The Motorcycle Nobody Expected To Become A Cult Favorite
Cult classic motorcycles are aplenty. They are defined by slightly oddball or overlooked characteristics that make them tricky to embrace. But over time, these motorcycles amass dedicated communities that love them for their quirky nature. From cruiser bikes to sportbikes, and even humble commuters, the motorcycling world is home to a slew of cool cult classic motorcycles. Here we highlight an unexpected cult classic, one that builds its reputation on simplicity. This quirky Honda shows us how, beyond the spec sheet, riding pleasure always comes down to the simplest joys.
The Lore Of Cult Classic Motorcycles
A cult classic motorcycle is defined by its “cult” status. Many underrated motorcycles have had the backing of a fierce, dedicated following that values character, quirkiness, and an unyielding identity over mainstream sales success and eye-popping spec sheets. Many cult classic bikes get overlooked or misunderstood at launch. Riders later warm up to the concept and, over time, prove their unique charm.
The Honda CX500 is one of the earliest examples of cult classic bikes. The mighty Yamaha VMax is another cult classic that helped shape today’s wild world of power cruisers. Examples of cult classic motorcycle nameplates that refuse to die include the Suzuki DR650, the Royal Enfield Bullet, and the Kawasaki KLR650, among others, but this Honda has something many of those models don’t.
The Honda Grom Is A Motorcycle With Zero Haters
Frankly, nothing can go wrong with the Honda Grom. It is a mini-moto that is inexpensive to buy and own. Plus, its compact, lightweight form factor makes it the perfect first bike for many newbies. With its unadulterated, fun riding appeal, it is also popular among experienced riders (including stunt riders). It offers nimble handling that turns even a normal grocery run into a cheerful experience. This is thanks to its compact form factor and well-balanced hardware.
An accessible 30-inch seat height further supports its beginner-friendly nature. It is incredibly fuel-efficient, and its aftermarket support is among the best. Furthermore, given its barebones hardware and engine layout, the Grom is one of the cheapest motorcycles to own and fix today. Also, despite its mini-moto layout, the hardware oozes proper bike components like inverted front forks, cast wheels, and hydraulic disc brakes with the option of ABS.
An Affordable Bundle Of Joy On Two Wheels
Price: $3,599
The Honda Grom was never about getting anywhere fast or boasting about the latest technology. That is also why riders never part with it, even after eventually graduating to bigger, more powerful motorcycles. Honda has always made great commuter motorcycles, like the Super Cub and the Monkey. But with the Grom, they created an unexpected “fun” commuter that makes good use of simple motorcycling. Best of all: it costs less than a four-month grocery bill for a family of four!
A Peppy Urban-Ready Engine With Impressively Low Running Costs
The Grom is powered by a humble 124 cc, air-cooled single. It has a 50.0 mm bore, 63.1 mm stroke, and a 10:1 compression ratio. Honda’s PGM-FI fuel injection ensures smooth operation. It produces 9.6 horsepower at 7,520 RPM and 7.7 pound-feet of torque at 5,500 RPM. Power goes to the rear wheel through a five-speed manual gearbox and a final chain drive. Its low running costs come mainly from a frugal engine layout that delivers an industry-leading fuel efficiency ratingof 166.5 MPG. That translates to a commendable 250+ miles between gas stops, despite its tiny 1.6-gallon fuel tank.
Complemented By A Featherweight Chassis
The Grom sits on a simple steel mono-backbone chassis with no complex layout. It’s slim and weighs just 224 pounds. 31 mm inverted front forks handle suspension duties, with 3.9 inches of travel. The rear gets a monoshock with 4.1 inches of travel. Braking comes from a single 220 mm disc up front, paired with a dual-piston caliper. The rear gets a single 190 mm disc coupled to a single-piston caliper.
It gets a tiny, yet confidence-inducing set of tires (120-section up front and 130-section at the rear) wrapped around 12-inch alloy wheels. The optional ABS uses an IMU to reduce the chance of front-wheel lockup and to keep the rear wheel down during aggressive braking. The Grom is tiny, with a wheelbase of 47.2 inches, a length of 69.2 inches, and a width of 28.4 inches. It has a seat height of 30 inches, and riders sit quite upright. With ample ground clearance of seven inches, it glides comfortably over road undulations.
What Makes This Honda Mini-Moto An Unexpected Cult Classic
The Grom is an unexpected cult classic bike because it completely flipped the script on traditional motorcycle culture by prioritizing pure, unpretentious fun over spec-sheet figures and status. When Honda launched the 125 cc mini-bike in 2013, it envisioned the motorcycle as a practical, entry-level commuter for global youth markets. Instead, Honda inadvertently sparked a global phenomenon that even caught its own executives by surprise, driving up demand and creating massive waiting lists.
The Grom is an absolute antithesis of what traditional motorcycle culture often values. There is no air of posturing, noise, or intimidation. Instead, with a humble layout, it’s actually impossible to look “tough” on the Grom. This is exactly why people of all walks of life love it. It lets experienced riders shed a serious attitude and enjoy the simplicity of riding a motorcycle.
It is also a gold mine for riders experimenting with stunt riding, serving as a low-speed playground since it’s light and predictable. It is also a blank canvas for customization and is incredibly inexpensive to modify, which has birthed a massive aftermarket scene. Owners often treat Groms like adult LEGO sets, stretching them, slamming them, and turning them into anything from miniature café racers and off-road weapons to fully faired road racers.
There is never a dull moment with a Honda Grom. The Grom’s insane versatility and excitement have helped create the “Grom Squad” culture. It may be the biggest driver of its cult classic status in the motorcycling community. Unlike typical riding groups that might fragment by brand or skill level, Grom meetups bring together a vibrant bunch of riders, including teenagers, retirees, daily commuters, and even professional racers. The Honda Grom’s uncomplicated joy is the secret.
Source: Honda Powersports
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