Honda MSX125 Grom
2026 Honda MSX125 Grom: 9.8 hp A1 mini-bike, 124 cc single, 103 kg, €4,199. Full specs, press reviews and rivals.
At a glance
The Honda MSX125 Grom is a 124 cc mini-bike with a 5-speed gearbox and 12-inch wheels, making 9.8 hp and weighing 103 kg kerb. Priced at €4,199 in a single version and accessible on an A1 licence, it is the cheapest Honda mini-bike in France, €250 below the Monkey 125. Reviewers praise its agility and the fun it delivers in town, but criticise an engine that runs out of breath on fast roads, basic suspension and a token pillion seat.
World press review
Meta-score
9 sources
Press ratings
Review of the current generation (2021). Great fun in town and on back roads, comfortable even for an adult, unobtrusive ABS, Honda build quality; out of breath at around 60 mph on fast roads, very harsh suspension over cobbles, brakes lacking feel, no storage.
Review of the 2025 restyle (US version). Nothing new apart from the bodywork, which is a good thing: agile, light clutch, smooth gearbox, adequate brakes, solid finish; too slow for major roads, small wheels uncomfortable over bumps, token pillion seat, tight ergonomics for tall riders.
Review of the US 2022 Grom. Torquier engine and fifth gear, great fun in a group; basic but adequate suspension and brakes given the weight; very low price for the fun delivered.
Review of the US 2022 Grom. Livelier long-stroke engine, fifth gear, proper oil filter; at ease in town and on a small track, tyres and brakes up to the job; paltry power, non-adjustable suspension.
Review of the US 2022 Grom. A clear step up from its predecessor, good finish for the price, revised ergonomics with no cramped feeling; rev counter below the line of sight, limited power; perfect for learning to use a clutch and gearbox.
Review of the 2021 generation. A new bike, 'just as mini but more of a motorcycle': longer two-up seat, firmer fork, unobtrusive ABS, well-spaced fifth gear; adjustable front preload would be welcome.
Review of the previous generation (4-speed). Brilliant in town and on twisty roads, not cramped for a tall rider; very slow, even for a 125 (60 mph at most).
Review of the first generation. Agility, riding fun, fuel economy, maintenance and value for money; rear suspension, awkward stand, mirrors.
Review of the first generation (2014). Torquey engine, excellent front brake, extreme agility in town; ineffective rear brake, firm ride, two-up riding only in exceptional cases, no practicality, slightly high price.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
No scored review of the 2025 or 2026 model year has been published; both model years only change the styling. The meta score of 60/100 is based on the only score for the current mechanical generation (5-speed engine, since 2021): 3/5 from MCN. Two scores cover the previous 4-speed generations, MCN 3/5 (MSX125 2016-2020) and Moto.it 7/10 (2013); they are shown for reference and are not included in the calculation (including them would raise the average to 63). RevZilla Common Tread tested the 2025 US version without scoring it; Cycle World, Motorcycle.com, Common Tread and Motociclismo.es tested the 2021-2022 generation without a numeric score, and Le Repaire des Motards the first generation.
What reviewers like: riding fun praised by everyone, “more fun per pound than anything else on two wheels” for Cycle World; scooter-like agility in town (Moto.it, MCN, Common Tread); a torquier engine and a fifth gear since 2021 (Cycle World, Motorcycle.com, Motociclismo.es); unobtrusive ABS (MCN, Motociclismo.es); a quality finish for the price (Common Tread, MCN); a comfortable riding position even for a tall adult (MCN).
What they criticise: paltry power (Motorcycle.com) and an engine out of breath at around 60 mph, unsuited to fast roads (MCN, Common Tread); very harsh suspension over cobbles (MCN) and small wheels that dislike bumps (Common Tread); brakes lacking feel (MCN); a token pillion seat (Common Tread, Le Repaire des Motards); no storage (MCN); a rev counter below the line of sight (Common Tread).
Key quotes
"A pit bike-sized bundle of joy weighing a smidge over 100kg wet, it’s one of the most engaging and enjoyable ways to zip across town on two wheels, and a reminder of just how brilliant bikes can be when you keep things simple."
"For 2025, the Grom remains the gold standard for street playbikes, and that brings us full circle to what I wrote at the beginning of this story: Not much has changed, and not much should change for Big Red’s little 125."
"The Grom turns every two-lane into your own GP course while never coming close to exceeding the speed limit, more fun per pound than anything else on two wheels."
"At a time when younger riders seem to be seeking a lower-cost, lower-tech, more fun motorcycling experience, the Grom – and its family of other minis – expertly delivers."
"Don't try it, it's addictive!"
"The featherweight can be felt on the move too, and the MSX's agility is comparable to, if not better than, a scooter's."
"It looks like a toy and it is a toy."
Pros
- Outstanding agility and manoeuvrability in town (103 kg, 1,200 mm wheelbase)
- Riding fun praised by the whole press
- Claimed fuel consumption of 1.5 L/100 km, about 400 km theoretical range
- IMU-managed front ABS
- Two-seater, with rev counter and gear indicator
- Cheapest Honda mini-bike (€4,199)
Cons
- Limited power, 94 km/h top speed: best avoided on fast roads
- Basic suspension, harsh over cobbles and bumps
- Brakes lacking feel
- Token pillion seat
- No storage or connectivity
Our review
What is the MSX125 Grom?
The MSX125 (“Mini Street X-treme”) is Honda’s 125 cc mini-bike, launched in Europe in 2013 and renamed MSX125 Grom in 2021, after the name it carries in the United States and Japan. According to Honda, 863,289 units have been sold worldwide since its launch in 2012, including more than 50,000 in Europe. It is a small naked bike on 12-inch wheels, designed for town and leisure riding; for 2026, Honda says its HRC-inspired Tricolour livery makes it “the perfect pit-bike for race weekends”.
Which model year and what price?
The 2026 model year only changes the colours: black, blue and a red HRC-inspired Tricolour special edition livery. The last update came with the 2025 model year, a restyle with no mechanical changes (tank covers and side panels with knee cut-outs, engine undercowl, first genuine accessories). Honda France sells the Grom at €4,199 in a single version, the same price as the 2025 model year, still in the range. In the United States the base Grom costs $3,599 before destination charges, without ABS; there is also a Grom ABS ($3,799) and a Grom SP with special styling ($3,699), two versions not offered in Europe, where front ABS is standard.
In France it can be ridden on an A1 licence, or on a car (B) licence with the 7-hour training course (subject to conditions).
How good is the engine?
The horizontal, air-cooled 124 cc single, with a single overhead camshaft, two valves and roller rockers, is a long-stroke design (50 x 63.1 mm) fed by PGM-FI injection. It is the Monkey 125’s engine, with the same 5-speed gearbox but taller final gearing. The 2026 press kit quotes 7.2 kW (9.8 hp) at 7,250 rpm and 10.5 Nm at 5,500 rpm; Honda France’s website rounds the power to 9.5 hp. Honda’s UK and German websites give 7.3 kW, with peak torque at 6,000 rpm (10.8 Nm in the UK, 10.5 Nm in Germany). Honda quotes a top speed of 94 km/h.
Cycle World finds the engine torquier than the old one and welcomes the fifth gear; Motorcycle.com finds the power paltry. MCN finds it out of breath at around 60 mph: the Grom cannot keep pace on a dual carriageway.
How does it ride?
The steel backbone frame carries a gold 31 mm upside-down fork and a single shock linked to a steel swingarm. Honda Europe does not publish suspension travel; American Honda quotes 3.9 inches (99 mm) at the front and 4.1 inches (104 mm) at the rear. The 1,200 mm wheelbase, 1.9 m turning radius and 103 kg kerb weight make it very easy to handle. Braking combines a 220 mm front disc with a two-piston caliper and a 190 mm rear disc. ABS works on the front wheel only, but it is managed by an IMU that limits rear-wheel lift. The 12-inch road tyres are 120/70 at the front and 130/70 at the rear.
MCN finds the ABS unobtrusive but the suspension very harsh over cobbles and the brakes lacking feel; Common Tread notes that the small wheels dislike bumps. Motociclismo.es finds the fork firmer than on the previous generation.
What equipment?
The LCD shows speed, a rev counter, a gear position indicator, two trip meters, a fuel gauge and a clock. The headlight and tail light are LED, the indicators use bulbs. There are no riding modes, no traction control and no connectivity. Since 2025 Honda has offered genuine accessories: hand guards and a meter visor, 10-litre side bags with a carrier, and a seat bag.
Who is it for?
The Grom is a two-seater, with a maximum load of 156 kg (rider, passenger and luggage), but Common Tread finds the pillion seat a token gesture. It is aimed at town and back roads; Common Tread sees it as an ideal first bike for learning to use a clutch and gearbox. MCN regrets the lack of storage.
Which generations?
The first MSX125 (2013-2015) and the second (2016-2020, restyled, ABS in 2017) used a 4-speed engine. The third (2021-2024) received the long-stroke engine, the 5-speed gearbox and the Grom name; the 2025 model year brought new bodywork. No recall affects the current generation (RappelConso, NHTSA).
Fuel consumption and maintenance
Honda quotes 1.5 L/100 km, giving a theoretical range of about 400 km from the 6-litre tank. MCN recorded 109.1 UK mpg (about 2.6 L/100 km), for a range of 144 miles (about 230 km). The manual calls for an oil change every 6,000 km or every year and a valve clearance check every 6,000 km. The warranty is 2 years with unlimited mileage.
Specifications
| Displacement | 124 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 9.8 hp (7.2 kW) @ 7,250 rpm (Honda France shows 9.5 hp) |
| Torque | 10.5 Nm @ 5,500 rpm |
| Weight | 103 kg (kerb) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 10.51 |
| Seat height | 761 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 6 L |
| Fuel consumption | 1.5 L/100 km (WMTC cycle) — 35 g/km CO2 |
| Maintenance interval | Oil change at 1,000 km, then every 6,000 km or 1 year — Valve clearance: check every 6,000 km (Honda 2026 owner's manual) |
| Engine type | Horizontal single-cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2 valves, air-cooled |
| Cooling | air |
| Transmission | 5-speed, chain drive, wet multi-plate clutch |
| License | A1 |
| MSRP | €4,199 |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 50 x 63,1 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 10,0:1 |
| Fuel system | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection |
| Valve train | SOHC, 2 valves, roller rockers |
| Max power RPM | 7250 units.rpm |
| Max torque RPM | 5500 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | Steel backbone frame (square-section tube), steel swingarm |
|---|---|
| Rake angle | 25 ° |
| Trail | 81 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1200 mm |
| Ground clearance | 180 mm |
| Front suspension | 31 mm upside-down fork (3.9 inches / 99 mm travel according to American Honda) |
| Rear suspension | Single shock (4.1 inches / 104 mm travel according to American Honda) |
| Front brake | Single 220 mm disc, two-piston caliper |
| Rear brake | Single 190 mm disc, single-piston caliper |
| Front tire | 120/70-12 |
| Rear tire | 130/70-12 |
| ABS system | Front-wheel ABS managed by an IMU (limits rear-wheel lift) |
Performance
| Top speed | 94 km/h |
|---|
Electronics & rider aids
| Traction control | No |
|---|---|
| Anti-wheelie | No |
| Quickshifter | No |
| Cruise control | No |
| Dashboard | LCD (speed, rev counter, gear position indicator, two trip meters, fuel gauge, clock) |
| Connectivity | None |
| Other features | IMU (front ABS management), LED headlight and tail light (bulb indicators), Genuine accessories: hand guards and meter visor (Comfort Pack), 10-litre side bags and carrier (Travel Pack), 15 to 22-litre seat bag |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Upright, wide raised handlebars |
|---|---|
| Passenger comfort | Two-seater, small pillion seat |
| Wind protection | None (naked; meter visor available as an accessory) |
| Payload | 156 kg |
| Max total weight | 259 kg |
The Grom offers an upright position behind wide, raised handlebars, with a flat seat 761 mm off the ground and 180 mm of ground clearance. MCN finds the position comfortable even for an adult, with enough legroom; Common Tread finds the broad seat leaves room for larger riders, but the ergonomics may feel cramped for long-legged riders. Its 103 kg weight and 1.9 m turning radius make it very easy to handle at a standstill. The manual declares it a two-seater, with a maximum load of 156 kg (rider, passenger and luggage) and no more than 3 kg of luggage; Common Tread finds the pillion seat a token gesture and Le Repaire des Motards keeps two-up riding for exceptional cases. There is no wind protection, apart from the meter visor offered as an accessory.
Ownership & maintenance
2.6 L/100 km (MCN reading: 109.1 UK mpg)
L/100km
Real-world consumption
~~400 km (calculated from the WMTC figure: 6 L tank / 1.5 L/100 km); about 230 km (144 miles) with MCN's recorded consumption
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 6,000 km or every 12 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 6,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 12,000 km |
| Chain | Check and lubricate every 500 km (420 chain, 30 to 40 mm slack) |
Warranty
2 years / Unlimited mileage (extendable up to 6 years, subject to conditions)
Honda’s 2026 owner’s manual specifies an oil change at 1,000 km, then every 6,000 km and at every annual check (10W-30 oil, 0.9 L). The oil filter and spark plug are replaced every 12,000 km, the air filter every 18,000 km. Valve clearance is checked every 6,000 km. Brake fluid is changed every 2 years, and the chain is checked and lubricated every 500 km. The air-cooled engine has no coolant. MCN puts the annual servicing cost at £90 in the UK. Honda France’s warranty is 2 years with unlimited mileage, extendable year by year up to 6 years, subject to conditions.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda MSX125 Grom | €4,199 | 9.8 hp (7.2 kW) @ 7,250 rpm (Honda France shows 9.5 hp) | 103 kg (kerb) |
| Honda Monkey 1252026 | €4,449 | 9.4 hp | 105 kg (kerb) |
| Honda DAX 1252026 | €4,449 | 9.25 hp | 107 kg (kerb) |
| Yamaha XSR1252026 | €5,199 | 15 hp | 140 kg (wet) |
| Yamaha MT-1252026 | €5,799 | 15 hp | 142 kg (wet) |
Generations
- MSX125 (1re génération)2013 – 2015
125 cc · 9.8 hp · 10.9 Nm · 101.7 kg (road-ready)
Launch of Honda's 125 cc mini-bike: 4-speed gearbox, 31 mm upside-down fork, 12-inch wheels, 5.5-litre tank.
- MSX125 (2e génération)2016 – 2020
125 cc · 9.8 hp · 10.9 Nm · 101.7 kg (road-ready)
New angular 'mini streetfighter' styling, stacked twin LED headlights, short underslung exhaust; front ABS and Euro 4 compliance in 2017.
- MSX125 Grom (3e génération)2021 – 2024
124 cc · 9.8 hp · 10.5 Nm · 103 kg (road-ready)
New long-stroke Euro 5 engine (50 x 63.1 mm) and 5-speed gearbox, Grom name, removable bodywork, LCD with rev counter and gear indicator, IMU-managed ABS, 6-litre tank.
- MSX125 Grom (restylage 2025)2025 – today
124 cc · 9.8 hp · 10.5 Nm · 103 kg (road-ready)
Mechanically unchanged: redesigned tank covers and side panels with knee cut-outs, engine undercowl, genuine accessories; new colours for 2026, including an HRC-inspired Tricolour livery.
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSX125 (1re génération)2013 – 2015 Launch of Honda's 125 cc mini-bike: 4-speed gearbox, 31 mm upside-down fork, 12-inch wheels, 5.5-litre tank. | 125 cc | 9.8 hp | 10.9 Nm | 101.7 kg road-ready |
| MSX125 (2e génération)2016 – 2020 New angular 'mini streetfighter' styling, stacked twin LED headlights, short underslung exhaust; front ABS and Euro 4 compliance in 2017. | 125 cc | 9.8 hp | 10.9 Nm | 101.7 kg road-ready |
| MSX125 Grom (3e génération)2021 – 2024 New long-stroke Euro 5 engine (50 x 63.1 mm) and 5-speed gearbox, Grom name, removable bodywork, LCD with rev counter and gear indicator, IMU-managed ABS, 6-litre tank. | 124 cc | 9.8 hp | 10.5 Nm | 103 kg road-ready |
| MSX125 Grom (restylage 2025)2025 – today Mechanically unchanged: redesigned tank covers and side panels with knee cut-outs, engine undercowl, genuine accessories; new colours for 2026, including an HRC-inspired Tricolour livery. | 124 cc | 9.8 hp | 10.5 Nm | 103 kg road-ready |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
No known recalls for this model.