Convince Me Not to Start Riding/Buy a Honda Grom

inittobinit on 29/11/2017 - 18:38

23yo uni student, making a 10KM round trip to either uni or work where parking is a struggle at both.

I'm tempted to buy a Honda Grom as i've always wanted to ride (albeit just for short commutes) and it would solve my parking issues, whilst also being more efficient.

I've always been wary of the risks of riding, however it becomes more attractive with something so small and supposedly easy to ride. My father rides daily which is encouraging.

Will not replace my car.

Positives:

  • The Grom is cheap
  • They are amazingly fuel efficient (1 of my main cars uses 15.5L/100km)
  • My parking woes are solved
  • No longer have to pay uni parking fees (~$6 a day * 2-3 days a week)
  • Fun
  • Will speed up my short commute via lane filtering
  • Learn/experience something new (never ridden)

Negatives:

  • Unaware of the extra costs (license/rego/insurance/gear)
  • Risks of riding
  • ???

Hit me with your best 2 cents'!

Automotive

Comments

  • psyren89 on 29/11/2017 - 18:49
    +8

    Have you considered an electric bike instead?

    • inittobinit on 29/11/2017 - 20:21
      +5

      I have not, for some reason an electric bike or scooter just doesn't interest me at all.

      I think a lot of it is the coolness factor if im being honest; an e-bike would be 100% practical but 0% cool.

      • omgitzrick on 29/11/2017 - 20:45
        +70

        If coolness is a factor why on earth are you considering a Grom?

        • inittobinit on 29/11/2017 - 20:53

          Like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder :)

        • Nugs on 30/11/2017 - 06:02
          +4

          yep, may as well get a scooter.

          or for an actual 70's monkey bike

        • nomoneynoproblems on 30/11/2017 - 13:30
          +3

          Groms are cool mate. There was enough demand that Honda brought them here. I almost bought one!

        • anonymous01 on 30/11/2017 - 19:32
          +3

          shhh…He's trying to attract midgets.

        • bobbified on 30/11/2017 - 20:08
          +2

          Groms look awesome! I've been thinking about getting one myself! haha

      • Malarkey on 30/11/2017 - 14:19
        +9

        Nobody will think you're cool riding a Grom mate ;)

      • Cyphar on 30/11/2017 - 17:04
        +1

        THere is nothing cool about riding a Grom. As a bike rider myself, I have a chuckle and a scoff at those riding them. THe only time they are good is in riding schools. Good luck riding one if you're 5'10 or over. The low seat height makes for an uncomfortable journey. At 6'3, it's no fun for me anyhow.

      • haggertm on 30/11/2017 - 20:03
        +3

        The Zero electric bikes are really cool. But you're looking in the $20k range unfortunately. Groms are cool little bikes but taters gonna tate and haters gonna hate. As an alternative, think about getting an old postie bike, the're about $1k, people love them and they're a great little bike for short cruises. Plus you can pimp it out by putting a milk crate on the back to put your stuff in.

    • Lumens on 30/11/2017 - 22:55
      -5

      Mostly illegal anyway

      • k-rokfm on 01/12/2017 - 13:58

        Mostly? Pls explain

    • superm86 on 01/12/2017 - 08:20

      Any recommendations?

  • c0balt on 29/11/2017 - 18:51
    +13

    Have you got your license yet? If not, then get it before even considering which bike to get. If possible try riding different bikes before buying.

    They are not quick, and they are tiny. They are basically a monkey bike that's tries to be a road bike. They are slow and you will notice it despite how much noise they make. My first bike, a Kawasaki Balius 250 was a 4-banger that revved till 20k RPM, was the size of an actual motorbike, was bloody quick and can be hand 2nd hand for less than the cost of a new Grom. Something like that is sure to put a bigger smile on your face than a Grom.

    That said, I would love a Grom if I didn't have to pay rego/insurance for it. I just wouldn't want it to be my daily ride.

    • inittobinit on 29/11/2017 - 20:27
      +2

      I haven't got my license yet, plan to over the next month or so.

      I can definitely see where you're coming from. Without any bike experience, I can already tell that something that barely scrapes 100km/h isn't going to be fast.

      You're also probably right about the smiles per galleon factor, and for me I'm not worried about the speed (or lack thereof) as at the end of the day it is just a commuter with added convenience, im sure zipping around at 40-50km/h will still put a smile on my face.

      I have a relatively quick manual car which i get my dose of hoon from anyway :).

      • c0balt on 29/11/2017 - 20:33

        If you are not worried about a lack of speed, consider something like my new 'whip' as of a couple of weeks ago:
        https://www.leitner.com.au/leitner-electric-bike-folding-250…

        Definitely get your motorbike license though. FWIW I've had a grom on my radar for nearly a year, I just can't justify the ongoing costs for a slow bike considering I already have a car (slower than yours though). If I won the lottery I'd get a few, but I would get a naked 4cyl 600-1000cc sports touring bike first though.

        • inittobinit on 29/11/2017 - 20:53

          Funnily enough, my old man has the same e-bike get up which he alternates with his motorbike when he wants a more scenic/cardio commute!

          I do have a good bike though so i just don't think i could justify one (bar stealing the old man's when hes not looking :P).

          100% on the license, i want it just for the skill even if i dont end up getting a bike.

        • c0balt on 29/11/2017 - 21:00
          +1

          @ptenkae:

          If you have access to a bicycle, your old man's ebike/real motorbikes and have a car - maybe a Grom isn't a bad idea if you have the cash to spend and really want one. Happiness might be a bargain, but can't put a bargain on happiness.

          Just try riding one first, and as many other bikes as you can.

          You won't regret getting your license, you will regret not getting it. Get onto it ASAP!

        • inittobinit on 30/11/2017 - 12:24

          @c0balt:

          Yeah i think the flexibility in travel options make it that much more attractive.

          If it was a sole means of transport even I wouldn't consider a bike let alone a grom.

          Getting onto it, I just need Melbourne to produce weather that won't a) melt me or b) carry me away in its angry floods!

      • knk on 30/11/2017 - 15:03
        +5

        I will second the advice from c0balt.

        Get a bigger bike more powerful bike - Even if it's older. These things will be hell on the freeway or any remotely open area (or even a windy day), you want a bit of weight behind you so you don't get blown around by the wind. The power to get out the way when you need to is being underlooked here, if you're already doing 80km/h and need to push past someone or get out of a sticky situation this thing just doesn't have the grunt.

        If it were me, I'd get a very cheap second hand bike to learn on and get something bigger once the restrictions are off. Something as cheap as possible while still being reliable and powerful enough, I'd say around 3k should find you something with rwc (at least in Melbourne)

        Onto your notes:
        Risks of riding are a big one - If you're just going through the city (I'm thinking Melbourne YMMV) I wouldn't be too worried, freeways / higher speed roads can be more dangerous. Hell it really is all damn dangerous if you think about it.
        Extra Costs: Gears a big one. If you don't plan on changing when you get to wherever you're going you're going to be spending big dollars on hybrid protective / casual clothing if you want it to look decent.

        Also consider that while you'll save time parking, actually leaving takes longer and is cumbersome. For myself, when I had my bike I'd have to pull my bike out from under the pergola (cars in the garage), either squeeze through the middle or move a car out go back and close the rear roller door. Then gear up. It's a 5-10 minute process to leave home, and probably a couple extra minutes to leave work, more if you're changing. Couple that with weather etc.

        • dealman on 01/12/2017 - 10:49

          Sensible realistic advice.

      • [Deactivated] on 01/12/2017 - 09:52

        "smiles per galleon factor".
        Are you thinking of sailing to work?

        • knk on 01/12/2017 - 15:24

          are you not?

    • kottonclub on 30/11/2017 - 15:23

      agree with c0balt

      I have got the full licence and can basically buy any bike (if I can afford lol) but currently use a CBR250 (low rego). The point I am making is a while when you used to a bike you will not enjoy it as it will not give you that cool vibe which you are after.

      You may feel it slow and not the one which everyone turns their head to see :) but if it is only for going to uni, Yes it may work for you.

      My advice is, first get your licence, I don't know about other states but here in VIC, you need to go for a 2 days course where they let you ride an up to 300 CC bike. This will give you a feel.

  • SPCTRE on 29/11/2017 - 18:52
    +18

    I'm here to convince you to do it 👍
    I ride to work everyday. Works out heaps cheaper then PT and no parking fee.
    Only your gear will cost you a lot if you get the decent stuff.
    Need at least two sets of gear. One for warm/hot days, one for cold/rainy.

    • pegaxs on 29/11/2017 - 19:24
      +17

      I’m here to convince you not to do it. 👎

      While these are well suited for urban commuting in under 80km/h zones, unless you are buying it for the sole reason of commuting, anything outside that is more of a novelty that you will get over quick. They are not a really well selling bike and a quick look at online sales sites will show a lot of these for sale with very very low Km on them. People buy them because they look like legal pit bikes. They are no good on the open road and are fairly gutless.

      I have ridden both the Grom and the Z125 and both are underwhelming as road bikes but awesome at short distance commuting. If you have a need for a scooter but don’t want to be seen on a scooter, get one of these. If you want a bike to go blasting around the hills on the weekend and doing rides outside urban areas, don’t do it. If you think they look cool and want one because it looks like a legal pit bike, you will get bored quickly when you realise that the coppers don’t really care about legal bikes as much as you thought.

      I would sooner spend my money into a used 450 Super motard. A lot more go in them and pwning guys on 1000cc sports bikes in traffic and through the twisties makes you laugh so hard.

      Alternatives to these bikes also exist and are all virtually the same. You will get people on here sprouting garbage about each model, but for the average rider, it means nothing and is more about brand loyality.

      Kawasaki Z125
      Braap Urban
      Benelli TNT 125

      • SPCTRE on 29/11/2017 - 19:34
        +8

        Sorry I should made it more clear, I'm here to convince them to start riding, not so much with buying a grom.
        I personally think the grom is under power.

        • pegaxs on 29/11/2017 - 20:15
          +4

          I'm here to convince them to start riding…

          Then here you go. Have my upvote! We need more people riding.

          Ps: I really like the Grom style bikes and if I could justify owning one, I would have a garage full. :D

      • inittobinit on 29/11/2017 - 20:33
        +1

        That would be its exact purpose: urban commuting <80km/h and zipping through back streets on the way home.

        I definitely get the vibe that this is a bike that is generally progressed past quite quickly, however I don't think my riding preference would ever evolve past this as i could never see myself riding anything other than short trips to work and uni.

        Thanks for the recommendations will look into them.

      • Third_Gear on 29/11/2017 - 21:13
        +2

        Yes!! Motard FTW. Best urban bike style and so much fun in the hills. Had a SMC 690 and wow…it was awesome.

        Stay away from the Grom. They are small and dangerous as it is harder for other drivers to see you. Get something 250cc min. Used. Not new.

      • Cyphar on 30/11/2017 - 17:08
        -1

        I would sooner spend my money into a used 450 Super motard. A lot more go in them and pwning guys on 1000cc sports bikes in traffic and through the twisties makes you laugh so hard.

        Yeah but if you're not acting like a fkn moron on the roads, this isn't something you'd be doing anyway.

        • pegaxs on 30/11/2017 - 22:33

          A super motard will out manoeuvre a superbike in traffic. Lane filtering on a motard is fun and it’s like it’s almost built for that sole reason. Doing it on a 1000cc superbike is the opposite. It’s doable, but no where near as nimble as the motard.

          As for going through the twisties and beating out much larger sports bikes is also a lot of fun. The look on a superbikers face at the rest stop when they think they have gapped you in the winding section, only to pull up beside them is priceless. Or to get to the rest stop first and get your helmet off before they even arrive is just as priceless.

          So, I beg to differ. Lane filtering is “legal”. Riding my motorbike through the mountains is “legal”. Neither of these things are “moronic”. The only morons on my work commute are the arse hat cagers in their sound proof glass and metal box updating their Facebook. Which, ironically enough, IS illegal…

          Are there morons on the road? Yes! Are these two activities moronic just because you can do them on a bike, no.

          So, I’m kind of missing the point your trying to convey…

        • Cyphar on 30/11/2017 - 22:37
          -4

          Now there's some elitist bullshit if I've ever read it. Didn't think that existed among bikers, and I've been riding motorbikes for 20+ years.

          Anyway, quite a weak argument but whatever helps you sleep at night, I guess.

        • pegaxs on 01/12/2017 - 18:57

          @Cyphar: And your comment is still vague. There is nothing elitist about it.

          Ok, since you validated your opinion by giving me some "I've been riding for XX years…" (like that makes a difference…)

          I’ve been riding motor bikes since before I even got on a bicycle. I raced bikes in my youth and as soon as I got my license, I started riding on the road. I’m 45 now, so that puts me at at least 35+ years on bikes and at least 28 on the road. I have ridden almost every conceivable bike you can buy. Road bikes, dual sport, cruisers, super sport, naked, motards, dirt, you name it, I've had my arse on it. I currently own a CB400, a Ducati Monster, a Harley Sportster and a Ducati 999. Sadly I just sold both my Husqvarna SM450R motards. Please don’t make me list every bike I have ever owned. Now, add to this that I have taught road craft and still actively teach riders seeking to improve their road riding. I am also a qualified mechanic and have rebuilt more bikes and prepped more race bikes than most people… So how's that for "I'm better than you because…"

          I live for bikes and the joy of riding. I am tied to no brand, style, type or size, so don’t give me that "elitist" bullshit line. It's sounds more like you've had your ego kicked in by a guy on a motard, and it's ok, it happens to all of us. Just cause you ride a BMW SS1000RRRR, doesn’t mean you can actually pedal it.

          My statement is that a motard would be better for commuting short distances, not only is it easy to handle, it often wipes the floor with much larger bikes. You don’t have to be a moron to be able to get a motard to work in traffic. It just does. On the other hand, a big bore sports bike is not as nimble in traffic. This is fact.

          My statement was also that you can cook guys on bigger bikes on a motard. It isn’t moronic, it's fact. Motards are so easy to ride and handle so well, that even a low skilled rider would have little issue keeping up with "morons" on their litre bikes when the road gets twisty.

          So, at the end of the day, a motard would be a great way and a cheap way for a new rider to get good at riding. High seating position. Very nimble. Great power to weight ratio. Cheap to buy and maintain. There are no down sides to a new rider learning on a motard.

          The only "elitist" crap going on here is you suggesting that motard riders are morons. Ok, ok, I get it, everyone should own an R1 or a GSXR or what ever you and your mates circlejerk to over at the cafe on saturday afternoon, but that type of "man's bike" isn't suited to everyone and every situation.

          So, instead of calling people morons, how about you make a better suggestion based on what OP wants. Instead of making "well, it isn’t a litre hypersports bike, so it's for morons", gives us a suggestion on what's a better option if motards are no good…

        • Cyphar on 01/12/2017 - 19:07
          -5

          @pegaxs: Wow. lol. For a 45 year old, you sure like to talk a lot of shit and done so by making a lot of false assumptions and contradictions. Way to go champ!

        • pegaxs on 01/12/2017 - 19:09

          @Cyphar: It's ok dude. You just keep wearing your fluro yellow over coat and dri-rider jacket, buying up all those cheap CNC parts from China and keep drinking that "R1 bike is best bike" cool-aide ;)

        • Cyphar on 01/12/2017 - 19:38
          -3

          @pegaxs: Kool-aid* If you're trying to be witty, at least get it right. Only proving my point. Attaboy

        • pegaxs on 01/12/2017 - 19:52

          @Cyphar: Your point? Did you even read what OP asked? So far you have had no legitimate contribution to what OP was asking.

          And since you were making assumptions, I thought I would jump on the bandwagon.

          Or you just upset that I described you to a tee? ;)

        • Cyphar on 01/12/2017 - 20:15

          @pegaxs: You couldn't have been any more incorrect if you even tried. But you know what? I'll bite because you clearly haven't taken the hint yet. The fact that almost every sentence you've responded to, you've been incredibly incorrect with it's context. Elitism? Referring to calling those who drive cars "cagers". Me using my 20 years of riding bikes? Read the context. It was to say I had never seen such an attitude in my time. I make no mention of bikes I ride or dislike, yet you class me as a rider of bikes I in fact dislike very much. You just go on like this in your posts.

          You have then gone on 2 separate tangents throwing in such benign BS. You say you're 45 but you have the attitude of an 18yo keyboard warrior. Rather than actually read the words, you've gone and made incorrect assumptions and gotten incredibly worked up over them.

          I was happy to engage in your discussion and even acknowledge you being correct with some of the points, but when you just talk shit the way you did, when you read what you want to read, and not what is actually written, then it becomes problematic.

        • pegaxs on 01/12/2017 - 23:20

          @Cyphar: And yet once again, I have to bust out the crayons…

          You couldn't have been any more incorrect if you even tried.

          I don’t know about that, my original post has received 18 upvotes plus your solitary neg. I must be saying something right…

          I'll bite because you clearly haven't taken the hint yet.

          You'll bite, because even when you're vague and off topic, you still have to be… what ever it is you feel you need to be.

          The fact that almost every sentence you've responded to, you've been incredibly incorrect with it's context.

          This started from your vague and incomprehensible initial response. Something about being moronic? with absolutely no context to "why" you perceived what ever it was as moronic. Added to that, no counter comments to help improve "moron" behaviour. Do you need me to block quote your original comment here as well??

          Elitism? Referring to calling those who drive cars "cagers".

          Referring to car drivers as cagers came later in the thread. Hardly an "elitist" thing. But you know, glad you "finally" put that into context, even though it's still incorrect…

          Me using my 20 years of riding bikes?

          You used it as leverage to prop up that your point of view was more valid simply because of the years you had been riding. Problem is, I've been riding longer, so by your logic, I'm more right??? Otherwise, why mention it at all??

          It was to say I had never seen such an attitude in my time

          Never? In 20+ years of riding? You don’t get on this or any other motorcycle forum very much. Didn't go to the motorcycle expo on last weekend? Christ, the Harley stand was full of elitism. Should have been handing out tissues.

          I make no mention of bikes I ride or dislike

          Then, as I stated above, your post was off topic if it had nothing to do with OP and their question. So you do like motards? Or was it just to troll?

          yet you class me as a rider of bikes I in fact dislike very much.

          Then why are you replying with trash talk. If I was wrong, why not say "Well, the motard is a bad choice because…" Or maybe we should all ride around on high horses like you do?? The rider of a group of bikes you dislike "very much". So, isn’t that a bit "elitist"?? I had to pick between butt hurt R1 rider or cranky old adventure bike rider. These are the two main groups that "dislike" things that aren't in their clique…

          You just go on like this in your posts.

          I didn't make the initial off the cuff, vague, off topic comment… You did :)

          you have the attitude of an 18yo keyboard warrior

          I would rather be informative, factual and back up my comments than to be a vague troll. But you know, you do you…

          I was happy to engage in your discussion and even acknowledge you being correct with some of the points

          Right, I totally believe that. Your initial comment exudes this… What was it again? "if you're not acting like a fkn moron". Off topic, vague and confrontational. Sorry I didn’t get a whole lot of "acknowledge you being correct" from your "fkn moron" comment.

          but when you just talk shit the way you did, when you read what you want to read, and not what is actually written, then it becomes problematic.

          I read what was there. I believe you mentioned the word "moron" to describe what I said. That quote was in reference to chewing sports bike riders up in traffic/twisty roads on a motard. I refuted the "moron" generalisation. And since your comment was not on topic and vague at best, I had no other avenue. Or you know, from my original comment, did you just read what you wanted to read?

      • Crown3d on 30/11/2017 - 22:07

        I disagree, i think they hold there value really well, infact ive been watching these for the last while and they usually get snapped up quickly. I will agree that they sell with low kms, but that is across the board with many L bikes. People usually either realise that riding isnt for them and they sell, or they put a years worth of riding on them and sell for something bigger.

        As for getting one? It would be cool for the first couple of times, but the novelty would wear off. I suggest you get a CB250, TU250 (<— especialy looks really) or one of those cbr/ninja 250/300's.

        Also, consider what others have already said. To ride a motorbike safely with all the PPE its a pita! You gotta do the jacket, gloves, pants, boots. Then you have to carry all that shit with you, on hot days it sucks, on cold days it sucks.

        Riding a motorbike is great fun, but i recon keep it for the weekends pal.

    • inittobinit on 29/11/2017 - 20:29

      How are you finding dealing with the extra set of gear? Do you overheat sitting at the lights in 35C heat?

      I'd imagine hauling around full body gear would be annoying.

      To be honest i probably wouldn't ride in the rain, would just take the car and put up with the traffic.

      • SPCTRE on 29/11/2017 - 21:37

        On 35c days in my textile jacket, I'm still feeling the heat while stationary and hot wind doesn't help either.
        I wouldn't want to try wearing full leather on those days but you can't wear textile all year round either.
        I tried to skimp out on buying another set of gear when I first started but you quickly realise it's not possible to ride all year round with the same gear.

      • [Deactivated] on 30/11/2017 - 22:06

        Until you have ridden to work in the morning and then suddenly the weather change in the afternoon. You NEED wet weather gear of some sort, even if you don't plan on riding in the wet, or prepare to just get soaked and deal with the consequences.

        Don't skimp on gear either.

  • [Deactivated] on 29/11/2017 - 19:07
    +2

    Take a picture of yourself riding one first. Maybe wear a witness protection style wig.

  • [Deactivated] on 29/11/2017 - 19:13
    +2

    Grom doesn't look good fit for a first (road) bike but it looks a fun bike. The rims look too small so rough roads - potholes could be an issue for a new rider.

    Talk to your Dad and go buy a bike, it'll make you a better car driver also.

    • inittobinit on 29/11/2017 - 20:34
      +1

      Good point on the small wheels, although i think a pothole would generally spell disaster for any new rider :P

      And i wouldn't be surprised, driving manual has already exponentially improved my driving skills.

      • [Deactivated] on 29/11/2017 - 20:53
        +1

        Nah tram tracks in the wet are much worse :)

        I love riding —- I don't mind driving.

        • inittobinit on 29/11/2017 - 20:55

          Have witnessed this first hand (on a dry day!) unfortunately, I had no idea bikes would react that way going over tram tracks just by the looking from the footpath.

  • TheBilly on 29/11/2017 - 19:18
    +7

    Bicycle even? 10km is nothing on a bicycle you wouldnt even break a sweat unless it was HOT AF and you will be spending a fraction of the purchasing cost with even less on going

    • Euphemistic on 29/11/2017 - 19:29
      +3

      Plus one for bicycle. Although I can break into a sweat by the end of the street on a bike if you’ve got end of trip facilities (shower, locker etc) bikes are really cheap to run, no rego, parking is easy etc. 5km should be an easy 15min.

    • inittobinit on 29/11/2017 - 20:39

      My only issues with riding to work is that i generally hit the gym straight before every shift and riding really puts a dent in the quality of my workouts for obvious reasons; hence why i do cardio at the end.

      For uni i'm actually considering it as there are showering facilities there too, i just need to investigate the locker situation as its an expensive bike and ive had them stolen before.

      • Euphemistic on 30/11/2017 - 05:37

        Don’t commute on an expensive bike unless you can park it securely. $200 would get you a decent second hand commuter bike.

        • inittobinit on 30/11/2017 - 12:26

          Have had a cheap and nasty daily, i hopped on a good quality bike and swore never to go back.

        • Euphemistic on 30/11/2017 - 12:41

          @ptenkae: but you can get a good quality bike that looks cheap. I do know what you mean about cheap bikes though.

      • TheBilly on 30/11/2017 - 09:38

        If you do go the bike route, get yourself a sold bike/frame/suspension - however suspension not necessary, with a smooth surfaced tyre in 27.5 or 29 (think BMX type tyres) but bigger. Then just have mad fun on your way to and from work, bunny hopping gutters, seats, doing manuals, jumping stairs and kickers etc. and not having to worry about punctures. I went the road bike route, while being fun and really quick I was forever changing tubes and I had to be cautious at every bump and which side of the pathways I would ride. I then changed to smooth tyres on my 29er MTB which was still quick so I got to work efficiently (not as quick as road bike though) but was 10 times more fun as I would just trick at random locations on my way back and forth.

        • inittobinit on 30/11/2017 - 12:27

          This is why i love my my Merida Crossway 300, lockable front forks so i can go gutter jumping or go fast at the twist of a switch!

  • singlemalt72 on 29/11/2017 - 19:36
    +3

    "Will speed up my short commute via lane filtering"
    - Not if you are on L's or P's - filtering is only for fully licenced riders.

    • c0balt on 29/11/2017 - 19:40
      +2

      You got a source for that?

      In Victoria it's fine. Restrictions are only for what power bike you can legally ride. It's much safer to be at the front of traffic where you can be seen, so it seems counter intuitive to me that a state would restrict a safe riding practice like that. Maybe a money grabbing state like NSW would pull that BS, but I can't see any other state pulling something like that.

    • shadowarrior on 30/11/2017 - 02:22
      +5

      Ls or Ps, laws or no laws, the last thing I'd advice any new motorbike rider is to try lane filtering. Learn to ride normally first, think about lane filtering later. All it will take is half way through the filtering process the light goes green with OP beside a bus/truck/van to freak him out.

      • Zondor on 30/11/2017 - 16:14

        Not to mention a slight drop can dent someones car and lead to big $$$$ for repairs.

  • GetOffMyUnicorn on 29/11/2017 - 19:49

    Don't Start Riding/Buy a Honda Grom. There, all done.

  • Peace Maker on 29/11/2017 - 20:25
    +2

    Get a motorcycle but not a grom. Heaps of far better Lams bikes out there.

    • inittobinit on 29/11/2017 - 20:40

      Are there bikes of similar size out there worth considering?

      Performance is way down on the priority list with ease of use at the top.

      • [Deactivated] on 29/11/2017 - 21:05
        +1

        yep but you asked the wrong question to begin with

        What in you opinion is a good lams/starter bike

        Not should I get a bike - they be scary…

      • Peace Maker on 29/11/2017 - 23:06

        My opinion is that smaller doesn't equal ease of use. As others suggested, a motorcycle of a proper proportion is a more practical. The grom trend of motorcycles is just a fashionable thing at the moment. It will grow old real quick. At the end of the day you can always sell it and be happy you tried it. There is a bum for every seat which explains so many different genres of bikes at the moment. I had 4 different bikes in my first 12 months of riding. All part of the experience.

      • SydStrand on 30/11/2017 - 17:22

        Are there bikes of similar size out there worth considering?

        Why are you deadset on this size? It doesn't make parking any easier, and handling-wise, it's probably far less stable. It's a hair better than a monkey bike, just get a cheapy 2nd hand CBR 125 or something with a relaxed riding position. It's a more sensible bike and usually plenty on the aftermarket because lots of people outgrow them as starter bikes.

  • rambutann on 29/11/2017 - 21:28
    +3

    I had a 2012 Honda CBR125R. Would probably recommend this over the grom simply because it can do 100kph on city freeways if you need to. This is mainly due to the better aerodynamics and having an actual radiator to cool the thing down.

    It used between 2.5-3L per 100km.

    I would 100% recommend going for a motorbike though. 10km on a bicycle is easy but its kind of at the distance where its annoyingly long for every day commuting. I've now got a Suzuki V-Strom 650 as I took the CBR125R around Tasmania and from Melbourne to Adelaide and back.. And felt like I needed a littttle more power.. Bearing in mind I do not have a car so that changes things a little.

    I know the grom seems appealing.. And I'd totally own one if rego was cheaper.. But I just think that the CBR125R is a better option. I've contemplated going back to it on a million occasions but I enjoy going out into the country during summer.

    • arescarti42 on 30/11/2017 - 15:03

      I'm inclined to second this.

      I bought a 2007 Honda CBR125R with the exact purpose of riding to uni to avoid parking, and it could manage 100-110 on the freeway with a bit of coaxing. I'm 189cm tall and ~90kg, and I found it comfortable and fun to ride. I also eventually got a 2012 Yamaha YZF-R15, which was great as well, and a Suzuki GS400. While the Suzuki was loads more powerful, around the city I actually found the smaller bikes loads more fun.

      One other thing to consider is where to put your helmet and jacket when you get to uni. My CBR125R and GS400 had racks with lockable top-boxes, which would fit my gloves, jacket and helmet while i was in class.

  • shadowarrior on 30/11/2017 - 02:23

    VTR250, find one, and learn riding on it. Its forgiving for learners, and has enough oomph to work as a weekend ride.

  • Orange182 on 30/11/2017 - 08:00
    +2

    I have a Grom and a KTM Superduke, and honestly the Grom is so much fun. You can’t really just judge it by looking at the specs, you really have to ride one to enjoy it. The Grom will easily do 200k on a 5 litre tank of fuel, even if your flat everywhere. I ride it to work sometimes and it’s fine to commute on in 80 zones. It’s fine for filtering, pulls away from traffic unless someone is really getting up it in there car.

    Sure there are better LAMS bikes out there, KTM 390, MT07, etc, but the Grom is all about loving that particular kind of bike. If you think they are cool, it will do what you want from it no worries.

    I did a motogymkhana recently on the Grom and it really was so much fun in that low speed Motorsport sort of environment. That’s what it’s like on the streets, so manoeuvrable. It also gets a hell of a lot of positive attention. I didn’t realise anybody didn’t think they were cool 😂

    • inittobinit on 30/11/2017 - 12:33

      How could anyone not think they're cool!

      With 100% objectivity i'd have to agree there would definitely be a myriad of vastly better LAMS options but yeah the GROM is unique.

      I've watched a few go-pro drive arounds on groms and the amount of people coming over asking about is cool, you must have lots of conversations with strangers too!

      • Orange182 on 30/11/2017 - 13:09

        I’ll go for a ride with my wife, me on the Superduke and her on the Grom, all of 5 foot tall and blond pony tail, and it’s funny to watch all the people pointing and staring.

  • pjetson on 30/11/2017 - 08:58

    "Honda Grom"? Seems like they were really scraping the bottom of the barrel when they came up with that name…

  • shaybisc on 30/11/2017 - 09:11
    +1

    Do you drive a manual car? This thing has a clutch, gears.

    • inittobinit on 30/11/2017 - 12:33
      +1

      Yes, have been driving manual for a few months now.

  • Speckled Jim on 30/11/2017 - 09:16

    Grom has many Chinese imitators. That devalues it for me.

    At over 6ft, I'd also need something physically larger for comfort. Hyo GT250, VTR or Spada.

    Grom might be ideal as a second (novelty) bike.

    • inittobinit on 30/11/2017 - 12:34

      Just looked into it, the ripoff looks cool and is 150cc.

      Too bad they aren't available here?

      • Speckled Jim on 01/12/2017 - 08:56

        Count us lucky.

        I'd say the Honda is better x4. Only advantage with the others is variety of styles, off road/EV and price. They have a place; crowded, narrow laneways of Europe and Asia as opposed to 70-80 zones on multi-lane tarmac.

        On quality of fasteners alone, I wouldn't touch one. Last thing you want is forks/swingarm/wheel coming adrift. Then there's electrics…

  • theHMASfriendship on 30/11/2017 - 10:12
    +1

    Grom it.

  • theya on 30/11/2017 - 10:22
    +2

    Well as someone who recently went through a similar experience let me chime in with my 2 cents

    Riding gear will expensive. Even more so because you will probably want one set for summer and another for winter. So too will the weather be a hamper (particularly when it's raining)

    A Honda grom will be fairly gutless, though it's really up to you. I'm sure you would be able to test drive one (as well as trying other bikes too). I too want to get a grom. But it wasn't really the best in my situation it's more for urban commuting, don't expect to be able to go out on a road trip around Australia with one.

    Getting your license will take a while. Especially now that they have added a bit of stuff to the licensing procedure since I got mine. If you do want to get a bike license don't wait around start looking how to do it now.

    Personally I didn't end up riding for my commute. I live out in the country and commute 65km to uni in Melbourne 2/3 times a week. It really came down to that I didn't think the extra risk of inclement weather, dodgy roads, increased risk of accidents was worth it. And for me its a long trip to uni either way whether I'm in a bike or car And I'm often leaving early in the morning and coming back tired late at night.

    A tip that I never realised till I tried riding for the first time was, especially for me as a rather small guy, motorbikes are heavy. Not a problem once you are moving, I have a fairly light bike relative to most road bikes and manoeuvring it around while parking or trying to lift it if I've dropped it really requires every ounce of strength I can muster. (Another reason I want a grom, I never got a grom because it hadn't come out in Australia then)

    Despite all I said. Go for it. It's fun and you cut down on your commute time and once you've paid your gear off you'll be saving money on rego and fuel and parking compared to owning a car If I recall correctly the grom isn't that expensive, nor really are many of the typical beginner friendly 250cc bikes, a lot of people seem to buy bikes then realise they don't actually ride that much and then sell them again.

    • eXo on 30/11/2017 - 11:26

      what he said! I now recall having to build my leg and back strength up to move me around but over time you will grow strong

    • ItsMeAgro on 30/11/2017 - 15:12

      Yeah, honestly the main challenges he won't be anticipating are:

      • Getting the license is expensive and takes ages

      • Your gear is expensive and a pain to change into and out of

      • Brand new prices are much higher in comparison to used prices due to people buying them and then getting bored (more than happens with cars)

      • gmatht on 02/12/2017 - 10:23

        TL;DR. So… your advice is to buy a dirt cheap one month old Grom? :P

        • theya on 03/12/2017 - 09:17

          I guess so :)

  • Orange182 on 30/11/2017 - 11:23

    In Queensland at least, you just do the two day pre-learner course and then 3 months later you do the one day RE course, and that’s all your ever need if you just want to Grom it to Uni. I took a postie bike from Cairns to the tip of Australia and back again, and it has way less power then a Grom. If you want to do something, you can do it. Bit since you have already said it’s just for Uni, I think it would be well suited, if that bike appeals to you.

    If other LAMS bikes appeal to you then it’s really just about personal preference. If you own it for 12 months and really love motorcycling and want to start riding on the weekend in the twisters etc, you might want a different bike, but plenty of people do everything on their Grom.

    If your into the social side of it, there are many Grom groups that go for cruises at night etc.

  • eXo on 30/11/2017 - 11:25
    -1

    Riding gear average from top to bottom will set you back about $2k ($1.5k if you import from US), that includes half decent helmet, jacket, matching pants, boots and socks.

    Anything cheaper and you may as well ride naked, you literally get what you pay for so don't cheap out unless removing gravel off your skin is your thing.

    The bike itself is handy to get around in and good for what you need, just don't get cocky cause thats how riders die (I've been a 20yrs full time rider day in/day out)

    You have to be a 'give way' rider for your first 2 years just to get a feel for road experience and learning drivers habits, after that you will get a pretty good idea on what you really want. But if it's for cost saving then all good.

    Just remember where you save in $$ you make up for in servicing and tyres, and the golden rule with bikes is you get what you pay for, so never cheap out.. ever.

    • [Deactivated] on 30/11/2017 - 12:00
      +1

      I think the Grom accepts cheap bunnings trolley tires.

      • pegaxs on 30/11/2017 - 22:44

        Yeah… I’m gonna have to skip on that one… but when you change your Grom tyres with Bunnings wheelbarrow ones, please be sure to video your rides….

  • Orange182 on 30/11/2017 - 12:22
    +3

    I bought an AGV helmet for $350, a dririder jacket for $199 and some gloves for $100, I ride in work slacks and work boots. I don’t have an issue with it and have been riding since I first got my license when I was 17 (25 Year’s).

    2k is crazy to say that’s a minimum. Even if I wanted to add some pants, they would only be $200, and some boots would be $200. Seriously though, you can get decent 2nd hand stuff too, alpinestars boots can be had for less then $100 never worn.

    My one rule with secondhand is I never buy 2nd hand helmets.

    Obviously living in Melbourne your going to need some winter gear too, but even 2 jackets, winter and summer gloves, pants, boots and a helmet isn’t going to be 2,000.

    • snook on 30/11/2017 - 12:56
      +1

      Nah, new people spend like $100 on a helmet and buy the cheapest stuff they can.

      Only older people that can afford quality buy quality. I bought a carbon fibre helmet and someone said whoa, how much was that and i said … pretty cheap really, only like 5-600 dollars. The look on their faces said it all. They have $100 helmets.

      • Gronk on 30/11/2017 - 13:26

        As the saying goes, $100 helmet, $100 head.

        My daily kit would cost me $3000 to replace, the helmet was $850 alone and it's my 2nd one…

        • Orange182 on 30/11/2017 - 13:33
          +4

          Which is a saying from the 70’s. All helmets have to comply with Australian standards, which are strict. The fact is you buy a helmet to suit the use. I wouldn’t track day in a cheap helmet, but doing 50 or 60 through traffic on a Grom, and I doubt one helmet would really save you any better over another one.

          Your really paying for lightness, quietness, comfort and more features when you pay more, not necessarily more crash protection.

        • Gronk on 30/11/2017 - 14:55
          -1

          @Orange182:

          I want to see this $100 helmet from the 70's, because back then $100 would have been a hell of a lot of money :D

          All helmets have to comply with Australian standards, which are strict.

          If you're buying at a bricks and mortar store, yes, because there are federal laws which restrict the sale of non AU / NZ standard helmets in Australia. But if you're buying online, you need to check yourself that the helmet either adheres to AU / NZ or EU safety standards.

          Your really paying for lightness, quietness, comfort and more features when you pay more, not necessarily more crash protection.

          I agree to an extent, still a believer that a cheaper helmet will produce test results closer to the 'fail' end of the spectrum than a more expensive model.

        • Orange182 on 30/11/2017 - 15:01
          +1

          ive always worn AGV helmets, mainly because when I first started riding I wanted a Troy Corser helmet. But my current one is a K3 and it’s probably the best helmet I’ve had even when spending a lot more. $350 is a very reasonable amount of money I think.

          A friend recently started riding, he had the $100 RXT helmet, it seems reasonable, but he ended up upgrading after 6 months because he liked some features in my helmet, quieter, internal sun visor and euro buckle.

        • Gronk on 30/11/2017 - 16:19

          @Orange182:

          My first helmet was a Shark, at the time I was only riding on weekends so it did the job just fine, but when I started riding 5 - 7 days a week I wanted something lighter with an integrated visor - because carrying a spare tinted visor 'just in case' isn't always convenient..

          Currently tossing up whether to go with a 3rd Shoei GT-Air or lash out and try something new…

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