Honda Grom Buying Guide

Table of Contents

Honda Grom History and Overview

Honda Grom for Sale

Honda Grom Features

Honda Grom Specifications

Honda Grom MPG

Honda Grom Price

Honda Grom Top Speed

Honda Grom Colors

Honda Grom Warranty

Honda Grom Problems

Honda Grom Maintenance Schedule

Honda Grom Custom Modifications

Honda Grom Accessories

Honda Grom Parts

Frequently Asked Questions About the Honda Grom

Honda Grom History and Overview

First introduced to the U.S. in 2014, the Honda Grom, also called MX125 in Europe and East Asia, has become one of the most popular MiniMoto bikes due to its easy handling, low cost, and reliability. The Grom combines standard motorcycle functionality with Honda’s engine reliability for a friendly but peppy riding experience. Some have confused the Grom as a scooter, but that would be selling this bike short. Unlike most scooters that have a continuous variable transmission (CVT) and use “twist and go” throttle, the Grom has five shiftable gears.

Like Honda’s other popular model that hasn’t changed much over the years, the Monkey, the Grom continues to be a beacon of consistency and the bike has practically been the same since 2017 except for some minor cosmetic changes. The 2022 model received a design facelift by allowing the body panels to be removed, and the transmission was upgraded from four speeds to five. The instrumental panel is very clear and compact, displaying multiple data points into a small space. In typical Honda fashion, the build quality is high, and they use top-notch materials. Detractors of the Grom will cite its small size, height, and short wheelbase, which may stunt good riding habits once you upgrade to a larger bike. The consensus from reviews is that the Grom is best suited for beginner riders or a novelty bike for experienced riders.

What’s different between the 2023 vs. 2022 Honda Grom? Honda knows when to keep a good thing going which is why the only differences between the two model years are the color options and a slight increase in price. Other than the color and price, the specs and features remain the same between 2022 and 2023. We applaud Honda’s design team for keeping the Matte Black color option and offering the Metallic Silver, which we think looks especially sharp. For 2023, the base Grom increases in price by $100 while the ABS trim will cost $200 more. Given that Honda released the updated 2023 Grom information in April 2022, expect models to become available sometime in early summer. If you’re having trouble finding a 2023 model, there are plenty of new 2022 versions still available.

Honda Grom for Sale

• New Honda Grom for Sale
• 2023 Honda Grom for Sale
• 2022 Honda Grom for Sale
• 2021 – Due to the pandemic, there was not a 2021 model year for the Honda Grom
• 2020 Honda Grom for Sale
• 2019 Honda Grom for Sale
• 2018 Honda Grom for Sale
• 2017 Honda Grom for Sale
• 2016 – Honda did not produce a Honda Grom for the 2016 model year
• Used Honda Grom for Sale

Honda Grom Features

• Reliable, air-cooled fuel-injected engine
• Five-gear transmission
• 30-inch low seat height allows rider to be flat footed when stopped
• LED projector-style headlight
• Hydraulic disc brakes with optional ABS brakes

• Two passenger seating
• 10-spoke wheels
• Digital LCD instrument panel including a gear and fuel indicators
• Built-in handlebar steering lock

Honda Grom Specifications

• Model ID: Grom 125 (Grom125A with ABS)
• Model years: 2014 – Present
• Engine type: 124cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
• Bore and Stroke: 50mm x 63.1mm
• Compression Ratio: 10:1
• Induction: PGM-FI with automatic enrichment
• Ignition: Electronic
• Valve Train: SOHC; two valves per cylinder
• Transmission: Five-speed. Final drive 15T/38T chain.
• Front suspension: 31mm telescopic inverted fork; 3.9 inches of travel

• Rear suspension: Single shock with steel box-section swingarm; 4.1 inches of travel
• Brakes: Front, single 220mm disc with hydraulic dual-piston caliper; Rear, Single 190mm disc with hydraulic single piston caliper
• Tires: Front, 120/70-12; Rear, 130/70-12
• Seat height: 30 inches
• Wheelbase: 47.2 inches
• Fuel tank capacity: 1.6 gallons
• Curb weight: 224 lbs (Grom), 235 lbs (Grom ABS)
• Maximum weight capacity: 309 lbs (140 kg)
• Minimum ground clearance: 7.1 inches
• Dimensions: 69.3 inches long, 28.3 inches wide, 40 inches height

Honda Grom MPG

Honda Grom fuel efficiency:

Honda states the Grom can reach 166 mpg although owners regularly report an average of around 125 per gallon under real-world conditions. We’ve heard claims of some owners reaching up to 155 mpg, but we haven’t been able to independently verify that number. Honda recommends 86 octane or higher gasoline to fill up the Ruckus.

Honda Grom Price

Honda Grom New Price:

The base MSRP of a 2023 Honda Grom is $3,499, an increase of $100 from 2022’s MSRP. This MSRP does not include tax, license, registration, a $200 destination charge, a $100 freight charge and any dealer installed options. Dealer prices may vary.

Honda Grom ABS New Price:

TThe base MSRP of a 2023 Honda Grom ABS is $3,799, an increase of $200 from 2022’s MSRP. This MSRP does not include tax, license, registration, a $200 destination charge, a $100 freight charge and any dealer installed options. Dealer prices may vary.

MSRP excludes a destination charge of $200 and freight surcharge of $100.

Used Honda Grom Price:

Due to high demand as well as inventory shortages, the price of a used Honda Grom haven’t declined and if anything, they’ve increased and now you’ll see used Groms selling for between $3,300 to $4,000. It is rare to find a Honda Grom selling for less than $3,000.

Can you find a Honda Grom for sale under $2,000? It’s possible, but you must be willing to wait, and chances are that it won’t be for sale near you.

Honda Grom Top Speed

The top speed of a stock Honda Grom is between 58 and 62 mph. Your actual top speed will vary depending on the driver’s weight.

Honda Grom Colors

There are four color combinations available for the 2023 Honda Grom.

Matte Black Metallic

Cherry Red

Force Metallic Silver

Pearl White (only color choice for the ABS Trim)

Honda Grom Warranty

A new Honda Grom includes a 1-year transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty.

Optional Extended HondaCare Protection Plan® Pricing and Cost

Honda Grom Problems

These are some common problems users have reported with older model years of Honda Grom.

• Some 2022 model year owners have reported odd transmission sounds and difficulty shifting into neutral, but these issues are the exception and not the rule.
• 2013 – 2015 model years were known to experience fuel pump failures due to a resin bracket swelling inside the fuel pump. Honda recalled almost 18,000 Groms made during this time.
• 2020 – 2021 model years were known for having dim reflectors. If you have one of these used models and think your reflectors aren’t bright enough, take it to your nearest Honda dealer.
• Other owners have reported problems with the throttle cable, front-wheel bearing noise, chain loosening over time, issues with the main shaft bearing, difficulty shifting from first to second gear and getting stuck between gears while attempting to shift while stationary.
• Corrosion can occur on the frame, gas tank, and bike chain.

Honda Grom Maintenance Schedule

Honda recommends the following items should be replaced at the following mileage increments. Please note that this is not a comprehensive maintenance schedule like that found in the Honda Grom’s owner manual. Honda recommends using SAE 10W-30 oil in the Grom.

Honda Grom Custom Modifications

This video provides a great overview of some performance modifications you might consider for your 2022 Honda Grom.

Popular Honda Grom mods include:

• Exhaust
• Air Intake
• Airfuel / Programmers

• Stiffer Forks
• Rear Fender Eliminator
• Handbrake

If you’re looking for additional performance, stunt, and aesthetic modifications for a 2018 – 2019 Honda Grom, check out this video.

Honda Grom Accessories

Here are some of the popular and useful accessories Honda Grom owners have bought that you might want to consider as well. Some owners also invest in security accessories given how light the Grom is, which makes it more susceptible to being stolen.

• Utility sidecar (Industrial Moto)
• Passenger sidecar (Industrial Moto)
• Heated grips

• Mobile Phone Holder Kit
• GPS tracking system
• Cover

Honda Grom Parts

Maybe a Honda Grom Dealer isn’t located near you? If so, then check out these online retailers for Honda Grom parts, accessories, and modifications.

Published Mar 9th, 2022

Honda Grom Frequently Asked Questions

• How much is a Honda Grom?

  The 2023 Honda Grom starts at $3,499 for the base model and $3,799 for the ABS model. MSRP does not include tax, license, registration, a $200 destination charge, a $100 freight charge and any dealer installed options. Dealer prices may vary.

• Is the Honda Grom a scooter?

  No. Although it looks like a scooter with its smaller size, it technically isn’t a scooter since the power to the rear wheel is driven by a five-speed transmission. Most scooters use a continuous variable transmission (CVT) and use “twist and go” throttle, but Grom has five shiftable gears, so it has more in common with a motorcycle than a scooter. The powers at be over at Honda have called the Grom a “miniMoto.”

• What is the Honda Grom seat height?

  The seat height on a Honda Grom is 30 inches. For most riders, this should allow you to be flat-footed when you’re at a complete stop.

• How does the Honda Monkey compare vs. the Grom?

  Aesthetically the Monkey has a vintage, laid-back, retro design compared to the Grom’s aggressive and sporty look. With a base MSRP of $4,199, the Monkey is slightly more expensive than the Grom. Although the Monkey is suitable for 2 riders, it doesn’t have foot pegs, unlike the Grom, which does, and the Monkey has a dual shock suspension set up, whereas the Grom utilizes a single shock suspension. Owners have claimed the Monkey’s soft seat, with its 1970’s banana seat vibe, is much more comfortable. The riding position on a Monkey is slightly more upright compared to the Grom. Both 2023 models have a 125cc engine with a 5-speed transmission and available ABS brakes, so performance is the same between the two.

• How much does a Honda Grom weigh?

  The curb weight of a Honda Grom is 223 lbs and a Grom ABS is 235 lbs, with a full tank of gas and all required fluids.

• Do you need a motorcycle license for a Honda Grom?

  Yes, in most states, you need a motorcycle license to operate a Grom since the engine size is larger than 50cc. Check with your local state DMV for applicable rules just to be safe.

• How many CC is a Honda Grom?

  The 2023 Honda Grom has a 124cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine.

• Is the Honda Grom street legal?

  Yes. While the Grom is street legal it may not be allowed on some state highways where the posted speed limit is 65 or 70mph. Check with your state’s DMV for local rules and regulations.

• Can you finance a Honda Grom?

  Yes, you can finance a Honda Grom using your own bank or credit union. Your local Honda dealer can also offer financing.

• How much weight can a Honda Grom hold?

  The maximum weight capacity of a Grom is 309 lbs (140 kg).

• Does the Honda Grom have a clutch?

  Yes, the Honda Grom has a clutch to control the engine’s five-gear transmission.

• What is the top speed of a Honda Grom?

  The top speed of a stock Honda Grom is between 58 and 62 mph. Your actual top speed will vary depending on the driver’s weight.

• What oil does a Honda Grom take?

  Honda recommends SAE 10W-30 oil for the engine in a Ruckus.

• How many miles will a Honda Grom last?

  Some reviewers and owners have claimed a well-taken care of Grom could last up to 90,000 to 130,000 miles. A Grom which is well maintained and cared for will outlive a Grom which isn’t.

• How much does it cost to insure a Honda Grom?

  Assuming you’re a younger rider (16 – 25), insuring a Grom could range from $150 to $500 annually or $13 – $41 per month. Of course, this depends on your collision, comprehensive, liability and deductible coverages and other factors like your driver history, age, passing a safety course and even your GPA. It is recommended to get at least 3 to 5 quotes either directly from an insurance company or by using an insurance broker. Remember, each state has insurance minimums which you are legally required to have. Not having insurance on your Grom could put you in violation of your state’s laws.

• How much is a Honda Grom per month?

  Assuming a $4,000 out the door price, a 6% state and local sales tax, using 3% interest rate for 3 years with $600 down, your financed payment will be around $106 per month. Over the life of the loan, you will pay around $171 in total interest. Your finance rate will vary depending on your credit score and your bank’s terms while tax depends on where you live.

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