Honda Grom Custom: The Ultimate Guide to Personalizing Your Mini Motorcycle

The Honda Grom is a compact, fun-to-ride motorcycle that has gained a dedicated following around the world. Known for its small size, lightweight design, and reliability, the Grom offers an excellent platform for customization, whether you’re looking to enhance its performance, improve its aesthetics, or make it uniquely yours. This small bike isn’t just for beginners; it’s also a blank canvas for motorcycle enthusiasts who want to personalize their ride.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ways to customize your Honda Grom, from performance upgrades to aesthetic modifications. We’ll also cover the benefits of customizing your Grom and answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you get started on your own custom project.

Why Customize a Honda Grom?

The Honda Grom is loved for its versatility and ease of use, but one of the main reasons riders love it is the potential for customization. Here are a few reasons why you might want to modify your Grom:

• Personal Expression: Customizing your Grom allows you to make it truly your own. Whether it’s adding a unique paint job, changing the exhaust for a deeper sound, or outfitting it with specialized parts, customizing your Grom gives you a chance to express your personality and style.
• Improved Performance: With the right modifications, you can increase the performance of your Grom, making it faster, more efficient, or better suited to your riding needs.
• Better Comfort: Some customization options can improve the comfort of your ride, such as upgrading the suspension, adding a custom seat, or changing the handlebars.
• Community and Fun: The Honda Grom has a vibrant community of enthusiasts who enjoy customizing their bikes. Joining this community can be fun, educational, and a great way to share tips and tricks.

Popular Customization Options for the Honda Grom

Now that you know why customizing the Honda Grom is so appealing, let’s dive into some of the most popular modifications you can make to your bike. Whether you’re looking to improve performance, enhance comfort, or give your Grom a unique look, there’s a modification for everyone.

1. Performance Upgrades

While the Grom is known for its peppy engine, some riders look to boost its performance even further. Here are a few performance modifications to consider:

• Big Bore Kit: One of the most popular upgrades is the big bore kit, which increases the engine’s displacement. This results in more horsepower and torque, making the bike faster and more powerful. Kits typically range from 143cc to 181cc, so you can choose how much performance you want to add.
• Exhaust System: Upgrading your exhaust system not only improves the bike’s performance but also enhances the sound. A high-quality exhaust like the Yoshimura RS-9 or FMF Powercore can reduce weight and improve airflow, boosting horsepower and giving your Grom a more aggressive growl.
• Fuel Management: After installing performance upgrades like a big bore kit or exhaust, you may need to tune your bike’s fuel management system. A fuel controller, such as the Power Commander V, will help optimize fuel delivery for better performance and smoother throttle response.
• Air Intake System: A high-flow air intake system improves engine breathing and can lead to gains in horsepower and throttle response. Many aftermarket kits are available that are designed specifically for the Grom.

2. Suspension and Handling

The Grom is small, but that doesn’t mean you can’t improve its suspension and handling for a smoother ride or better performance on the track:

• Upgraded Shocks: While the Grom comes with a basic suspension, upgrading to performance shocks can significantly improve ride quality and handling. Popular options include Ohlins, Fox Racing Shox, and K-Tech.
• Lowering Kits: If you’re looking to lower your Grom for aesthetic reasons or to improve the center of gravity for better handling, a lowering kit can help. These kits typically adjust the height of the bike’s suspension to suit your riding style.
• Fork Upgrades: For even better handling, you can replace the stock forks with aftermarket options that provide more adjustability and dampening. Upgraded forks from YSS or Race Tech are great options to consider.

3. Aesthetic Customizations

The Honda Grom is a canvas for anyone who loves to personalize their ride. Here are some ways to give your bike a unique look:

• Custom Paint Job: A custom paint job is one of the easiest ways to transform the look of your Grom. Whether you want a glossy, metallic finish, or a matte look with custom graphics, a fresh coat of paint can make your bike stand out.
• Seat: The Grom’s stock seat is functional, but many riders opt for custom seats that are more comfortable or offer a different aesthetic. You can find aftermarket seats in various colors and designs or get your seat reupholstered for a truly custom look.
• Handlebars: Changing the handlebars is another popular customization. You can install higher or lower bars for a more aggressive stance, or go with custom grips for better comfort and style. Brands like Renthal and ProTaper offer various styles.
• LED Lighting: Adding LED lights to your Grom can make it look modern and flashy, especially for night riders. You can install LED strips under the bodywork, on the wheels, or around the handlebars for a cool effect.
• Custom Fenders and Tail Kits: Custom fenders or tail kits can make the back of your Grom look sleeker, cleaner, or more sporty. You can choose from various options, such as tail tidies or a more aggressive sportbike-inspired design.

4. Tires and Wheels

Tires and wheels play an important role in both the performance and appearance of your bike:

• Performance Tires: Upgrading to high-performance tires can improve grip and handling. Options like Michelin Pilot Street or Pirelli Diablo Rosso offer great traction for both street and track riding.
• Custom Wheels: If you want to give your Grom a more personalized appearance, swapping out the stock wheels for custom-designed ones is a great way to make a bold statement. You can go for different colors or lightweight materials like aluminum or magnesium.

5. Accessories and Other Modifications

Beyond the major upgrades, there are many small tweaks and accessories that can improve your Grom:

• Crash Protection: To protect your investment, consider adding crash protection like frame sliders or engine guards. These help minimize damage in case of a tip-over or crash.
• Mirrors and Levers: Replacing stock mirrors with bar-end mirrors or custom levers can both enhance the look of your Grom and improve your riding comfort.
• Sprocket Kit: Changing the sprockets can help you adjust the Grom’s gearing. You can opt for a larger front sprocket for more top-end speed or a smaller one for quicker acceleration.

FAQs About Honda Grom Customization

1. How much does it cost to customize a Honda Grom?
The cost of customizing a Honda Grom can vary widely depending on the parts and modifications you choose. Simple upgrades like grips or LED lights can be relatively inexpensive (around $50-$150), while more substantial modifications like a big bore kit or custom exhaust system can cost upwards of $500-$1,500. Complete customizations with performance, aesthetic, and suspension upgrades may cost several thousand dollars.

2. Will customizing my Grom void the warranty?
Yes, modifying your Grom with aftermarket parts can void the manufacturer’s warranty, especially if the changes affect the engine or drivetrain. It’s important to check with your dealer or consult your warranty terms before making any significant modifications.

3. How difficult is it to customize a Honda Grom?
The difficulty of customizing your Grom depends on the modifications you plan to make. Many basic upgrades, such as installing new grips, mirrors, or exhausts, can be done with simple tools and basic mechanical knowledge. More advanced changes, like upgrading the suspension or installing a big bore kit, may require more technical skills or professional help.

4. Can I use the Grom for long-distance riding after customization?
The Honda Grom is a small bike, designed primarily for short commutes and city riding. However, with the right comfort and performance modifications (such as a custom seat and suspension upgrades), it can be used for longer trips, though it may still not be as comfortable for long-distance travel as larger bikes.

5. How do I choose the right modifications for my riding style?
The right modifications depend on your intended use. If you want better performance for racing or spirited riding, focus on engine upgrades, exhaust systems, and tires. If you’re after a more comfortable ride, consider suspension upgrades and a custom seat. If aesthetics are your main priority, focus on visual changes like custom paint, wheels, and handlebars.

Conclusion

Customizing your Honda Grom can be an exciting and rewarding project, allowing you to make your bike as unique as you are. From performance upgrades that increase speed and power to aesthetic changes that turn heads, the possibilities for customization are nearly endless. Whether you’re a beginner looking to personalize your first motorcycle or a seasoned rider wanting to make your Grom stand out, the journey of customizing your bike is just as fun as riding it.

Remember, when making modifications, it’s essential to consider your riding needs and budget. But most importantly, enjoy the process and create a Grom that reflects your personal style and preferences!