2021 Honda Grom 125 Review / Specs + New Changes Explained! | MSX miniMOTO

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– 2021 Honda Grom / MSX125 Review of Specs + NEW Changes Explained, Price, Colors, Horsepower, Specs, MPG + More! –

2021 Honda Grom 125 Review / Specs + New Changes! | MSX125

Say hello to the new 2021 Honda Grom 125 with some new changes for this year! If you followed the blog or followed me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter etc, we posted about the new 2021 Honda Grom 125 changes that were leaked a little while back… Depending on where you live, the Grom may be called a couple of different things so lets get this out of the way first and I’ll elaborate more on the naming below but to touch base on it quickly. The MSX125 is a Grom and vice versa, some countries called it a Grom and others an MSX125. Now for 2021, they are trying to make it even more confusing with Europe now going from calling it an MSX125 to an ‘MSX125 Grom’ haha. So below, when you see the term Grom or MSX125 mentioned, you now know that it is all the same thing – the same model. 

 

 

If you’re anything like me, I love to read the nitty-gritty details that go into a bike as I find it rather fascinating at what all it does take to bring a bike to market. As well as all of the technology that’s used and knowing what or why this was designed that way versus another. I think we forget a lot of the time at just how much work goes into bringing us these toys that we all love to ride so I’m going to be adding some more info than just the usual specs that you can find anywhere and dive more in-depth to the actual “development” info and details on all of my 2021 Motorcycle Reviews or 2021 Motorcycle Reviews2019 Motorcycle Reviews and 2018 Motorcycle Reviews etc so if you’re the kind of person that wants to know any and every little thing about a certain model, you’ll have access to it.

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Recent Grom 125 Changes? What is the difference between the 2021 and 2020 Honda Grom / MSX125? New retro styling with easily-removed body panels and new, EURO5-specification air-cooled engine (more on the engine specs below) and a new five-speed transmission. Revised LCD dash includes rev-counter and gear position indicator. We’ll dive more into the new 2021 MSX125 / Grom changes below…

Before we dive into the new stock 2021 Honda Grom, take a look at this HRC spec 2021 Grom 125! You can check out more info and pictures by Clicking Here.

NEW 2021 Honda Grom 125 HRC Race Kit Performance Parts, Exhaust, ECU and more...

Key 2021 Grom 125 Info (for those in a hurry):

  • 2021 Grom 125 Model Options / Variations: (?)
    • 2021 Honda Grom 125 ABS (ABS comes as standard equipment for select countries)
    • 2021 Honda Grom 125 (I can’t confirm yet whether or not we will lose the non ABS models for the USA just yet like we have with many other models. More on that soon…)
  • 2021 Grom 125 Price / MSRP: TBA
  • 2021 Grom 125 USA Release Date: We will not see a 2021 Grom in the USA. Honda is skipping the 2021 model year and jumping straight to releasing the 2022 Grom 125. The 2022 Honda Grom Release Date for America is “Spring of 2021”. However, this bike you see on the page will be our exact 2022 Grom 125 in the USA. I’ll have more information soon but keep in mind all dates are subject to change because of the current pandemic situation we’re in.
  • 2021 Grom 125 Colors: Force Silver Metallic, Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic, Gayety Red | USA colors have not officially been announced yet.
  • 2021 Grom 125 Horsepower: 9.7 HP @ 7,250 RPM (7.2 kW)
    • 2021 Grom / MSX125 VS 2020 Grom / MSX125 Horsepower Comparison:
      • 2020 Grom 9.7 HP @ 7,000 RPM (7.2 kw)
  • 2021 Grom 125 Torque: 7.7 ft/lb TQ @ 5,500 RPM (10.5 Nm) 
    • 2021 Grom / MSX125 VS 2020 Grom / MSX125 Torque Comparison:
      • 2020 Grom 8.0 TQ @ 5,500 RPM (10.9 Nm)
  • 2021 Grom 125 MPG: 155 Miles Per Gallon (65.7 km/l)
  • 2021 Grom 125 Weight: 227 lbs (curb) (103 kg)
  • 2021 Grom 125 Seat Height: 29.9 in. (761 mm)
  • 2021 Grom 125 VS 2020 Grom 125 Price Increase: TBA
  • 2021 Grom 125 Changes: Yes, explained above and below…

2021 Honda Grom 125 Motorcycle Review / Specs + New Changes Explained!

  • 2021 Grom 125 Review Contents:
    • 1. | Introduction
    • 2. | Model Overview
    • 3. | Key Features / Development
      • 3.1 | Styling & Equipment
      • 3.2 | Chassis / Suspension
      • 3.3 | Engine
    • 4. | Grom Videos
    • 5. | Photo Gallery / Pictures
      • 5.1 | Custom Grom Pictures
    • 6. | Technical Specifications

1. | Introduction

2021 Honda Grom 125 Review / Specs + New Changes! | MSX125

Easy to use, fun and functional, the original leisure motorcycle was defined by Honda in 1963 with the iconic, small-wheeled Monkey bike and carried on – redefined for each respective generation – with the Dax, Ape and the Monkey, itself reborn in 2018 and 2019 for the USA.

The formula has found resonance with the new breed of young riders. Known as ‘Generation Y’ in the USA, ‘Dek Neaw’ in Thailand and ‘Street-Kei’ in Japan, they have grown up in the borderless internet age, and share a culture, outlook and spirit that defies convention.

Instinctively drawn to motorcycling, they need their first two-wheeled transport to be exciting but not unduly challenging, with a design that sets them apart and a reasonable price tag. In 2013 Honda introduced the MSX125 (Mini Street X-treme 125) to cater specifically for such young riders. 

A truly global product the MSX125 (known as the ‘Grom’ in the USA and Japan) has been a hit across the world. In its first sales season the MSX125 joined the CBF125 in the ranks of Europe’s top 5 best-selling 125cc motorcycles. And, over the last few years, it has established itself as a firm favorite, whether used for simple urban transport or as a heavily customized style statement by its target market.

After 6 years of quiet success and a small refresh in 2017, with an eye on the next wave of young riders, it’s time for a new Grom / MSX125. Europe, will now call it the MSX125 Grom officially. Fully refreshed, with an even cooler direction of travel, it’s still Honda’s little machine with big dreams.

 

2. | Model Overview

2021 Honda Grom 125 Review / Specs + New Motorcycle Changes!

Completely redesigned bodywork gives the Grom / MSX125 a new design language; fresh and fun, it’s also easily removed ready for an owner’s creativity to get to work. The updated LCD dash also now includes a rev-counter and gear position indicator.

A new air-cooled engine maintains the usable performance of the MSX125 but adds an extra fifth gear. And the unchanged chassis offers the same small-bike dimensions with big-bike suspension, braking and handling qualities.


2022 Honda Monkey 125 Review / Specs + NEW Changes Explained | USA Release Info plus more on this 125cc Vintage / Retro styled Mini Bike Motorcycle


 

3. | Key Features / Development

  • Redesigned bodywork
  • Easy custom potential; all four panels attach with just six bolts each side
  • LCD dash now includes rev counter and gear position indicator

3.1 | Grom 125 Styling & Equipment

The previous MSX125 / Grom’s look was very much a miniature reflection of the modern lines of  Honda’s sport naked motorcycles of the time. For 2021, the new MSX125 / Grom takes a different design direction. 

New 2021 Honda Grom 125 Engine & Transmission Changes Explained

There’s a new kind of quirkiness about the bodywork – a distinctive individuality that mixes the modernity of sleek LED headlight, pared-down seat unit and subframe with the retro of the super-compact side panels and tank covers. And, influenced by customers’ ongoing  efforts to make their bike unique, the MSX125 / Grom is designed around the concept of adaptability and easy customization – all of the bodywork attaches with six bolts each side, a detail highlighted by large bolt surrounds for another unique design touch.

The gold finish to the USD front forks, and yellow shock spring stand out in bright contrast to the blacked-out engine, exhaust, wheels and swingarm. Easy to read for its compact size the LCD digital dash has been redesigned to include a rev-counter and gear position indicator, alongside the speedometer, twin trip meters, fuel gauge and clock. Resetting of the trip meters and clock, or alternation between odometer and trip meter, is managed by the switches either side of the display.

2021 Honda Grom 125 Speedometer / Gauges / Gear Position Indicator / Top Speed | MSX125

The new 2021 MSX125 Grom will be available in the following color options but keep in mind that USA spec colors have not “officially” been released yet at the time of writing this:

  • Force Silver Metallic
  • Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic
  • Gayety Red

Don’t like the way the stock 2021 Honda Grom 125 looks? Don’t worry, with the new body panel design that Honda is going with it is going to leave it all up to you and your imagination with how much you can customize the new 2021 Grom. Here’s just a few examples below on how you can make your new Grom, yours…

Custom 2021 Honda Grom 125 / MSX125 Pictures

Custom 2021 Honda Grom 125 / MSX125 Pictures

3.2 | Grom 125 Chassis / Suspension

  • Steel mono-backbone frame provides central strength; 29.96 inch seat height (761mm)
  • Quality suspension performance from 31mm USD forks and rear monoshock
  • 12-inch wheels and hydraulic disc brakes front and rear

The MSX125 / Grom’s well-proven chassis is essentially unchanged during its 2021 makeover, and the original priorities of design remain relevant: provide the base for a practical bike that new riders could use – and park – with ease in an urban environment, but be just as useable and enjoyable out of town, and also readily accept a passenger.

2021 Honda Grom 125 Review / Specs + New Changes! | MSX125

A steel mono-backbone frame ensures the MSX125 / Grom’s core strength. Its rigid, square-section tube joins the headstock directly to the swingarm pivot plates and every other part in effect hangs visibly from the frame, greatly contributing to the minimalist look. Specifically tuned vertical / horizontal rigidity and flex in the swingarm pivot and engine hanger plates provides the perfect balance of comfort and confidence.

The frame structure also enables efficient storage of PGM-FI-related components and electrical parts inside the tank cover and fuel capacity is increased to 1.6 gallons (6.0L). Wheelbase is a snug and follows suit from the previous generation at 47.2 in. (1200mm), with rake and trail of 25°/84mm. Curb weight is reduced to 227 lbs (103kg). A low 29.96 inch seat height (761mm) makes the MSX125 / Grom very manageable; its size also ensures that motor home owners find it easy to load/unload, transport and use.

Suspension front and rear delivers ‘beyond class’ quality. The 31mm USD fork reduces unsprung weight and, thanks to the pistons’ greater pressure-bearing area (compared to a standard telescopic fork) offers improved damping feel throughout the stroke. The top and bottom yokes are full-sized, further enhancing handling and rider feel while a lightweight and robust single rear shock operates a simple and tough H-shape, 50mm x 25mm steel box section swingarm.

Fundamental to the MSX / Grom’s form and function are its 5-spoke (re-styled) 12-inch cast aluminum wheels, which feature wide 2.5-inch rims. Front 120/70-12 and 130/70-12 rear tires also inject dynamic looks and performance. Hydraulic dual piston front (finished in gold) and single piston rear brake calipers work front 220mm and rear 190mm discs. The ABS system operates through an IMU and comes standard on the 2021 Grom.

New 2021 Honda Grom 125 Engine Specs: Horsepower, Torque, MPG + More!

3.3 | Grom 125 Engine

  • All-new, 125cc air-cooled two-valve engine
  • Five-speed gearbox improves out-of-town cruising potential
  • EURO5 compliance

The MSX125 / Grom has a new, 125cc two-valve air-cooled engine, with 50mm bore and 63.1mm stroke (previously 52.4mm x 57.9mm), and compression ratio of 10.0:1 (previously 9.3:1). Peak horsepower, all 9.7 of it arrives at 7,250 RPM (7.2kW), with peak torque of 7.7 lb/ft at 5,500 RPM (10.5Nm).

  • 2021 Grom 125 VS 2020 Grom Horsepower Comparison:
    • 2021 Grom 125 Horsepower: 9.7 HP @ 7,250 RPM (7.2 kW)
      • 2020 Grom 125 Horsepower: 9.7 HP @ 7,000 RPM (7.2 kw)
  • 2021 Grom / MSX125 VS 2020 Grom / MSX125 Torque Comparison:
    • 2021 Grom 125 Torque: 7.7 ft/lb TQ @ 5,500 RPM (10.5 Nm) 
      • 2020 Grom 125 Torque: 8.0 TQ @ 5,500 RPM (10.9 Nm)

Just like the previous design, the MSX125 Grom’s engine packs a perfect blend of zippy roll-on performance with useful, accessible all-round ability. Really, this unit all about fun of twisting a throttle, but one major upgrade that riders will appreciate is the application of a 5-speed gearbox (rather than 4-speed) to spread the ratios further and give more relaxed, higher-speed cruising. Honda claims the top speed on the 2021 Grom / MSX125 has been bumped up from from 57.1 MPH to 58.4 MPH (92km/h to 94km/h). I’m not 100% sure how they are measuring this though as I have hit a higher top speed on my personal 2014 and 2018 Honda Groms, when they were stock. 

2021 Honda Grom 125 Engine Specs: Horsepower, Torque and MPG!

Manual clutch operation still imparts a full-sized motorcycle experience, while the 15T gearbox sprocket, 38T final drive sprocket and 12-inch wheels deliver lively around-town response plus the ability to travel slowly in a high gear – perfect for threading easily through tight traffic.

It’s also economical, returning 155 MPG (66.6km/l WMTC mode) by using low-friction technologies, such as an offset cylinder and roller-rocker arm for the valve gear. Sophisticated PGM-FI guarantees highly efficient combustion, and works in conjunction with both air intake and exhaust to deliver an involving experience at the throttle. A large, 2.5L airbox and panel-type, wet paper filter provide reliable and quiet airflow; the filter itself has a life of 10,000 miles. The exhaust downpipe and muffler are now two separate parts.

New 2021 Honda MSX125 Grom Wheel Changes

The MSX125 Grom is homologated for EURO5, which from January 1st 2020, introduced significantly stricter engine emissions standards compared to EURO4. These requirements include substantial reductions in permitted carbon monoxide emissions, an over 40% decrease in total hydrocarbon emissions, tougher misfire detection and the introduction of a particulate matter limit. 

If I was a betting man, I’d say that last sentence is why we didn’t see a performance increase that we would have liked to of seen for 2021 on the Honda Grom with all of the engine changes that were thrown its way. We see a larger bore and stroke, higher compression ratio and no increase in horsepower or torque ratings. In my opinion, it’s a shame that they (not Honda) are cracking down so much on motorcycles and especially small 125cc bikes like the Grom.


4. | Grom Videos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


5. | 2021 Grom 125 Photo Gallery / Pictures

More pictures to come… 

5.1 | Custom 2021 Grom 125 Pictures


6. | Technical Specifications

ENGINE  
Type 2-valve air-cooled single cylinder
Displacement 125cc
Bore & Stroke 50.0mm x 63.1mm
Compression Ratio 10.0:1
Max. Power Output 9.7 HP @ 7,250 RPM (7.2Kw)
Max. Torque 7.7 lb/ft TQ @ 5,500 RPM (10.5Nm)
Oil Capacity 1.2 qt (1.1 liters)
FUEL SYSTEM  
Carburation PGM-FI
Fuel Tank Capacity 1.6 gallons (6.0 liters)
Fuel Consumption 155 MPG (65.7km/l)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM  
Starter Electric Motor
Battery Capacity 12V 3.5AH
ACG Output 225W/5000rpm
DRIVETRAIN  
Clutch Type Wet multiplate
Transmission Type 5 speed
Final Drive Chain
FRAME  
Type Steel mono-backbone frame

 

CHASSIS  
Dimensions (L´W´H) 69.3 in x 28.3 in x 40.0 (1,760mm x 720mm x 1,015mm)
Wheelbase 47.2 in (1,200mm)
Caster Angle 25⁰
Trail 81mm
Seat Height 29.96 in. (761mm)
Ground Clearance 7.1 in. (180mm)
Kerb Weight 227 lbs ABS (103kg)
Turning radius 6.2 ft (1.9 meters)
SUSPENSION  
Type Front USD Front Forks, 31mm
Type Rear Mono shock, steel square pipe swingarm
WHEELS  
Type Front 5 Spoke Aluminum Cast
Type Rear 5 Spoke Aluminum Cast
Rim Size Front MT 2.5-12
Rim Size Rear MT 2.5-12
Tyres Front 120/70-12
Tyres Rear 130/70-12
BRAKES  
Type Front Single 220mm disc with hydraulic dual-piston brake caliper
Type Rear Single 190mm disc with hydraulic single-piston brake caliper
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS  
Instruments LCD digital dash with speedometer, twin trip meters, fuel gauge and clock.
Headlight LED Headlight and Taillight

* Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride Meets current EPA standards. Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.

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