushing the little Grom’s powerhouse to its limit at times. For one of the first times on a test ride, I was forced to bump down into 1st gear on a couple of occasions where the oomf was just not there, but at every turn, the fun was. See, the Honda Grom isn’t about the power, the top speed, the tech, or any of the features. It’s about the beautiful mechanical harmony of all the above, and the application of such a simple bike in such a perfect way. My ride was further perfected with the addition of some aftermarket goodies thrown in by the good folks at Blackmans Cycle Center.
 
Watch my first ride on the 2019 Honda Grom here:

2019 Honda Grom Top Speed, 125cc Engine, and HP

Being one of three 125cc singles that Honda is producing in 2019, the Grom doesn’t stand out from the rest. Packing the same 124.9cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke used in both the Honda Monkey and Super Cub. That 124.9cc single still produces 9.7 HP @ 7,000 RPM and 8 ft/lb torque @ 5,500 RPM. On the Grom, I was able to get up to an indicated 56mph top speed, although after reading the comments on the since released review video, I’ve seen claims that the mighty Grom can top 70mph with ease. Not sure what mountain they were rolling down, but I want in.
 

2019 Honda Grom Price

The 2019 Honda Grom has an MSRP of $3,399, making it quite affordable, placing it right at the competitor’s Kawasaki Z125 (SE and KRT specs) and the more expensive Honda Monkey. If you opt for the Grom ABS model, that will run you an additional $200, with an MSRP of $3,599. Honda has  also released 2020 Grom models, which run at the same price as the 2019 models. If you shop with GoRollick, you can get an upfront, transparent price when you’re ready to buy, so make sure to check that out.
 
And if you need to finance the Grom, you should read the definitive guide to motorcycle financing to learn all the tips and tricks to get the best deal possible. Given the low price, hopefully, it isn’t an issue. If you have challenges getting financed, GoRollick has created a low credit financing guide to help you make smart decisions and get the best rates when buying your next bike.
 

2019 Honda Grom Specs, Transmission, Suspension, and Headlights

Keeping with the 125cc single class theme, the Grom is anything but a technological marvel, and although you’ll have a laundry list of aftermarket upgrades at your fingertips, out of the factory, it needs a little TLC. Power is still being managed through a 1 down 3 up, 4-speed transmission. Braking is being done through a 220mm front and 190mm rear single disc for what Honda proclaims is “excellent stopping power,” although I would beg to differ. It’s certainly good braking, but excellence is clearly reserved for things like the CBR1000RR SP (which I just rode… and let me just say, wow). The Grom’s LED projector-style headlights would likely be sufficient in low light riding, although my test ride took place on a sunny afternoon, so I can only assume. Suspension, although non-adjustable, was perfectly stable in the turns. Feedback indicated the suspension being developed more for comfort than heavy sporty riding, but I could still see the Grom tearing it up at your local go-kart track. Coming in a number of bright, fun colors, the Grom certainly has a more character-driven aesthetic.
 

2019 Honda Grom Seat Height, Weight, and MPG

With a 47.2 inch wheelbase, 30-inch seat height, and a curb weight of just 229 pounds, the Grom is one of the smallest motorcycles I’ve ever ridden, coming in only slightly longer, yet slightly lighter, than its cousin, the Monkey. You’ll see a staggering 134 mpg fuel efficiency as the little Grom barely sips through your tank. At a few hundred dollars less than the Honda Monkey,  the low cost of entry, maintenance costs, and lower insurance premiums make the Grom a great bike for someone looking to stay on the cheaper side. Leaning towards one of the least expensive new motorcycles you can buy.
 

Final Say

For years, I’ve seen these little Groms roll five deep into a cars & coffee or bikes & breakfast, with their aftermarket exhausts, anodized aluminum hardware, and usually equally decked-out riders. For all those years I wondered what all the hype was about, and now I know. The Grom is simple, it’s easy to maintain, it’s inexpensive to buy, and yet I’ve had worse times on bikes that are literally 10x as expensive. It’s always more fun to ride a slow bike fast rather than a fast bike slow. The Honda Grom is unapologetically a fun, slow bike. Interested in my favorite vehicles? Check out my 10 best motorcycles list during your lunch break.
 

GoRollick Buying Experience

When you’re ready to find your perfect motorcycle, be sure to check us out at gorollick.com. You can:

• See nationwide inventory, specs, and incentive information
• Get an upfront, transparent price on your desired vehicle
• Receive special offers on both the vehicle, as well as additional accessories
• Shop at one of our Certified Dealers who are committed to providing an exceptional buying experience

About the Duke of DC

You know, my father tells me that one of my first words was “carburetor” and after my 8th car and 5th motorcycle in my relatively short time on this earth, I’m starting to believe him. I’ve been riding motorcycles since I was 15 years old, and when I started DukeOfDC it was during a really difficult time in my life. I’m just an average Joe that loves anything on two wheels and wants to share that passion with the world. Check out my YouTube channel and follow me on Twitter.