I’ve always chuckled any time the name “monkey bike” is mentioned. The fact that “monkey” is attached to “bike” has always been pretty funny to me. But for what it’s worth, Honda’s->ke291 new Grom bike is not only the perfect representation of the company’s history of monkey bikes but it’s also a modern-day machine that comes with all the technological bits and pieces to come out of the Japanese brand.

The diminutive Grom first burst into the scene in 2014 and in the short time that it's been around, it's become defined as a fun bike with a capital “F”! It’s the perfect start-up machine for somebody who’s just breaking into motorcycles and for those looking for a bike that’s not only a rollicking ball of fun to ride, also economical and affordable enough to be considered as an everyday commuter.

If scooters aren’t your thing, the Honda Grom is the perfect alternative. Or is it the other way around? Either way, the Grom is a veritable pocket rocket whose fun factor is quite simply put, off the monkey charts.

Click “continue reading” to read more about the Honda Grom.’

Design

The 2015 Honda Grom didn’t receive any styling updates. The only exceptions are the new colors with Yellow and Pearl White colorways now joining the Red and Black colors as the available ones for young and fresh customers of the Grom. The Yellow one, in particular, is especially saucy. I’d like to think that I’d look particularly good riding it!

In addition to the fancy colors, the 2015 Grom also gets updated graphics on the tank cover, further emphasizing the individualistic nature of this daily rider.

Everything else about the 2015 Grom is the same as its 2014 counterpart. The dynamic look features aggressive details that belies its status as an entry-level bike. Really, if you didn’t know any better, you’d think that the Grom is more expensive than it actually is.

That’s a huge compliment to Honda designers who created a style that epitomizes the company’s legendary styling credentials. Some key highlights of the Grom include the combined projector-style headlight and LED taillights, the soft and comfortable leather seat, and the multi-functional digital instrument panel that displays the speedometer, odometer, tachometer, A&B trip meters, fuel gauge, clock, and indicator for low/high beam.

Design Specifications

Frame

Despite being relatively diminutive in size compared to its Honda contemporaries, the Honda Grom is still a ball of fun to ride. Credit for that goes to the company’s noted work on creating a suspension system that can handle all sorts of terrain. It’s no surprise that the Grom’s inverted hydraulic front fork suspension is the same one being used on some of Honda’s top-of-the-line sports bikes. The control and impressive road feel of the bike is one of its calling cards, allowing the bike to be enjoyed by riders who use it in a variety of purposes.

Complementing the inverted suspension are off-road tires wrapped in 12-inch wheels and hydraulic disc brakes measuring 220mm in front and 190mm at the back. The latter is responsible for creating the Grom’s incredible stopping power, a very important feature that has lent to the bike receiving heapings of praise for being a safe and fun ride.

Frame Specifications

Drivetrain

One thing the Honda Grom isn't is a performance maniac. It's not going to produce insane amounts of power than can rival sportsbikes. If you're looking for a bike that can do that, well, the Grom isn't for you.

But if you're looking for a bike that offers a fun ride despite sporting a 125 cc single-cylinder engine, then the Grom just might be the perfect bike to fill all your needs. Don't sleep on the bike just having a single-cylinder. What it lacks in unbridled power, it more than makes up for in its size, weight, and overall function. It's fuel injection capabilities helps in the performance, which doesn't hurt in the grand scheme of things. Same with the electric starting that makes the Grom the perfect low-maintenance bike for riders.

Also, power from that single-cylinder engine goes to the rear wheels courtesy of a four-speed transmission that can give you the kind of durability, control and efficiency normally attributed to conventional motorcycles.

Drivetrain Specifications

Pricing

The Honda Grom comes with an incredibly affordable price tag of just $3,199. That's a bargain for young riders looking to enjoy their first spoils of motorcycle awesomeness. More importantly, any purchase of the Grom comes with a one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty with the option for extended coverage courtesy of a Honda Protection Plan.