Above all else, motorcycles offer people a fun way to get around. And the new 2014 Honda Grom™ pushes the fun factor to a whole new level. Thanks to its compact size and cool styling, the rad new Grom generates plenty of grins. But that's just for starters. At $2,999, the Grom is one of many affordable models that Honda has introduced in the past two years to make motorcycling more accessible to more people, and the Grom clearly targets youthful riders new to the sport. However, the Grom's appeal also covers enthusiasts looking for a cool and inexpensive way to have fun on two wheels. This is a new style of bike with the features of a real motorcycle, all rolled into a compact and fun package.

Featuring a compact steel frame, fuel-injected 124.9cc engine, inverted front fork and hydraulic disc brakes, the Grom offers big-bike controls and features in an easy-to-handle 225-pound package that's great for new riders. At the same time, the Grom fulfills the useful side of the equation equally well: it's eminently affordable, gets excellent fuel mileage, is handy in town or around campus and offers two-up riding accommodations.

A powerplant that delivers fun At the heart of the Grom 125 lies an air-cooled single-cylinder four-speed engine with convenient electric starting. With more than 900,000 of these engines produced to date for use in various Honda models worldwide, this two-valve, single overhead cam powerplant has won universal praise for its efficiency plus durability.

For added efficiency, the engine incorporates advanced, low-friction technology such as an offset cylinder and a roller-rocker arm for the valve gear. Reduced crank inertia gives excellent engine response and a smooth power delivery. The four-speed gearbox is well matched to the engine's power characteristics, and it's mated to a manual clutch that provides smooth engagement and good feel. Sophisticated PGM-FI provides highly efficient fuel metering and offers excellent throttle response over a wide range of riding conditions. In short, Honda's engineers have equipped the Grom with plenty of advanced engine technology, all for the purpose of creating a new ride that's cool, fun and user friendly.

Short but sweet With a compact wheelbase of only 47.4 inches, a 29.7-inch seat height, low center of gravity and a modest curb weight of only 225 pounds, the Grom feels light and agile—qualities that rapidly build rider confidence and make it a fun ride wherever the road may beckon. A steel mono-backbone frame utilizes a rigid, square-section tube to join the steering head directly to the swingarm pivot plates for a high level of chassis stiffness. A center bracket supports the seat subframe and fuel tank, a design that creates a space between the fuel tank and main frame where the fuel filter, PGM-FI-related components and other electrical parts can be hidden away. This arrangement also allows the Grom's fuel tank to hold a noteworthy 1.45 gallons.

The swingarm pivot and engine hanger plates provide added chassis strength, and the swingarm itself is a tough, steel box-section unit. A sleek single-shock setup delivers 4.1 inches of rear wheel travel, while up front there's an impressive-looking 31mm inverted fork—a first for Honda on a 125 street bike. Thanks to its larger diameter, the damper piston in the fork provides smooth damping action throughout the 3.9 inches of stroke.

The Grom rolls on 12-inch cast aluminum wheels, which feature 2.5-inch wide rims and Y-shaped spokes that are evocative of Honda's CBR600RR and CBR1000RR sport bikes. A hydraulic dual-piston caliper grips the 220mm single front brake disc and single-piston rear brake caliper grips a 190mm disc. A distinctive multi-reflector headlight helps give the front of the bike a unique look and the bright LED taillight complements the bike's overall silhouette. The compact and easy-to-read LCD digital dash supplies the rider with plenty of information: speedometer, twin trip meters, fuel gauge and clock. Resetting the trip meters and clock, or swapping between odometer and trip meter can be achieved via switches located on either side of the display. All these features give the Grom the look and feel of a very well-appointed full-sized motorcycle for a decidedly upscale ride experience.

With its efficient size, too-cool look, ease of use, affordability and thrifty operation, the new Honda Grom offers a natural draw to Gen Y buyers just entering the sport. The good news is you don't have to be young in age—just young at heart—to have a blast on the Grom. Because no matter who you are, Honda's Grom will keep you smiling, ride after ride.

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