Picked up my first Grom (2016)

Carlo C.

Carlo C.

Active Member
Guys,
I picked up a really clean 2016 Grom with just over 500 miles on it. It is in great shape it just needs a good cleaning. I am big into old school Honda mini's and this is my first Grom. Trying to learn a much as I can about these and was wondering is there anything specific I need to know or buy for this thing? I was thinking about a Yoshimura pipe and possibly a gear change? You guys know way more then me about this stuff. Is any of the years more desirable then others? Is the 2016 a good year?



Thanks
Carlo C.
 
They changed to a 5 speed with a real oil filter in '22, but I think all the earlier bike were pretty much the same. I would leave it stock and enjoy it. A pipe will make it louder, but not any faster and will only attract more attention. I'm not a Grom person, I like my Monkey, but I hear of guys that pour a lot of money into them to make them faster and regret it afterwards. If I was after speed, I'd buy a Chinese Grom clone and drop a carbureted 190 in it.
 
A lot of noisy tranny issues with the new grom 5 speed also. You bought a good one, 4 speed. I agree, leave the quiet pipe on as it flows just fine.
 
The information is out there. Look up Honda grom 5 speed transmission issues. The Monkey is the same exact engine. After 20 minutes of riding the transmission makes whining noises. Some have the issues and some don't yet... I know someone who bought a brand spankin new grom 5 speed and DID have the intermittent whine. I rode it and didn't hear it. He put in synthetic Honda oil after he heard it. He quickly sold it to buy a 4 speed grom. Rumor has it that the tranny is up too high in the cases and doesn't get enough of an oil bath in the bearing areas like the 4 speed does.
 
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I have 2500 miles on my Monkey with no issues, used Honda Synthetic oil from day one and change the oil and filter regularly. So if I was in the market for a Grom I wouldn't let that stop me, although the price would. I nice low mileage stock 4 speed like Carlo found was probably half the price of a 5 speed.
 
Guys,
I appreciate all the info. I should get it the next couple of days. Gonna give it a good bath, get all the paperwork done and enjoy it. I guess I will decide after I ride it for a while if it needs anything else. I cruised around with it at the race track and it was really enjoyable to ride. I cant wait to get it.

Carlo C.
 
Congrats Carlo!
Monkey Vs. Grom...I keep looking back to the Grom. Both are cool...but the Grom seems a little more nimble to me.
Should be a really fun new bike for you.
 
Grom's are a little more serious and a little faster, more like a little sportbike. Monkeys are cooler, a little pricier, have more chrome, and have a very comfortable seat and riding position. Otherwise, they can't be beat, fast enough, electric start, fuel injection, terrific brakes, and Honda reliability.
 
Guys,
I got it home yesterday and put a few miles on it. I don't think it is any faster then my CT bikes, but the braking, handling and ride quality is on another level. This bike has the feel of a big bike in a small package. Will this bike change my mind about the little Honda's that I have come to love, not at all, but I think it does have its place. I will always love riding my Little Z50's and especially the CT's, but I can also see where there will be times when I will want to jump on the GROM and ride. I am very happy with this little bike It is really in perfect shape and I cant wait to find the time to take it apart clean, detail everything and put it back together. I am gonna have to re-organize my back Storage garage soon as I am running out of room with all these bikes.

On the way home with my buddy Glenn:
Grom 4.jpg

In my office after the first cruise:
:Grom 5.jpg

Carlo C.
 
Nice looking little bike. I love my older bikes, but when I need to cover a lot of miles or planning on riding hard, the newer Honda is my choice every time. Switch to Honda Synthetic oil, ride safe, and enjoy.
 
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