2021HONDA MSX125 GROM

Honda's pocket-sized "Funster" gets a new name and a retro cool style update with a new, air-cooled engine with five-speed transmission to EURO5 specification.

Markus

29.10.2020

There is also a revised LC display with rev counter and gear display.

Photos: Honda

1. Introduction

In 1963, Honda developed the Monkey. The leisure motorcycle with the small wheels stands out
always due to a high fun factor, ease of use and practicality.
Adapted to the respective generation, the iconic model was continued as Dax, Ape and Monkey. In 2018, the mini-bike made a comeback.

"Generation Y" in the USA, "Dek Neaw" in Thailand, or "Street-Kei" in Japan:
We are talking about a young internet generation that loves to break with conventions.
Honda is talking to the 2013 MSX125 (Mini Street X-treme 125)
generation. And offers her an exciting, beginner-friendly bike with
unmistakable design and good value for money.

The MSX125, known as "Grom" in Japan and the US, is a hit around the world:
As a simple means of transport for the city or as an individual life-style product,
the bike is the favourite of many: In its first year of sales, the MSX125, together with the CBF125, was one of the five best-selling 125 motorcycles in Europe.

After 6 years of quiet success and several improvements to styling, an update is now coming: the new MSX125, or MSX125 Grom, as its official name in Europe. Completely reworked and with a fresh concept, it remains Honda's small machine with big dreams.

2. Model overview

The completely redesigned body gives the MSX125 Grom a new design language.
The cladding is easily removable. This means that there is hardly any limit to individualisation by the customer. The updated LC display now also has a rev counter and gear display.

The new air-cooled engine offers the same engine power as its predecessor, and a fifth gear is new. The chassis remains unchanged with typical small-bike dimensions, but enables suspension, braking and handling qualities of a "normal large" motorcycle.

3. Features

3.1 Styling & Equipment

• Newly designed body promotes individualization opportunities
• High customizing potential, because all four cladding parts are
  only six screws per side attached
• The LC display now also includes rev counter and gear display

The look of the former MSX125 was more like a miniature edition of Honda's modern Naked bikes. In 2021, the MSX125 Grom takes a new design direction.

The new cladding combines the slim LED headlight and the reduced seating unit with auxiliary frame with the retro chic of the compact side panels and the tank covers. The concept of the MSX125 Grom was developed taking into account customer requirements for individualization and personalization. The entire cladding is fastened to each side with six screws and with its large bolt umedges is another detail that gives the MSX125 Grom a unique design touch.

The gold finish of the USD front fork and the yellow shock absorber spring form a bright contrast to the blackened engine, exhaust, wheels and swingarm. Despite its compact dimensions, the redesigned LC display is easy to read. In addition to speedometers, two day-time meter counters, fuel indicator and clock, it now also has a speedometer and gear display. The reset of the day mileage counters and the setting of the clock or the change between the odometer and the day kilometer counter is carried out via the switches on
on both sides of the display.

For 2021, the MSX 125 Grom will be available in the following colors:

Force Silver Metallic

Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic

Gayety Red

3.2 Motor

• Completely new, air-cooled 125cc two-valve motor
• 5-speed transmission
• Meets the EURO5 standard

The MSX125 Grom features a new air-cooled 125cc two-valve motor with 50 mm bore and 63.1 mm stroke and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. The peak power of 9.8 hp (7.2 kW) is reached at 7,250 rpm, the peak torque of 10.5 Nm is 5,500 rpm.

The new engine of the MSX125 Grom offers perfect all-round capabilities. The most important innovation of the 2021 model is the use of a 5-speed transmission instead of the previously installed version with 4 gears. This allows for a more relaxed and faster progression. The top speed is now 94 km/h (previously 92 km/h).

The MSX125 Grom has a pinion with 15 teeth and a chainring with 38 teeth. This translation in combination with the 12 inch wheels allows both splashy driving and comfortable cruising in high gear. And is thus perfect to meander through the dense city traffic.

The MSX125 Grom is very economical because it consumes only 65.7 (WMTC mode). This is mainly due to the use of low-friction technologies, such as .B an offset cylinder and roller tilt lever sledging for valve drive. The advanced PGM-FI fuel injection guarantees highly efficient combustion. A large 2.5-litre airbox with wet paper filter provides reliable and quiet airflow. The filter itself has a service life of more than 16,000 km. Manifolds and silencers are now made of two separate parts.

The Grom engine is homologated for the EURO5 standard, which entered into force on 1 January 2020 and introduced significantly stricter emission regulations for engines in relation to the EURO4 standard. Requirements include a significant reduction in permitted carbon monoxide emissions, a reduction of more than 40% in total emissions of hydrocarbons, stricter detection of misfires and the introduction of a limit value for particulate matter.

3.3 Chassis

• Mono-backbone steel frame ensures stiffness
• Seat height 761 mm
• High-quality chassis components (31 mm USD fork and rear monoshock damper)
• 12-inch wheels and hydraulic disc brakes front and rear

The proven chassis of the MSX125 Grom remains essentially unchanged in the 2021 overhaul. The design focus is to maintain the core of a practical, beginner-friendly bike for both inside and outside the city. In addition, it should also offer space for a passenger without any problems.

The mono-backbone steel frame ensures the stiffness of the MSX125 Grom. The rigid top tube with square cross-section connects the control tube directly to the swinging pivot points. All other parts are visibly attached to the frame, which contributes significantly to the minimalist look.

The frame structure also allows efficient placement of all components for PGM-FI fuel injection and other electronics within the tank cladding. Thus, the tank capacity can be increased to 6.0 l capacity. The wheelbase is a pleasant 1,200 mm and the steering head angle is 25°. The trailing run is set to 84 mm. The empty weight of the MSX125 Grom has been reduced to 103 kg. The low seat height of 761 mm makes the Grom very handy. Its size is ideal for rv owners, as it is easy to load and unload, transport and use.

The high-quality chassis components of the MSX125 Grom are difficult to find in this segment. A 31 mm USD fork reduces unsprung masses and provides improved damping thanks to the larger pressure absorption surface of the pistons (compared to a standard telefork). The top and bottom fork bridges match the size of a standard USD fork, which further improves the handling and driving experience for the driver. The lightweight and robust shock absorber at the rear works with a robust steel swingarm with box profile (50 mm x 25 mm).

The newly designed 12-inch cast aluminium wheels in a 5-spoke design, which are equipped with wide 2.5-inch rims, are essential for the appearance and function of the MSX Grom. The tyres in the dimensions 120/70-12 front and 130/70-12 rear, contribute to the dynamic look and corresponding performance. A hydraulic double piston brake caliper at the front (painted in gold) and a single-piston brake caliper at the rear work with a 220 mm disc at the front and a 190 mm disc at the rear. The ABS system operates via an IMU.

4.Technical data