Value-For-Money Hondas: 2014 Honda Grom
Honda can’t seem to keep enough Groms on dealership floors, and considering its $3,199 price tag, it’s easy to see why. For those in urban environments, college towns, or both, the Grom represents an extremely affordable way to blast through town on a fun and compact motorcycle. Its appeal widens even further when you take into account first-time riders who want to learn the fundamentals of two-wheeling on a motorcycle that isn’t the least bit intimidating.
2014 Honda Grom Review + Video
Powered by a 125cc, fuel-injected, single-cylinder, four-stroke, the Grom comes with all the levers and controls of bigger motorcycles, including both brake levers, a clutch lever and shifter to row through the four gears. An inverted fork, disc brakes and lightweight 10-spoke alloy wheels are features you’d expect to find on a CBR sportbike. It’s targeted towards the youth market, as Grom is in reference to young surfing phenoms, but really, anyone who’s young at heart will appreciate what it has to offer.
The little 125 scoots off the line with enough gusto to keep cagers at bay in the city, although clutch engagements on our test bikes have been rather far out from the grip, and the little thumper doesn’t pick up revs with much urgency. Clearly, this isn’t a bike for speed demons. The Grom is about cruising, exploring escape roads you might have missed on bigger bikes and getting into trouble without ever breaking the speed limit.
History of the Honda Monkey Bike
It handles surprisingly well, with a significant amount of lean angle required before hard parts start touching down. Front travel from the 31mm fork is 3.9 inches, while the shock gives 4.1 inches. For such a little bike, the suspension feels compliant while carrying a 155-pound rider, never bottoming and providing a comfortable ride on SoCal’s crappy roads. Its brakes, too, are more than adequate for tooling around.
The Grom is a fun play bike that’s incredibly easy on the wallet, as its $3,199 MSRP is easy to swallow. After some snooping around our sister site, www.GromForum.com, owners are reporting back fuel mileage numbers easily into the triple digits. One owner claims he got an incredible 165 mpg while gingerly riding during the break-in period! Wherever you go, the Grom attracts attention. And since you meet the nicest people on a Honda, luckily, it comes with passenger pegs, so you can share the adventure.
+ Highs
- More than 100 mpg!
- It’s a motorcycle, not a scooter
- Great to learn on
– Sighs
- Not very quick
- Not freeway legal
- Not for the introverted
Honda Grom Specs | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $3,199 |
| Engine Capacity | 124.9cc |
| Engine Type | Air-cooled, SOHC, two-valve, Single |
| Bore x Stroke | 52.4mm x 57.9mm |
| Compression | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel System | EFI |
| Transmission | 4-speed |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| Frame | Steel |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic, 31mm. fork, 3.9 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension | Single shock, 4.9 in. travel |
| Front Brakes | 220mm disc with two-piston caliper |
| Rear Brakes | 190mm disc with single-piston caliper |
| Front Tire | 120/70-12 |
| Rear Tire | 130/70-12 |
| Seat Height | 29.7 inches |
| Wheelbase | 47.2 inches |
| Curb Weight (claimed) | 225 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 1.45 gal |
| Colors | Metallic Black, Pearl Red |
| Warranty | One year, unlimited miles |
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