2022 Honda Grom First Look

Late last year Honda gave us word that a new, redesigned Grom would be hitting other parts of the world as a 2021 model, but besides a mention that it would also be eventually available in the US, no other details of the North America-bound mini moto were given. Changes revealed on the global model gave us some hints though, like the addition of a fifth gear, a new headlight, Euro 5 certification for the engine, and a full styling revamp, but we Yanks were left to ponder what the price tag or availability would be. Now that’s been settled, as last week American Honda officially announced that a new version of the Grom, one of its current best sellers worldwide, would be coming to our shores in May as a 2022 model.

As we’d hoped, the made-over Grom for the US market will get those major revisions, including a reworked 125cc engine and a five-speed transmission. The two-valve single-cylinder mill has a higher compression ratio (now 10.0:1) and meets Euro 5 emissions standards, and the addition of the fifth gear gave Honda the opportunity to add a larger 38-tooth final-drive sprocket for a bit more snap.

Another big part of the makeover for the 2022 model year is the new bodywork with pared-down styling. Because the Grom has always been about easy customization, owners can get at the four main body panels via six big fasteners, allowing them to pop the panels off the steel backbone frame and mix and match colors for a simple way to swap looks. Also on the styling front is a new look for the engine, exhaust, wheels, and swingarm, which all get blacked out for a more up-to-date vibe; the wheels keep their signature 12-inch size, but feature a new design with a five-spoke pattern.

You might notice a subtle change with the seat too; it’s flat rather than stepped and gets thicker padding. With that comes a new subframe, though the frame and suspension remain unchanged, and Honda is quick to point out that the saddle is still an easily cleared 30 inches off the tarmac. You’ll also see a more robust LCD display with provisions for a gear change indicator added to the speedo, tach, fuel gauge, clock, and twin tripmeters. Dig even deeper and you’ll find out that the mini moto’s 2022 iteration (the Grom’s third) now has a replaceable oil filter, ditching the previous oil spinner and screen for easier maintenance. There’s a redesigned exhaust pipe and muffler now designed as two separate parts, which should give customizers way fewer fits.

For 2022, the Grom has also boosted fuel capacity a smidge to 1.6 gallons.

As a bonus—or at least, instead of an unwelcome surprise—Honda is keeping the price tag in line with last year’s model, at a suggested $3,399 for the base trim. But there are tastier options too, like the new special SP version which sports a gold finish on the fork, wheels, and brake calipers, and tucks in a yellow shock spring out back for an extra pop; that one’ll run you $3,499. Then there’s the higher-spec Grom ABS, which will run $3,599.

To sum up, the 2022 Grom can be had in Queen Bee Yellow or Matte Black Metallic for the base trim; the Grom SP with its stylish graphics and gold finishes for $100 more; or the Grom ABS, available only in Candy Blue, for $100 on top of that. The bikes will be available in the US sometime in May of 2021.