The small but sophisticated Grom is reminiscent of the old CT70 and CT90 motorcycles -- tiny little street bikes that loved the occasional dirt road. With sleek styling, more power, and a sportier character, the 2014 Honda Grom represents a great alternative to a scooter.


Properly motivated
Mostly aimed at emerging markets, the air-cooled, 125-cc single-cylinder engine of the 2014 Honda Grom boasts a 9.3:1 compression ratio and uses a 4-speed manual transmission to ensure bulletproof operation and remarkable fuel economy (around 2.5L/100km, which we validated in normal riding conditions with a brand-new tester that wasn't even completely broken in yet). Technology is present in the form of electronic fuel injection.

The air-cooled, 125-cc single-cylinder engine of the 2014 Honda Grom boasts a 9.3:1 compression ratio and uses a 4-speed manual transmission to ensure bulletproof operation and remarkable fuel economy. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Fun to ride
Similar to its ancestors, the 2014 Honda Grom has no problems accommodating larger riders with a 760-mm seat height. Two-up riding is more complicated due to the relatively short seat, not to mention the cumbersome tailpipe that can get pretty hot for the passenger's right thigh.

Looking half like a supermotard, half like a naked bike, the 2014 Honda Grom can navigate through just about anything. While it does turn heads when parked, this little warrior totally flies under the radar in heavy traffic. Thinking they're dealing with a scooter, other road users let you swoop in between lanes without honking or flipping the bird.

Built on a sturdy steel frame, and riding on 12” wheels with wide tires, the 2014 Honda Grom weighs just 103 kg (all tanks full), so riding always feels effortless. The sharp and lively front-wheel setup, combined with the short wheelbase, makes for fun times in tight corners.

The 2014 Honda Grom is easy to control in all situations, and handles predictably on dry pavement. However, when rain spoils the party, the low-budget tires provide below-average grip in corners. Top cruising speed hovers around 90 km/h, but you can actually go as fast 110 km/h, at which point the vibrations of the single-cylinder engine will clearly remind you that you've reached the limit.

Similar to its ancestors, the 2014 Honda Grom has no problems accommodating larger riders with a 760-mm seat height. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Well equipped
The fit and finish, aluminum wheels, inverted fork, and front disc brake with dual-piston calliper give the 2014 Honda Grom big-boy looks. Obviously, ABS isn't included at that price, but the brakes still prove easy to modulate, and ensure safe stopping distances.

You'll be surprised with the level of build quality, material selection, and content on the 2014 Honda Grom. While the horn is hardly audible in traffic, the digital instrument cluster provides all the info you need, including speed, engine revs, clock, fuel level, and two trip metres.

More enjoyable to ride and to look at than a 125-cc or less scooter, the 2014 Honda Grom also delivers superior performance thanks to a generous amount of torque and a nicely calibrated transmission. It really stands out from every other two-wheeler on the road, making daily commutes that much friendlier and more exciting.

The fit and finish, aluminum wheels, inverted fork, and front disc brake with dual-piston calliper give the 2014 Honda Grom big-boy looks. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Pros

• Unique, endearing looks
• User-friendly package
• Certifiably fun to ride about town
• A great alternative to scooters

Cons

• Not suited for riders of all shapes and sizes
• Can't perform on the highway
• Limited two-up riding capability