First introduced in 2014, the Honda Grom is a compact bike that offers its owners a fuel efficient, fun and comfortable ride.
Featuring sportbike styling with great potential for customization, the Grom is a hugely popular bike, especially with beginners .
But is longevity one of the Honda Groms many qualities?
Let’s find out in this article, where we discuss the average lifespan of the Honda Grom…
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Here is the short answer to how long Honda Grom last:
Being a relatively new model, it’s hard to ascertain the longevity of the Honda Grom. However, a close estimation would be that if properly maintained, a new Honda Grom can last up to 120,000-130,000 miles. Based on an annual mileage of 5000 miles this translates to a lifespan of around 25 years.
How Many Miles Can You Expect From Honda Groms?
With adequate maintenance and regular servicing, you can expect a Honda Grom to last for approximately 120,000-130,000 miles.
Since the average annual mileage for a motorcycle is around 5,000 miles, this means that Honda Grom can survive for many years on the road.
Irregular maintenance or abusive riding will lead to your Grom breaking down way before it reaches 130,000 miles on the odometer.
If you want your Honda Grom to last as long as possible, you will need to keep it in top-notch condition.
You can do so by making sure to keep up with oil and coolant changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements.
How Soon Should You Expect Rust On Honda Groms?
While the Honda Grom is an excellent, small, and fuel-efficient bike with a stylish compact design, it is prone to rust.
Based on the reports of several owners, you could expect rust on your Grom within only a year of ownership.
However, this is only an estimate and majorly depends on how you take care of your bike and where you live.
Owners who live in colder climates where salt is poured on the roads in winters are more prone to rust on their vehicles.
But if you properly clean your bike and prep it for the winters, it can survive any damage from rust caused by road salting.
Similarly, owners who live in coastal areas are also at a greater risk of getting rust on their bikes since they are exposed to salty sea air.
According to complaints from different owners, here are a few areas on Honda Groms that are most susceptible to corrosion:
- Frame
- Reflectors
- Gas tank
- Bike chain
- Nuts and bolts
Rusting of the chrome parts on a Honda Grom can occur if they become damaged or scratched. However, proper maintenance and regular cleaning can help keep rust at bay.
Applying corrosion protectants on the aforementioned parts can prevent rust from settling significantly.
Applying chrome polish can also help bring back the shine to your bike.
After polishing, make sure to apply a wax coat to prevent rust from forming on the areas again.
How Long Do Honda Groms Last Compared to Similar Models
Despite not being a powerful bike, the 125cc Honda Grom has become one of Honda’s greatest sales successes that handle really well on the road.
The Honda Grom brings together the features of bigger sportbikes in scooter-like proportions and also boasts the honor of winning the 2014 Motorcycle USA Motorcycle of the Year prize.
But how does the Honda Grom compare with other similar models in the market in terms of longevity? Let’s find out.
Honda Grom Vs Kawasaki Z125
Honda has always been the top dog when it comes to manufacturing miniature bikes and the Grom has made a huge name for itself in the small-displacement bike market.
Kawasaki Z125, on the other hand, is a nimble streetfighter that is a close contender to the Grom and shares a lot of similarities with the model.
The Grom holds the upper hand over the Kawasaki in terms of speed, braking system, and fuel efficiency.
However, one factor that does not differentiate the two models is longevity.
Both the Honda Grom and Kawasaki Z125 can last up to 120,000 miles and are likely to break down at a similar same time.
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, the Kawasaki is the way to go. The Kawasaki Z125 costs $3,199 while the Grom is priced at $3,399.
While both bikes offer a quick and fun-to-maneuver drive, both have features of their own that excel over the other.
So, it really depends on what features you’re looking for when choosing the right bike for you.
Honda Grom Vs Yamaha YBR125
Both the Yamaha YBR125 and the Honda Grom lightweight chassis and plush suspension are designed to make every journey more enjoyable and easier to handle.
However, the Yamaha YBR125 is expected to last slightly longer than the Honda Grom.
Whereas a Yamaha YBR125 will probably last for well over 140,000 miles when taken care of, a Honda Groms may break down after exceeding only 130,000 miles on the road if not cared for or ridden abusively.
How Reliable Are Honda Groms?
Honda has built a reputation for itself as the most reliable motorcycle brand on the planet, and the Grom is no exception.
From our research, we can safely say that the Honda Grom is very reliable.
Riders may encounter problems though if they are giving the bike full throttle all day long, as this puts a lot of stress on the engine.
Across the internet there are plenty of testaments to the Groms reliability, as long as you look after your bike and ride responsibily you shouldn’t experience any major problems.
It should be noted that most Groms come with a 2 year warranty should you have any issues.
Related: Honda Grom: 11 Common Problems (Solution Guide)
The Best and Worst Years For Honda Groms
Based on a number of complaints received from owners, we would say that 2014 and 2015 are the worst model years for the Honda Grom.
According to owners, the 2014 and 2015 model years reported a fuel pump defect where the resin bracket inside the fuel pump would swell in some motorcycles causing the pump impeller to seize.
Conversely, 2021 is the best year yet for the Honda Grom.
It comes with a new bodywork with a flat comfortable seat, a five-speed transmission, an updated LCD dash, and a EURO5-spec engine.
You may also be interested in our article: are cafe racers good for beginners?
What About Recalls For These Models?
Since its introduction in 2014, the Honda Grom has only been recalled twice. Below are the model years that were recalled:
- Honda Grom 2014: 1 recall
- Honda Grom 2015: 1 recall
Honda Grom Model Year List
Here are all the model years for the Honda Grom:
First Generation:
Honda Grom 2014
Honda Grom 2015
Second Generation:
Honda Grom 2017
Honda Grom 2018
Honda Grom 2019
Honda Grom 2020
Third Generation:
Honda Grom 2021
Is A Honda Grom Expensive To Maintain?
The Honda Grom is one of the cheapest bikes in the market to maintain, repair, and rebuild.
Based on a number of estimates, the annual cost of maintaining a Honda Grom is around $200.
However, this cost may vary based on your dealer and also the intensity of repairs needed in your bike.
How Long Do Brakes Last?
While the life of your brakes depends on how and where you ride your bike, the brakes on a Honda Grom generally have a lifespan of 10,000 miles or more.
How Long Do The Tires Last?
Depending on how you drive your Honda Grom, the tires should last around 2,000-5,000 miles before they need replacement.
How Long Do The Transmissions Last?
The transmission on your Honda Grom should last at least 120,000 miles.
In order to increase the lifespan of your Groms’ transmission, we’d recommend flushing and changing the transmission fluid and changing filters at regular intervals.
How Long Do Spark Plugs Last?
The Honda Groms owner’s manual suggests that the spark plug is inspected every 2,500 miles with a replacement after every 5,000 miles driven.
What About Insurance Cost?
The Honda Grom costs around $100-600 annually to insure, depending on your age, coverage, and the state you live in.
Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Honda Grom
Here are a few simple ways you can increase the lifespan of your Honda Grom:
- Don’t put the engine under too much stress. The Grom is not designed to withstand heavy and reckless driving.
- Follow the maintenance schedule as per the owner’s manual meticulously.
- Perform regular checks on your vehicle. Look out for any damage to your bike’s parts that could cause any potential problems to your bike.
Resources
https://powersports.honda.com/street/sport/grom
