2014 Honda Grom - First Look

[Kurlon]

It's $500 more than a Ruckus. This over a Ruckus seems like a nobrainer. So in that context the pricing makes sense.

I dunno, the Ruckus doesn't require a motorcycle license to operate and has a ton of cargo room... all depends on the intended use.

[markbvt]

I have to admit, I want one. Though the sight of me riding one would be hilarious.

--mark

[akira700]

Wish they had a photo with a person in it so you could see the scale. Hard to tell if its like not one of those mini-bikes that you see
12 year old hooligans riding on the sidewalks ! But yeah I think this could be fun for some urban hell raising!

[nhbubba]

Google images yields...




And so on..

Tough to tell, but there might be a Grom with rider in this one.

[gamorg02]

are the scooters then as far as the RMV is concerned? whats the registration/licensing for those anyways?

[nhbubba]

I believe this will register as a 125cc motorcycle.
Don't >50cc scooters register as motorcycles as well?

[gamorg02]

I believe this will register as a 125cc motorcycle.
Don't >50cc scooters register as motorcycles as well?

never looked into it, are there specific laws for motorcycles under X cc's?

[JettaJayGLS]

In Mass:

>50cc scooters are registered as LUV (limited use vehicle). I'm guessing the Grom will fall into this classification, although it is not much different than registering as a motorcycle.

Technically this is for vehicles with a top speed greater than 30mph but less than 40mph and is not allowed on roads with speed limits greater than 40mph, but I regularly ride a 60+ mph vespa that is registered as a LUV on Storrow Drive...also, LUVs need to be inspected, pass emissions and insured. You are also not allowed to park an LUV on a sidewalk, but I just pull the license plate off the back and go at it. No problems so far.

http://www.massrmv.com/rmv/regs/luv.htm

[feralchimp]

http://www.massrmv.com/rmv/license/7moped.htm

"According to Massachusetts law, a moped is a "motorized bicycle." In order to be classified as a moped, the vehicle must:

Have a cylinder capacity of no more than 50 cubic centimeters.
Have an automatic transmission.
Be capable of a maximum speed of no more than 30 miles per hour.
Comply with all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards.

A moped sticker, issued by the RMV, must be affixed to the moped. This sticker will not be issued unless the vehicle meets the above requirements."

[Kurlon]

are the scooters then as far as the RMV is concerned? whats the registration/licensing for those anyways?

It's a motorcycle, more than 3hp, 4 speed gearbox with a clutch. It's a motorcycle.

[WinVT]

In vt everything over 50cc needs to be registered and you need a mc license to ride.

[nhbubba]

From (one of) the ADV threads:

AMA should start a new racing series.....they could call it the

GROM-PRIX!

[JettaJayGLS]

It's a motorcycle, more than 3hp, 4 speed gearbox with a clutch. It's a motorcycle.

I stand corrected.

[SRTie4k]

I don't think I could see myself spending $3000 on a limited use bike like this...I have a feeling that most people will feel the same, and most here seem to think its an awesome little machine which leads me to believe that this bike will retain its value pretty darn well.

[nhbubba]

Every time I start getting excited about this bike, I remember the CBR250R exists.

[GingahNinjah]

Every time I start getting excited about this bike, I remember the CBR250R exists.

and the Ninja 300R

[nhbubba]

Ninja is a massively complicated () twin. CBR is a single.

[mzdagrl]

I don't see the benefit of this over a scooter. cool though it is, i'd rather have the storage capability of a scooter for anything i would use this for. grocery-getter, pit bike, etc.

[akira700]

Every time I start getting excited about this bike, I remember the CBR250R exists.

Yeah and the Ninja 300.

From the photos it just looks too tiny for my tastes...

[jcbell1007]

Definitely been drooling over this thing since it released in Thailand. I'm so glad Honda has come to their senses and is bringing their whole small-displacement lineup to the states!

How does it register? As a scooter or a proper moto? Looks small enough to leave on the sidewalk, regardless...

In VT it's still considered a motorcycle and will need an endorsement, registration, insurance, and inspection. The two biggest things in VT are 50cc's or less with a single speed/automatic transmission. If it doesn't have both of those properties, its a motorcycle.

[nhbubba]

I did some asking around and reading up. To my surprise, it isn't even just under 50cc and automatic required to qualify. The thing must also be capable of no more than some max speed in most states too. In NH, that seems to be 30 MPH. I found one source that said that number is now 20 MPH for MA!

I am quickly coming to the opinion that scooters aren't worth it anymore.

Guy at work confesses that he illegally reports his Ruckus as a scooter. By the rules above, it does not qualify. Although he says he's never been bothered about it.

[akira700]

I did some asking around and reading up. To my surprise, it isn't even just under 50cc and automatic required to qualify. The thing must also be capable of no more than some max speed in most states too. In NH, that seems to be 30 MPH. I found one source that said that number is now 20 MPH for MA!

I am quickly coming to the opinion that scooters aren't worth it anymore.

Guy at work confesses that he illegally reports his Ruckus as a scooter. By the rules above, it does not qualify. Although he says he's never been bothered about it.

I know the MA RMV keeps a list of scooters that are known to exceed the speed limit and will not issue a
sticker for these. In MA the speed limit is 30mph. No lic. needed under 49cc but you do still need an annual
or semi-annual sticker. I've had my scooter impounded for not having the sticker by UMass Boston police!

But the Ruckus should qualify. Its auto and 49 cc right?
Anyway I got my 49cc four stroke chinese knock off for $500 used and its gold!

[McBiggity]

I know the MA RMV keeps a list of scooters that are known to exceed the speed limit and will not issue a
sticker for these. In MA the speed limit is 30mph. No lic. needed under 49cc but you do still need an annual
or semi-annual sticker. I've had my scooter impounded for not having the sticker by UMass Boston police!

But the Ruckus should qualify. Its auto and 49 cc right?
Anyway I got my 49cc four stroke chinese knock off for $500 used and its gold!

Yup. Ruckus is registered as a moped $40 every two years for the sticker. Bought one for the wife for Christmas. It's stupidly fun

[nhbubba]

Weird. My coworker says he has to use some loophole to register the Ruckus now. Says he could be in deep shit if caught, but is pretty confident it won't be an issue. Or maybe he was talking about his wifes' Metropolitan. Both are 49cc with autos.

And this says 20 MPH for scooters, 25 for mopeds.

[RocketPunch]

i smell Mods Galore on the horizon cant wait to see the cult following this thing creates.

love it!

There is already a cult following in Thailand. I am just gonna leave this here....

Bike already on Honda's site. The MSX125 (Grom) was tested in Thailand confirmed to hit 65 mph in stock trim.