2025 Honda Grom Review
Exploring the New 2025 Honda Grom: A Day at Barber Motorsports Park
Barber Motorsports Park greeted me with rain-soaked skies, but that didn’t dampen my excitement. I was here to check out the brand-new 2025 Honda Grom, a bike that promises to elevate the already beloved Grom experience. But how did a small YouTube channel like mine land an invite to such a prestigious event? Let me rewind.
A Dream Invite
It all started with an unexpected email from American Honda. The subject? An invitation to the launch of their newest motorcycle at Barber Motorsports Park, complete with a three-hour mini-endurance race. Who says no to that? Especially when it comes from Honda. So, I packed my gear and headed to Alabama.
First Impressions of the 2025 Honda Grom SP
The 2025 Honda Grom lineup offers three versions:
- The Standard Grom
- The Grom SP, which boasts a sporty lower chin fairing and a striking black and satin colorway.
- The Grom ABS, for riders looking for added braking confidence.
Honda has also introduced three accessory packages—Hyper, Adventure, and SCADS—allowing riders to personalize their Groms even further.
At its core, the fourth-gen Grom remains true to its roots. Weighing in at 225 pounds, it features a 125cc air-cooled, two-valve engine paired with a five-speed transmission. With 31mm inverted forks offering 4 inches of travel, disk brakes, and a claimed 166.5 miles per gallon, it’s as practical as it is fun.
The Race Experience
Honda didn’t just show us the bike—they let us race it. Equipped with Öhlins suspension and other performance upgrades, these track-prepped Groms were ready to compete. The event included a Le Mans-style start, where riders sprinted to their bikes—a thrilling nod to racing history.
Though our team was competitive (we were even in second place at one point), a small but significant issue cost us the podium. Honda, for reasons unknown, swapped the positions of the horn and turn signal buttons on the Grom. This mix-up led to some unintentional signals during our pit stops, costing us precious time. A minor inconvenience in everyday riding, but it made all the difference in a race.
Real-World Riding
On the open road, the Grom shines as a genuine motorcycle. Its suspension feels well-tuned, even for a larger rider like me. Unlike many entry-level bikes, it doesn’t suffer from being under-sprung or overly bouncy. With a price tag of around $3,700, the Grom is a well-sorted package right out of the box.
Its small engine might raise eyebrows, but the Grom holds its own on twisty backroads and winding county routes. While it’s not a freeway bike, it delivers pure joy on roads where speed limits and tight corners reign supreme. You can ride it hard and still stay relatively close to the speed limit, which makes it approachable and fun.
Customization and Community
Customization is a cornerstone of the Grom’s charm. At the Barber Small Bore Festival, I saw countless personalized Groms, each a reflection of its owner’s personality. Whether you’re into racing, adventuring, or just adding flair, the Grom responds exceptionally well to upgrades.
Beyond its versatility, the Grom fosters community. It’s a bike that brings people together—something Honda captured with their old slogan: You meet the nicest people on a Honda. Grom ownership often comes with a built-in group of riding buddies, making it a great choice for anyone seeking camaraderie in the motorcycle world.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Honda Grom isn’t just an entry-level bike—it’s a gateway to the joys of motorcycling. For first-time riders, it’s affordable, holds its value, and offers an unintimidating introduction to the sport. For seasoned riders, it’s a fun second bike that’s perfect for errands, casual rides, or spirited customization projects.
Despite my initial nerves about being invited to such a high-profile event, the experience solidified my appreciation for the Grom. Whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran, this little bike has something special to offer.
