I own both a BMW F650GS and a Monkey. While the BMW makes more sense from all points of views, the Monkey gives me the kind of pleasure I enjoyed as a young kid; in a world with no cars, trucks and other vehicles I' d be the happiest human being....
I'm from Florida and I'm 70 YO. I bought a 2024 Grom. Box stock I love everything about it. I can U turn on a dime, creep through parking lots and board walks at 5 MPH or less, Easy to put away or store up. I can even put it on my hitch carrier when traveling. It will run at 55 MPH all day long. The brakes are a little hard as you say but I have gotten used to them. It's perfect around town for me. So good for you have fun.
You have me rethinking the selling of my 2018 Grom. I agree with all the positives. It is attractive , approachable, and fun to ride flat out. Two more quick negatives: the seat on the 2018 is hard and has hard edges that make longer rides uncomfortable, the second negative is the failure of Honda to use a “normal” oil filter. Oil debris is captured through centrifugal force (I think) in a screen that is accessed only by removing the clutch cover. There is an aftermarket oil filter assembly that can be fitted to ease the task. The oil in small engines should be changed often. Lovely scenery in the video. Cheers from the colonies.
Thanks, Jeffrey. I have heard the seat on the second generation is very uncomfortable. Much better on the 2021. I will look into the oil filter issue you mention, I wasn't aware of it :)
@@RocketMan_Moto 3rd gen Grom has a proper filter so you're good. OG and SF have a spinner. They can be updated ala 3rd gen with a kitaco Clutch cover kit though.
Good honest review. I agree that the last version of the Grom looked better. I have a friend that has the older version which he has modified to look like a Repsol Honda MotoGP bike he spent lots of money on it and it looks awesome, pointless but still awesome lol.
Stick a Leo Vince LV10 on it, if they don't see you they'll definitely hear you, and put pyramid plastics hand guards and rear rack on it for practicality, plus Honda make a beak for the Grom 😁👍🏻
You are so right about how going slowly is just as much fun. I derive just as much pleasure from riding my Aerox 155 at 40 kph than I used to riding my B-King.
Good to see you having fun on the Grom, impressive mileage. The point you mentioned about the industry making bigger and bigger bikes is a downer for me, as I'm only 1,69m and 65kg. For that reason, I'm guessing my next bike will be something like a 600cc-700cc naked with a modest seat-height and having some sort of windshield available in the aftermarket to make highway stints more bearable. Good tip on that pouch for the handlebar. Cheers
Haha, I guess everything is possible. I once encountered a couple on a Vespa at the Channel Tunnel in northern France on their way back to the UK from Italy :)
Nice video man! I love mine, it makes my 10min commute much more enjoyable.. Btw did you paint the washers gold or did you find aftermarket ones? THANKS!
I agree about the look, the second generation grom was a looker just the stepped saddle spoilt the riding experience for tall riders. The bike is what it is, it amazes me that people buy low powered slow bikes then spend several hundred on go faster parts which is not always a success. Almost certainly your choice of tyres for the trails has dented on road performance. Just waiting for the Monkey to arrive in my local dealers before I pull the trigger. The major plus for me with the Grom is its payload higher than the Monkey also a couple of hundred euros cheaper. The major plus for the Monkey is the comfy saddle( I ride solo) and Honda do a small rear rack for it. The big Monkey downside for me is I would have to beef up the rest suspension which would add to the difference in cost between the two bikes. So before the end of the year, it will be either a silver Grom or a blue Monkey.
The new Monkey looks great, especially as they're now offering it in the blue colour, which was reserved for the Australians & Asian markets on the Mk1. As you say, though, the biggest problem is the single seat, although it is mega comfortable, I agree. The new 5-speed gearbox makes all the difference. Hope you enjoy yours :)
Brilliant video, but I am now more confused than ever, I was all set to buy the Honda vision 110 which is probably the more sensible option for my needs, but the Honda Grom looks like so much fun, there are feelings that a man of 46 should have grown out of years ago 🤔
Well, I'm 57 and love the Grom. I use the Vision more often, mainly because it's so easy to run around on and, of course, has decent under-seat storage. The scooter is also great fun, its only real downside is the way it looks, at least compared to the Grom, but is that really important in the long run..? :)
Great review. Jealous of your surroundings! I’m seriously considering a new 2021 model. I currently have a larger bike, an SCR950 but want something for commuting and having “fun” locally. Torn whether to take the plunge and have the grom as my only bike. - can’t test ride atm as no one has them!
Enjoyable reviews thank you. Awaiting my black one to arrive here in New Zealand. Bar end mirrors look great - can you please advise what brand or where these are from? Thanks and ride safe 👌🏻
Thank you. Owned the 2014, the confort was a no no for me coming from bigger bike and a skyteam monkey. It seems they upgraded the dirt bike " style to a much more comfier seat. So surprised with the plus on comfort. Thinking downgrade from a bmw r 1200 r to this... year 1liter less, but i would save about 1 month salary per year and win some time because i could put inside my studio intead of having a far away parking in Paris
Great video cheers. Is this the ABS model? You said it takes a while to get up to 100kmph; is it feasible if 20 minutes of my commute is on a 100kmph single lane stretch with light traffic?
Yes, all European Groms come with ABS as standard. I think 100kph is feasible on normal road tyres (mine has off-road knobblies), but personally I would go for a more traditional, and more powerful 125cc bike if it was my principal means of commuting :)
Sometimes, yes, if there's a lot of oncoming traffic. Less now, though, as I have upgraded the turn signals to switchback LEDs, which are bright white when not in use.
Maybe, but I would be wary of upgrading the brakes too much, for fear of being thrown over the handlebars. The small wheels and light weight of the bike don't favour huge brakes really :)
Grom is a cheap bike but in the end it cost you at least 50% more because of course you’re going to modify it and modifications are not cheap. 4k for bike and +1.5-2k to make it really decent. Stock Grom isn’t breathtaking unit. Especially with its “enormous” power 9.7hp when other 125cc bikes have 15hp and over 10nm of torque. In the end, Grom is for people who can easily spend few thousand dollars for a toy.
Where's this spot with a lake in the background with mountains surrounding it where you often do some scenic shootings with the bikes? I would like to go there tomorrow, could you please give me some directions?
Braided brake lines will have a huge effect on braking performance, and heavier fork oil will help prevent bottoming out the forks so much. On the statement on probably not being cross-continental travel worthy, I certainly have to agree. I forget the channel, but I recall a series of videos of two from riders here in the US traveling the length of US Route 1 on groms, and it looked pretty miserable, haha. Definitely more of an around town sort of bike.
I definitely need to get the brakes sorted somehow, because they are woeful. Braided lines are probably the first thing to try, along with some better pads. I agree re. town riding :)
To me, its a brilliant motorcycle and yes at its price point, the brakes and suspension hold it back due to cost mostly....or profit Honda insists upon based upon cost of manufacture. I believe Honda is missing out on a major selling opportunity. A 200cc Grom. You couldn't keep them on the showroom floor IMO. Everybody and their brother wants more power. Not supersport power because the chassis won't support it. 80mph power would be fun. Humans I suppose all said are a bit counterintuitive. I am a mechanical engineer and engineers try everyday to create perfect machines. Ironically its the faults that create character...Harley figured this out decades ago...and why driving a Miata is more fun than a $100K BWM with three times the power and of course, those that know, BMW engineers design all the character out, creating an antiseptic, video game driving experience. People want their senses stimulated. When I was 12 years old, I created a 45mph minibike from scratch from a riding lawnmower engine I modified that is pretty similar to what a Grom is in terms of undeniable charm and why oldsters recapture their youth when riding one.
@@RocketMan_Moto ... 2016 grom & the new the 2021 Grom 5 speed ( should have been 6 speed) + changeable oil filter 👍 have 2016 Yamaha. Sr400 FI ( hate the kick start ) , Honda sl230 ( mountain bike on steroids 100kgs), Honda ct110 ( Oz postie bike tougher than a cockroach) & Cleveland heist 😬
You say this bike has a quality finish ! Ha ha really ? The frame on mine started going rusty on the welds within 3 months it was brand new had 97 miles on it and lived in a dry shed, Total rubbish Honda customer service was dreadful they refused to do anything but repaint the welds with a brush , It wasn't until I threatened to take them to court ,Which I would have happily done they gave me a full refund , After 45 years of biking and many Honda's that will be the last one I will ever own as the quality has clearly gone . Terrible after sales service.
![I bought a Honda Grom for a very SPECIFIC purpose [QuickTest#8]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gJ09Mse31L0/mqdefault.jpg)
I own both a BMW F650GS and a Monkey. While the BMW makes more sense from all points of views, the Monkey gives me the kind of pleasure I enjoyed as a young kid; in a world with no cars, trucks and other vehicles I' d be the happiest human being....
Couldn’t have put it better myself👍😊
I'm from Florida and I'm 70 YO. I bought a 2024 Grom. Box stock I love everything about it. I can U turn on a dime, creep through parking lots and board walks at 5 MPH or less, Easy to put away or store up. I can even put it on my hitch carrier when traveling. It will run at 55 MPH all day long. The brakes are a little hard as you say but I have gotten used to them. It's perfect around town for me. So good for you have fun.
Yes, great fun. Enjoy👍😊
Hi enjoying your Grom videos. I'm 52 and like the fact you give mature information.
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. I'm glad you find my videos useful :)
You have me rethinking the selling of my 2018 Grom. I agree with all the positives. It is attractive , approachable, and fun to ride flat out. Two more quick negatives: the seat on the 2018 is hard and has hard edges that make longer rides uncomfortable, the second negative is the failure of Honda to use a “normal” oil filter. Oil debris is captured through centrifugal force (I think) in a screen that is accessed only by removing the clutch cover. There is an aftermarket oil filter assembly that can be fitted to ease the task. The oil in small engines should be changed often. Lovely scenery in the video. Cheers from the colonies.
Thanks, Jeffrey. I have heard the seat on the second generation is very uncomfortable. Much better on the 2021. I will look into the oil filter issue you mention, I wasn't aware of it :)
@@RocketMan_Moto 3rd gen Grom has a proper filter so you're good. OG and SF have a spinner. They can be updated ala 3rd gen with a kitaco Clutch cover kit though.
Good to know :)
I'll never tire of your Grom videos 😎
Thanks for your kind words of encouragement 😊
Good honest review. I agree that the last version of the Grom looked better. I have a friend that has the older version which he has modified to look like a Repsol Honda MotoGP bike he spent lots of money on it and it looks awesome, pointless but still awesome lol.
Haha, that’s the problem with modding: once you start, you can’t stop $$$ 😂
Stick a Leo Vince LV10 on it, if they don't see you they'll definitely hear you, and put pyramid plastics hand guards and rear rack on it for practicality, plus Honda make a beak for the Grom 😁👍🏻
Thanks for your input. I actually sold the Grom a while ago :)
You are so right about how going slowly is just as much fun. I derive just as much pleasure from riding my Aerox 155 at 40 kph than I used to riding my B-King.
I can believe that :)
A nice video. I concur with all your assertions. I would like to see more of your off the paved road outings and fun.Thank you. Happy trails.
Thanks, will do!
Good to see you having fun on the Grom, impressive mileage.
The point you mentioned about the industry making bigger and bigger bikes is a downer for me, as I'm only 1,69m and 65kg. For that reason, I'm guessing my next bike will be something like a 600cc-700cc naked with a modest seat-height and having some sort of windshield available in the aftermarket to make highway stints more bearable.
Good tip on that pouch for the handlebar.
Cheers
Thanks, Sebastiao. Giant bikes are annoying, even for us tall guys😟
Still enjoying my first generation MSX here in Hong Kong, upgraded the brake hoses to HEL's and that really improved things.
I need to try that👍
I watched a RUclipsr riding the Grom across few country. Just saying.
Haha, I guess everything is possible. I once encountered a couple on a Vespa at the Channel Tunnel in northern France on their way back to the UK from Italy :)
Thank you for yet another enjoyable review.
I would love to hear your take on the new crf 300 Rally 🙂
Thanks. I definitely need to try that bike😊
3:04 😏😏😏
😀
Summer in Portugal is like one of the most dangerous times to ride a bike.
Way too many distractions
@@Shark00n1337 Amen brother, it really is dangerous.
Brilliant review to match the perfect finish with the football. !!!
Haha, well done :)
Really enjoy your videos. Thanks 👍. Getting excited for what's coming! Maybe give us a couple of clues next video so we can start guessing 😂
Thanks. I have sprinkled clues all over the place. A few people have guessed correctly, but 90% are still way off, lol :)
Nice video man! I love mine, it makes my 10min commute much more enjoyable.. Btw did you paint the washers gold or did you find aftermarket ones? THANKS!
Thanks. I painted the washers myself with ordinary spray paint.
Have to say the Algarve looks amazing!
It is, but I try to only shoot these videos when the sun's shining ;)
Love your videos, your grom looks great. Where did you find the gold washers and gold Honda decal?
Spray painted the washers myself, logos eBay :)
I agree about the look, the second generation grom was a looker just the stepped saddle spoilt the riding experience for tall riders. The bike is what it is, it amazes me that people buy low powered slow bikes then spend several hundred on go faster parts which is not always a success. Almost certainly your choice of tyres for the trails has dented on road performance. Just waiting for the Monkey to arrive in my local dealers before I pull the trigger. The major plus for me with the Grom is its payload higher than the Monkey also a couple of hundred euros cheaper. The major plus for the Monkey is the comfy saddle( I ride solo) and Honda do a small rear rack for it. The big Monkey downside for me is I would have to beef up the rest suspension which would add to the difference in cost between the two bikes. So before the end of the year, it will be either a silver Grom or a blue Monkey.
The new Monkey looks great, especially as they're now offering it in the blue colour, which was reserved for the Australians & Asian markets on the Mk1. As you say, though, the biggest problem is the single seat, although it is mega comfortable, I agree. The new 5-speed gearbox makes all the difference. Hope you enjoy yours :)
Thank you.
You're welcome!
Change the front fork oil to 10/30 fork oil it’s a major improvement
It's on my list of jobs to do. Thanks :)
Brilliant video, but I am now more confused than ever, I was all set to buy the Honda vision 110 which is probably the more sensible option for my needs, but the Honda Grom looks like so much fun, there are feelings that a man of 46 should have grown out of years ago 🤔
Well, I'm 57 and love the Grom. I use the Vision more often, mainly because it's so easy to run around on and, of course, has decent under-seat storage. The scooter is also great fun, its only real downside is the way it looks, at least compared to the Grom, but is that really important in the long run..? :)
Great review. Jealous of your surroundings! I’m seriously considering a new 2021 model. I currently have a larger bike, an SCR950 but want something for commuting and having “fun” locally. Torn whether to take the plunge and have the grom as my only bike. - can’t test ride atm as no one has them!
Thanks, Andy. As much as I enjoy the Grom, I'm not sure I would choose it as an only bike, especially coming from a 950. Think very carefully :)
Enjoyable reviews thank you. Awaiting my black one to arrive here in New Zealand. Bar end mirrors look great - can you please advise what brand or where these are from? Thanks and ride safe 👌🏻
Thanks :) There's a link to the mirrors in the description :)
Excellent video as always RM. Groms are fun, here in GR their fanbase are close to fanatics for it haha. Forced induction project on the Grom when?
Haha, thanks. The forced induction kit will be fitted once I have the V8 installed ;)
Thank you. Owned the 2014, the confort was a no no for me coming from bigger bike and a skyteam monkey. It seems they upgraded the dirt bike " style to a much more comfier seat. So surprised with the plus on comfort. Thinking downgrade from a bmw r 1200 r to this... year 1liter less, but i would save about 1 month salary per year and win some time because i could put inside my studio intead of having a far away parking in Paris
That's quite a 'downgrade', but I agree the Grom can be parked just about anywhere :)
Great video cheers. Is this the ABS model? You said it takes a while to get up to 100kmph; is it feasible if 20 minutes of my commute is on a 100kmph single lane stretch with light traffic?
Yes, all European Groms come with ABS as standard. I think 100kph is feasible on normal road tyres (mine has off-road knobblies), but personally I would go for a more traditional, and more powerful 125cc bike if it was my principal means of commuting :)
Do you usually ride around with the brights on your Grom? I am trying to decide if this is a good idea? I am on the fence w/ this.
Sometimes, yes, if there's a lot of oncoming traffic. Less now, though, as I have upgraded the turn signals to switchback LEDs, which are bright white when not in use.
Steel braided lines are cheap and easy to fit, might make a difference.
Good idea :)
great review and spot on!
Thanks, Mike :)
Did the knobby tire have tubes or are they tubeless? thanks!
Tubeless
A perfect solution for storage on the Grom, get a sidecar :)
Haha, well that would certainly provide storage :)
Would braided lines be good enough. Or should the brakes be upgraded?
Maybe, but I would be wary of upgrading the brakes too much, for fear of being thrown over the handlebars. The small wheels and light weight of the bike don't favour huge brakes really :)
Grom is a cheap bike but in the end it cost you at least 50% more because of course you’re going to modify it and modifications are not cheap. 4k for bike and +1.5-2k to make it really decent. Stock Grom isn’t breathtaking unit. Especially with its “enormous” power 9.7hp when other 125cc bikes have 15hp and over 10nm of torque. In the end, Grom is for people who can easily spend few thousand dollars for a toy.
Fair comment, but I didn’t modify mine at all
Where's this spot with a lake in the background with mountains surrounding it where you often do some scenic shootings with the bikes? I would like to go there tomorrow, could you please give me some directions?
Serra de Monchique, near the Barragem do Funcho
@@RocketMan_Moto That's great 👍 Thanks!
Hope you have a nice time :)
@@RocketMan_Moto I really appreciate your willingness to reply to questions. Would you be able to recommend a riding gear store in the Algarve area?
Braided brake lines will have a huge effect on braking performance, and heavier fork oil will help prevent bottoming out the forks so much.
On the statement on probably not being cross-continental travel worthy, I certainly have to agree. I forget the channel, but I recall a series of videos of two from riders here in the US traveling the length of US Route 1 on groms, and it looked pretty miserable, haha. Definitely more of an around town sort of bike.
I definitely need to get the brakes sorted somehow, because they are woeful. Braided lines are probably the first thing to try, along with some better pads. I agree re. town riding :)
The Grom strikes me as a fun little bike that is highly impractical for everyday use.
That just about sums it up; fun but ultimately useless, lol :)
To me, its a brilliant motorcycle and yes at its price point, the brakes and suspension hold it back due to cost mostly....or profit Honda insists upon based upon cost of manufacture.
I believe Honda is missing out on a major selling opportunity. A 200cc Grom. You couldn't keep them on the showroom floor IMO. Everybody and their brother wants more power. Not supersport power because the chassis won't support it. 80mph power would be fun.
Humans I suppose all said are a bit counterintuitive. I am a mechanical engineer and engineers try everyday to create perfect machines. Ironically its the faults that create character...Harley figured this out decades ago...and why driving a Miata is more fun than a $100K BWM with three times the power and of course, those that know, BMW engineers design all the character out, creating an antiseptic, video game driving experience. People want their senses stimulated. When I was 12 years old, I created a 45mph minibike from scratch from a riding lawnmower engine I modified that is pretty similar to what a Grom is in terms of undeniable charm and why oldsters recapture their youth when riding one.
Completely agree: if they gave us a 200-250cc Grom/Monkey, they'd definitely be on to a winner.
Think you this has been helpful.
You're welcome :)
What tires are those?
Maxxis something or other. I've sold the Grom, so I can't remember exactly, but they're in one of my other videos
Glad you're enjoying Portugal, abraço amigo
Claro que sim :)
Love my Groms , Better than public transport faster than a bicycle 👍
Haha, exactly! How many have you got?
@@RocketMan_Moto ... 2016 grom & the new the 2021 Grom 5 speed ( should have been 6 speed) + changeable oil filter 👍 have 2016 Yamaha. Sr400 FI ( hate the kick start ) , Honda sl230 ( mountain bike on steroids 100kgs), Honda ct110 ( Oz postie bike tougher than a cockroach) & Cleveland heist 😬
Nice fleet! I agree that a 6th gear on the new Grom/Monkey would have been nice, but even a fifth gear makes a big difference.
Another good video.
Thank you, Lyn. I can always rely on you for positive feedback😊
You change motorcycles more often then some change their underwear :D
Haha, unfortunately yes :)
You say this bike has a quality finish ! Ha ha really ? The frame on mine started going rusty on the welds within 3 months it was brand new had 97 miles on it and lived in a dry shed, Total rubbish Honda customer service was dreadful they refused to do anything but repaint the welds with a brush , It wasn't until I threatened to take them to court ,Which I would have happily done they gave me a full refund , After 45 years of biking and many Honda's that will be the last one I will ever own as the quality has clearly gone . Terrible after sales service.
Oh dear, sorry to hear that. Corrosion isn’t normally an issue here in warm, dry Portugal.
Ordered a Grom last week, they said 9 month wait!!!
Wow😳 Where are you?
first
Actually second: I watched it before you :)
@@RocketMan_Moto It's true. You can take the prize :) Reminds me of that meme where Obama is giving himself a medal
EDIT: Spelling mistakes
Haha😊