Honda Monkey VS Honda Grom: Which Honda MiniMOTO Is Best?
Вставка
- Опубліковано 15 кві 2022
- Follow Rider Justice on Instagram ( / motorcycleriderjustice ) today. Rider Justice celebrates community, shares safety tips, and creates beautiful video features of the 2-wheeled lifestyle we all love.
Watch as Alex and Kase break down the differences between the Honda Monkey and the Honda Grom to decide which bike you should buy. ( tfl-studios.com/ )
( / tflcar ) Visit our Patreon page to support the TFL team!
Watch more videos from TFL Studios:
The Fast Lane Truck ( / tfltruck )
The Fast Lane Car ( / tflcar )
TFLoffroad ( / tfloffroad )
TFLbike ( / @tflbike )
TFLnow ( / tflnow )
TFLclassics ( / tflclassics )
TFLtalk ( / tfltalk )
TFL Podcasts:
TFL Talkin' Cars Podcast ( tflcar.libsyn.com/ )
TFL Talkin' Trucks Podcast ( tfltruck.libsyn.com/ ) - Авто та транспорт
I bought a Honda Monkey when they first came out in 2019. I love it, the only nit-pick I have about this bike is that some days when I go out to ride it, I'll find it at the top of my tree in the backyard. I just throw down a bunch of bananas and it usually climbs down.
Underrated comment here 😂
Thank you
lol i started reading seriously...
You pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Made my day
At 10yrs old I landed myself in an all boys reform school. First day there they took us around to a large garage. They open the doorway and we see a fleet of honda trail 50s and step through 70s ! They tell us if we're good, we get to enter mini bike class and learn how to ride ! Should have been bad sooner ! I will get a honda monkey, it brings back good memories..
Considered both and bought the 2022 Grom with ABS. The retro styling and metal body on the Monkey comes at a premium. Nothing wrong with plastics which can easily be swapped and don't rust. Plus the extra seating and more info on the dash makes the Grom so user friendly. Absolute pleasure to ride.
Can I play??? Please!!!
Bought a grom just to mess around with. Darn thing has become the bike I use the most. Convenient, reliable and cheap
If I was to buy a mini, I would have to go with the monkey out of pure nostalgia. I was there when the original Mini Trail that first came out in the 60’s. Though I had a full size bike, friends had the Mini Trail and it was just so much fun to ride.
I bought a brand new 1969 Red Honda 50 Mini Trail with my paper route money.
$242 from the factory, prices sure went up since then.
Can confirm, everyone loves seeing these little bikes.
People young and old ask me about my 2022 Grom all the time.
2650km on ODO already.
That's milage in France
I gave my 2018 truck to my son now I want a Mini Moto to get around. I’m leaning towards the Monkey… I’m 60 years old soon to be a Nana! I actually thought of getting the Honda Navi as well. Thanks!
I have both 2022 models of Grom and Monkey. Grom performs better in stock form.
They are both fun and there are pros and cons.
I have modded the Monkey to perform better.
But if I had to choose in stock form, if you are older than 40, go with a Monkey. If you are younger than 40, go with a Grom.
I am over 40 and I bought both.
Why do you suggest the Monkey if you are over 40?
@@rcprod9631 Monkey is more forgiving to my body.
Hmmm 🤔 that may be a point there 😅
I've got a '21 Monkey (blue - no ABS) and friggin' LOVE it! IMO, it's far more practical the the Grom, simply due to the [moderate] off-road it can endure. Both are fun AF, no doubt! Great review, guys. ✌🤘
Cus much
I have a '21 blue monkey as well with a ton dumped into it, also have a '21 kawasaki z125 pro. Both a ton of fun
My '22 black one only has 525 miles on it and it's seriously the funniest and fun bike to put around town and hit a few off-road trails. These Monkeys are hallariously fun And you get like 100mpg
@@JohnS858 110 mpg, i'm 200# and have kept track over many, many, fill ups .
One way to solve that is to buy both!
Great two bikes in one video review! Thanks.
Thank you for the review. Blessings to you.
Just got my trail 125 last week, super practical
I bet the wiring harness is the same on both bikes so if you wanted a more 'modern' dash with gear indicator the switch would be very easy. Basically 'plug and play'.
I’m 63, Grom is great!
Before I loved the 2nd Gen grom and never liked the monkey. But lately I'm starting to appreciate the monkey a lot more. It just looks like more love went into it. Both are pretty bad ass
The chopper builds is what’s got me in the market
buy both.
@@slimjim8488 exactly what I’m doing. Can’t have one without the other
Thank you very much for this great comparison video. I have been looking at both of these bikes for a while now. I am a retired senior citizen but still very mobile for my age. I have a long history of motorcycle riding but as a person gets older the bigger bikes are a little harder to handle because of their size and weight and power. I think these smaller bikes would just be total fun for older people who want to continue to ride at slower and safer speeds around town and on secondary roads. The reduced size and weight would allow seniors to ride far into their golden years and still have the experience of riding a real motorcycle with gears and a clutch as apposed to a single speed scooter. I think I would be tempted currently to buy the Grom because it has a better price point and some upgrades such as the extra 5th gear but right now it is difficult to find either of these bikes in show rooms where I live, so I might not be able to be too picky if I get the chance to buy one. You guys definitely know your stuff when it comes to motorcycles. Your assessments are crystal clear and right on target. Thanks again. Great video.
You are right the Grom is a little cheaper. I bought a 21 monkey last year because I like the z50 look. But I will say the seat and the more upright riding position on the monkey may be much better for an older guy. I'm 52 but I also have arthritis and cerebral palsy and the monkey is very comfortable for me
@@shannondoherty4803 Yes. The Monkey comfort level is the highest with that comfortable seat. No doubt about it.
I'm also retired, and have 7 bikes, from a Harley 1200 Sportster to a Honda Rebel 250. I have 2 dual sports that are for sale because I can no longer get on them. I've had a right knee replacement, and can no longer get my right leg over a tall motorcycle seat. Both the Sportster 1200 and Rebel 250 have 26" seat heights. The Rebel 250 is super lightweight, and will probably be my last real motorcycle. I also have a Vespa GT200 scooter. You couldn't give me a Grom, I wouldn't mind having a Monkey, but the seat is too high. The Super Cub or Trail 125 would make more sense, since they have step through frames, but why spend over $8000 OTD for one of those when I have a brand new living room kept 2016 Rebel 250 with under 2000 miles on it, engine is twice as big, and it's highway capable.
Love my black 2021 abs by far the most fun bike I've ridden so nimble and surprisingly still gets up and moves pretty good considering I'm 120kg
I've been wanting to get a grom or monkey and was wondering what it would be like to drive on 119 and between cities. And you guys are on the same roads I would be on so it's awesome to see
do not expect to take it in above 50 speed limits streets.
I just had my first ever riding lesson on a Grom last week and had so much fun. I pretty quickly forgot all about its size and absolutely enjoyed the feel and experience.
Monkey is a nicer bike....all metal, style and quality of build.
Love my Grom. I've be on two since the '70s. Always have been on pavement and have owned from 1290R Duke to the latest gen R1 with the flat plain crank to the 1290R. Fun for the dollar in the Grom! Not perfect from the factory but the aftermarket is hugely attributed to the success and upgrades that make it a must have.
I love my 22 Grom, full exhaust intake and tune it woke it up some.
Got a 2024 monkey recently I’m 6’3 fits me just well and got it up to 62mph (I weigh like 150ish lbs),experienced rider and it is fun to mob around town,you feel like a mini motoGP rider (at least for me),real fun bike IMO I prefer the monkey over the the grom especially if your looking for a pit bike style that’s street legal:)
You made the best point, that many overlook, passenger pegs. That is the one thing I wish the Monkey had, and I prefer it's retro look, to the somewhat confusing, transformer look of the Grom. A few years ago Honda displayed two concept drums, the silver number three and a green retro scrambler. That was all the rage, unfortunately, and I'm guessing because of tooling costs, which showed a very cool, swing arm, frame, and tank assemblies, they probably didn't make it to market because of that?
I think I'm gonna pick up the Grom for a commuter to work since it's only 5 miles away. However I want the tires from the Monkey on the Grom.
I just bought a red 2022 grom, its been a long time since i dont ride, i think its gona beba great bike for me and my wife that is just starting to ride
I prefer the Monkey because it isn't trying to look like something it's not. It's a mini bike and it looks like a mini bike. $.02
Good point. I started out looking at the Ruckus, but a little more speed to keep up with 45mph traffic and not get run over would be nice. I really don't want to look like I'm trying to be a sport bike though and that's all I could afford. lol
Precisely. The Monkey looks natural.
i want the grom for the retro look. but it has to be yellow. gonna try to get one by the end of the year
Uma pena que a Honda Monkey ainda não é vendida no Brasil.
A pity that the Honda Monkey is still not sold in Brazil.
Love watching both of you. However, Kase, your S sounds cone through as really shrill and sharps; not sure if this just me or my iPad!
I grew up on an 88 Honda mini trail so love the new Monkey. Still has same look to it
I have a blue 2020 monkey. The 50 trail was my first bike when I was a kid so when it came out in blue, I had to get it. I absolutely love it. Compared to the previous groms, the 22 & 23 grom look really ugly.
Thx for mentioning how you can squeeze your legs more onto the grom then the monkey. That’s def a selling point for me. I recently rode a scooter - might have been a Vespa, not sure. Hated it the minute i rode it and got off just as soon as i tried to turn. Idk how ppl ride scooters that have the platform in front of them for their feet. That threw off my stability.
I switched to a rebel 300 and was okay until i dropped it twice on slow speed maneuvers. Went to a grom (which is what i orig learned how to ride on) and had no more issues.
I thought i wanted my 2nd bike to be a cruiser but now I’m not so sure. Forgot all about the monkey but your review i think has helped to steer me in the right direction. I was wondering why the price difference - i guess that must be for the metal parts vs plastic fairings. When i was shopping first bike, i was never attracted to the monkey due to the retro style but i did sit on one and they are comfortable. Ended up buying a navi.
While the navi is fun and i do like it, i don’t want to lose my knowledge of clutch, so I’m looking at possibly adding a 2nd bike that i won’t lay down. So far i am comfortable on the grom. I won’t get one new though. I prefer the 4 spd ones to the 5spd ones and i will shop a deal for a used one.
Great v. Cut tot the chase information, as a 60 baby boomer I need the info b4 I buy one.Great info.
I have 2 2021 monkeys (blue), bought in 2020. And I know this for a fact, the monkeys are much harder to find. My dealer has 4 22 Groms and I bought his last monkey in 2020.
I have a 22 Grom Abs. I am also 54 yrs old and use it as a piss around the neighborhood or local area. Took me forever to find one
Where is the replaceable oil filter at 0:36? Maybe I’m dense or just not looking at the right thing. Thanks
Love these 2 bikes. OWN 3 including CB150R
We used to ride our Honda 50 Mini Trail around town fully licensed and insured, basically a Mini Monkey.
The inverted forks let both bikes ride very nice. In fact, I have 4 other late model bigger bikes, and my Monkey rides the best of all of them....and it's a blast to ride!
I used to have 400 and 600cc bikes. Now I have a Monkey and a Grom. I love them both!
Are you aware of anything similar in between, I like the monkey but leaning for a more capable highway bike I really like the Ducati desert sled, if I could find something of the same DNA in a bit smaller cc and price that would be awesome, but I guess I might be forgoing the capability for expressway riding, but a little more power to get away from traffic would be ideal for around town bike.
I have a Royal Enfield Classic 350. They are a small "regular sized" bike. They have the old school front forks much like the 70s Honda CB 350s had. Very soft ride, lghtweight and they get up and go 60 pretty easily. New price point is around $6K, but you can find them used for 3,500 to 4,500 USD. That may be an option.
@@daveminer9217 Nice! I think I like the adventure bike look. However, I live in low country, South Carolina. It's not like I get the chance to ride anything significant, so that bike is something like a Bonneville realistic. I saw a KTM 390 adventurer build that was inspired by the tank of the Royal Enfield. If you look it up, it's a sweet looking bike. The Ducatis I've seen for around 6 grand for a deal I just love the aesthetic, but you can't go wrong with the Enfield and that classic look either, anything scrambler it narrows the market and a bit of premium. I had a 75 Honda CB200, great bike. Just not enough in traffic and charging system was a bit wonky. I ended up selling it short after I got it to fund another purchase, I think the prices they might demand now are really worth it, as an amateur I think something newer with ABS sounds pretty good. I really like the idea of the Honda monkey, concept of being able to load it onto the trailer hitch platform of an over landing vehicle where You have to keep things like the tent and awning setup and use the bike for small trips etc..
I just got a 2023 Grom in red wish they had it in blue or a awesome purple guess I'll change that. Other than that wish I had both. Awesome work commute 😂
The old Groms did not fit me well being 6ft tall my knees would hit the bars because the seat was sloped down forcing my legs forward. They fixed all that with the new Grom, I found it to be as comfortable as my Monkey.
Did Honda upgrade the fork?
I'm 6'2" and 225 lbs.
There is a cheap fork fix on UA-cam from DodgeRider.
If it was 2020 Grom, I would go with the Monkey. But now with the 2022 Grom, I'd go with the Grom.
Why would that be? Is it just the way that it looks?
I'm 6'2 and I'm mad comfy on my 2022 Grom. Highly recommend doing air intake and klx 110 bars
Great to hear. I’m same height and my grom arrives in just a few days. Haven’t gotten to ride one, just sat on at the dealer. Looking forward to it.
What’s your weight? I’m 6’ 1” 230.
@@americandude3825 190
@@bluntmaayne ty
I own the monkey, but I think I would prefer the grom because of 2 seat.
The Monkey was built to be a family heirloom like the original. It was built to last and look good forever. The Grom not so much.
What the heck is an airlume?
He spelled it like it sounds.
@@Whateva67 In your case it's that little thing between your legs.
@@gregoryhodge9452 I no,ime just trying to bee fune😁
I love my blue '21 monkey, '22 ADV 150, AND '22 CRF 110. I'm drunk on Honda's lately can you tell? Lol
Grom in my country you get it brand new for just 1700$ and monkey right around 3500-3800$ both non ABS, i already have a Cub so gonna get Grom pretty soon.
Great review, boys... How are these for BIG people? I'm 6' tall and 260, used to Liter Class bikes... can the spring rates be changed to allow for Big Boys?
Well the Grom has passenger foot pegs so if it can hold 2 adults i assume it would hold you with no problem.
I'm 310 6' and nearly daily my 2005 Honda Metropolitan 50cc. You'll be fine. They are over built.
The monkey is a great bike for around town, living in Girona, Spain with the old streets being really narrow and the speeds around town about 30 Kph it has plenty of power and easy handling.
A monkey is great for squashing separatists
Spend half my time in Girona too lol. Considering one.
Thanks nice video. I just bought a 22 monkey then bought 19 monkey the 19 has lots of aftermarket stuff which I like but the 22 had 0 on the odo when I bought it now has 52mls the 19 has 5400mls,and some cool parts, wish to get a rear rack but will see .I didn't even know of the grom but they look cool, had lots of dirt bikes growing up I wanna try a grom but the monkeys are cool too. P.s. im 62 yrs old and just bought a 2003 Harley road king 100yr anniversary edition last month. But I love my monkeys thanks again
does the 5th gear on the 22 makes huge difference since you own both?? im planning on getting a 21 but that 5th gear sounds nice, I can't decide now!! thank you
Both are great but I prefer the grom 🤙
I would go for soon to be ST125. CT70 reincarnation.
Such sweet bikes I’m 15 sold my first bike I worked for when I was 10 an Apollo 125 but damn was I proud of it😂 Looking to get a Ktm 250 once I save up enough most likely the exc or xc-w but definitely plan on getting one of these when I get my license!
Great first ADV bike. Will always start and safe to ride. For you next bike check out the KTM 390 Adventure. Low seat height for adventure bike. 43 horsepower, 370 pounds wet, TFT dash, Led headlight, stability control with TC and abs, fully adjustable suspension. Msrp $6100 but many are discounted. With its 6 speed, 80 mph all day long. I bought the 390 over my previous KLR 650. KLR almost 100 pounds heavier with less horsepower. Very top heavy, underpowered,
A monkey or Grom over a TW200 for first adv bike? No way. TW200 is the king of mini dual sport adv bikes
Nice that might be the in between I was looking for. I really like the Ducati desert sled
I would get the Grom because of the better display. I really like having attack and seeing what gear I’m in, but I would absolutely 100% upgrade to the ABS system. I love ABS.
hello! is the grom pretty similar to the msx 125 ? also do any of the bikes have a clutch or is it semi-automatic ? thanx!!
The Grom is marketed in some markets as the MSX125, they are the same basic bike. These are regular transmission motorcycles with clutches. Honda does have some semiautomatic 125s though, like the super cub and trail 125.
Do you need a licence and insurance to ride it? I live in Canada
I have the 22 Monkey and I love it. Just want a gear indicator for it. 🏍
Agreed...a gear indicator would be nice! Strange since my Super Cub does have one.
Oh my gosh I think you just lifted my dreams up again. They can add a gear indicator to a already finished monkey bike?? I want this bike so badly but I am not a fan of usi mg a clutch. I just want a relaxing ride and not have to worry about using a clutch and I just love this bike so much and I am trying to figure out a way to have this bike but not have to use a clutch and is a gear indicator a solution to my problem ????? Thanks!!
Does the indicator actually switch it for you itself or does it just notify you? We have two Honda 2022 quads and one of them changes the shifts itself. The other one requires you to switch but it’s not so bad to use once you get use to it which I don’t mind that but I’m not a fan of having to do the slowly push the clutch while you release the break, it just gives me anxiety and I don’t want to get use to it. I just wanna use my right hand and go like our metropolitan scooters lol I like all of the vehicles , I just prefer no clutch
@@ichangedmyname4563 No, you still have to use a clutch. It’s a regular motorcycle. A gear indicator only tells you what gear you are currently in.
@@Allie_Rose damn ok thanks
I want the 22 monkey,its a 5speed
the monkey is just something else a definitely a keeper for a beautiful collection
What is the payload limits on them.
when did flashing rear lights come in ??? is this even legal in UK??
Monkey all day. The retro styling is awesome.
In November 2022 the prices for these exceed MSRP at the dealers. Too much for me 🙁
What has TFL come to? No Ike Gauntlet?
Now that there is a 5 speed transmission, how does it help in the performance? Does it have a lower 1st gear or a higher top speed? Did it increase the fuel mileage? Just trying to figure out if the 2022/2023 models are better than a 202/2021.
I own a 2022 Monkey. Fuel mileage is 1,6 liters per 100 km. Maximum speed depends on the slope but in flat roads the indicator reaches 90 km/h. Awesome and top quality small bike!!!
@@josevi5835 That is really nice, how big is the tank?
@@Zekeneral Six liters
I have the grom, now I want the monkey. I want both!
Can you realistically add passenger pegs to the monkey?
I'm going to buy a new Grom soon, the monkey is too much just for metal and style.
The Grom has a bigger tank, better gauge cluster, if you drop it plastic panels are easy to swap up.
is it possible to mod Monkey to seat 2?
According to my research I gotta get at least a 250 cc tobe able to go faster than the trucks? They're not the problem but I believe more power increases my safety, am I right?
Yes and no my bro. At 125cc you'll be maxing out at around 60mph on the motorway on a stock monkey or grom. You'll certainly be more nimble on a grom or a monkey than say a 250cc ducati/indian scrambler - though not that much more nimble ya know. With the lower/lighter cc bikes you're getting more headwind which actually makes you less nimble.
Dallas Ft worth here, and there are no monkeys for sale anywhere within 300 miles.
2023? none of that has been released yet. Its there something I dont know about?
Easily the Grom. Especially the 3rd Gens! Love my 2022 SP Grom.
What is the top speed of each
I’d like a Grom, they seem like fun bikes, however being 6’4” probably will make the bike seem a bit small!
I have a 21 HD TriGlide and a 19 HD Sportglide , I sincerely love them both. However at this past Christmas I bought a new 2023 Honda Grom and it is a total hoot to ride. Since then I have taken the whale tail off and put on stubby license tag and added Chimera intake and Zoom circular exhaust and had DHM flashed ECU. I'm Having a lot of fun on my Honda Grom. I'm not saying that would not like to have a Monkey too !!!
I love my Grom but I have a serious itch to buy a Monkey as well, something about that little beast I just can’t keep my eye off
I’m saving up to buy my first bike and I want one so badly but then I also want a full sized one, the thought of what to get kills me😭
I have an HD Roadking, Buell Cyclone, BMW R1250 GSA and a Honda Monkey. The Monkey gets the most attention and is the most fun to ride.
The monkey instantly reminded me of my 1978 Z50A.
Gostei mais da Honda Monkey, o estilo retrô e bem mais legal. Por ser retrô, tem pouca carenagem, isso é bom porque não gera muito ruído devido o desgaste com o tempo.
I liked the Honda Monkey better, the retro style is much cooler. As it is retro, it has little fairing, which is good because it does not generate much noise due to wear and tear over time.
How is the engine with the 5 speed? Any faster or better than the last gen engine/trans?
Personally dont know how the 4 speed feels but i got the 5 speed monkey and i like the acceleration it has Very smooth feel to it. Got mine to do 65mph last week although i probably shouldnt because im still in the break-in period. Just want to be done breaking it in already lol its been too rainy here lately
The same top speed, between 56-65 mph
I have Grom 2nd and 3rd gen. The ratio is closer and lets you keep it rev'd out which is fun. As a bigger rider I don't feel like I need sprocket change on the new one but I did it on the 2019. 5th gear is relaxed in the cruise at 50ish where 4th is wound out. Both are fun and top speed is pretty similar with slight edge to 3rd gen.
What microphone setup are you using while riding?
B-52/975, unless it's a really cold day. Then we use the AK-FT/h333k.
@@dbx1233 a quick google search brought up algebra. Do you mind being more specific?
Love my monkey, put some mobber tires on it and off road all day. The seat makes for a comfy ride on and off road
Is it the same frame???
I wonder if there is an aftermarket gear indicator for the the monkey…
there is. Look up Takegawa
Thanks for this excellent comparison. I love the style of Monkey but it is much more expensive than Grom in Australia ($7300 vs $4900), so sad.
7300?
HOLY MOLY😳
Lin Yuan $7300 is cheap i can buy for you
@@uptGuapo That's about $4910 USD at the time of my comment. But still, I found the same thing and it's sure disappointing.
u guys filmed that right across from my house. any interest in reviewing my honda 125 trail for your channel?
Hey Chris! We're always happy to shoot with local riders, shoot us an email at ask@tfltruck.com and we can work on setting something up.
Looking to get a bike
Should’ve thrown the Navi into the mix, perfect price point for people getting into riding
I have 2018 monkey as my second bike. At the end I drove it more than my hd fat boy..
I like Grom more. Passenger seats and the display are a big plus for me.
Considering that monkey was considered to be without a passenger, j would have it be a bit smaller
I have a Monkey. Ready for a DAX 125. Come on Honda!!! Semi Auto 4speed. No passenger pegs USA. That's one of changes for us. Could be kick start also, because of pegs delete. Then it could use power train from CT125. Already certified for USA.
What bikes is fast 0 -50?
Can’t get on freeway with 125cc?
What would be the better frame
For a taller guy. 6’3-6’4
Neither
What would a bike review be without the forgotten and left on blinker
Definitely want to get a minimoto in the future, only problem is I'm a big guy (fat) 😂. Would definitely have to upgrade suspension, kinda wish they'd make a 200 or 250cc minimoto.
Could probley put a stiffer shock on either bike and do a big bore kit down the road if u got one pretty simple to do just costs extra money but I agree they r great little around town bikes.. with the way gas is now adays.
@@b-rad2541 Yeah I want one to toy around on in town under 50mph and small enough to throw in back for camping trips, etc. Maybe even make a mini adv build 😂.
Hit da gym bro! Good luck with the bike💪
@@skylinesquid Most gyms don't allow fat people. This upsets me so I just go home and eat some low calorie ice-cream. Problem solved.
I'm 205 pounds, with a modest beer gut, and my Monkey lugs my arse around just fine. LOL
Is the monkey street legal outside the u.s.?
people are not going for performance you are going for the look