Honda MSX125 (Grom)... should I?
Discussion
itcaptainslow said:
I managed 72 on mine the other day, not quite sure how!
I still need to look at replacement exhausts; was looking at the Yoshi RS2, any recommendations?
Good job on 72. I reckon with the right conditions mine might do that - i.e. tail wind and down hill.I still need to look at replacement exhausts; was looking at the Yoshi RS2, any recommendations?
The K&N filter, airbox mod and Yoshi RS9 end can seem to have added about 5mph to top speed which is pretty good
. It feels less breathless and a bit more torquey. Not sure which mod did it as I pretty much did all of them together. It's probably running lean, but exhaust valves are cheap and easy to replace on these Allegedy the standard ECU can correct quite a lot too.I quite like the RS9 - I didn't want to full system it as they are just too loud and annoying. Baffle out, cat in with RS9, the noise is nice and fun without being too loud and high frequency. It sounds like a big single. Would definitely recommend it as the standard end can weighs a tonne.
3DP said:
itcaptainslow said:
I managed 72 on mine the other day, not quite sure how!
I still need to look at replacement exhausts; was looking at the Yoshi RS2, any recommendations?
Good job on 72. I reckon with the right conditions mine might do that - i.e. tail wind and down hill.I still need to look at replacement exhausts; was looking at the Yoshi RS2, any recommendations?
The K&N filter, airbox mod and Yoshi RS9 end can seem to have added about 5mph to top speed which is pretty good
. It feels less breathless and a bit more torquey. Not sure which mod did it as I pretty much did all of them together. It's probably running lean, but exhaust valves are cheap and easy to replace on these Allegedy the standard ECU can correct quite a lot too.I quite like the RS9 - I didn't want to full system it as they are just too loud and annoying. Baffle out, cat in with RS9, the noise is nice and fun without being too loud and high frequency. It sounds like a big single. Would definitely recommend it as the standard end can weighs a tonne.
Is your’s a genuine one or one of the copies off eBay?
itcaptainslow said:
Ace-I’ll take a look at those. I don’t want something daft loud, just good quality, lightweight and if it adds performance it’s a bonus!
Is your’s a genuine one or one of the copies off eBay?
Genuine one. Was a bit of a steal. Unfitted, but without box off. Cost less than the copies, but is genuine.Is your’s a genuine one or one of the copies off eBay?
AceOfHearts said:
What do these things weigh?
102kg for original Grom. I've taken off the tail and removed the heavy exhaust so probably about 98kg wet.Not much lighter than my scooter, but as the weight distribution is better I can move it around in the garage by just lifting the rear
Rode one of these (MY 2018) a few weeks ago during a Honda dealer test day. I fit (being 6'7" this was unexpected) and look ridiculous on it (this was not unexpected).
I also didn't immediately enjoy it. The lack of go and the not-amazing handling threw me somewhat. After about 10 minutes though, I got into the spirit of things and tried to wheelie it, jump of higher kerbs and other things I should've stopped doing a long time ago. I rather liked it.
Even my wife wouldn't mind me getting one (we have a 3 month old, and my better half hated motorcycles even before we got him). She gets that it would be a toy that would rarely see more than 500 km usage per year.
I think I might have to buy one.
I also didn't immediately enjoy it. The lack of go and the not-amazing handling threw me somewhat. After about 10 minutes though, I got into the spirit of things and tried to wheelie it, jump of higher kerbs and other things I should've stopped doing a long time ago. I rather liked it.
Even my wife wouldn't mind me getting one (we have a 3 month old, and my better half hated motorcycles even before we got him). She gets that it would be a toy that would rarely see more than 500 km usage per year.
I think I might have to buy one.
Now into 2019 and up to 1300 miles on the clock, thought I'd do a little update on Grom ownership.
I'm down to about 95kg wet (bike not me). The list of mods now have really transformed it into a proper little urban terrier:
K&N air filter - not much effect
Airbox mod - removes a narrow intake pipe on clean air side of filter - better noise, better mid range and top end
428 chain and sprocket conversion - standard 420 chain stretches like mad, every ride. 428 is quieter, damps the gear changes so they feel slicker, looks better and zero stretch even with wheelies and skids.
Fork pre-load kit - £5 mod that transforms the under sprung forks. Quick and dirty but saves buying new springs.
Kitako adjustable rear shock - This with fork mods transforms the bike, mainly as it's so undersprung from factory. Better ground clearance through less sag is a real help in cornering as ground clearance was a big limiting factor.
Uprated spark plug - every little helps.
R&G tail tidy - looks and dirty back.
Gloss black panels - better than bare plastic everywhere.
Carbon fibre mudguard extender - protects engine finish.
Oxford heated grips - on there when I got the bike
Michelin Power Pure SC tyres - Grip, limitless grip.
Black and gold dice dust caps - Cos it reminds me of my BMXs in the 80s
JPS and Norton Decals, plus some other gold substituted details.
Yoshimura RS9 half system - not too loud, but a nice sound. Feels faster, probably isn't.
Takegawa seat cover - more comfy as standard seat is a plank.
De-Euro 4'ed - got rid of side reflectors etc.
Titanium hero blobs - Showers of sparks, regularly - especially cool when paired with titanium knee sliders
The Grom scene is still crazy with stunters, rideouts, vloggers, mad youngsters and coast to coast trips etc. It's a long term cult bike, although the new Monkey is seeing a few defectors. If I park it anywhere it draws a crowd and puts smiles on people's faces which is fun.
Future plans:
Fit the Kitaco clutch springs I have, plus possibly uprated plates, as these are needed to get it to lock up fast enough for clutching up 2nd gear wheelies.
Heavier fork oil - the preload mod has seen the springs overwhelm the damping a bit.
Have the flywheel and the oil spinner machined up as you can take several kg off them and it helps the engine spin up and feel eager.
Some orange LED strips secreted subtly around the bike to give that night-time 'neons' effect.
Possibly a turbo kit. There is an off the shelf one of good quality now which looks ace and makes the right noises. Not about power as such, more just an interesting look and entertaining, plus who doesn't want a boost gauge on their handlebars
Anyhoo - some pics.
428 C&S conversion - looks nice and a 'must do' job.
Kitaco adjustable rear shock next to OEM. Another 'must do' change if you weigh over 6 stone.
Even easier than a C90 to work on.
Dice dust caps
Gratuitous pic of how it looks now, before and after shock and seat cover change.
I'm down to about 95kg wet (bike not me). The list of mods now have really transformed it into a proper little urban terrier:
K&N air filter - not much effect
Airbox mod - removes a narrow intake pipe on clean air side of filter - better noise, better mid range and top end
428 chain and sprocket conversion - standard 420 chain stretches like mad, every ride. 428 is quieter, damps the gear changes so they feel slicker, looks better and zero stretch even with wheelies and skids.
Fork pre-load kit - £5 mod that transforms the under sprung forks. Quick and dirty but saves buying new springs.
Kitako adjustable rear shock - This with fork mods transforms the bike, mainly as it's so undersprung from factory. Better ground clearance through less sag is a real help in cornering as ground clearance was a big limiting factor.
Uprated spark plug - every little helps.
R&G tail tidy - looks and dirty back.
Gloss black panels - better than bare plastic everywhere.
Carbon fibre mudguard extender - protects engine finish.
Oxford heated grips - on there when I got the bike
Michelin Power Pure SC tyres - Grip, limitless grip.
Black and gold dice dust caps - Cos it reminds me of my BMXs in the 80s
JPS and Norton Decals, plus some other gold substituted details.
Yoshimura RS9 half system - not too loud, but a nice sound. Feels faster, probably isn't.
Takegawa seat cover - more comfy as standard seat is a plank.
De-Euro 4'ed - got rid of side reflectors etc.
Titanium hero blobs - Showers of sparks, regularly - especially cool when paired with titanium knee sliders
The Grom scene is still crazy with stunters, rideouts, vloggers, mad youngsters and coast to coast trips etc. It's a long term cult bike, although the new Monkey is seeing a few defectors. If I park it anywhere it draws a crowd and puts smiles on people's faces which is fun.
Future plans:
Fit the Kitaco clutch springs I have, plus possibly uprated plates, as these are needed to get it to lock up fast enough for clutching up 2nd gear wheelies.
Heavier fork oil - the preload mod has seen the springs overwhelm the damping a bit.
Have the flywheel and the oil spinner machined up as you can take several kg off them and it helps the engine spin up and feel eager.
Some orange LED strips secreted subtly around the bike to give that night-time 'neons' effect.
Possibly a turbo kit. There is an off the shelf one of good quality now which looks ace and makes the right noises. Not about power as such, more just an interesting look and entertaining, plus who doesn't want a boost gauge on their handlebars
Anyhoo - some pics.
428 C&S conversion - looks nice and a 'must do' job.
Kitaco adjustable rear shock next to OEM. Another 'must do' change if you weigh over 6 stone.
Even easier than a C90 to work on.
Dice dust caps
Gratuitous pic of how it looks now, before and after shock and seat cover change.
glenmore3685 said:
itcaptainslow said:
I’m one of the defectors-I traded mine in for the new Monkey. I prefer the look and ride quality, although the Grom does handle more sharply.
How are you finding it? I'm thinking of getting one in the spring.It’s the polar opposite of the Grom in some aspects-the Grom encourages you to spank it everywhere trying to get your knee down and just generally being a dick. The Monkey’s relaxed take on life means you bob along back roads just enjoying the ride. I have fitted a Yoshi system mind, which makes it sound predictably daft.
Overall-no regrets. I love the styling and the chilled out cuteness of it. Gets lots of stares and questions at meets or biker cafes, and I quite often choose it over my CB1100RS for a ride out.
itcaptainslow said:
glenmore3685 said:
itcaptainslow said:
I’m one of the defectors-I traded mine in for the new Monkey. I prefer the look and ride quality, although the Grom does handle more sharply.
How are you finding it? I'm thinking of getting one in the spring.It’s the polar opposite of the Grom in some aspects-the Grom encourages you to spank it everywhere trying to get your knee down and just generally being a dick. The Monkey’s relaxed take on life means you bob along back roads just enjoying the ride. I have fitted a Yoshi system mind, which makes it sound predictably daft.
Overall-no regrets. I love the styling and the chilled out cuteness of it. Gets lots of stares and questions at meets or biker cafes, and I quite often choose it over my CB1100RS for a ride out.
I've sat on one and it does feel super comfy compared to mine - I'd love the seat if it fitted the Grom!
If commuting I think the Monkey is better, but I think the OG Grom will be a future classic and as you say, encourages you to spank it, especially once a few key mods are done. The monkey just sitting on it feels a bit more mature.
I'd like a Monkey too, but can't really justify it, plus I fancy a Supercub 125 too... and a VanVan 200...
It is a shame that the Monkey has no rev counter though. They could have run it around the outside of the speedo binacle.3DP said:
itcaptainslow said:
glenmore3685 said:
itcaptainslow said:
I’m one of the defectors-I traded mine in for the new Monkey. I prefer the look and ride quality, although the Grom does handle more sharply.
How are you finding it? I'm thinking of getting one in the spring.It’s the polar opposite of the Grom in some aspects-the Grom encourages you to spank it everywhere trying to get your knee down and just generally being a dick. The Monkey’s relaxed take on life means you bob along back roads just enjoying the ride. I have fitted a Yoshi system mind, which makes it sound predictably daft.
Overall-no regrets. I love the styling and the chilled out cuteness of it. Gets lots of stares and questions at meets or biker cafes, and I quite often choose it over my CB1100RS for a ride out.
I've sat on one and it does feel super comfy compared to mine - I'd love the seat if it fitted the Grom!
If commuting I think the Monkey is better, but I think the OG Grom will be a future classic and as you say, encourages you to spank it, especially once a few key mods are done. The monkey just sitting on it feels a bit more mature.
I'd like a Monkey too, but can't really justify it, plus I fancy a Supercub 125 too... and a VanVan 200...
It is a shame that the Monkey has no rev counter though. They could have run it around the outside of the speedo binacle.Depends what you want out of a tiddler really-if you’d like pure fun and knobbing about, buy the Grom. If you want something that looks cute but can play at being a grown up, the Monkey is better,
3DP said:
If commuting I think the Monkey is better, but I think the OG Grom will be a future classic and as you say, encourages you to spank it, especially once a few key mods are done. The monkey just sitting on it feels a bit more mature.
That may be relevant for commuting, but I'm sure a man of your enthusiasm you would still be tempted to spank the Monkey from time to time.Hi Pete
Bit of a thread resurrection, how you getting , have you still got the beast.
We are looking at doing a tour next year on groms or monkey bikes, probably pick on up end of this year and mid it over the winter, the idea is take the ferry to Santander and ride down Africa.
It’s a 50th bday for one of the group so we will all buy them.
What’s the most worthwhile mods for longevity? Chain and sprocket and tyres?
Bit of a thread resurrection, how you getting , have you still got the beast.
We are looking at doing a tour next year on groms or monkey bikes, probably pick on up end of this year and mid it over the winter, the idea is take the ferry to Santander and ride down Africa.
It’s a 50th bday for one of the group so we will all buy them.
What’s the most worthwhile mods for longevity? Chain and sprocket and tyres?
If youre on facebook join the "Honda MSX125 Owners Club" page. Its got over 25,500 members so better off asking on there.
In short, yeah the stock chain is pants, loves going slack. Stock tyres are pants but lots of choice whether including offroad road legal or winter tyres.
Then its fork oil cheap way to stiffen the front or go whole hog with inserts and swap the rear shock out.
In short, yeah the stock chain is pants, loves going slack. Stock tyres are pants but lots of choice whether including offroad road legal or winter tyres.
Then its fork oil cheap way to stiffen the front or go whole hog with inserts and swap the rear shock out.
I've got the new Monkey and love it. I would say to anyone looking at a MSX / Monkey / Cub give it a go you don't know what your missing. I've got "big" bikes also and would say that these little bikes definitely bring the biggest smiles. I've already got a Yoshimura RS3 exhaust and Racing Bros rear shocks and front springs, the range of bits you can get for them is mind boggling.
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