Top Competitors to the Honda Grom
Since 2014, Honda’s Grom has been a sensation in the world of minibikes, thanks to its agile frame, customization potential, and impressive top speed. Nearly a million Groms have been sold, making it one of Honda’s best-selling motorcycles. Naturally, the success of the Grom has spurred other companies to create their own models to compete and capture a slice of the market.
In this article, we’ll delve into five noteworthy competitors to the Honda Grom, each offering its unique blend of features and advantages. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a newbie looking for the perfect minibike, these alternatives are worth considering.
1. Kawasaki Z125 Pro
Out of all the pocket bikes, the Z125 Pro from Kawasaki closely mirrors the Grom in terms of design and features. Sporting a Grom-like sportsbike frame and a single-cylinder engine, the Z125 comes at a similar price point and is manufactured in Thailand. While some enthusiasts favor the Z125 for its slightly lighter weight, the Grom excels in torque and boasts a five-speed transmission, resulting in a marginally higher top speed.
Advantages Over Grom: Weight, Agility
Grom Outperforms in Torque, Transmission, Speed
Who Should Consider the Kawasaki Z125 Pro? Riders seeking agility should lean towards the Z125, while those desiring more speed might opt for the Grom. Your choice can also depend on brand preference.
2. Benelli TNT 135
The Benelli TNT 135 is a contender that challenges the Grom in terms of sales by offering a similar design at a significantly lower price point, nearly $1,000 less. It outpaces the Grom in some aspects, thanks to its larger 135cc engine, delivering more horsepower and a higher maximum speed. However, the increased engine size also results in greater weight and reduced fuel efficiency compared to the Grom.
Advantages Over Grom: Power, Speed, Price
Grom Outperforms in: Weight, Agility, Fuel economy, Modification
Who Should Consider the Benelli TNT 135? Budget-conscious riders who don’t plan to extensively modify their minibike might find the TNT 135 appealing. It offers similar fun and performance while saving you money.
3. Kymco Spade 150i
Differing from the sportbike style, the Kymco Spade 150i adopts a classic cafe racer look. Despite the style shift, it stands out with higher horsepower and torque than the Grom. However, the extra weight affects its overall speed and agility, making it less nimble than the Grom.
Advantages Over Grom: Style (subjective), Horsepower, Torque
Grom Outperforms in: Weight, Agility
Who Should Consider the Kymco Spade 150i? Riders who appreciate a stylish motorcycle with vintage design elements and desire extra power and torque may find the Kymco Spade 150i appealing.
4. SSR Razkull 125
Competing primarily on price, the SSR Razkull 125 offers affordability, with an MSRP nearly half that of the Grom. It features a lighter frame but maintains the same 125cc engine size. However, the Razkull 125 is often criticized for its lower quality, earlier maintenance needs, limited parts availability, and reduced customization options. It also employs a carburetor instead of the Grom’s fuel injectors, resulting in lower fuel efficiency.
Advantages Over Grom: Price, Weight
Grom Outperforms in: Horsepower, Speed, Construction and quality, Fuel economy
Who Should Consider the SSR Razkull 125? If you’re seeking a minibike for short-term enjoyment without extensive mileage and customization, the Razkull 125 could be a budget-friendly choice.
5. Honda Monkey
Interestingly, one of the most prominent competitors to the Grom comes from the same manufacturer—Honda itself. The Monkey, with its historical significance dating back to the 1960s, offers 125cc models that closely match the Grom in specs and features. It stands out with a more upright seat orientation and wider wheels for improved off-roading.
Advantages Over Grom: Comfort, Off-road ability
Grom Outperforms in: Price, Agility, Handling
Who Should Consider the Honda Monkey? Riders interested in off-road adventures and enhanced comfort might prefer the Honda Monkey over the Grom.
Customization Options and Aftermarket Support
When it comes to personalizing your minibike, the level of customization and aftermarket support can be a critical factor. Let’s explore how each of these competitors fares in this aspect:
Honda Grom: The Grom is known for its extensive customization options. You can find a wide range of aftermarket parts and accessories, from performance upgrades to cosmetic enhancements. Many riders have transformed their Groms into unique, one-of-a-kind machines.
Kawasaki Z125 Pro: Similar to the Grom, the Z125 Pro has a growing aftermarket community. You can find various parts and kits to modify your Z125’s appearance and performance. It may not be as extensive as the Grom’s aftermarket, but there are still plenty of options.
Benelli TNT 135: The TNT 135 has a relatively limited aftermarket compared to the Grom and Z125. While you can find some basic modifications, it may not offer the same level of customization as the others.
Kymco Spade 150i: Despite its stylish design, the Spade 150i has limited aftermarket support. You might find a few accessories, but options for extensive customization are scarce.
comparative table
SSR Razkull 125: The Razkull 125, being a Grom clone, shares some aftermarket parts, but it may not have as diverse a selection. It’s essential to verify compatibility when considering modifications.
Honda Monkey: Similar to the Grom, the Monkey benefits from Honda’s extensive aftermarket support. You can find various parts and accessories to tailor your Monkey to your preferences.
Customizing your minibike allows you to express your style and preferences fully. Whether it’s upgrading the performance or enhancing the aesthetics, exploring the world of aftermarket parts can be an exciting journey for minibike enthusiasts.
Comparative Table
| Features | Honda Grom | Kawasaki Z125 Pro | Benelli TNT 135 | Kymco Spade 150i | SSR Razkull 125 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 124.9cc | 125cc | 135cc | 149.6cc | 125cc | 125cc |
| Horsepower | 9.7 hp | 9.7 hp | 11.4 hp | 12.2 hp | 8.5 hp | 9.2 hp |
| Torque | 8.0 lb-ft | 7.1 lb-ft | 7.4 lb-ft | 8.5 lb-ft | 7.4 lb-ft | 8.1 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | Approx. 59 mph | Approx. 55 mph | Approx. 68 mph | Approx. 65 mph | Approx. 60 mph | Approx. 61 mph |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual | 4-speed manual | 5-speed manual | 4-speed manual | 4-speed manual | 4-speed manual |
| Weight | 229 lbs | 225 lbs | 266 lbs | 266 lbs | 225 lbs | 234 lbs |
| Fuel Economy | Approx. 134 mpg | Approx. 95 mpg | Approx. 85 mpg | Approx. 71 mpg | Approx. 100 mpg | Approx. 157 mpg |
| Price (MSRP) | Starting at $3,399 | Starting at $3,299 | Starting at $2,549 | Starting at $3,299 | Starting at $1,999 | Starting at $3,999 |
| Customization Options | Extensive aftermarket | Growing aftermarket | Limited aftermarket | Limited aftermarket | Some aftermarket | Extensive aftermarket |
This table provides a quick overview of how these minibikes compare in terms of engine specs, performance, pricing, and customization options. Keep in mind that individual preferences and priorities may influence your choice among these fun and agile machines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of mini motorcycles has seen a surge in popularity, thanks in large part to the Honda Grom. This iconic minibike has captured the hearts of riders with its nimble handling, customization options, and fun factor. However, it’s important to recognize that the Grom has some formidable competitors in the market.
The Kawasaki Z125 Pro offers a similar riding experience to the Grom, with its sporty frame and compact design. It’s a great choice for those who prioritize agility and lightweight performance.
Benelli’s TNT 135 stands out with its larger engine, providing more power and speed. If you’re on a budget and value speed, this could be a compelling alternative.
The Kymco Spade 150i boasts a classic cafe racer look and packs a punch in terms of horsepower and torque. It’s an excellent option for riders who appreciate style and performance.
SSR’s Razkull 125 is an affordable choice for those seeking a minibike for casual fun. While it may not match the Grom’s quality, it offers a budget-friendly option.
Surprisingly, even Honda has its own contender in the form of the Honda Monkey, offering comfort and off-road capability. It’s a strong choice if you want versatility.
Ultimately, the Honda Grom remains a top pick in the minibike category, but these competitors provide valuable alternatives for riders with specific preferences. Whether you prioritize speed, style, or budget-friendliness, there’s a minibike out there to suit your needs and provide endless hours of two-wheeled enjoyment. The choice ultimately depends on what aspects matter most to you in your minibike experience.
FAQ
A minibike, often referred to as a pocket bike or mini motorcycle, is a small, lightweight motorcycle designed for fun and efficient urban transportation. They typically feature smaller engines, and compact frames, and are ideal for short commutes and recreational riding.
The Honda Grom has gained immense popularity due to its blend of affordability, versatility, and fun factor. It offers an agile and enjoyable riding experience, making it appealing to both novice and experienced riders.
The Kawasaki Z125 Pro shares similarities with the Honda Grom, but is slightly lighter. It’s known for its nimble handling and competitive price point, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize agility.
The Benelli TNT 135 stands out with its larger engine, providing more power and speed compared to the Grom. It’s an attractive option for riders on a budget who crave extra performance.
