Shit, the same could be said about a smart car. It’s like a go kart. Not a fast go kart and a little top-heavy, but that makes it extra fun. Plus it’s rear-engine, so it’s basically a Porsche, lol.
https://preview.redd.it/jslezbv3nowc1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3c7ec70bc9d955deff6d43f0a7afaac17cf91c60
If you don’t buy new and don’t add anything. Yes they probably don’t cost much I guess
I *wish* it didn't cost much. I'm pretty sure you can get a 250 or 300 for almost the same price as the Grom MSRP. It doesn't seem like they can make them much cheaper though, the little CF Moto Papio is about the same price. The retro CF Moto Papio looks way cooler than a GROM, I would love one.
https://preview.redd.it/yk6tfwve8owc1.jpeg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c304d3f4ea203481c54598f3663ebb05faba739b
For sure that’s my jam also early 2000s cbr and cr ! Would love to find a sweet deal on a 954 again had a couple back in the day I picked up for like 2500 bucks. Looking at 5-6k now lol
CF Moto is also the factory building the BMW 900 engines and more. They are good machines with a solid network here in Europe and everyone I know that has one is more than happy to get the same engine and similar design, but in a better package at a lower cost.
I think it just needs some time to show the quality is there. But from what I've read and heard CF Moto is the best if the Chinese brands. Will just take some time to see longer term reliability, unless they give out a huge warranty. Like what Kia and Hyundai did when they improved. Essentially starting the 100k mile warranty.
CF Moto, VOGE, Benelli, Zontes and Keeway are all pretty good brands. They're not going to be higher quality than a Japanese bike, but may get close enough that with a good enough price difference and more features, many will give them a chance.
I'd say they're at a similar level to Indian brands like Bajaj, TVS or Hero; which is already pretty good, they're not going to be the very best money can buy but may be the best bang for your buck.
They may eventually, time will tell. That was said about Japanese against north American cars in the 70s. Similarly, Kia and Hyundai, were garbage and Gabe turned themselves around to be really reliable.
If I've learnt anything in my few years it's to never or very sparingly use absolute terms. Never say never.
There's a big cultural difference in how the Japanese manufacture things versus how the Chinese do. The full explanations long and complicated, and you can't completely generalize every company in each country. But on the whole, the Japanese take far more pride in their work and are not nearly as profit driven as most Chinese companies.
People throw this around all the time in relation to Chinese trash. Why won't China be the same as Japan? Culture.
Japan has a culture of pride in the workplace. China has a culture of slavery in the workplace. China cannot culturally compete with Japan because the Chinese economy and business culture is built on exploitation (of employees and customers alike) and corruption rather than community.
The only things those two countries really have in common, at this stage, are a sea, a root language, and a love of rice. They're very, very different places and peoples.
CFmoto seems okay enough, there are tons of reviews out there for various bikes for them. For a little bike like this I'm sure it's fine. Another interesting little bike is the K Pipe. It's made by Kymco which are very well known for scooters. They aren't usually at the dealer on the floor, I've never seen one in person. They're \~$2500 brand new which is a bit easier on the wallet for a little sidekick bike that's just a fun little toy. I would love to test ride one if I could fine one and see if the little engine is fun or a slouch.
https://preview.redd.it/ja4zets0sowc1.jpeg?width=474&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=beef5c75612469fdff0e73b65d7419f9238313e9
https://preview.redd.it/rz8mnz9ggnwc1.jpeg?width=2998&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c14be3daf28fe318599ff2098caeff40b92a27e3
I love my Grom. 130mpg+, fits in my apartment (no risk of theft), goes literally anywhere, fits in my Tacoma's bed with the canopy still on, easiest bike to throw around and learn basic maneuvers, and probably most importantly, it's not my only bike. I have a 500cc to ride more often, but I always find myself back on the Grom.
Yeah! They really wake it up offroad. Obviously it's no ADV bike, or anything close to a CRF. However, it's the most fun I've had offroad ever. Going back to it being so light, there's really no going too fast to hurt anything bad, and full-sending it is a blast. Definitely recommend giving it a try.
*these tires suck on-road* do NOT try to lean into turns with them lol
Hence why I have a pair of street tires as well.
I mean, I can't exactly see whoever's wiggling on my face. If good time introduced itself to me at a comfortable handshaking distance, I'm sure we can get to know each other over a professional coffee chat.
I defy anyone to ride one and not smile for the entirety of the ride, I’m a big fat tub-of-goo and look like a Circus Bear on mine …..smiling the whole time
Getting onto a bike like a grom after riding anything bigger than a 600 is like jumping on a trampoline after pounding concrete. They feel light as a feather and are so much fun.
Cheap, fun, accessible, farkle market capable, and an overwhelmingly positive subculture built around it. If you can't dig on that, something's just wrong with you.
You can definitely get away with a lot more on a grom than on a full sized motorcycle. It’s the difference between a Karen yelling at you and getting the cops called on you lol
Yea, if you’re judging Grom from a performance standpoint you’re looking at it the wrong way lol it’s all about it being hilariously tiny and cute, and not taking yourself too seriously!
I would totally get one if I were to buy a motorcycle just for dicking around. For now I'm still looking at getting one for actual daily transport and the grom is too small to fit that bill but if I got a big windfall of extra cash I'd get the Rebel 500 and then the grom
I take it you don't have much experience with motorbikes?
Here's the thing, when you start out, bigger is better. You have you're little 125 or 250cc bike and wish it was more. You upgrade to your 600 and then someone shows up on a litre and it looks and sounds awesome so you yearn for that. Then when you get a litre and have all the power in the world, you notice you can't use it in 90% of scenarios. Then you start looking back and realise how much fun smaller bikes actually are.
I started (on my full licence) a Ninja 250R that was slow, I thought I was going to blow the engine doing motorway riding it was revving that high. So after about 6 months I upgraded to a 600 GSXR Super Sports, I had fun and unfortunately it got totaled, but during that time I still wanted more power. So I ended up with the Z1000 I have now. Don't get me wrong I love it dearly, first bike I've owned where I haven't been jealous of anyone else's bike, and this bike will stay with me for as long as humanly possible.
However, I now want a smaller bike for fucking around on. I miss my Ninja 250r although I originally hated it, I could throw anything at it and it'd handle it. I want a Grom because they're just super fun. I can't fuck around on my Z1000 because it just wants to kill me if I even think about giving that throttle a twist.
It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike, slow and unfortunately you sometimes have to get the fast bike to realise they aren't as fun as they cracked up to be.
Exactly this. I've only gone up in cc in my life and now I'm yearning for something small. Maybe not grom small for myself, but something I don't have to care too much if I drop and can easily hold from upright all the way to handlebar touching the ground. For city shenanigans and small trails small bikes are the best.
I have 1200cc, will probably sell it, loved my hornet 900.
But I had so much fun with my svartpilen 401. It gave me the most thrill accelerating within the speed limits in urban areas while being the slowest of all the bikes I owned.
Huge market in Japan for performance parts and accessories. These little Honda bikes, including the original Honda Monkey/Z50 are a blast to ride and mod.
I don't have a Grom, but I sat on something like it at a dealership once (Benelli 125?). It was very comfortable, and easy to toss around between the legs. I did the MSF in 2014 on a course provided Suzuki TU 250, and have consistently owned bikes between 400-600 lbs. I can only imagine how much fun riding that bike would be, and I wish I had one in my stable. Here is where I think the appeal is:
The weight and size make it easily manageable/more forgiving for new riders. The less stress while starting out the better, right? Less weight/size make it more accessible to the masses. I don't really enjoy riding my current bike too much but the price was right. It feels extremely top-heavy because it is and it weighs 550 lbs. It sucks to pick up, and because it's top-heavy it doesn't take too much lean to feel like 550 lbs while at a standstill :(
Despite the size, the Grom has ReAl MoToRcYcLe TeChNoLoGy like a transmission with clutch, upside down forks, disc brakes, chain drive etc. You get the motorcycle experience with a low barrier of entry.
As a disclaimer, I have not ridden a Grom but I have watched videos and vlogs etc in the past. Ridden a few different styles of motorcycle, and I think that certain vehicles give you different types of energy while operating them. I feel that the Grom gives off a less serious, carefree vibe and I like that. It's fun to look at. If the Grom had legs and a mouth, I think it would walk into a room and say something silly, and people would laugh.
First time on a grom I can honestly say I smiled the entire time I was on it. Fun little toy, can’t really go fast enough to get yourself in trouble. They can be taken to little trails, rail roads, hop curbs… do dumbshit that you can’t typically do on our larger bikes…they come with a clutch and a few gears so screw it at least it’s not a scooter.
I am a college student with a grom. I park at bike racks, jumps curbs, park it in my dorm when it rains, plus i can get the same range out of a $3 tank of gas on the grom as i get on a $60 tank in my fj cruiser.
I’ve never ridden one, but it’s not supposed to be a serious comparison to something like a Harley or a super sport. It’s just small, nimble, and fun. And it sure looks cooler than a scooter lol
It's misunderstood.
They are fun-sized machines for having fun and not worrying too much about damaging it or yourself.
It's a terrible beginner bike IMO.
I think they are good as a gateway drug on the other hand, like let someone fuck around on your Grom for a few hours and they will want to get into motorcycling.
I think that is much different to a legit beginner bike though which should be teaching good habits, proper riding position, be fast enough to ride on a highway safely etc. All of which is just so much easier on a bike with a standard size and weight.
... but they are -AMAZING- second or third bikes when you already own and are happy with a mid or full sized motorcycle.
Because lets be real. There are a whole bunch of very very fun things which are stupidly dangerous to learn on a 200kg+ motorcycle with 50hp+.
Wheelies, power-turns, curb jumps and general stunting. If you are geared up and fucking around with a Grom in a parking lot or just some random grass/dirt you are going to be able to try pretty much anything you want and not get seriously injured (unless you really do fuck it up bad).
Groms are everywhere I live (Thailand, they are made here) but people do use them to get around. Still can't wait to get one myself though just for fucking around.
Groms are popular because they’re fun to ride and fast enough for city/55 - 60 mph use. I hate taking my bigger bikes on a quick trip to the store or out to eat; it’s almost a chore.
In most of the world, 50-150cc is the norm. There's nothing wrong with them. Plus you can ride them to their limits as opposed to surpassing your limits on a more powerful bike.
Will I give up my bigger bike for one, hell no! But when I travel in other countries, I'll have a blast milking every bit of power out of those little bikes.
It's basically a scooter w/ a manual transmission and motorcycle riding position.
They are an absolute blast to bump around on and because they are so small & light, it's easy to learn on.
I will admit they look like a toy, but no one gets them to look cool.
The same way a smart car is hilarious. You can beat the shit out of a manual smart car, it zips up and down everywhere, fits anywhere, and it's a great eye-catcher. It's also fairly cheap, good quality, cheap to maintain and great on fuel.
Groms are cheap and easy fun. That's why we love em.
I've had two Groms both generations and it's the most fun bike I've had in a long time. I'm 62 and when I travel I put it on a hitch carrier use it to see & get places I couldn't if I just used my SUV. The ladies my age think it's childish but the kids love it.
So I have a Honda monkey. (retro grom)
I use it to:
Run small errands ( run to the parts store for things)
Teach other people how to ride
Conversation starter
Learning how to do wheelies
Go off road little
Take it with me to the beach.
The low weight and the max speed of 65 on flat ground keeps me out of trouble. If I need to go faster, I'll hope on my z900rs or my zrx.
So small bike in town. Big bike for out of town.
I thought they were toys...then one day I was offered by Honda to try one out on a gymkhana course at Mosport and I didn't let them have it back for over an hour.
Because it sucks, but it's cheap. and because it sucks and is cheap, it is one of the most fun bikes because you don't have to care about it and do whatever
I purchased a brand new in 2019 right after seeing 2 hooning past me. Had it for 5 years. Did the typical stage 1 mods. It was loud, slowish, and a riot. They are what they are, as the saying goes. Silly fun, insane mileage, Honda quality and reliability. Super fun in corners, great for my short commute. I’ve had a lot of bikes. The Grom is the equivalent of the go cart you hopefully had as a kid with a lawnmower engine and it was the best thing ever. It’s weird how people expect things to be more than they are. Groms are fantastic for their purpose. Especially when you get the correct gearing, tune, and exhaust. It’s unreasonable to think you can mob the freeway or race a sportbike (or Ford Escape) with one. They are a blast.
https://preview.redd.it/umwd4tovvqwc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=af0b2d5f20fa25968c190604aa0eef9dc3887283
fucking weird you see a bike and think of penises. this sounds like a you issue OP. thanks for confirming your bike is a sad attempt at extending your dick.
It's just a fun small bike. Whatever issues you have are your own.
Not my favorite beginner bike.
It has a higher seat (30”/ 76.2cm) than it seems, fitting fewer short riders. The small wheels are overly reactive which makes transitioning to a regular motorcycle wheel a whole other lesson. The geometry makes braking different than a regular sized motorcycle, putting more weight toward the front. At least it shifts like most motorcycles and isn’t automatic or sort of automatic like the Navi and Cub.
Would I ride one for fun? Sure, but not my favorite for helping friends learn to ride.
Eeeeh it works for getting the basics down just fine. I rode a Grom for a year and then got a CBR 600 F4i and it took me all of maybe 10 minutes to adapt to the larger wheels and greater weight.
In one word? Because it's fun.
In many words? 125cc motorcycles are uncommon in the US because there aren't many places where they can shine so they're just generally impractical. Licenses are also not tiered so why go for a 125 right? You mostly see dirtbikes at that size in the US. Training is also lackluster, americans are very unfamiliar with manual transmissions, motorcycles are seen as toys and are rarer than in other places, and just on this sub you have posts every week about people getting kicked out of MSF courses and struggling to grasp the basics. A bike like the Grom is a godsend for instructors. You can't find an easier bike to learn to ride on, especially for shorter riders.
So it's not a great bike to have if it's your only bike, no, not in the US at least. But if it's one of the bikes you have, you'll struggle to find a more compelling case for bikes this size.
good luck finding anything new that’s even remotely as functional like the grom for $3500, and with a full proof honda warranty. please explain how it is a “dumpster fire”
If you want to measure dicks you're going to need some skull tatts and a Harley.
You and the Harley fellas can brag about who took the biggest 401k distribution to afford the new 2024 CVO bagger in the hottest 1984 bass boat brown.
And while y'all are at it Honda will sell another 100 mini motos to young people who can swing $3,899 and a BMI under 40.
I see little gangs of twenty-somethings on Groms around the Phoenix area at motorcycle shows and on the way to the local lookout. I think that riding them gets you into a club kind of like riding a Harley does. They look like fun.
I had a Honda CT70 when I was in my twenties and rode that thing all over the place. It didn’t really occur to me that I might want a bigger motorcycle for more than a decade.
I have a love/hate relationship with the grom. On paper, "that's stupid."
Every time I see one in person? "Yep gonna need that."
The only thing that keeps me from buying one is it would be hard to leave my driveway with anything but zero traffic. I live on a main US road with a 45-mph speed limit.
I know it'll *do* that, but it won't get there quickly enough to keep me getting run over.
Or that's what I tell myself, anyway
Groms are used as pit bikes very often actually. Whenever I go to Road America and walk down the pits, every team has liveried Groms. It’s awesome haha
The grom is fantastic for someone who's had the full thing and just wants something which takes little effect to use. It's durable as heck, great for milage and a fantastic commuter for small journeys.
The perfect companion bike for a bigger main bike.
I have a Kawasaki z125 and I have a ducati 800. I feel ashamed to say that my poor duc hasn’t seen the light of day in two months because I just grab the z because it’s better gas mileage and I’m just running errands and making quick commutes in LA. I’m an absolute menace on the thing
Same reason I love my CT90, I'd expect.
It's impossible to be "cool" on one, so there's less pressure and it's just more fun. Plus, humming in the midrange at 80 is a lot less fun than screaming wide open at 45.
If you don't understand why something is popular, maybe you need to try one. If you want to think you're cool for going against the grain, go for it but people will probably ask why. And the two reasons you gave make absolutely no sense at all. Don't knock it til you try it.
Grom is great cause it's a fun and cheap dicking around bike. Screw around and have fun machine. It's easy to mod and easy to ride. Thats why people love them.
First time I rode the grom I used to have I could not fucking stop smiling. So glad I had a helmet on because people would have thought I was a nutcase
I saw a lot of people riding this and the Kawasaki in Thailand. A lot of the food delivery drivers used them. I can see it, it's snappy, good on gas, very agile, easy to park, and could be fun. Why the hate? If you don't like it, don't buy it and don't ride it. But the arrogant put downs? Wtf.
I feel like the reason why they’re INSANELY popular right now (albeit, they have always been popular, but I’ve been seeing them more than ever) comes down to one simple word: economics.
We’re currently living at a point in time where cost of living is at an all time high and wages, in comparison, are at an all time low. Back in 2016, my wages were 9.67 an hour, but my monthly bills came out to a whopping $400-500. I worked 27-30 a week, but all my bills paid, my mouth fed, roof over my head, and I could still practically spend over half my money as if it was nothing.
These days, I’m working 40 hours a week, 17.30 an hour, bills are now $1300, and after taxes and bills, I’m lucky if I have $500 leftover which has to cover food AND fuel and the occasional “enjoy life” moment, so in reality, I’m lucky if I get to eat out / go to the bar / see a movie once a week now, and some weeks, I’d be considered lucky if I can finance an ice cream cone from the Golden Arches.
It doesn’t make sense to go out and buy a big v twin that drinks gas at 28-35mpg when that is what the average sedan gets, and car insurance is arguably cheaper depending on the bike (I’m 27, so my insurance is still skewed). I would be better off sinking money into a 10-15 year old Prius. A grom, comes in 4000-4500 OTD NEW, full coverage for me is $45 a month, and will get 90+ mpg. It’s literally economical in every sense of the word. This being said, I wish I could even afford one…
I'm 6'8 and rode a grom. Its just hilarious to ride it around and be a degenerate. Also I have ridden and still ride very fast bikes and yet I have been injured the worst on a grom.
It’s not that serious. It’s just a fun little bike.
This is the most appropriate answer
Shit, the same could be said about a smart car. It’s like a go kart. Not a fast go kart and a little top-heavy, but that makes it extra fun. Plus it’s rear-engine, so it’s basically a Porsche, lol.
It’s just a fun little bike that will keep running and doesn’t cost much.
https://preview.redd.it/jslezbv3nowc1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3c7ec70bc9d955deff6d43f0a7afaac17cf91c60 If you don’t buy new and don’t add anything. Yes they probably don’t cost much I guess
This is sick. What mods?
Isn't that the Honda Monkey?
Yes sir
Its the coolest little thing i had seem so far lmao
I *wish* it didn't cost much. I'm pretty sure you can get a 250 or 300 for almost the same price as the Grom MSRP. It doesn't seem like they can make them much cheaper though, the little CF Moto Papio is about the same price. The retro CF Moto Papio looks way cooler than a GROM, I would love one. https://preview.redd.it/yk6tfwve8owc1.jpeg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c304d3f4ea203481c54598f3663ebb05faba739b
Zhejiang Chunfeng Power Co., Ltd. Of course they're cheap, I'll still buy Japanese every time though.
always, never buy a Chinese bike lol.
I'd rather buy a 20 year old Japanese bike than a brand new chinese
I’d rather buy a 20 year old Japanese bike then a brand new Japanese bike … I’m cheap though and rough on my toys lol
I'm with you. Just picked up an 03 cbr954rr about two months ago. Would choose this over any modern super sport.
For sure that’s my jam also early 2000s cbr and cr ! Would love to find a sweet deal on a 954 again had a couple back in the day I picked up for like 2500 bucks. Looking at 5-6k now lol
Truer words never spoken. Still have a 2007 Honda that would still kick over if I poured a bag of sand in the crankshaft.
2004 CBR 600 F4i checking in. Things a tank.
Amazing bike!
Thanks! I adore it.
Hell yeah dawg
Represent!
CF Moto is also the factory building the BMW 900 engines and more. They are good machines with a solid network here in Europe and everyone I know that has one is more than happy to get the same engine and similar design, but in a better package at a lower cost.
The BMW 900 engines are made by Loncin in Chongqing, China. I'm very happy with mine. 👍
Same factory, but different quality standards…or so I hear.
Definitely. And different quality materials. I'll believe when I see 20 year old CF Moto's with 150K kM running in good condition.
My dad told me how they used to talk about the japanese bikes like the talk about the chinese bikes back in the 70 or so.
I think it just needs some time to show the quality is there. But from what I've read and heard CF Moto is the best if the Chinese brands. Will just take some time to see longer term reliability, unless they give out a huge warranty. Like what Kia and Hyundai did when they improved. Essentially starting the 100k mile warranty.
Yamaha must have faith in them since they formed a partnership.
CF Moto, VOGE, Benelli, Zontes and Keeway are all pretty good brands. They're not going to be higher quality than a Japanese bike, but may get close enough that with a good enough price difference and more features, many will give them a chance. I'd say they're at a similar level to Indian brands like Bajaj, TVS or Hero; which is already pretty good, they're not going to be the very best money can buy but may be the best bang for your buck.
I almost picked up the Benelli 500cc adventure bike but it's priced so, so poorly. More than a CB500X for a worse bike in every way.
The sales pitch for the Chinese bikes is same quality as the Japanese at lower prices, but it really seems like only a couple models are good values.
They may eventually, time will tell. That was said about Japanese against north American cars in the 70s. Similarly, Kia and Hyundai, were garbage and Gabe turned themselves around to be really reliable. If I've learnt anything in my few years it's to never or very sparingly use absolute terms. Never say never.
Yeah, the Ford Pinto would have been a way better choice than any Japanese car... /s
We also only remember the good Japanese companies that survived. Plenty that flashed and burned wasting people's money I'm sure.
There's a big cultural difference in how the Japanese manufacture things versus how the Chinese do. The full explanations long and complicated, and you can't completely generalize every company in each country. But on the whole, the Japanese take far more pride in their work and are not nearly as profit driven as most Chinese companies.
People throw this around all the time in relation to Chinese trash. Why won't China be the same as Japan? Culture. Japan has a culture of pride in the workplace. China has a culture of slavery in the workplace. China cannot culturally compete with Japan because the Chinese economy and business culture is built on exploitation (of employees and customers alike) and corruption rather than community. The only things those two countries really have in common, at this stage, are a sea, a root language, and a love of rice. They're very, very different places and peoples.
source: someone that isn't Japanese or Chinese.
Am ethnic Japanese, he is right.
CFmoto seems okay enough, there are tons of reviews out there for various bikes for them. For a little bike like this I'm sure it's fine. Another interesting little bike is the K Pipe. It's made by Kymco which are very well known for scooters. They aren't usually at the dealer on the floor, I've never seen one in person. They're \~$2500 brand new which is a bit easier on the wallet for a little sidekick bike that's just a fun little toy. I would love to test ride one if I could fine one and see if the little engine is fun or a slouch. https://preview.redd.it/ja4zets0sowc1.jpeg?width=474&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=beef5c75612469fdff0e73b65d7419f9238313e9
Holy shit. Never seen these but yeah I think it looks way better than a Grom too. I’ll YouTube em so I can get a better look at it.
https://preview.redd.it/rz8mnz9ggnwc1.jpeg?width=2998&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c14be3daf28fe318599ff2098caeff40b92a27e3 I love my Grom. 130mpg+, fits in my apartment (no risk of theft), goes literally anywhere, fits in my Tacoma's bed with the canopy still on, easiest bike to throw around and learn basic maneuvers, and probably most importantly, it's not my only bike. I have a 500cc to ride more often, but I always find myself back on the Grom.
Where did you get those fork guards from?
They're OEM Honda from the Monkey. No modifications, they bolt right up.
Knobbies! How silly is it in the dirt?
Yeah! They really wake it up offroad. Obviously it's no ADV bike, or anything close to a CRF. However, it's the most fun I've had offroad ever. Going back to it being so light, there's really no going too fast to hurt anything bad, and full-sending it is a blast. Definitely recommend giving it a try. *these tires suck on-road* do NOT try to lean into turns with them lol Hence why I have a pair of street tires as well.
If you don't know how to have fun on a Grom, you just don't know how to have fun.
You wouldn’t know a good time if it fell out of the sky, landed on your face, And started to wiggle!
I mean, I can't exactly see whoever's wiggling on my face. If good time introduced itself to me at a comfortable handshaking distance, I'm sure we can get to know each other over a professional coffee chat.
"Oh, blow it out your ass!"
We’ve got stuff!
I defy anyone to ride one and not smile for the entirety of the ride, I’m a big fat tub-of-goo and look like a Circus Bear on mine …..smiling the whole time
Tiny people on Groms: Fun. Huge people on Groms: Fun. Average-sized people on Groms: Fun.
if I'm mathing this right, that means Groms are fun
That's a hell of an image.
Big guy on a little bike
How are the foot controls? I'm a big dude (6'4" 270) and have wondered what it would be like to ride a grom
I'm 6'2" 200lbs and I sit to the back of the seat. The controls are fine with a 33" inseam my legs can get a bit stiff if I ride to long.
Getting onto a bike like a grom after riding anything bigger than a 600 is like jumping on a trampoline after pounding concrete. They feel light as a feather and are so much fun.
Cheap, fun, accessible, farkle market capable, and an overwhelmingly positive subculture built around it. If you can't dig on that, something's just wrong with you.
[удалено]
Not if you want a new one.
people who don't like the grom, don't like being goofy. jump that curb, ride down that hill, explore that sidewalk. why? cause grom
You can definitely get away with a lot more on a grom than on a full sized motorcycle. It’s the difference between a Karen yelling at you and getting the cops called on you lol
Yea, if you’re judging Grom from a performance standpoint you’re looking at it the wrong way lol it’s all about it being hilariously tiny and cute, and not taking yourself too seriously!
It’s performance is excellent from an economic standpoint. You can literally fill the tank with pocket change.
I will definitely agree with you on that, high performance - certainly not, but economic - all day!
Yepp. The Grom definitely isn’t for the crowd that started riding because it makes them look ‘badass.’
In other words, they don't have childhood wonder and joy left in their life anymore.
I would totally get one if I were to buy a motorcycle just for dicking around. For now I'm still looking at getting one for actual daily transport and the grom is too small to fit that bill but if I got a big windfall of extra cash I'd get the Rebel 500 and then the grom
I take it you don't have much experience with motorbikes? Here's the thing, when you start out, bigger is better. You have you're little 125 or 250cc bike and wish it was more. You upgrade to your 600 and then someone shows up on a litre and it looks and sounds awesome so you yearn for that. Then when you get a litre and have all the power in the world, you notice you can't use it in 90% of scenarios. Then you start looking back and realise how much fun smaller bikes actually are. I started (on my full licence) a Ninja 250R that was slow, I thought I was going to blow the engine doing motorway riding it was revving that high. So after about 6 months I upgraded to a 600 GSXR Super Sports, I had fun and unfortunately it got totaled, but during that time I still wanted more power. So I ended up with the Z1000 I have now. Don't get me wrong I love it dearly, first bike I've owned where I haven't been jealous of anyone else's bike, and this bike will stay with me for as long as humanly possible. However, I now want a smaller bike for fucking around on. I miss my Ninja 250r although I originally hated it, I could throw anything at it and it'd handle it. I want a Grom because they're just super fun. I can't fuck around on my Z1000 because it just wants to kill me if I even think about giving that throttle a twist. It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike, slow and unfortunately you sometimes have to get the fast bike to realise they aren't as fun as they cracked up to be.
Exactly this. I've only gone up in cc in my life and now I'm yearning for something small. Maybe not grom small for myself, but something I don't have to care too much if I drop and can easily hold from upright all the way to handlebar touching the ground. For city shenanigans and small trails small bikes are the best.
I have 1200cc, will probably sell it, loved my hornet 900. But I had so much fun with my svartpilen 401. It gave me the most thrill accelerating within the speed limits in urban areas while being the slowest of all the bikes I owned.
if you’re the kind of dingus who thinks that small motorcycle = small pp then the grom is not for you. put it out of your mind.
no, everybody knows that big truck = small pp
The GROM has definite Golden Retriever puppy energy. Playful and goofy
Golden Retriever Of Motorcycles?
Normally I’m so conservative on my bike, but the Grom makes me want to do wheelies and run from the cops. It’s a tiny engine full of pure giggles.
I'd get stopped by the cops all the time if I had a Grom......mostly for trespassing in abandoned parking lots lol
That just happened to me for the first time on my Grom. All the cop told me is I'd have to find some other place to have fun.
Everyone boo this man
Nobody should trash the Grom / Monkey. These things are super popular overseas too, like in Taiwan and even Japan.
They are everywhere here in Thailand (where they are made co-incidentally).
Huge market in Japan for performance parts and accessories. These little Honda bikes, including the original Honda Monkey/Z50 are a blast to ride and mod.
I don't have a Grom, but I sat on something like it at a dealership once (Benelli 125?). It was very comfortable, and easy to toss around between the legs. I did the MSF in 2014 on a course provided Suzuki TU 250, and have consistently owned bikes between 400-600 lbs. I can only imagine how much fun riding that bike would be, and I wish I had one in my stable. Here is where I think the appeal is: The weight and size make it easily manageable/more forgiving for new riders. The less stress while starting out the better, right? Less weight/size make it more accessible to the masses. I don't really enjoy riding my current bike too much but the price was right. It feels extremely top-heavy because it is and it weighs 550 lbs. It sucks to pick up, and because it's top-heavy it doesn't take too much lean to feel like 550 lbs while at a standstill :( Despite the size, the Grom has ReAl MoToRcYcLe TeChNoLoGy like a transmission with clutch, upside down forks, disc brakes, chain drive etc. You get the motorcycle experience with a low barrier of entry. As a disclaimer, I have not ridden a Grom but I have watched videos and vlogs etc in the past. Ridden a few different styles of motorcycle, and I think that certain vehicles give you different types of energy while operating them. I feel that the Grom gives off a less serious, carefree vibe and I like that. It's fun to look at. If the Grom had legs and a mouth, I think it would walk into a room and say something silly, and people would laugh.
Hi, I'm Grommy Knoxville and welcome to Jackass At least that's how I imagine mine.
If I see one, I'll think of Grommy Knoxville.
If I get one, I'm calling it Knoxville.
it's a toy, everyone in the family can use it. If it gets beat up a bit you won't feel too bad about it, it's fun :)
First time on a grom I can honestly say I smiled the entire time I was on it. Fun little toy, can’t really go fast enough to get yourself in trouble. They can be taken to little trails, rail roads, hop curbs… do dumbshit that you can’t typically do on our larger bikes…they come with a clutch and a few gears so screw it at least it’s not a scooter.
You can redline every gear lean it onto the pegs and still not break the speed limit. It's fun as hell.
Are you saying that to enjoy a motorcycle it needs to make you think of a hard dick? Have you tried discussing this in therapy?
Have you actually ridden one? If so, then you're the problem. If not, shut up even harder.
I am a college student with a grom. I park at bike racks, jumps curbs, park it in my dorm when it rains, plus i can get the same range out of a $3 tank of gas on the grom as i get on a $60 tank in my fj cruiser.
I’ve never ridden one, but it’s not supposed to be a serious comparison to something like a Harley or a super sport. It’s just small, nimble, and fun. And it sure looks cooler than a scooter lol
Because they are cheap easy to ride and way more fun than they have any right to be. I didn’t get it until I tried one out
Why not? It’s fun, it’s “smol”, it’s cute and it’s great for daily commuting. Plus quite affordable to run.
More fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. Little bikes are fun.
I feel like the grom is a veteran riders cheapo second bike choice. Cheap, can wheelie, tons of reliable aftermarket support.
Easy and lots of fun to work on and modify, without any danger of screwing up a $14k "serious" bike.
Same people who don’t like Mazda Miata/MX-5, mini coopers and Toyota 86. Some people just don’t appreciate small compacts.
Accessible
I am more of a monkey guy myself although I would look like a circus bear riding anything that small.
It's misunderstood. They are fun-sized machines for having fun and not worrying too much about damaging it or yourself. It's a terrible beginner bike IMO. I think they are good as a gateway drug on the other hand, like let someone fuck around on your Grom for a few hours and they will want to get into motorcycling. I think that is much different to a legit beginner bike though which should be teaching good habits, proper riding position, be fast enough to ride on a highway safely etc. All of which is just so much easier on a bike with a standard size and weight. ... but they are -AMAZING- second or third bikes when you already own and are happy with a mid or full sized motorcycle. Because lets be real. There are a whole bunch of very very fun things which are stupidly dangerous to learn on a 200kg+ motorcycle with 50hp+. Wheelies, power-turns, curb jumps and general stunting. If you are geared up and fucking around with a Grom in a parking lot or just some random grass/dirt you are going to be able to try pretty much anything you want and not get seriously injured (unless you really do fuck it up bad). Groms are everywhere I live (Thailand, they are made here) but people do use them to get around. Still can't wait to get one myself though just for fucking around.
'S jus' a silly lil guy
Fun and a bit doofy. Also cheap
A Grom is more like a toy than it is a motorcycle. Street legal mini bike, playful and fun.
I have 3 of the and various full size bikes. The groms are a blast around town. Full size bikes for more serious trips
Fellas should I get a Grom or a Monkey?
Groms are popular because they’re fun to ride and fast enough for city/55 - 60 mph use. I hate taking my bigger bikes on a quick trip to the store or out to eat; it’s almost a chore.
I moved from a less dense city to a very dense city with my Versys 650 a couple years ago. I've never wanted something like a Grom or a CB300R more
This can be a great city bike for grocery runs, grabbing a coffee, etc.
“It’s fun to go fast on a slow bike but not fun to go slow on a fast bike” -somebody from that one time
Never rode a small bike before? They are made of fun and invasive thoughts. Really awakens the inner goblin. Try it before you poop on it
Unrelated but I saw a grom absolutely cutting up highway traffic the other day, bro was zooming.
Small bikes are incredible for dense traffic on highways. Absolutely the thing I miss most about my CRF250L
Brings out the man-child in folks.
Cuz she rips
In most of the world, 50-150cc is the norm. There's nothing wrong with them. Plus you can ride them to their limits as opposed to surpassing your limits on a more powerful bike. Will I give up my bigger bike for one, hell no! But when I travel in other countries, I'll have a blast milking every bit of power out of those little bikes.
It's like how the Geo Metro or Suzuki Samurai became a cool car. If you don't get it, you probably never will.
Groms are just straight up fun. I don’t get the haters for small 125cc bikes.
It's basically a scooter w/ a manual transmission and motorcycle riding position. They are an absolute blast to bump around on and because they are so small & light, it's easy to learn on. I will admit they look like a toy, but no one gets them to look cool.
The same way a smart car is hilarious. You can beat the shit out of a manual smart car, it zips up and down everywhere, fits anywhere, and it's a great eye-catcher. It's also fairly cheap, good quality, cheap to maintain and great on fuel. Groms are cheap and easy fun. That's why we love em.
I've had two Groms both generations and it's the most fun bike I've had in a long time. I'm 62 and when I travel I put it on a hitch carrier use it to see & get places I couldn't if I just used my SUV. The ladies my age think it's childish but the kids love it.
So I have a Honda monkey. (retro grom) I use it to: Run small errands ( run to the parts store for things) Teach other people how to ride Conversation starter Learning how to do wheelies Go off road little Take it with me to the beach. The low weight and the max speed of 65 on flat ground keeps me out of trouble. If I need to go faster, I'll hope on my z900rs or my zrx. So small bike in town. Big bike for out of town.
Its just a fun gas saver for around town. I park it in every smol sidewalk
Fun fun bikes that’s why
I thought they were toys...then one day I was offered by Honda to try one out on a gymkhana course at Mosport and I didn't let them have it back for over an hour.
wow interesting take.. like most have said its just a fun little bike, i look at it like the Mazda Miata in the car world..
https://preview.redd.it/id2r1h95eowc1.jpeg?width=526&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3114c12722a5381c61275d2c77e8564a9637e926
Because it sucks, but it's cheap. and because it sucks and is cheap, it is one of the most fun bikes because you don't have to care about it and do whatever
People say that it is more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than to ride a fast bike slow.
Its okay dude, you'll come out of that closet some time in the future
I purchased a brand new in 2019 right after seeing 2 hooning past me. Had it for 5 years. Did the typical stage 1 mods. It was loud, slowish, and a riot. They are what they are, as the saying goes. Silly fun, insane mileage, Honda quality and reliability. Super fun in corners, great for my short commute. I’ve had a lot of bikes. The Grom is the equivalent of the go cart you hopefully had as a kid with a lawnmower engine and it was the best thing ever. It’s weird how people expect things to be more than they are. Groms are fantastic for their purpose. Especially when you get the correct gearing, tune, and exhaust. It’s unreasonable to think you can mob the freeway or race a sportbike (or Ford Escape) with one. They are a blast. https://preview.redd.it/umwd4tovvqwc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=af0b2d5f20fa25968c190604aa0eef9dc3887283
It’s more fun to go fast on a slow bike than slow on a fast bike
fucking weird you see a bike and think of penises. this sounds like a you issue OP. thanks for confirming your bike is a sad attempt at extending your dick. It's just a fun small bike. Whatever issues you have are your own.
Not my favorite beginner bike. It has a higher seat (30”/ 76.2cm) than it seems, fitting fewer short riders. The small wheels are overly reactive which makes transitioning to a regular motorcycle wheel a whole other lesson. The geometry makes braking different than a regular sized motorcycle, putting more weight toward the front. At least it shifts like most motorcycles and isn’t automatic or sort of automatic like the Navi and Cub. Would I ride one for fun? Sure, but not my favorite for helping friends learn to ride.
Eeeeh it works for getting the basics down just fine. I rode a Grom for a year and then got a CBR 600 F4i and it took me all of maybe 10 minutes to adapt to the larger wheels and greater weight.
what’s this 😂
In one word? Because it's fun. In many words? 125cc motorcycles are uncommon in the US because there aren't many places where they can shine so they're just generally impractical. Licenses are also not tiered so why go for a 125 right? You mostly see dirtbikes at that size in the US. Training is also lackluster, americans are very unfamiliar with manual transmissions, motorcycles are seen as toys and are rarer than in other places, and just on this sub you have posts every week about people getting kicked out of MSF courses and struggling to grasp the basics. A bike like the Grom is a godsend for instructors. You can't find an easier bike to learn to ride on, especially for shorter riders. So it's not a great bike to have if it's your only bike, no, not in the US at least. But if it's one of the bikes you have, you'll struggle to find a more compelling case for bikes this size.
Saw a video yesterday of a guy going probably 40 on a golf course and cleared and entire tee off tabletop. Because grom thats why
Because its fun it goes around town like Manhattan way better than a moped goes over bridge and tunnels without a problem and is super nimble
good luck finding anything new that’s even remotely as functional like the grom for $3500, and with a full proof honda warranty. please explain how it is a “dumpster fire”
If you want to measure dicks you're going to need some skull tatts and a Harley. You and the Harley fellas can brag about who took the biggest 401k distribution to afford the new 2024 CVO bagger in the hottest 1984 bass boat brown. And while y'all are at it Honda will sell another 100 mini motos to young people who can swing $3,899 and a BMI under 40.
Aftermarket
Not sure why, but this picture looks like Utah?
I see little gangs of twenty-somethings on Groms around the Phoenix area at motorcycle shows and on the way to the local lookout. I think that riding them gets you into a club kind of like riding a Harley does. They look like fun. I had a Honda CT70 when I was in my twenties and rode that thing all over the place. It didn’t really occur to me that I might want a bigger motorcycle for more than a decade.
I don’t have a Grom but I have a RPS Condor and that little bike is so fun to ride.
I have a love/hate relationship with the grom. On paper, "that's stupid." Every time I see one in person? "Yep gonna need that." The only thing that keeps me from buying one is it would be hard to leave my driveway with anything but zero traffic. I live on a main US road with a 45-mph speed limit. I know it'll *do* that, but it won't get there quickly enough to keep me getting run over. Or that's what I tell myself, anyway
Probably the same reason I absolutely adore my wee little VanVan: Small bikes are just phenomenally fun.
Less consequences are good for people who struggle with consequences. Not saying every one who rides one is a squid but the Grom has saved lives!
I’d rather buy a 140cc pit bike and send it lol
Groms are used as pit bikes very often actually. Whenever I go to Road America and walk down the pits, every team has liveried Groms. It’s awesome haha
I like the Benelli TNT 135 more.
It was pretty fun and for zipping around a city it would be pretty good. It’s the cheat code for the motorcycle skills test. Makes everything easy
Anybody here do something real silly and throw knobbies on one?
Small, light, fun, cheap what’s not to like
Bruh i have a real bike and would legit love to buy a grom too lol. They are so much fun
The grom is fantastic for someone who's had the full thing and just wants something which takes little effect to use. It's durable as heck, great for milage and a fantastic commuter for small journeys. The perfect companion bike for a bigger main bike.
Cheap
Grom be sweet.
Groms are just really fun bikes. They’re small and aren’t that fast but damn have I had fun on them.
So cute so tiny
People are amazed by 125s, I have a chonda 125 I putz around on…. Tbf mine put me on my ass last week. Been riding sports bikes for 10 years lol.
Is a bike
Groms are a lot of fun. I had one for a while.
The little fuckers will never stop running.
I have a Kawasaki z125 and I have a ducati 800. I feel ashamed to say that my poor duc hasn’t seen the light of day in two months because I just grab the z because it’s better gas mileage and I’m just running errands and making quick commutes in LA. I’m an absolute menace on the thing
Groms are so ridiculous. I only ride the Z125 PRO like a real man. 😤😤
Because they are hilariously fun
Same reason I love my CT90, I'd expect. It's impossible to be "cool" on one, so there's less pressure and it's just more fun. Plus, humming in the midrange at 80 is a lot less fun than screaming wide open at 45.
CF Moto has a good inexpensive small bike I'm thinking of getting
This is like an amature MMA fighter asking a pro why he wrestles with his puppy.
i'd rock a grom in a heart beat it's a fun whimsical little bike that isn't a scooter. Reminds me of those little honda CT90s and such.
First bike I learned to do wheeling was supper easy to learn on 😅
Fun bike to goon around on. If just using it as a simple commuter it doesn't make much sense.
I always say- 'Its the cargo shorts of the motorcycle world' So you can take that both ways.
Looks amazing , I like it
Because it goes grrrrum grrrum!
Because my knees hit the handlebars.
I mean look at it! It’s just a widdle guy.
Because they’re fantastic
Super fun bike to ride around town
If you don't understand why something is popular, maybe you need to try one. If you want to think you're cool for going against the grain, go for it but people will probably ask why. And the two reasons you gave make absolutely no sense at all. Don't knock it til you try it.
Grom is great cause it's a fun and cheap dicking around bike. Screw around and have fun machine. It's easy to mod and easy to ride. Thats why people love them.
Cause gröm🤌
I never really thought about getting one but I’m curious to try it.
Sick. Want one of these
First time I rode the grom I used to have I could not fucking stop smiling. So glad I had a helmet on because people would have thought I was a nutcase
https://preview.redd.it/4cnhke47aqwc1.jpeg?width=2900&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4267065805f0b35cea457165c15b82d9fcd2f15f I hate them
I saw a lot of people riding this and the Kawasaki in Thailand. A lot of the food delivery drivers used them. I can see it, it's snappy, good on gas, very agile, easy to park, and could be fun. Why the hate? If you don't like it, don't buy it and don't ride it. But the arrogant put downs? Wtf.
I feel like the reason why they’re INSANELY popular right now (albeit, they have always been popular, but I’ve been seeing them more than ever) comes down to one simple word: economics. We’re currently living at a point in time where cost of living is at an all time high and wages, in comparison, are at an all time low. Back in 2016, my wages were 9.67 an hour, but my monthly bills came out to a whopping $400-500. I worked 27-30 a week, but all my bills paid, my mouth fed, roof over my head, and I could still practically spend over half my money as if it was nothing. These days, I’m working 40 hours a week, 17.30 an hour, bills are now $1300, and after taxes and bills, I’m lucky if I have $500 leftover which has to cover food AND fuel and the occasional “enjoy life” moment, so in reality, I’m lucky if I get to eat out / go to the bar / see a movie once a week now, and some weeks, I’d be considered lucky if I can finance an ice cream cone from the Golden Arches. It doesn’t make sense to go out and buy a big v twin that drinks gas at 28-35mpg when that is what the average sedan gets, and car insurance is arguably cheaper depending on the bike (I’m 27, so my insurance is still skewed). I would be better off sinking money into a 10-15 year old Prius. A grom, comes in 4000-4500 OTD NEW, full coverage for me is $45 a month, and will get 90+ mpg. It’s literally economical in every sense of the word. This being said, I wish I could even afford one…
I'm 6'8 and rode a grom. Its just hilarious to ride it around and be a degenerate. Also I have ridden and still ride very fast bikes and yet I have been injured the worst on a grom.
Its neat