Faults:

Poor rear brake: The rear brake (especially on models without ABS or with an on/off feel) offers very marginal or inadequate braking performance.

The rear shock absorber has a harsh, firm character, causing abrupt bouncing when driving over potholes or urban road irregularities.

Original factory-fitted tires usually offer poor grip, especially on wet surfaces.

The seat is hard, and the bike's compact size makes riding with a passenger extremely uncomfortable or impractical.

Sometimes it is a bit difficult to find neutral precisely when coming to a stop.

General Comments:

Groms turn heads, and our particular bike, with its fluorescent yellow finish, is undoubtedly a stunner. With its Transformer-style headlight and red brake calipers, it puts a smile on your face. Although the Grom is a small motorcycle, it doesn't feel uncomfortably cramped, even for someone tall like me.

At full lock, my knees touch the handlebars and the mirrors are close enough that I have to glance sideways to see what’s behind me, but the truth is, it’s surprisingly spacious. Unlike a Monkey Bike, which feels like riding one of those tiny clown bikes, the Grom is mid-sized and (almost) anyone can ride it, regardless of height.

In the city, the Grom is brilliant. Thanks to its compact size, you can quickly weave through traffic gaps, and its low gearing lets you win most "traffic-light GPs," while the riding position puts you at eye level with car drivers so you don't go unnoticed. Can I understand the fascination with the Grom now? The Grom looks great, is incredibly fun to ride, and comes with a fantastic community to join; but it is also an excellent city bike, economical and very easy for beginners to handle.

They aren't designed for main roads; they come alive on back roads and in busy cities. So, I veered off the main highway onto country lanes, where I began to understand the fascination with the Grom. On a narrow, winding road, the Grom is an absolute blast.

Its short wheelbase (just 1,200 mm) and wide 12-inch tires make it incredibly agile; you attack every corner as if it were your last, desperately clinging to every bit of speed. It reminds me of my days as a reckless teenager on a 125cc bike, risking my life by refusing to let off the throttle and tearing through corners at full speed with barely a shred of control.

It is great fun on back roads and a fantastic city bike with a design that makes people stop and smile; however, it is incredibly slow, even for a 125. It has all the basics, and the fact that it is so fun and charming has led numerous companies to come up with solutions for the Grom's shortcomings.

The brakes are relatively powerful, and the fact that there are no electronic control systems means you can pull off drifts or wheelies if you feel like it.

This bike meets all the requirements for commuting to work in the city, running errands, heading out for a morning kayak session, or simply going to the beach. I love it!