21 Oct 2020 ID: 312065
URL Copied!

2021 HONDA MSX125 GROM

2021 HONDA MSX125 GROM

Honda’s pocket-sized funster gets a new name, plus retro-cool style update, with easily-removed body panels and new, EURO5-specification air-cooled engine with five-speed gearbox. Revised LCD dash includes rev-counter and gear position indicator.

 

Contents:

1 Introduction

2 Model overview

3 Key features

4 Technical specifications

 

 

  1. Introduction

 

Easy to use, fun and functional, the original leisure motorcycle was defined by Honda in 1963 with the iconic, small-wheeled Monkey bike and carried on – redefined for each respective generation – with the Dax, Ape and the Monkey, itself reborn in 2018.

 

The formula has found resonance with the new breed of young riders. Known as ‘Generation Y’ in the USA, ‘Dek Neaw’ in Thailand and ‘Street-Kei’ in Japan, they have grown up in the borderless internet age, and share a culture, outlook and spirit that defies convention.

 

Instinctively drawn to motorcycling, they need their first two-wheeled transport to be exciting but not unduly challenging, with a design that sets them apart and a reasonable price tag. In 2013 Honda introduced the MSX125 (Mini Street X-treme 125) to cater specifically for such young riders.

 

A truly global product the MSX125 (known as the ‘Grom’ in Japan and USA) has been a hit across the world. In its first sales season the MSX125 joined the CBF125 in the ranks of Europe’s top 5 best-selling 125cc motorcycles. And, over the last few years, it has established itself as a firm favourite, whether used for simple urban transport or as a heavily customised style statement by its target market.

 

After 6 years of quiet success and several small styling evolutions, with an eye on the next wave of young riders, it’s time for a new MSX125. Or, to give it its new official European name, a new MSX125 Grom. Fully refreshed, with an even cooler direction of travel, it’s still Honda’s little machine with big dreams.

 

 

  1. Model Overview

 

Completely redesigned bodywork gives the MSX125 Grom a new design language; fresh and fun, it’s also easily removed ready for an owner’s creativity to get to work. The updated LCD dash also now includes a rev-counter and gear position indicator.

 

A new air-cooled engine maintains the usable performance of the MSX125 but adds an extra fifth gear. And the unchanged chassis offers the same small-bike dimensions with big-bike suspension, braking and handling qualities.

 

 

 

  1. Key Features

 

3.1 Styling & Equipment

 

  • Redesigned bodywork elevates individuality
  • Easy custom potential; all four panels attach with just six bolts each side
  • LCD dash now includes rev counter and gear position indicator

 

The previous MSX125’s look was very much a miniature reflection of the modern lines of  Honda’s sport naked motorcycles of the time. For 2021, the new MSX125 Grom takes a different design direction.

 

There’s a new kind of quirkiness about the bodywork - a distinctive individuality that mixes the modernity of sleek LED headlight, pared-down seat unit and subframe with the retro of the super-compact side panels and tank covers. And, influenced by customers’ ongoing  efforts to make their bike unique, the MSX125 Grom is designed around the concept of adaptability and easy customisation – all of the bodywork attaches with six bolts each side, a detail highlighted by large bolt surrounds for another unique design touch.

 

The gold finish to the USD front forks, and yellow shock spring stand out in bright contrast to the blacked-out engine, exhaust, wheels and swingarm. Easy to read for its compact size the LCD digital dash has been redesigned to include a rev-counter and gear position indicator, alongside the speedometer, twin trip meters, fuel gauge and clock. Resetting of the trip meters and clock, or alternation between odometer and trip meter, is managed by the switches either side of the display.

 

The new 2021 MSX125 Grom will be available in the following colour options:

 

Force Silver Metallic

Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic

Gayety Red

 

 

3.2 Engine

 

  • All-new, 125cc air-cooled two-valve engine
  • Five-speed gearbox improves out-of-town cruising potential
  • EURO5 compliance

 

The MSX125 Grom has a new, 125cc two-valve air-cooled engine, with 50mm bore and 63.1mm stroke, and compression ratio of 10.0:1. Peak power of 7.2kW arrives at 7,250rpm, with peak torque of 10.5Nm at 5,500rpm.

 

Just like the previous design, the MSX125 Grom’s engine packs a perfect blend of zippy roll-on performance with useful, accessible all-round ability. Really, this unit all about fun of twisting a throttle, but one major upgrade that riders will appreciate is the application of a 5-speed gearbox (rather than 4-speed) to spread the ratios further and give more relaxed, higher-speed cruising. Top speed goes from 92km/h to 94km/h.

 

Manual clutch operation still imparts a full-sized motorcycle experience, while the 15T gearbox sprocket, 38T final drive sprocket and 12-inch wheels deliver lively around-town response plus the ability to travel slowly in a high gear – perfect for threading easily through tight traffic.

 

It’s also economical, returning 66.6km/l (WMTC mode) by using low-friction technologies, such as an offset cylinder and roller-rocker arm for the valve gear. Sophisticated PGM-FI guarantees highly efficient combustion, and works in conjunction with both air intake and exhaust to deliver an involving experience at the throttle. A large, 2.5L airbox and panel-type, wet paper filter provide reliable and quiet airflow; the filter itself has a life of 10,000 miles. The exhaust downpipe and muffler are now two separate parts.

 

The MSX125 Grom is homologated for EURO5, which from January 1st 2020, introduced significantly stricter engine emissions standards compared to EURO4. These requirements include substantial reductions in permitted carbon monoxide emissions, an over 40% decrease in total hydrocarbon emissions, tougher misfire detection and the introduction of a particulate matter limit.

 

 

3.3 Chassis

 

  • Steel mono-backbone frame provides central strength; 761mm seat height
  • Quality suspension performance from 31mm USD forks and rear monoshock
  • 12-inch wheel rims and hydraulic disc brakes front and rear

 

The MSX125 Grom’s well-proven chassis is essentially unchanged during its 2021 makeover, and the original priorities of design remain relevant: provide the base for a practical bike that new riders could use – and park – with ease in an urban environment, but be just as useable and enjoyable out of town, and also readily accept a pillion.

 

A steel mono-backbone frame ensures the MSX125 Grom’s core strength. Its rigid, square-section tube joins the headstock directly to the swingarm pivot plates and every other part in effect hangs visibly from the frame, greatly contributing to the minimalist look. Specifically tuned vertical/horizontal rigidity and flex in the swingarm pivot and engine hanger plates provides the perfect balance of comfort and confidence.

 

The frame structure also enables efficient storage of PGM-FI-related components and electrical parts inside the tank cover and fuel capacity is increased (6.0L). Wheelbase is a snug 1200mm, with rake and trail of 25°/84mm. Kerb weight is reduced to 103kg. A low 761mm seat height makes the MSX125 Grom very manageable; its size also ensures that motor home owners find it easy to load/unload, transport and use.

 

Suspension front and rear delivers ‘beyond class’ quality. The 31mm USD fork reduces unsprung weight and, thanks to the pistons’ greater pressure-bearing area (compared to a standard telescopic fork) offers improved damping feel throughout the stroke. The top and bottom yokes are full-sized, further enhancing handling and rider feel while a lightweight and robust single rear shock operates a simple and tough H-shape, 50mm x 25mm steel box section swingarm.

 

Fundamental to the MSX Grom’s form and function are its 5-spoke (re-styled) 12-inch cast aluminium wheels, which feature wide 2.5-inch rims. Front 120/70-12 and 130/70-12 rear tyres also inject dynamic looks and performance. Hydraulic dual piston front (finished in gold) and single piston rear brake calipers work front 220mm and rear 190mm discs. The ABS system operates through an IMU.  

 

 

 

  1. Technical Specifications

ENGINE

 

Type

2-valve air-cooled single cylinder

Displacement

125cc

Bore & Stroke

50.0mm x 63.1mm

Compression Ratio

10.0:1

Max. Power Output

7.2Kw @ 7,250rpm

Max. Torque

10.5Nm @ 5,500rpm

Oil Capacity

1.1 litres

FUEL SYSTEM

 

Carburation

PGM-FI

Fuel Tank Capacity

6.0 litres

Fuel Consumption

65.7km/l

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

 

Starter

Electric Motor

Battery Capacity

12V 3.5AH

ACG Output

225W/5000rpm

DRIVETRAIN

 

Clutch Type

Wet multiplate

Transmission Type

5 speed

Final Drive

Chain

FRAME

 

Type

Steel mono-backbone frame

 

 

CHASSIS

 

Dimensions (L´W´H)

1,760mm x 720mm x 1,015mm

Wheelbase

1,200mm

Caster Angle

25⁰

Trail

81mm

Seat Height

761mm

Ground Clearance

180mm

Kerb Weight

103kg

Turning radius

1.9 metres

SUSPENSION

 

Type Front

USD Front Forks, 31mm

Type Rear

Mono shock, steel square pipe swingarm

WHEELS

 

Type Front

5 Spoke Aluminium Cast

Type Rear

5 Spoke Aluminium Cast

Rim Size Front

MT 2.5-12

Rim Size Rear

MT 2.5-12

Tyres Front

120/70-12

Tyres Rear

130/70-12

BRAKES

 

Type Front

Single 220mm disc with hydraulic dual-piston brake caliper

Type Rear

Single 190mm disc with hydraulic single-piston brake caliper

INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS

 

Instruments

LCD digital dash with speedometer, twin trip meters, fuel gauge and clock.

Headlight

LED Headlight and Taillight

 

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.

# Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.

 

10 Total Items
No media available
1 Related News
9 Related Images
Media Contacts
Matt McCabe Brown
Matt McCabe Brown
Honda Motor Europe
Motorcycle PR Events & Communications Manager