Honda Grom owners!

[minoru cha]

Hi, I am playing with this idea of purchasing a Grom, street legal mimi.

I'd like to hear from all of you, Grom owners,

Are you happy with your Grom?

After market parts you'd recommend?

Any thought in comparison with Kawasaki counter part, Z125?

Any input is welcome.

Thank you!

 

[Kfxrider90]

I own a z125. These bikes are extremely fun. I rode with a group of grom owners, and I always seemed to be pulling away from them a little bit when we were trying to slowly drag race lol. There could be lots of factors as to why, but who know. I'd recommend getting one, but definitely not as an only bike.

 

[northwood]

I own a grom. I have 4500 miles on it now. 2015 model. Still love it. Tires are cheap, gas is cheap, oil is cheap. I do stoppies for the guards at work. Wheelies when I can. Giggle almost every time I go to and from work. Is it practical for everday. Not really. Is it fun, fuck yea.

 

[Manimal]

:wave

'14 Grom

Happy?! Oh yeah!!! :ride

I am not familiar with the Z125 nor the 2017 Grom, so I can't comment.

First rider impression / perspective:

- it feels slow. Break-in is 600+ miles. Power / speed improves as you surpass break-in. Most recommend to ride it like you stole it. The Honda's are bullet-proof.

- OEM sprocket combo: 4th is like over-drive. To improve initial take off or get up to speed a little quicker, install a 14t front sprocket.

- Front forks of the earlier versions are soft, and bottom out. There is a cheap mod that can be done to improve the forks bottoming out (gain 1" travel). Go to the Grom forum and read up about this mod (very detailed and video of mod). Otherwise, there are various suspension options available, depending on your budget.

- Tires: OEM Vee Rubber on the earlier versions aren't great in wet conditions. Michelin Polot Pures are a common upgrade.

This is it, for now

FWIW - first things I had done were tires, front SS brake line, and Ohlins front springs. Eventually, I added basic motor mods (Full exhaust, Piggy-back ECU, and intake), to enhance my commute route (expressway speeds). Otherwise, keeping it completely stock is completely adequate.

I only put in the money where I felt improvements were needed. Otherwise, there is tons of money to be spent on the Grom. Seriously!

On a side note; There is a local guy who rode his "stock" Grom to Tennessee for the Smokey Mountain Crawl, and back. He plans to do it again for the 2017 Crawl. Additionally, he plans to ride his Grom to the East Coast. Moreover, he has ridden his Grom several times to SoCal (LA and San Diego).

 

[ToraTora]

Because it should be said. Consider finding a Derbi GPR, or an Aprlia RS50. Much better build quality, much better design, way more fun. Lots of nice parts available. Also, they are way more reliable. A water cooled engine is a huge advancement over air cooled. A six speed transmission is a huge advantage too, and 17" wheels allow you to get much better tires.

Some examples:

​

 

[Surj]

Because it should be said. Consider finding a Derbi GPR, or an Aprlia RS50. Much better build quality, much better design, way more fun. Lots of nice parts available. Also, they are way more reliable. A water cooled engine is a huge advancement over air cooled. A six speed transmission is a huge advantage too, and 17" wheels allow you to get much better tires.

This assumes one wants something closer to a "real motorcycle." In my opinion, after riding both a Grom and a Z125 in skate park terrain, and a whole bunch of other uh... unapproved environments, that's not what these bikes are about. All the advancements you mention are immaterial when launching a Grom off the top of a bank.

 

[ToraTora]

Well Surj I suppose if one really wanted to find a reason to choose lower build quality, and lesser design as objectives it could be done. Heck you might as well go get a one off Chinese pocket bike from the auto parts store if that's your motivation.

Minoru did state that he wanted a street legal bike. I didn't see any mention of something to ride in a skate park, and he already has something to ride at the kart tracks.

As someone that's actively been organizing mini rides around here for over a decade I can say with some authority what bikes people tend to enjoy more on the various roads around here, and what bikes perform better. Also, actually knowing Minoru, and that he likes riding two strokes gives me a bit of insight that you may or may not have.

 

[Surj]

Well Surj I suppose if one really wanted to find a reason to choose lower build quality, and lesser design as objectives it could be done. Heck you might as well go get a one off Chinese pocket bike from the auto parts store if that's your motivation.

Minoru did state that he wanted a street legal bike. I didn't see any mention of something to ride in a skate park, and he already has something to ride at the kart tracks.

As someone that's actively been organizing mini rides around here for over a decade I can say with some authority what bikes people tend to enjoy more on the various roads around here, and what bikes perform better. Also, actually knowing Minoru, and that he likes riding two strokes gives me a bit of insight that you may or may not have.

I'll restate. He specifically asked about Groms and Z125s. Most people who are interested in those bikes are interested in the hooligan type of riding that comes with a tiny bike and those little wheels. I admittedly assumed his intent is roughly inline with others who buy these things—thus my statement about skate parks, etc.

It isn't always about build quality and "better" design. And the Grom and li'l Z are light years ahead of those values versus the cheap Chinese stuff. You know this.

Point being: the bikes you suggested aren't the same type of bikes as a Grom and Z125, and the "authority" earned by organizing mini rides for years doesn't change that.

 

[RickM]

Because it should be said. Consider finding a Derbi GPR, or an Aprlia RS50. Much better build quality, much better design, way more fun. Lots of nice parts available. Also, they are way more reliable. A water cooled engine is a huge advancement over air cooled. A six speed transmission is a huge advantage too, and 17" wheels allow you to get much better tires.

Some examples:

​

Are these available in close to new condition and/ or with warranties and easy dealer support and parts ? And around $3k? Street legal, pump gas etc?

 

[ToraTora]

Are these available in close to new condition and/ or with warranties and easy dealer support and parts ? And around $3k? Street legal, pump gas etc?

I've covered this at length before to teh Barfdom. I even posted ads and such in rebuttal. The response is almost always an extremely negative and hostile attitude. These sorts of questions are not usually aimed at learning--they are usually the sort to attempt to discredit. Is that your aim?

Most Groms are going to cost you close or more than $4K out the door if you buy a new one. People have been known to pay over $5K. And that's before you start spending money on them to get any sort of performance.

This myth that two strokes are illegal is just that--a myth. Didn't Minoru specifically ask for a street legal bike? Do you really think I'd post bikes that were not street legal? Really?

These days most people order parts online. The only Honda dealer in SF operates under questionable business practices. Where's the advantage? The dealers will quite often tell you that you have to wait while they order parts. However for us stroker riders there is a shop right here in SF where you can get two stroke parts--in stock!

If you mod your Grom to get into the same power range that you get with two strokes you'll have to run race gas to deal with the high compression. The two stokes wont. They will still be fine with pump gas.

Also, Minoru isn't some wet behind the ears noob. He's a very skilled rider that could easily appreciate a bike with better design, performance, and build quality.

Here's a photos from one of the rides I led here in the Bay Area. With a whole bunch of street legal pump gas running two strokes.

 

[ToraTora]

I'll restate. He specifically asked about Groms and Z125s. Most people who are interested in those bikes are interested in the hooligan type of riding that comes with a tiny bike and those little wheels. I admittedly assumed his intent is roughly inline with others who buy these things—thus my statement about skate parks, etc.

It isn't always about build quality and "better" design. And the Grom and li'l Z are light years ahead of those values versus the cheap Chinese stuff. You know this.

Point being: the bikes you suggested aren't the same type of bikes as a Grom and Z125, and the "authority" earned by organizing mini rides for years doesn't change that.

Oh so you are concerned with quality and design.

Please do remember that I qualified my post with "Because it should be said. Consider..." Minoru is a friend of mine, and I wouldn't have let a friend go out and spend $4k on a Yugo without saying something. For similar reasons in this instance I felt the moral compulsion to enlighten.

While it's true there are some people that have bought Groms to express their inner assholes the overwhelming majority of the Grom riders are not that way. This would be known to you if you were more active in the mini community. To paint a population with such a broad stroke seems a bit disingenuous to me. Although I appreciate your clarification. :thumbup

While I also have, and have had larger bikes including both Japanese and European, my deep interests in the small displacement bikes has granted me quite the education. I ride with mopeds, scooters, Groms, Rucks, Replicas, and a full cast of the small bikes. I also know that Minoru is a skilled rider. Most of the riding one would do on a Grom would easily be covered with a Replica bike, and were Minoru truly of mind to hooligan there is an option there as well.

And as long as I'm educating please remember that Honda did in fact copy Derbi's design--even down to the name, but Honda did it with lower quality, and a weaker implementation.

 

[minoru cha]

First of all, I'd like to thank everyone with your input.

 

[minoru cha]

I own a z125. These bikes are extremely fun. I rode with a group of grom owners, and I always seemed to be pulling away from them a little bit when we were trying to slowly drag race lol. There could be lots of factors as to why, but who know. I'd recommend getting one, but definitely not as an only bike.

Does this mean Z125 has more power/top speed?

 

[minoru cha]

Tora Tora/Rob, once I owned an Aprilia RS50 w/72cc kit, the only Italian bike I've ever owned, wasn't too big on that. Eventually got rid of it. Is Derbi GPR somewhat similar?

Do you have or know the one for sale?

If you have multiple bikes of those, do you wanna sell one to me?

Originally, I was, still am, interested in Charlie's NSR150R. He's asking a lot of money. Rightfully so because it's a very rare street legal bike. Are you listening, Charlie?

So, go to plan B. But, I didn't know it's air cooled motor. (Is Z125 the same?)

 

[Surj]

Oh so you are concerned with quality and design.

Please do remember that I qualified my post with "Because it should be said. Consider..." Minoru is a friend of mine, and I wouldn't have let a friend go out and spend $4k on a Yugo without saying something. For similar reasons in this instance I felt the moral compulsion to enlighten.

While it's true there are some people that have bought Groms to express their inner assholes the overwhelming majority of the Grom riders are not that way. This would be known to you if you were more active in the mini community. To paint a population with such a broad stroke seems a bit disingenuous to me. Although I appreciate your clarification. :thumbup

While I also have, and have had larger bikes including both Japanese and European, my deep interests in the small displacement bikes has granted me quite the education. I ride with mopeds, scooters, Groms, Rucks, Replicas, and a full cast of the small bikes. I also know that Minoru is a skilled rider. Most of the riding one would do on a Grom would easily be covered with a Replica bike, and were Minoru truly of mind to hooligan there is an option there as well.


And as long as I'm educating please remember that Honda did in fact copy Derbi's design--even down to the name, but Honda did it with lower quality, and a weaker implementation.

Sigh. I don't know why I bother. I know you're a 2-stroke mini zealot, and you're only posting about this because that's what you do at every opportunity, right down to the "it should be said" (why?) and "as long as I'm educating" Seriously? :nchantr

How is "Most people who are interested in those bikes are interested in the hooligan type of riding that comes with a tiny bike and those little wheels." painting mini riders with a broad brush as riders seeking to release their inner asshole? I'm talking about having fun, plain and simple.

Furthermore, I rode with you once, and I don't think you're in a real good position to mount that high horse, unless you've significantly changed your street riding style in recent years.

"Moral compulsion to enlighten." :rofl

 

[ToraTora]

Minoru,

Yes the Z125 is air cooled. A lot of the Grom riders add oil coolers to their bikes to help stave off over heating. Another thing about the Grom and Z125 is that they both have 4 speed transmissions. There is a kit for a 5 speed for the Grom, but I don't know much about it. I do know that some of the folks with performance mods have been having trouble with the timing tensioners, and they have been doing upgrades on them. From what I've been reading there's a decent amount of work to be done to make them reliable with a reasonable amount of power (~10-15hp).

I sent you an email with a bunch of bikes for sale. If you want to borrow a GPR for a few days to see how you like it I'll be around most of the day tomorrow. There are different ways to tune the bikes. Some folks go for max power, which is nice on the track. Some go for more power, but reasonable for around town riding. I've done both--really depends on how you want to use them. The great thing is that it's pretty easy to set them up as aftermarket parts are plentiful.

Last year for the last day of GPR Camp Charlie borrowed my Silver bike. He had way more fun on it than on the NSR. He's actually planning on borrowing one of my GPRs for this year! lolz


Surj,

The old can't address the topic so attack the person trick eh? I see you have the TOS linked in your sig. May I draw your attention to item 4.1 for review. Especially 4.1.a as it might be good to brush up on it before you get yourself bounced.

 

[tegboi]

Minoru Cha - As long as you are realistic with your expectations of the GROM.

What are you planning to do with the GROM?

First thing that everyone asks about, it's not a fast bike, I've let friends ride it and borrow my '14 GROM. Some knew exactly what they wanted, didn't want a fast bike, but a fun pit bike to ride on the street, something fun and doesn't need to go on the freeway, and doesn't need to cruise at 70mph, and were sold. Others expected more from a street bike, and glad they got a chance to ride one first, and know to expect modifications if they want to go faster, or just look for a larger displacement bike.

 

[Surj]

Surj,

The old can't address the topic so attack the person trick eh? I see you have the TOS linked in your sig. May I draw your attention to item 4.1 for review. Especially 4.1.a as it might be good to brush up on it before you get yourself bounced.

:wtf You're joking, right? Never mind that I'm intimately familiar with the TOS, I'd love to hear how you think 4.1.a relevant here.

By the way, what you're inaccurately accusing me of is an ad hominem attack. You know, "while I'm educating."

 

[ToraTora]

Surj you crack me up, and it seems your subscription to Websters has expired.



For the Grommers. Check out these new tensioners.

Alan over at the Grom Lifestyle FB page can hook you up. I think he might be making them himself. But if he's not he can tell you where to get them. In any case consider doing the upgrade to keep your Grom happy.

 

[tegboi]

Surj you crack me up, and it seems your subscription to Websters has expired.



For the Grommers. Check out these new tensioners.

Alan over at the Grom Lifestyle FB page can hook you up. I think he might be making them himself. But if he's not he can tell you where to get them. In any case consider doing the upgrade to keep your Grom happy.

did they ever find out what happened with the one where the sprocket came off of the bearing?