Honda Grom is a “children’s” motorcycle that grown men like

Minibikes are sold in Russia, but they are not popular. These are very specific models in our country. They look like full-fledged children's toys, and only a preschooler looks more or less harmonious on them.


Even in Russia there are miniature cross-country models. But they are definitely used for their intended purpose - to educate children.

But we almost never come across full-fledged mopeds and motorcycles of this type. Experienced bikers who are interested in the topic will only remember Suzuki Street Magic. These are sometimes found in our country; even on sale, 5-10 copies are usually “hanging” on the used market.


If you think a little more, you will remember a real legend - Honda Monkey. Despite its popularity in many countries around the world, this model is practically never found here. Sometimes single copies appear on sale, but they are not in demand in Russia. Domestic motorcyclists are too serious and brutal for this.

But today we will talk about a model that is rarer in our country. It debuted ten years ago, so it never reached Russia. Meet Honda Grom.

Short story

For Honda, the appearance of minibikes is associated with Monkey. This model began production in 1967, although its predecessor, the Z100, debuted six years earlier.


The moped was produced for a very long time - until 2017. But in the end it was removed from the production line. Not because the model has ceased to be in demand - it’s just that the small-capacity model could not fit into the new environmental requirements.

And a few years before that, in 2014, the Honda Grom appeared. It was a successor to the Monkey, more modern, stylish, a bit like a street motorcycle. By the way, in 2019 Monkey was revived, based on Thunder, but this is not relevant.


The motorcycle, and the equipment belongs precisely to this category according to Russian laws, is found in our country. Now, for example, there are four used copies on sale, and they ask for them from 210 thousand rubles.

As for the name of the motorcycle, it is not thunder as a natural phenomenon. The word "Grom" is derived from "grommet". In slang, this translates as a young extreme sportsman, a little inept, but bursting with enthusiasm.


By the way, since 2014, the manufacturer has managed to sell more than 750 thousand Honda Grom motorcycles. This gives the right to consider the bike a bestseller.

Features of the 2022 model

After this update, Honda Grom received a new engine. The motorcycle's power increased to 10 hp. A motor with a new CPG - with a reduced piston diameter, but with an increased stroke. The compression ratio has become higher. The engine is fuel-injected, but it has been that way since the model’s debut.

By the way, the Honda Grom power unit is used on several more motorcycles from the same manufacturer. This:

✅ Monkey
✅ Trail 125
✅ Super Cub

Thrust at low speeds has increased slightly. True, to realize this, you will have to immediately test motorcycles before and after the 2022 restyling.

Another important update is that the gearbox is now not four, but five-speed. This unit has been seriously redesigned. Adding one more gear lowered the first four.


The design of the Honda Grom has generally remained unchanged after the 2022 revision. But the ergonomics of the bike have become more comfortable for tall riders. As for the plastic, it is now easier to remove. This was done in order to simplify the process of tuning and individualization.

How he drives

The first problem for the average Russian motorcyclist is trying to fit his mortal body on a Honda Grom. If a rider is taller than 165 cm, he will definitely look ridiculous on the bike.


The Honda Grom is a very tough motorcycle. Although, that’s why they like it – they immediately remember the feelings from childhood, the “Karpaty” and “Riga” mopeds.
The wheels are small - their size is only 12 inches. But the tires are wide, which gives good grip both on wet asphalt and on dirt roads. The Grom can even be cornered up to the pegs.

There are also unpleasant moments associated with the short wheelbase of the bike. At low speeds, maintaining a straight trajectory and balance is not so easy. And you have to work very carefully with the steering wheel.


Honda Grom is ideal for city driving. It is small, narrow, and can squeeze into almost any gap between cars. There are no traffic jams for him.

The motorcycle quickly accelerates to 80 km/h. This is quite enough in the city. But then the bike picks up speed reluctantly. You can accelerate to XNUMX km/h, but without a passenger, in fifth gear, preferably behind a truck to reduce drag.

There is nothing to do on the track on the Honda Grom. It's not safe at that top speed. Cars, even trucks, will perceive the motorcycle as a nuisance.

The gears in the five-speed gearbox are selected correctly, engage clearly, and neutral is easy to catch. The clutch releases perfectly.

There are two brakes on the front wheel, and single-piston brakes on the rear wheel. The systems are from Nissin, which is not bad considering the class of the motorcycle. There are versions with ABS, and you can distinguish them by their blue color. The Honda Grom stops perfectly at any speed; they still don’t exceed 100 km/h.


Surprisingly, this small and almost toy-like motorcycle does not cause problems even for tall riders. The back and butt can withstand for several hours. It is immediately clear that the Japanese created a bike for people.

As for fuel consumption, it is also pleasing - with aggressive driving it does not exceed 2,5 liters per 100 km. With a tank volume of 6 liters. The range is about 250 km. And in extreme cases, you can take a two-liter bottle of gasoline with you. Or better yet, a canister.

Improvements for 2024

On March 14, sales of the updated Honda Grom started. True, only for the Japanese market. Technically the motorcycle has not changed. The engine and gearbox remain the same. All the same 123 cm3, four strokes, one cylinder, injection power system and 10 hp.


The seat has become flat - this allows tall riders to fit more comfortably. If necessary, you can move back as far as possible and not move towards the tank.


One useful addition is a USB socket. Now you don't need to order it separately.

But they decided to abandon the protective pan, which was standardly installed on the 2023 model. Nothing really bad happened - it remained on the list of additional equipment. The special features also include a windshield, luggage system, hand protection and many other interesting things. Naturally, this is all for a fee.

For now, the 2024 model is only sold in Japan. But considering the popularity of Honda Grom in the world, it will enter the international markets. However, this does not threaten Russia. And not even because of economic sanctions, but because such bikes are not in demand here.


So who in Russia is suitable for the Honda Grom? It’s hard to say, first of all, this bike would be of interest to our teenagers, but they are still not destined to officially own it. This bike is unlikely to attract adults.

But experienced riders who have at least two motorcycles in their garage may like the Thunder. Purely for fun, remember your childhood and have some fun.

Although, the bike is ideal for the city. It's enough to ride it a couple of times and you'll get used to it.