I spent a few days on the 2015 Honda GROM, the smallest motorcycle (both in physical size as well as displacement) that I have ridden to date. Here are some of my initial impressions:
Aesthetics
- The GROM is noticeably tiny at only 178 lbs
- Gets looks wherever it goes; everybody wants to know what it is
- Looks particularly sharp in black; doesn’t look anything like a scooter
Features
- LCD instrument cluster has a full plethora of features for such a small bike
- Fuel gauge
- Clock
- Dual trip computers
- Linear tachometer
- Turn signals were sturdy and didn’t feel cheaply built like the Yamaha FZ-07/FZ-09
Comfort
- For a taller rider (5’11”), not comfortable for long distances; knees hit/resting on a curve in the fairing
- Need to be hanging off of the foot pedals with toes to be comfortable
- I needed to sit a little further back on the seat to be comfortable, which makes for less nimbleness
Ride
- Extremely fun to zip around town on
- Dips and turns without hesitation
- Low speed manoeuvring is ridiculously easy (bike is super light at 178 lbs, low centre of gravity)
- 125cc motor is more than I expected
- Legal on the 400-series highways, hits terminal velocity around 109 km/h
- 4-speed transmission has relatively long gear ratios
- Does not feel pushed or stressed when ridden spiritedly
- Simply not enough power for long-distance highway riding. Ideal cruising speed is in the 90 km/h range, tops out in this same range if there is an incline
- Incredibly easy to ride
Conclusion
- Easiest bike to ride I have experienced to date
- Tons of fun on inside streets
- Very cheap at $3,200
First Ride: 2015 Honda GROM Gallery
