– Updated: NEW 2022 Honda Grom Review of Specs + NEW Changes Explained, Price, Colors, Horsepower, Specs, MPG + More! –

Well, here she is… the new 2022 Honda Grom 125 for the USA! If you follow the blog or follow me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter etc, we posted about the new 2022 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, in 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. Another thing to make it confusing is that Honda didn’t build a 2021 Grom 125 for the North American market. Honda skipped the 2021 Grom for the USA and is going to go straight to releasing the 2022 model year Grom instead. Something that other corners of the world received for the 2021 model year. As we’ll cover below though, this isn’t the first time that Honda has skipped a production year for the Grom when changes were coming its way.

Quick Honda Grom notes: The Honda Grom and a MSX125 are the same bike, just named differently for the country they are in. The MSX125 was originally announced in 2012 as a 2013 year model on the other side of the world. Then in 2013, Honda announced that the MSX125 was coming here, to the USA as the Grom and it would be a 2014 model year. The 2015 Grom was identical to the 2013. Honda skipped the 2016 Grom production year and went straight to the 2017 with some new changes thrown at it on the aesthetic side of things with no real mechanical changes. Then we fast forward and the 2018, 2019 and 2020 Grom models are all identical but with different color options.

As a Grom owner from each generation (my OG pictured below), I’m thinking I may have to snatch one of these up. I was a little hesitant at first but the new generation, 2022 Grom is really growing on me. Especially after seeing some of these new custom builds on the 2022 Grom that are already out there, the possibilities are endless on the new platform – just like the previous generations but now easier than ever as you’ll see below with some of the custom 2022 Grom pictures below. The ability to easily swap body panels and change the overall look on the 2022 Grom with ease has really peaked my interest and intrigued me. It’s been nothing short of amazing at what this bike has done and the amount of smiles that it has delivered from young kids to long-time riding in their 70s. To me, it brought back the fun of riding that I’d lost over the years by chasing a faster and faster bike with each purchase. It wasn’t all about fun, it was about what was “better”, was it lighter or more powerful etc instead of me thinking about how much fun I was going to have. A lot of people told me I was crazy for wanting one off the first shipment to the USA back in 2013, why would anyone want a small 125cc motorcycle they asked? Now, a lot of those naysayers own a Grom or will admit just how much fun they are and that this bike is here to stay for a long time. Well, as long as Honda doesn’t mess it up haha!

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 Reviews , 2019 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.

2022 Honda Grom 125 Changes for the USA? What is the difference between the 2022 and 2020 Honda Grom for the USA? 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, larger fuel tank and more and we’ll dive more into the new 2022 Grom changes below…

Before we dive into the new stock Honda Grom, take a look at this HRC spec 2022 Grom 125! You can check out more info and pictures by Clicking Here. I’m betting that we’ll see a lot of guys build custom bikes to look similar to this out of their new 2022 Grom!

Key 2022 Grom 125 Info (for those in a hurry):

• 2022 Grom 125 Model Options / Variations:
  • 2022 Honda Grom 125
  • 2022 Honda Grom 125 ABS
• 2022 Grom 125 Price / MSRP: $3,399 (SP $3,499)
• 2022 Grom 125 ABS Price / MSRP: $3,599
• 2022 Grom 125 USA Release Date: May 2021
• 2022 Grom 125 Colors: Pearl White (SP), Queen Bee Yellow, Matte Black Metallic
• 2022 Grom 125 ABS Colors: Candy Blue
• 2022 Grom 125 Horsepower: 9.7 HP @ 7,250 RPM (7.2 kW)
  • 2022 Grom VS 2020 Grom Horsepower Comparison:
    • 2020 Grom 9.7 HP @ 7,000 RPM (7.2 kw)
• 2022 Grom 125 Torque: 7.7 ft/lb TQ @ 5,500 RPM (10.5 Nm) 
  • 2022 Grom VS 2020 Grom Torque Comparison:
    • 2020 Grom 8.0 TQ @ 5,500 RPM (10.9 Nm)
• 2022 Grom 125 MPG: 155 Miles Per Gallon (65.7 km/l)
• 2022 Grom 125 Weight: 227 lbs with ABS (curb) (103 kg)
• 2022 Grom 125 Fuel Tank Size / Capacity: 1.6 gallons (6.0 liters)
• 2022 Grom 125 Seat Height: 29.9 in. (761 mm)
• 2022 Grom 125 VS 2020 Grom 125 Price Increase: $0 
• 2022 Grom 125 Changes: Yes, explained above and below…
• When can we expect another 2022 Honda Grom update to fill in some of the holes for information that is missing? Within the next 60 days. The post has now been updated with the latest 2022 Grom information.

• 2022 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. | 2022 Grom Videos
  • 5. | Photo Gallery / Pictures
    • 5.1 | Custom Grom Pictures
  • 6. | Technical Specifications

1. | Introduction

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 a massive hit here in the American market. 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. It’s always been called the Grom here in America but now Europe, will now call it the MSX125 Grom officially instead of just being known as the MSX125 like many corners of the world since its inception. Fully refreshed, with an even cooler direction of travel, it’s still Honda’s little machine with big dreams.

2. | Model Overview

Completely redesigned bodywork gives the Grom 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 Grom but adds an extra fifth gear. And the unchanged chassis offers the same small-bike dimensions with big-bike suspension, braking and handling qualities.

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 Grom’s look was very much a miniature reflection of the modern lines of  Honda’s sport naked motorcycles of the time. For 2022, the new Grom takes a different design direction. 

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 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.

Here are the four 2022 Honda Grom 125 color options for the USA:

• Pearl White (SP)
• Queen Bee Yellow
• Matte Black Metallic
• Candy Blue (only on ABS model)

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 Grom’s well-proven chassis is essentially unchanged during its 2022 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.

A steel mono-backbone frame ensures the 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 for the ABS model (103kg). A low 29.96 inch seat height (761mm) makes the 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.

Another change in the right direction is there in the fuel department. The 2022 Honda Grom has a larger fuel tank to increase your distance between refueling just a touch, the new Grom has a 1.6 gallon fuel tank (6.0L) – up from the 1.45 gallon (5.5L) gas tank on the previous generation Grom. 

Fundamental to the 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 is optional for the USA. 

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 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).

• 2022 Grom 125 VS 2020 Grom Horsepower Comparison:
  • 2022 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)
• 2022 Grom / MSX125 VS 2020 Grom / MSX125 Torque Comparison:
  • 2022 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 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 of Europe claims the top speed on the 2022 Grom 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. 

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.

The 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 2022 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.

5. | 2022 Honda Grom Videos

5. | 2022 Grom 125 Photo Gallery / Pictures

More pictures to come… 

5.1 | Custom 2022 Grom 125 Pictures

6. | Technical Specifications

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