HONDA MSX125 GROM (2014 - on) Review

The seat isn’t all-day comfortable. You certainly wouldn’t want to take a pillion on the back for a long journey - but you can (and it’s hilarious). The front nose-dives under braking. So, there’s room for improvement. But on the plus side, there is plenty of feel. There are no electric wotsits and ninja modes for dampening throttle responses according to the phases of the moon. There is a direct link between you and the road, and your right hand and the back wheel. Four gears are plenty. The ratios are spot on. I wouldn’t sacrifice any top end for a smaller cog up front either. The MSX accelerates swiftly enough as it is. I guess the only trade might be if you’re a heavier rider, then acceleration might need some pepping up.Rear suspension is supple without being overdamped. A good compromise given the hard seat. Plenty of suspension for my 85kgs. Sufficient damping for my 40 year old bones.

Bulletproof - I just want a teeny, tiny little more power. Just one more horse. Still, it’s a super little engine. Revs freely and willingly up to its red line at just over 8000rpm, but curiously doesn’t sound overly buzzy, or feel overly vibey. That said, “cruising” at a constant 6000+ rpm does give a bit of vibration through the pegs and bars. Nothing that causes your teeth to chatter, but it’s there. I probably only notice it because my last bike was a tourer.Also, worth mentioning ‘only’ four gears. This isn’t an issue at all, the little ‘box has great ratios and pulls well - it’s surprisingly torquey for such a tiny engine - but coming from a big bike means the habit searching for 5th and 6th takes a few miles to break!

It’s a Honda. What more do you need to know?

No idea what it costs to service. It’s a single cylinder 125. Service it yourself. The engine is bulletproof and half the fun of this bike is the time spent fettling and learning how it’s plumbing works.Brand new, they’re perhaps a little expensive, but with the imminent arrival of the new version, there are always deals to be had.Running costs are laughable. I’m still ‘running in’ the engine, so I’m not wringing it’s neck. But at nearly 105mpg, that figure will only go up as everything settles down. Then it might come down as I get revved up... so, less than a fiver for a full tank and I get 100+ miles from that. What’s not to like?

I love this bike because it has no accessories... but the one thing I miss is heated grips, and I’m terrified of putting an aftermarket set on that the alternator and battery can’t cope with.I didn’t like the Vee Rubber tyres. In the cold and wet Yorkshire winter, the left me feeling totally skittish as the were just no good at getting, and keeping, warm. I permanently felt like I was on the edge of grip in the wet. Replaced them with a set of Anlas Winter Grip 2 tyres. Who? What? Yes, me too. But they’re phenomenal. And actually damn good in the warm and dry, too.

Superb brakes, but I have got Hel Braided lines on mine. Handles a dream with Michelin Power Pures fitted and just flicks through the bends. You don't need a throttle, just flat out and laughing maniacally. Seat is not good for the Farmer Giles, so wear a pair of Lycra Cycling shorts under your Kevlar Jeans!

It's a 125! What do you expect. Mine will pull 65 with my massive lardy butt on it and I cruise at 50 ish. Changed the chain and sprockets, got a 14t on the front. Pulls fine and on National Speed limit roads, you can have some big fun.

It's a Honda, they invented reliability.

£5 to fill the tank and it seems to run on vapour! I keep forgetting to fill up. Far too embarrassing to pay cash at my local garage, so always use pay at pump, otherwise people think you are filling up your lawnmower!

Just knocked of 1 point for the seat. Once you have bought one, you will be surprised at how much you spend on bolt on goodies, so the OE parts although good for the price, will end up in boxes in your garage. Go for Pro Taper Bars, Yoshimura Exhaust, Micheline Power Pure Tyres. Aftermarket shocks and upgraded front springs (I am saving for Ohlins). Tail Tidy, Crash Bungs etc etc etc.

Budget but no real issues for the bike that it is.

Slow yet simple.

Overall very reliable but the quality of the chain and sprocket set is dire. OE tyres lack grip in the wet but once these two things are changed no problems.

4000 mile service intervals, low costs on oil as there’s hardly any in the bike. Everlasting brakes ! Nut and screw valves. Easy to home service.

Everything you need.

Front forks really benefit from either of the fork mods and heavier oil, rear shock is OK and cheap aftermarket one's can be had cheaply.

Go down one in the front or up in the rear and with with only 4 gears you are soon trying to shift into 5th.

It's an air cooled Honda, nuff said.

Service it yourself for coppers.

Digital speedo and fuel gauge is a nice touch.

One of the most agile vehicles you can purchase thanks to its compact dimensions. The low, narrow seat makes it easy for shorter riders to use. However, it is quite hard. Rear suspension is spot on while the front is far too soft and slow to rebound. Brakes are adequate.

A very simple 2-valve, air-cooled single that can trace its origins back to the 1970s, it is fuel efficient and super reliable. However, it is slightly lacking in power. The gearbox is poor: sloppy on downshifts, and could do with an extra gear.

Exhaust may rust if stored outdoors, otherwise fit and finish is very good. Excellent reliability.

Low price, simple construction and excellent reliability combine with good fuel economy to make the MSX125 one of the cheaper bikes to own.

Quite good for a bike this small and this cheap. The fully digital dash also has a rev counter, fuel gauge and clock. Newer models (2016-on) also come with an IMU-based ABS on both wheels. Only thing keeping it from scoring 5 stars here are the poor stock tyres.