19/09/2020
Transform Your Honda Grom: A Comprehensive Customisation Guide
The Honda Grom, a pint-sized powerhouse, has captured the hearts of riders worldwide with its playful character and surprising agility. While it's a hoot straight from the factory, its true magic lies in its potential for personalisation. Whether you're looking to enhance its performance, inject some serious style, or simply make it more comfortable for your riding needs, the aftermarket offers a vast playground for Grom enthusiasts. This guide will delve into the most popular and effective ways to change the look and feel of your 2022 Honda Grom, turning it from a fun factory bike into a unique expression of your personality.
The Allure of the Grom: Why Customise?
The 2022 Honda Grom, often referred to as the MSX125 in many markets, received a significant update, bringing it closer to the original MSX concept. It boasts a more aggressive styling, a larger 125cc engine (though still compact), and improved features. Its small size makes it incredibly nimble and accessible, but it's also the perfect canvas for modification. Customisation isn't just about aesthetics; it's about making the bike truly yours, improving its performance, and adapting it to your specific riding style and preferences. From subtle enhancements to full-blown transformations, the possibilities are endless.
Aesthetic Enhancements: Making it Pop
This is often the first port of call for many Grom owners. The goal here is to make your Grom stand out from the crowd.
1. Decals and Graphics Kits
Perhaps the most straightforward way to alter your Grom's appearance is with a striking graphics kit. These kits range from subtle pinstripes to full-blown race replica designs. Many companies offer pre-designed kits, or you can even commission custom designs. A well-applied graphics kit can completely change the bike's personality, making it look more aggressive, retro, or even outlandish, depending on your taste. Consider the colour scheme of your Grom and how the graphics will complement it.
2. Seat Covers and Custom Seats
While the stock seat is functional, it might not be the most visually appealing or comfortable for longer rides. Aftermarket seat covers can add a splash of colour or texture, such as faux carbon fibre or Alcantara. For a more significant upgrade, consider a complete custom seat. These can offer improved ergonomics and a bespoke look, often featuring contrasting stitching or unique materials.
3. Tail Tidy (Fender Eliminator)
One of the most popular modifications for any sportbike, including the Grom, is a tail tidy. This removes the bulky stock rear fender, often referred to as a 'mudguard' or 'splash guard', and replaces it with a much sleeker, shorter unit. This dramatically cleans up the rear end of the bike, giving it a sharper, more aggressive profile. Many tail tidies also incorporate integrated LED taillights and indicators, further reducing clutter.
4. Mirrors
Swapping out the large, standard mirrors for smaller, more stylish aftermarket options can make a surprising difference. Bar-end mirrors offer a clean, minimalist look, while smaller, sleeker stalk mirrors can also enhance the bike's aggressive stance. Ensure any replacements are road-legal in your area regarding visibility and positioning.
5. Lighting Upgrades
While the 2022 Grom features LED lighting, there's still room for customisation. Replacing standard amber indicators with smoked or sequential LEDs can add a modern touch. You might also consider a different style of headlight or auxiliary lighting, though always ensure compliance with local regulations.
6. Coloured Levers and Grips
Small details can have a big impact. Replacing the stock black levers with brightly coloured anodised aluminium ones – perhaps in red, blue, or gold – can add a custom touch. Similarly, aftermarket grips in different colours or textures can improve comfort and aesthetics.
Performance Modifications: Enhancing the Ride
Beyond looks, many owners want to improve their Grom's performance. While the Grom is designed for urban commuting and lighthearted fun, performance upgrades can make it even more engaging.
1. Exhaust Systems
An aftermarket exhaust is a classic modification for any motorcycle. For the Grom, a new exhaust can not only improve the sound – giving it a deeper, sportier tone – but also offer a slight increase in power and a reduction in weight. Options range from full systems to slip-on mufflers. Be aware that some exhaust modifications may require engine remapping for optimal performance and to avoid running too lean.
2. Air Filter and Intake Modifications
Upgrading the air filter to a performance-oriented, high-flow unit can allow the engine to breathe more freely. Combined with an exhaust, this can lead to noticeable improvements. Some riders also opt for intake snorkels or velocity stacks, but these often require more in-depth tuning.
3. ECU Tuning and Fuel Controllers
To truly unlock the potential of exhaust and intake modifications, remapping the ECU (Engine Control Unit) or installing a fuel controller is often recommended. This allows for fine-tuning the fuel-air mixture and ignition timing to match the new components, resulting in smoother power delivery and increased horsepower. This is a more advanced modification and may require professional help.
4. Sprockets and Gearing
Altering the final drive gearing can significantly change how the Grom accelerates and its top speed. A smaller front sprocket or a larger rear sprocket will improve acceleration but reduce top speed. Conversely, a larger front sprocket or smaller rear sprocket will increase top speed at the expense of acceleration. This is a relatively inexpensive and effective way to tailor the bike's performance to your riding style.
5. Suspension Upgrades
While the Grom's suspension is adequate for its intended use, aftermarket suspension components can dramatically improve ride quality and handling, especially if you're pushing the bike. Upgraded front fork internals (springs, valves, oil) and a more adjustable rear shock absorber can make a world of difference, providing better feedback and stability.
Comfort and Practicality: Enhancing Usability
Customisation isn't just about looks or speed; it can also make your Grom more comfortable and practical for everyday use.
1. Handlebars and Controls
Swapping the stock handlebars for different bend or rise options can alter your riding posture. Lower bars can give a more aggressive, sportier feel, while higher bars might offer a more relaxed riding position. Aftermarket grips, as mentioned earlier, also contribute to comfort.
2. Footpegs and Levers
Adjustable rearsets can change the position of your footpegs, offering a more aggressive riding position for spirited riding or a more comfortable setup for touring. Anodised levers in various colours can also add a custom touch.
3. Luggage Solutions
If you plan on using your Grom for light touring or commuting, consider adding practical luggage solutions. Small tank bags, tail bags, or even small pannier setups can significantly increase the bike's carrying capacity without compromising its compact nature.
4. Windshields and Fairings
While the Grom is a naked bike, small aftermarket windshields or fairings can offer a degree of wind protection, making highway riding slightly more comfortable. These also alter the bike's aesthetic, often giving it a more retro or sport-touring look.
Putting it All Together: A Step-by-Step Approach
When embarking on your Grom customisation journey, it's wise to have a plan. Start with your priorities: is it looks, performance, or comfort? 1. Research: Look at what other Grom owners have done. Forums, social media groups, and YouTube are great resources. 2. Budget: Decide how much you're willing to spend. Modifications can add up quickly. 3. Prioritise: Start with one or two modifications that will have the biggest impact for you. 4. Installation: Consider whether you'll do the work yourself or take it to a professional. Many cosmetic mods are DIY-friendly, but performance upgrades often require expertise. 5. Legality: Always ensure your modifications comply with local road regulations.
Common Questions Answered
Q1: Will modifying my Grom void the warranty?
This depends on the modification and your warranty provider. Generally, modifications that don't affect the core engine or safety systems are less likely to void the warranty. However, it's always best to check your warranty terms and conditions or consult your dealer.
Q2: What's the most popular modification for a Honda Grom?
The tail tidy (fender eliminator) is arguably the most popular modification, followed closely by exhaust systems and graphics kits. These offer significant visual improvements with relatively straightforward installation.
Q3: Can I make my Grom faster?
Yes, you can make your Grom faster through exhaust, intake, and ECU tuning modifications. However, it's important to manage expectations; it's still a 125cc engine, so dramatic increases in top speed are unlikely without significant, costly engine work.
Q4: Are performance modifications worth it on a Grom?
For many, the joy of the Grom is its character and agility, not outright speed. However, small performance gains can make the bike feel more responsive and engaging. Whether it's 'worth it' is subjective and depends on your goals.
Q5: Where can I buy Grom parts?
Numerous online retailers specialise in motorcycle parts and accessories, including those for the Honda Grom. Popular options include dedicated Grom customisation sites, larger online motorcycle parts stores, and even platforms like eBay and Amazon for specific items.
Conclusion
The Honda Grom is more than just a motorcycle; it's a platform for creativity. By carefully selecting modifications, you can transform your Grom into a unique machine that reflects your style and enhances your riding experience. Whether you're aiming for a stealthy urban predator, a retro-inspired cruiser, or a track-day toy, the possibilities are vast. So, get inspired, do your research, and start personalising your Grom today!
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