The Honda Grom MSX 125 Motorcycle

a little nipper

• Honda
• MSX125
• HondaGrom

Small but perfectly formed and weighing in at a kerb weight of 101.7kg, the new 2014 MSX 125 (Mini Street X-treme 125) or Honda Grom is a real motorcycle – just a compact one. The name Grom which is used in America is short for grommet, surfer slang for a young shredder – aptly named for a bike which carries its rider along the crest of the urban wave. The MSX 125 first arrived in 2013 and seems to be something of an instant hit.

This little bike is aimed at the ‘Generation Y’ rider according to the US press material, but is not their exclusive preserve and is proving very popular with many riders of many generations and all sizes!
A few details...the MSX 125 has 4 speed manual transmission and single hydraulic disc brakes on 12” wheels. The front fork is inverted and it has a Liquid Crystal Display digital dashboard.  It is claimed by Honda to have many “full sized” motorcycle parts, and is topped off with projector beam headlights.
Reaching a sweet 56mph - downhill with a following wind - this cheeky little bike with its four foot wheel base and four stroke fuel injection is compact, nippy and out for a good time.

The MSX 125 is perfectly adapted for urban riding, small enough to nip round the tightest corners and wiggle through gaps.  The engine is revvy with smooth power delivery, but the speed needs to be kept up in town to stay with the faster moving traffic.
Its handling is good for a little ‘un, it is leany and flicky to a sensible degree but the suspension is a tad soft so watch out for bumps as the forks can’t really cope with them too well.
As for comfort you might be forgiven for thinking that it would feel cramped for a normal adult rider used to a longer wheelbase ride – but no – you would be wrong there! It is actually an easy ride with a seat height of 756mm, plenty of room even for a 6ft rider to sit comfortably. Surprisingly there is even space for a pillion as well in reasonable comfort.
This is really a simple, cheap, nippy and stylish all rounder, suited to towns, holidays, beginners, students or anyone with an urban commute - it's just motorways and long distance travel that are really best avoided. It can fit into the garage with no problem and although it does not have the easy riding position of a scooter, it is much more sporty and mobile about town.


In short – that’s four foot short – it is a certainly destined to become a little favourite as it joins the ranks of Honda’s cohort of littlies like the Honda Trail 70 and the Monkey bike.
Model: MSX125 Grom
Engine Type: 124.9cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 52.4mm x 57.9mm
Compression Ratio: 9.3:1
Valve Train: SOHC; two valves per cylinder
Induction: PGM-FI with automatic enrichment
Ignition: Electric
Transmission: Four-speed
Final Drive: Chain
Suspension: Front – 31mm inverted fork
Rear – Single shock with steel box-section swingarm
Brakes:  Front – Single 220mm disc with hydraulic dual-piston caliper
Rear – Single 190mm disc with hydraulic single-piston caliper
Tyres: Front – 120/70-12; Rear – 130/70-12
Wheelbase: 1200mm (47.4 inches)
Trail: 81mm (3.2 inches)
Seat Height: 765mm (30.1 inches)
Fuel Capacity: 5.5L (1.45 gallons)
Fuel Economy Estimate: TBD
Colours: Pearl Red, Metallic Black & new for 2014 Candy Pisces Blue

There is already lots of customisation available to personalise the MSX 125 so look out for new and different ones out there. This is small bike which looks like having a large impact.
Have you had a go on one yet? Let us know your thoughts? Email us on: [email protected]