Honda’s Most Affordable, Approachable Street Moto Just Became Its Most Irresistible, Too

What is it about little things we love so much? From Mini-Me to Grogu, the Microblade to the Micra, our obsession with small is, well, big.

The charm even carries over to motorcycles, with small-displacement bikes gaining popularity by the day.

Honda

Brands like Honda seemingly knew it all along, as it has been producing a range of little engines that could for well over half a century.

Even so, the brand’s latest release may be its most compelling yet, as the cult-favorite Grom gets three new liveries, including a race-inspired treatment that’s so pitch-perfect it hurts.

Keep Grom and carry on

From the jump I’ll drop three important caveats. First off, these colorways just got announced for the UK market; I expect them to hit the US within months but not yet. 

Honda

Second, while the bike got major updates last year, including redesigned bodywork as part of a major overhaul, the paint schemes are the big story in 2026. The icing on the cake they baked last year, if you will.

Third, for the record, I know Honda makes an even more approachable, affordable motorcycle in the Navi, but let’s be honest, it’s kind of a glorified moped amiright?

Honda

As for the colors themselves, the brand’s batting three for three with Pearl Shining Black, Splendid Blue and especially Gayety Red.

That third option features a tri-colored Honda Racing-inspired livery that I’m sure we’ll see zipping around paddocks this summer.

Honda

The color scheme also has wide patriotic appeal that could help it become a big hit around the world.

Honda notes that the Grom’s bodywork is simple to detach, to the delight of rugged individualists itching to mod it out with stickers, graphics or wraps.

Honda

Beyond the aesthetics, the Grom retains the appealing features that have helped it sell nearly 900,000 units worldwide (including close to 100,00 in the US) since its 2012 launch.

Highlights include a full LED lighting, an LCD display (with a rev counter and gear position indicator) and of course a 125cc two-valve air-cooled engine, which makes a charming 9.47 horsepower at 7,250 rpm and 7.7 Ib-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm.

Honda

Yes, those numbers are more cute than quick, but that’s what makes the bike so approachable for beginners, while still helping them master the art of shifting, thanks to its five-speed gearbox, and score a sweet little adrenaline rush, via the top speed of 58 miles power hours.

The bike also boasts a 31mm inverted fork, a rear monoshock and ground clearance of 7 inches, plus a low seat height of 30 inches and the feathery curb weight of 227 pounds, letting you feel as nimble as a young Valentino Rossi with every gnarly, tiny turn. 

Availability and pricing

The 2026 Honda Grom is hitting the UK market (under the MSX125 nameplate) at a starting price (unchanged from 2025) of £3,999.

If the bike follows typical Honda release patterns, I can see it launching stateside within a couple of months, starting price at $3,599.

Honda

2026 Honda Grom

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