Bike Files: Honda MSX125 Grom

Honda Grom? Interesting name…

There are cult bikes and then there’s the Honda Grom. It’s a little pocket rocket that appeals to everyone from learners to dyed in the wool bikers. There’s a huge modification scene and in terms of smiles per pound, it’s hard to beat.

It’s the little bike, right?

Yep, the Grom is one of Honda’s cool little mini bikes. With a 761mm seat height, 12” wheels and weighing in at just over 100kg, it’s like a motorised roller skate. It follows on from the tradition of Honda’s famous Monkeys of the 1960s, small bikes designed for occasional use, and it has found a real cult following.

Where does the Grom name come from?

Apparently it comes from the boarding world. Young surfers, skateboarders, snowboarders and the likes are known as ‘groms’ and Honda gave their fun sized new model that nickname when it launched in 2014. Initially the Grom moniker was only for American market bikes, while us Europeans had to call it the far less interesting MSX125.

Everyone still called the MSX a ‘Grom’ though, so when a new generation MSX (which incidentally stands for Mini Street X-treme) came out in 2024, Honda did the right thing and gave our bikes the name too.

What do they ride like?

They are a proper laugh. The air-cooled engine only makes 10bhp but it’s got such little weight to pull around it can keep up on backroads roads, although with a top speed of around 60mph it does get out of breath on dual carriageways.

Those tiny wheels mean amazing agility and it corners surprisingly well, making it a lot of fun on country lanes and around the city. It’s not hugely practical and although it is nippy around town, the low riding position isn’t always the best for getting through traffic jams – although it does do over 180 miles per gallon, which is frankly staggering!

What’s the Grom scene like?

Grom gatherings are pretty cool. From teenagers razzing around on L plates to experienced riders having a laugh, there’s a really vibrant Grom scene. There are lots of special parts out on the market and many riders like to modify their bikes. Modified Groms take all kinds of forms, from custom paint jobs through to basic performance upgrades like exhausts. We’ve even seen a fully tuned example with turbochargers and nitrous oxide kits. That was insane!

What else is there on the market that’s like the Grom?

Honda have really carved out their own niche with their pocket bike range. As well as the Grom, they make the retro styled Monkey 125 and Dax too –  they’re also three-quarter sized bikes built around the same engine. There are a few imitators too, coming from less mainstream manufacturers.

Most are pretty basic Chinese bikes which are best avoided, although the Benelli TnT is one which is worth considering. It’s almost half the price but still looks great and has decent enough build quality.

Is the Grom a sensible bike to buy?

On paper not really but, in a weird way, it can be. As a learner run around they are cool and distinctive, while many experienced riders get them for fun weekends away. You’ll often see them touring places like the Isle of Man in packs. Stick ‘em in a van, take the ferry and enjoy a mega weekend with mates, without worrying about speeding fines.

To be honest, we can justify them as sensible because they have that famous Honda wing on the tank. You don’t have to worry about things like finding a local dealer or getting spare parts. Honda and sensible are words which go together like salt and vinegar.

Why should I buy one?

If you have space for a Grom in your life you should certainly buy one. They’re an absolute hoot and unlike anything else on the road. We love ‘em, and you will too!