Honda’s iconic MSX125 Grom updated and renamed, erm, Grom for 2021

After six years since the launch of Honda’s pocket-sized run-around, several small styling updates later, and with an increasing eye on the next wave of young riders, Honda has decided it’s time for a new version of its cult Grom. Or, to give it its new official European name, the MSX125 Grom, as the miniature marvel will now officially carry the nickname by which it has been universally known since its introduction.

For 2021, the Grom will be fully refreshed, with new retro styling, an all-new Euro 5 125cc engine, five-speed gearbox and a revised LCD dash.

The 2021 Grom has a good grounding for success, with Honda’s allegiance to small-wheeled motorcycles dating back to the 1960s. With a focus on ease of use, fun and functionality, the original leisure motorcycle was defined by the Japanese firm in 1963 with the iconic, small-wheeled Monkey bike and carried on – redefined for each respective generation – with the Dax, Ape and the Monkey, which was itself reborn in 2018.

Over the past 50 years, the basic formula of fun, functionality and easiness has resonated with young riders in particular and in America the MSX125 was marketed under the Grom name, which is a moniker which is derived from the world of skateboarding and extreme sports. With that in mind, the first generation Grom was introduced in 2013 targeted to young new riders who wanted their first bike to be exciting, but not intimidating. And it was a success.

In its first sales season, the MSX125 was in Europe’s top five best-selling 125cc motorcycles. The popularity has barely wavered over the last few years either, establishing itself as a firm favourite for simple urban transport as well as in the custom scene. There are a huge number of modified MSXs out there, attracting owners of all ages and experience. Just search “Grom customs” to see for yourself…

So, what’s new for next year?

New styling and equipment

The previous MSX125’s look was very much a miniature reflection of the modern lines of Honda’s sport naked motorcycles of the time. But for 2021, the Grom is taking a different design direction. The new Grom has been redesigned with retro-styled bodywork which is easily removed so that owners can customise the panels even easier than before.

The all-new look mixes the modernity of the sleek LED headlight, cut-down seat unit and subframe with the retro look of the compact side panels and tank covers. And influenced by Grom owners’ ongoing efforts to make their own bikes unique, the MSX125 is designed around the concept of adaptability and easy customisation. All of the bodywork attaches with just six bolts each side, which are highlighted by large bolt surrounds for another quirky design touch.

Updates to the LCD dash also feature on the 2021 model, to include a rev-counter and gear position indicator, alongside the speedometer, twin trip computers, fuel gauge and clock. A lot has been fitted into the compact LCD dash, but switches either side of the display allows riders to alternate between the odometer and trip computer.

New engine and gearbox

The biggest difference from the previous Grom is that the new engine has been homologated for Euro 5 which, from January 1st 2020, introduces significantly stricter engine emissions standards compared to Euro 4. These requirements include substantial reductions in permitted carbon monoxide emissions, over 40% decrease in total hydrocarbon emissions, tougher misfire detection along with a few other stricter rulings.

However, the new air-cooled engine maintains the usable performance of the outgoing Grom, and an extra gear has been added to make it a five speed gear box (instead of the previous four-speeder). The extra gear has spread the ratios further to give it a more relaxed, higher-speed cruising ability, with top speed increasing by 2mph, up to 59mph.

The powerplant updates have aided its claimed fuel economy, too. By using low-friction technologies, such as an offset cylinder and roller-rocker arm for the valve gear, the miles per gallon for the 2021 Grom is an impressive 156.7 according to the manufacturer.

Details

The 2021 model price hasn’t been announced yet, but the outgoing model started at £3,499, so expect a price point not too dissimilar to that. Below are the 2021 Honda MSX125 Grom’s technical details.