Honda's Grom pocket-rocket model saw a major update just last year, and so that generation carries over into the 2023 model year. As for what's new for this year, some new colorways are available for the U.S. market, and the price increased a tad.
The new bodywork from last year lends itself to easy removal and customization, so you can turn this bike into just about anything you can reasonably imagine. The drivetrain now includes a fifth gear for more incremental control over the operating RPM.
Honda's Grom falls into the same general category as its Monkey, Hunter Cub, Trail 125, and Super Cub 125 due to their limited stature and base engine design, but the clutch and gearbox make for a proper motorcycle. The 2023 Grom is available in an ABS model as well as a non-ABS version.
2023 Honda Grom
- Low Seat Height
- 12-Inch Cast Wheels
- Inverted Fork Suspension
- LED Lighting
- Available ABS
- Model: Grom
- Engine:: 124 cc single-cylinder
- Power Output: 9.7 HP
- Torque: 7.7 LB-FT
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
- MSRP: $3,499
- Easy To Control With Precise Handling
- Easy To Pick Up And Hold Up
- IMU Support Is Rare At This Displacement
- Switchable ABS Would Be Nice
- Needs Engine Protection
- Barely Room For A Passenger
2023 Honda Grom Performance And Capability
Power for the Grom comes from an air-cooled thumper that's rolled forward on the transverse axis by 80 degrees. This pushes the top end forward well into the cooling airflow and supports the weight of the piston and wristpin. The 2023 Grom produces 9.7 horsepower and 7.7 pound-feet of torque.
It's an undersquare, long-stroke engine with a 50 mm bore and 63.1 mm stroke for a total displacement of 123.9 cc and a mildish, 10-to-1 compression ratio. It should tolerate mid-hook pusholine just fine with no preignition, detonation, or dieseling at shutdown.
The top end is simple through the use of a single overhead cam with only a pair of poppets in the head. Induction control falls to the 24 mm, fuel-injected throttle body which meters the fuel to deliver an amazing 166 MPG. This new gen has a five-speed transmission, and the Grom's top speed is around the 60 MPH mark, give or take a bit depending on the variables.
Design
The 2022 redesigned bodywork on the Grom carries straight over into MY2023 with easily removable panels you can mix and match with other colors. This truly is a Jack-of-all bike that has shown amazing flexibility, due largely to the efforts of the aftermarket, and can serve as a base platform for a number of variants. Want a scrambler? Easysauce. Fancy a sidecar? Good to go. Prefer a café racer? Gotcha' covered. These are just a few of the many other possibilities out there.
As for the actual bodywork, the front fender comes cut down and vented for aerodynamics, while the cyclops headlight sits atop a vestigial mudguard. The blinkers sprout from above the headlight, well out of harm's way.
The 1.6-gallon fuel tank comes with deep knee dents, and the seat rides 30 inches even off the deck. Even shorter riders have a chance of reaching the ground with both feet when it's time to deploy the training wheels.
A long, bench-type seat leaves room for really tall riders to slide back for comfort, or for a passenger with fold-up foot pegs for your riding partner right off the showroom floor.
A short rear mudguard joins with a swingarm-mount hugger to complete the fling containment out back. Once again, the blinkers mounted as high as possible keep them safe in a drop or slide.
Honda Grom Specs | |
|---|---|
Seat Height | 30 inches |
Wheelbase | 47.2 inches |
Fuel Capacity | 1.6 gallons |
Curb Weight | 223 lbs |
Chassis
The tubular frame on the Grom is largely concealed, but it uses the engine as a stressed member that displaces the downtube/cradle section in its entirety. No bashplate either, so the engine and exhaust are quite exposed in the event of a debris strike or something.
Inverted, 31 mm forks float the front end on fixed values and 3.9 inches of travel, while out back, a coil-over monoshock tames the box-section, yoke-style swingarm with 4.1 inches of travel. These figures are a tad short, it's true, but with a curb weight of only 223 pounds, they should be plenty for your riding shenanigans.
Naturally, the steering head follows suit with a 25-degree rake angle and 3.3 inches of trail, and this makes the Grom very nimble indeed. A set of 12-inch, cast-alloy rims round out the rolling chassis with a 120/70 and 130/70 hoops on the front and rear respectively.
The ABS variant is special. The ABS is now informed by an Inertial Measurement Unit for greater balance and control under braking efforts.
Chassis & Suspension | |
|---|---|
Front Suspension/ Travel | 31 mm telescopic inverted fork/ 3.9 inches |
Rear Suspension/ Travel | Single shock with steel box-section swingarm/ 4.1 inches |
Rake | 25° |
Trail | 3.3 inches |
Front Tire | 120/70-12 |
Rear Tire | 130/70-12 |
Front Brake | 220 mm disc with hydraulic dual-piston caliper |
Rear Brake | 190 mm disc with hydraulic single-piston caliper |
2023 Honda Grom Price And Availability
The 2023 Honda Grom 125 costs $3,499. That's for the non-ABS model that comes in a choice between Matte Black Metallic, Cherry Red, and Force Metallic Silver. The ABS version rolls in Pearl White livery for $3,799.
Pricing & Features | |
|---|---|
Model ID | Grom125 |
Warranty | One-year unlimited-mileage, limited warranty |
Colors | |
└ 2022 | Matte Black Metallic, Pearl White, Queen Bee Yellow, Candy Blue |
└ 2023 | Matte Black Metallic, Cherry Red, Force Metallic Silver, Pearl White |
Price | |
└ 2022 | $3,399 (ABS: $3,599) |
└ 2023 | $3,499 (ABS: $3,799) |
Competitors
There are a few pocket rockets out there. However, I still think domestic foe Kawasaki is one of the best with its Z125 PRO model.
Kawasaki Z125 PRO
As with Honda, Kawasaki uses big-bike-like components but squishes them together in such a way as to leave plenty of room for the pilot, even a tall one. The Cyclops headlight, bench seat, and pillion pegs are direct crossovers, though Kawi carries a short cheek fairing at each side and a little chin fairing that makes it look so much more dressed up than the Grom.
Kawi uses a thumper, but it's an oversquare one with a 56 mm bore and 50.6 mm stroke, so it naturally puts out less torque with only 7.1 pounds on tap. The four-speed transmission doesn't do the Z125 PRO any favors either. The Kawi costs $3,399 for a minor win at the checkout, but that's not liable to buy them any business.
He Said
“Gotta' love 'em, whether they be pit bikes, monkey bikes, jackass bikes, or whatever. As fun as it is, it also has some serious utility as a trainer bike for learners in areas without the tiered licensing hassle. Also, they may be able to hit the highway, but you're a brave soul if you do, and you can forget about the superslab.”
She Said
My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says,
“Released first overseas, the updated Grom hit our shores in 2022. This has always been a fun little ride, but it's more refined now. The novelty of it matures into more serious bikerdom with a better engine, better cruise-ability with a fifth gear, and bodywork that allows customization. This is a bike you can ride like you stole it and have a blast doing it.”
FAQ
Q: How much horsepower does a Honda Grom 125 have?
With the 124 cc engine, the Honda Grom produces 9.7 horsepower and 7.7 pound-feet of torque.
Q: Why the Z125 is better than the Grom?
Before the 2022 update on the Grom, the Z125 PRO was considered more maneuverable. Since the update, that may not be so clear-cut. The Grom also has a five-speed transmission now, so compared to the Z125 with its four-speed box, the Grom has better highway cruise-ability.
Q: Is a Grom a good beginner bike?
The Grom is light, has a low seat height, manageable power, and ABS is available. As long as your travels don't include the Interstate, the Grom is a suitable bike for new riders.
Q: Can a Grom go highway speed?
With a top speed around the 60 MPH mark, it handles highway speeds. However, it doesn't have enough speed or oomph to handle the Interstate, though you might get away with popping up an exit or two.