2023 Honda MSX125 Grom

Honda's pocket-sized fun bike with cool retro style, easy-to-remove fairing parts, LCD dashboard, air-cooled engine and 5-speed transmission gets a fresh new look for model year 2023 with two new color variants - one of them with gold rims and retro graphics. Easy handling, ultimate riding fun and extremely practical - that's how Honda defined its leisure bike in 1963 - the iconic Monkey. Developed and redefined generation after generation, the new Monkey followed in model year 2018 and the new Dax in model year 2022. The concept is popular with the new generation of young drivers, known as "Generation Y" in the US, "Dek Neaw" in Thailand and "Street-kei" in Japan. She grows up in the limitless Internet age and shares her unconventional culture and worldview.

HONDA MSX125 Grom

Your first own bike should be fun and offer easy handling, as well as an individual design and an attractive price-performance ratio. The MSX2013 (Mini Street X-treme 125), introduced by Honda in 125, covered exactly these needs. The MSX 125 (known under the model name "Grom" in Japan and in the USA) became a global bestseller. In the first year of sales, the MSX125, together with the CBF125, was one of the 5 best-selling models in the 125 class in Europe. In recent years, it has emerged as a firm favorite among its target group - be it for simple transport purposes or as a stylish custom bike.

After 6 years of success with minimal design changes and to meet the needs of the next generation of young riders, it was time for a new MSX2021 in 125. With a new name in Europe: MSX125 Grom. Two striking new colorways will be available for Honda's pocket-sized fun bike for the 2023 model year.

Model overview

In model year 2021, the completely revised bodywork of the MSX125 Grom gave it a new design - fresh and cheeky and ready to let your creativity run free thanks to the easily removable fairing. The revised LCD display included a tachometer and a gear indicator. A new air-cooled engine continued to offer the universal performance of the MSX125 and received an additional fifth gear. The unchanged chassis had the same dimensions - a small bike that has qualities in terms of damping, braking and handling that are found on large motorcycles. The MSX125 Grom will be available in the following color variants for model year 2023:

• Matt Dim Gray Metallic with Unique Gold Rims and 'Big Logo' Graphics - **NEW**
• Splendid Blue – **NEW**
• Gayety Red SE with new black front fender

Styling & equipment

• Bodywork reinforces individuality
• Customization potential made easy - all four panels are attached with just six screws on each side
• LCD display includes tachometer and gear indicator
• Two brand new color variants in model year 2023

The MSX125 Grom already shows its cool character in the bodywork - unmistakable individuality that combines the modern elements of the slim LED headlights, the reduced seat design and subframe with the retro look of a super compact side and tank panel. The customer's desire for individuality and uniqueness was taken into account and so the design concept of the MSX125 Grom offers simple adjustment and customizing options. The entire paneling is fixed with six visually highlighted screws on both sides - for another unique design touch.

The gold upside-down fork and yellow shock absorber contrast with the blackened elements of the engine, exhaust, rims and swingarm. The digital LCD display is easy to read for its size and has been redesigned – it now includes a tachometer and gear position in addition to the existing speedometer, tripmeter, fuel gauge and clock instruments. There are switches on each side of the display that can be used to reset the trip meter and clock, or to toggle between the speedometer and odometer.

Motor

• Air-cooled 125 cm³ 2 valve engine
• 9,8 hp (7,2 kW) peak power, 10,5 Nm torque and 1,5 l / 100 km consumption (WMTC mode)
• Five-speed manual transmission improves the out-of-town driving experience

The MSX125 Grom is based on an air-cooled 125cc³ Single-cylinder engine with two-valve technology. Bore is 50mm and stroke is 63,1mm, compression ratio is 10:1. Peak power is 9,8 hp (7,2 kW) at 7.250 rpm and maximum torque is 10,5 Nm at 5.500 rpm. The engine of the MSX125 Grom offers a convincing mix of smooth running culture and direct power delivery as well as extremely practical all-round capabilities. The MSX125 Grom is clearly fun to drive with every twist of the throttle. With the fifth gear, the translation can be used even better and invites you to relaxed cruising, even at higher speeds. The top speed is 94 km/h.

The manual gearshift conveys a driving experience similar to that of larger machines. The 15/38 secondary gear ratio and 12-inch wheels offer dynamic response in city traffic and allow higher gears to be selected at lower speeds - perfect for weaving through city traffic. The fuel-saving consumption of 1,5 l / 100 km (WMTC) is achieved through the use of low-friction technologies such as offset cylinders and roller rocker arms in the valve train. The PGM-FI fuel injection ensures a highly efficient combustion process and in combination with the air intake and exhaust it delivers a dynamic response when accelerating. A 2,5 liter air box and wet air filter elements provide optimal and low-noise flow conditions, the filter only has to be replaced after 16.000 kilometers. The exhaust tailpipe is now separated from the muffler.

Chassis

• A mono backbone steel frame ensures high strength, the seat height is 761 mm
• Optimum damping and travel thanks to a 31 mm USD fork at the front and a mono shock absorber at the rear
• 12-inch wheels and hydraulically operated single disc brakes front and rear, IMU-based ABS

A mono backbone steel frame emphasizes the strength of the MSX125 Grom. Its design directly connects the steering head and swing arm bearing. Each component visibly departs from the frame. Overall, the bike conveys a minimalist look. Specially tuned vertical and horizontal rigidity with simultaneous flexibility of the swingarm and engine mounts offer safe road holding, comfort and precise handling. The frame structure is light and torsion-resistant and offers enough space to accommodate the components of the PGM-FI injection and other electrical components as well as the tank (6 liters) under the bodywork. The wheelbase is just 1.200 mm, with a steering head angle of 25° and trail of 81 mm. The weight with a full tank is 103 kg. The low seat height of 761 mm ensures optimal handling; In addition, thanks to its compact size, the motorbike can be easily loaded, unloaded and transported by motorhome owners.

The damping on the front and rear wheel offers a level that one would expect from motorcycles of larger classes. The 31mm inverted fork reduces unsprung weight and thanks to the increased piston surface area (compared to a standard telescopic fork) it delivers improved damping and longer travel. The upper and lower triple clamps are sized comparable to those of a standard bike for even better handling and ride feel, combined with a lightweight, simple and strong H-shape rear shock absorber and a 50 x 25 mm box-type swingarm. The 12-inch aluminum wheels with a 5-spoke design and 2,5-inch wide rims contribute to the playful, powerful look of the MSX125 Grom. The tire dimensions 120/70-12 at the front and 130/70-12 at the rear provide an additional dynamic look and corresponding performance. A 220 mm front single disc brake with hydraulically actuated twin-piston caliper (in gold finish) and a 190 mm rear single disc brake with hydraulically actuated single-piston caliper ensure the MSX125 Grom's braking performance. The ABS system works with an inertial measurement unit.

Technical data

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2023 HONDA MSX125 Grom
Photo credit: Honda

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