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

        • Orange182 on 30/11/2017 - 16:33

          @Gronk:

          I wanted a Shark Fogarty replica back in the day, but they didn’t allow them in Australia back then.

          Try the AGV K5 S. Nice helmet. But of course as with all helmets it just depends if it fits your head shape.

        • abb on 30/11/2017 - 17:33

          Here's an analysis of helmet safety vs price. It's not clear-cut. And of course the fit to your individual head is probably quite significant.

          http://blm.io/blog/motorcycle-helmet-safety-price/

        • shadowarrior on 04/12/2017 - 14:19

          @Orange182: I've got an AGV K4 Creature and love it to bits, using it since 2009 :)

  • Gronk on 30/11/2017 - 12:48
    +2

    Riding - Yes, Grom - No.

    I commute on a larger (1300cc) bike, so for me the Grom is comically small to the extent I don't think I'd feel safe because it wouldn't have much in the way of power and the seat is quite low so you probably wouldn't be able to see over the roof of the car(s) in front of you.

    I'd definitely make a point of test-riding one along with a few other bikes before you take the plunge and buy something, if you do hit the button - buy good quality gear.

    • inittobinit on 30/11/2017 - 12:55
      +1

      Smart advice for sure.

      Will get my license, during which i'll be on a 250cc something im guessing, then test ride something else + a grom before i decide.

    • pegaxs on 30/11/2017 - 22:47
      +1

      Don’t know who or why you got the downvote, but that’s some really solid advice on why not to get a Grom. Power to pull away if needed is seriously lacking and it is a very small bike to be seen on and to see over things…

      So, here, have an upvote to bring you back to square. :)

      • Speckled Jim on 01/12/2017 - 09:00
        +1

        And +1 cos ATM cos I fancy the GS500F.

      • Gronk on 01/12/2017 - 12:56

        So, here, have an upvote to bring you back to square. :)

        Cheers bud, I don't take downvotes personally anyway

        And +1 cos ATM cos I fancy the GS500F.

        That's more like it, my first ever bike was a CB400 but they can be a bit pricey for a first bike ;)

  • snook on 30/11/2017 - 12:54
    +1

    If you have to go on any expressway type roads, the grom will be so painful, you'll want to throw it over the side.

    If you're doing a full traffic urban commute, it will be fine.

    I have 150 scooter that shits all over the grom. I looked at the grom but they are too underpowered. I don't travel on any expressway type road and i wouldn't use the scooter on one either. I also have an 821 Ducati Monster … but it ain't great in traffic. Handlebars are too wide and it just wants to go faster, faster, faster.

    • FickleRick on 30/11/2017 - 12:58

      A decent size scooter is a great option for such a short commute.
      Just so easy to ride with no clutch!
      Comfortable, more weather protection than a naked, lower maintenance costs, useful STORAGE!, insurance may be lower.

  • Orange182 on 30/11/2017 - 12:59
    +2

    You will most likely do your course on a cb125.

    • theya on 01/12/2017 - 13:11

      I did mine on a ninja 300

  • Orange182 on 30/11/2017 - 13:04
    +1

    You really need to decide for yourself though, you will get a thousand opinions on why a Hyabusa is better to commute on then a Grom etc, but it’s just all other people’s opinion.

    Fact is, if your going to just be in 60 and 80 zones, and you think they look cool, then I think it would suit just fine.

    Lots of learner schools even have Groms to learn on now, because the Grom is getting a lot of people into riding, they are starting to have them to learn on. Maybe ring around a couple schools and see if they have a Grom. My wife did hers at Honda advanced rider training (HART) and she got to use a Grom.

    • inittobinit on 30/11/2017 - 13:10
      +1

      This is very true.

      Everybody's perspective and also needs will forever vary.

      That's interesting that they use them at schools, makes sense i guess.

      How much was it? I think i looked at HART and it was $400 which seemed excessive, was thinking about going to RideTek MTA but unsure how much it costs these days.

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

        HART is 350 during the week and 400 on weekends for the pre-learner course. That’s about the going rate now. Its a shame they have made it much more expensive now with the addition of the pre-leaner course, but it’s good for someone that never ridden. They really walk you through it.

        • inittobinit on 01/12/2017 - 09:20

          Are you in VIC? I just tried to book and the price shot up to 500 during the week!

  • shonin on 30/11/2017 - 13:16
    -4

    Reasons for not buying a grom: dignity, self respect/worth/esteem. status, appeal, attractiveness, honour and decency.

    Get a real motorcycle.

    • pegaxs on 30/11/2017 - 22:49
      +1

      And let me guess… your suggestion on what a real bike is involves the words “thousand” and/or “Harley”

  • Orange182 on 30/11/2017 - 13:28
    +1

    I was just looking at the fact you have a 10km round trip 3 days a week, a Grom uses about 4.5 litres to do 200k. So your looking at about $6 of fuel every 6 or 7 weeks, plus saving $18 a week in parking. Seems a no brainer 😆

    All the learner schools generally have gear they sell too. Usually motodry jackets and gloves and RXT helmets. They will sell you a beginner pack of gloves, jacket and helmet for $300. Not the best gear, but I know plenty of people that ride with that stuff. It all has to pass Australian standard, which on helmets is some of the strictest in the world. Most people I know, buy the cheap stuff and start riding, and if they want to continue with it slowly start upgrading their gear.

    Your going to be doing 50 or 60 through traffic for 5 km, you don’t need full leathers that’s for sure.

  • resisting the urge on 30/11/2017 - 13:41
    -4

    "Convince Me Not to Start Riding…"

    Easy. Do the risk calculation. Commuting on 2 wheels is for most people, a temporary activity for many bad reasons.

    Not that I'm against it. It's just that you have inadequate protection from too many idiots. Many I've known on 2 wheels are no longer on any.

    Including the one who said, I only ride on the weekends, never in the commuter traffic…

    • FickleRick on 30/11/2017 - 14:35
      +2

      A lot of this falls to the attitude of the rider, it's why you have to go to a class, they drill good habit into you. You will meet young kids off the farm that can ride like champions but the behaviors to keep yourself safe are key to survival :)

      • resisting the urge on 30/11/2017 - 15:21
        +1

        Fair comment, plenty of idiots out there riding bikes and driving cars alike.

        But I'd go out on a limb and say bike riders are, on the whole, more observant- and plainly better.

        But run the risk calc without any fault of your own, ie only for accidents where other vehicles were the cause.

        It remains a rotten chance for a rider. Just ask a paramedic, or an intern in Emergency

        Skillz mean very little when someone in a Prado fails to see your ass or chaos happens ahead and they all start going at it like pin-balls.

      • SydStrand on 30/11/2017 - 17:31
        +1

        Your attitude is only half of the equation. You can be the safest and most alert rider around and still get pasted by some moron who doesn't look. I've done cross country SEA and SA and never had any major accidents, but here? I've come real close to being killed by a kid on their phone.

  • Orange182 on 30/11/2017 - 13:54
    +7

    My best advice for any rider is, you never have right of way, and treat everyone as if they haven’t seen you.

    Also just because it’s illegal, doesn’t mean it isn’t safe, if you want to get away from a situation, just do it, speed away or filter up a bike lane, or whatever, just remove yourself from the situation if you think that’s what’s best.

    • pikespeak77 on 30/11/2017 - 14:37
      +5

      Truer words were never written.
      On a motorcycle even if you are in the right, you have a solid chance of being dead right.

      Also, road rage is never worth it, get as angry as you want, just do not do it on the road and don't direct it at someone in a 2ton metal brick. When someone comes into your lane, almost clips you, just pull over and breathe, scream into your helmet if it helps to decompress before you get back on, you don't need to be distracted.

    • abb on 30/11/2017 - 17:35
      +1

      My rule is "everyone else is actively trying to kill you"

  • OzzyOzbourne on 30/11/2017 - 14:06

    You could die.

  • Shiny Mew on 30/11/2017 - 14:18
    +2

    '1 of my main cars uses 15.5L/100km'.

    Well, there are two of your problems.

  • pikespeak77 on 30/11/2017 - 14:29
    +7

    I commute on a 2016 Grom, Its F**** AWESOME.
    You will get a lot of keyboard activists saying a lot things about tiny bikes, but honestly I love it, some days knowing I get to get out of bed and jump on it keeps me going!
    I have ridden a handful of bikes and by no means am I a street rossie, Its "quick enough" and as a bigger bloke (6'3 90kg) it CAN do 115km/h as per its speedo (105 by my phone) on the flat with no headwind. (uphill all bets are off) it wont wanna do it but in a pinch it can. The grom is absolutely fantastic from 0-80, however 95+ it runs out of puff,

    You may get bored and want something that doesn't play clown music every time you ride it, but if you are, you are kinda missing the point of the grom. If you want a bike that will teach you to ride, teach you how to extract every drop of power out of an engine, how to break and how to turn quickly and just hoon around on I think the grom is just the ticket,

    I often go on group rides and end up swapping the bike with my mates who ride mt07's cbr300's and cx500's because they want to have a go, yeah sure the other bikes leave the grom for dust on the straights (will hold its own in the twisties), but thats not what the bike is about, if you are a bloke who can laugh at him self and just have a ball tooling around, you will find that every time you ride a Grom your face will hurt you smile so much.
    Just remember that it is a motorcycle, everyone in a car hates you and wants to kill you, until proven otherwise and you will stack at some point, so ATGAT.

    Just don't buy one new, they are super cheap on the "grom squad" facebook pages.
    Ps, they are super cheap to fix when you stack it,

    • daewoo on 30/11/2017 - 16:30
      +3

      I also commute on a 2016 Grom - it's a scream to ride.
      - My first bike: A demo Hyosung GT250R (learner bike)
      - My 2nd bike: A new Suzuki GSXR-600 (20-something year old mentality)
      - My current bike: Grom (correct bike for the purpose - commuting through Sydney's horrible roads).

      The Grom is very comfortable in zones up to 80km/h. Although I've had the speedo up to 107km/h, the bike becomes gutless in 90km/h+ zones (a little scary on the M4).

      I advise against buying a small engine Grom 2nd-hand. With a capacity of 125cc, the engines are working hard and would have been thrashed.

      Pay around $3800 new (rather than $2500 2nd hand), and that will come with 12 months rego, new tyres, warranty, no transfer fees, etc…

      • inittobinit on 01/12/2017 - 09:23
        +2

        Good on buying new rather than a thrashed 2nd, found some 2016 models on runout for $2999 out the door!

  • Kozhutki on 30/11/2017 - 15:08

    RoyalJordanian doesn't seem to care! You can also shit on mini drivers while you're at it

    • Orange182 on 30/11/2017 - 16:12
      +1

      That’s a good example of how fast a Grom is, when I filter on mine, I pretty much leave everyone behind, but if one car wants to up it they can keep up

  • [Deactivated] on 30/11/2017 - 17:21
    -4

    http://www.lowcostfuneraldirectorsmelbourne.com.au/

  • Plug on 30/11/2017 - 18:09
    +1

    Bear in mind if you buy all the recommended protective clothing and wear it in the Australian climate you'll sweat like a pig and your chest will end up smelling like your feet.

  • letthiswork1 on 30/11/2017 - 18:23
    +1

    Just do it.

    Grom's are heaps of fun, Through traffic they will be great. Plus they look hilarious

    Most learner bikes struggle past the 100kph speed anyway. Unless you go for the 500's etc.

    I used to drive to work into the city every day. Then i got my licence and a Nnnja 300. Was great so much quicker. Get to enjoy bus lanes, T3 etc.

    I now ride to work on an R1 and its great for lane filtering, Fuel economy not so much :(

  • SpaceNinja on 30/11/2017 - 19:19

    Don't buy a grom buy the tiniest car you can find instead.

  • stumo on 30/11/2017 - 20:47

    Motorcycles require a full rego no? Thats $800pa right there, plus insurance. I would totally E-bike for that short a commute.

  • peterpaoliello on 30/11/2017 - 21:02

    Grom is too small, anything 125 is a toy. I had a Honda VTR250, it's not doubt also a very small CC but you can go out the freeway and stay out of peoples way, and out accelerate cars from the lights, also in the interest of staying out of people way. You can pickup a decent EFI model (Post 2011?) for like $4000 and they hold their value well.

    • inittobinit on 01/12/2017 - 09:32

      I think you would be correct, and i still agree on the value of being able to speed away and get away from trouble, but my commute is so small, infact the roads at 60km/h for 90% of the way with only a short ~1km ride @ 80km/h to uni. I will never go near the freeway.

      • peterpaoliello on 01/12/2017 - 13:50

        Given time I'm quite sure a small trip to the train station will turn into and small trip to the shops which will turn into a small triop to a friends house etc.. And one day you will be stuck taking the backstreet which follow a main road for fear or not wanting to enter the highway/freeway on an underpowered bike.

        For your own safety look at something which is no less than about 30HP and can get to 110Kph convincingly, it's safer, more usable for the odd trip you WILL end up taking out of your normal 1km radius, fuel costs are still negligible, handle cross winds better etc. If you want a bike because you want a GROM i can't talk you out of it, if you want a bike because you want to get around in an economical manner then get something else and not make an already dangerous activity more dangerous.

  • tryagain on 30/11/2017 - 21:09
    +3

    DO IT the old adage of it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow is very true. I am in a similar situation in that I have a postie bike (cheap as well as easy and fun to customise) for the commute to Uni, that's all I use it for. Yes I could get a bigger/faster bike but that would kill most of the fun, if you are like me and just looking at it for the commute then it will be a blast, I watch people ride bigger bikes and potter along in the traffic but I get to squeeze that throttle for all its worth and I have a much bigger smile on my face because of it. The people telling you to get something bigger I almost guarantee use their bikes for far more than you are planning.

    • inittobinit on 01/12/2017 - 09:27
      +2

      Very, very true.

      I think a lot of the people going on about bigger bikes are valid if my uses were the same as theirs but for me i just want to go to uni and go to work. If I have to travel to anywhere else (which is like 10% of the time or less) it'd be by car.

  • Imperial Fire on 30/11/2017 - 21:21
    +1

    People don't see you on a regular size bike. Chances are you'll die

    This comes from someone who loves riding, and would buy a bike again if I didn't have kids and work in Sydney.

    If you do go ahead and buy a motorcycle make sure you don't cheap out on the riding clothes and helmet.

  • DaveHyde on 30/11/2017 - 21:25

    We actually reviewed this bike when it first came out on our YouTube channel. Its a great little bike.
    Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/hS_v61foR2A

    • inittobinit on 01/12/2017 - 09:30

      Great review dude, making the temptation just that much stronger!

  • Noophe on 30/11/2017 - 21:25

    I had my Ls about 10 years ago and let it lapse as I got a new car/job at the same time and lost interest.

    about a month ago i went for my Ls again, the course runs over 2 days (i went to HART in somerton) the test portion was very nerve racking even though i'm a competent rider. half the group failed, the other half (myself included) passed. the very next day i bought my KTM duke 390 2017.

    i started riding it around near my house and cutting laps further and further. i found the hardest part was the slow riding and taking off again etc as i had only really ridden dirt bikes which didnt require and road sense. so having to deal with others as well as the bike is another dynamic.

    you'll be riding the bike just like a car for a long time, saving no time, only money, but money you've lost paying for $500 for the Ls and another 500 for the restricted license + bike and gear.

    my bike was about 7k on the road, my gear (i already had a helmet) was about 2k, close to 3k if you include my helmet. and thats just leathers and jeans, gloves and boots. nothing for the rain or cold, im just making do on 25c days. we've had some 33+ degree days and im doing ok in a 45minute commute

    its a convenience and an inconvenience, weather sucks, getting dressed sucks, carrying gear sucks, saving money is great, saving time is great, having fun is great. its a mixed bag. i really love it so the heat isnt actually bothering me at all

    onto the grom, its tiny and uncomfortable. you take up such little space and not very visible, also they really are gutless for a LAMS bike. unless you dont need to sit above 80.

    in a month i've already done 35 hours of riding and 1600km, if you have any questions feel free to ask

  • lostemma on 30/11/2017 - 21:27
    +1

    Got my bike licence when I started uni almost 30 years ago. Never learnt to drive a car
    I say yes to licence,but a no to the grom.
    As a girl, my first bike was an 80 cc scooter, so I could wear a skirt… wheels were tiny, engine underpowered. I wouldn't recommend that combo. my friends postie bike was much better than my trusty scoot…. and I could still wear a skirt.
    There's plenty of second hand bikes out there that will offer great value and be a great bike to learn on.

    Have fun

  • Lumens on 30/11/2017 - 22:57
    +1

    I own a grom and it’s aweaome 😋

  • ego22 on 30/11/2017 - 23:00
    +2

    my 2 cents… i didnt know what a grom was, but i just watched many vids and googled the crap out of it.. and u should definitely get one! they are cool as shit. i want one now. dont listen to these old farts saying no one will think your cool because its not huge and high powered. because of its size, looks and lack of power makes it cool lol. anyone who is cool and matters will think your cool……… did i mention cool!?

  • Lucky13 on 30/11/2017 - 23:14
    -6

    Hey I'll help you out and start writing your eulogy now.

    He/she was such a sweet person… etc.. until day got motorbike…

  • Gauntlet on 30/11/2017 - 23:28

    Just buy something economical and practical like a Honda cb750. You really can't go wrong with them. I own a Moto Guzzi cruiser and I'm even considering getting one.

  • DBBROS on 01/12/2017 - 00:43
    +1

    I have a Suzuki inazuma 250 which was my only means of transport for an year. The only issue with smaller capacity motorcycles is the weight and handling on motorways. These are basically designed for commuting and so expect everything to be basic. The load capacity will be minimal too. I can guarantee that it will be fun to ride in any urban environment. The rego and insurance cost will be cheap but do expect the service cost to be around $100 or more as the labour costs are more than the cost of spares. One of the main reason that I wouldn't go for the grom is because I will look too big on it being a big guy. You will love the economy and the looks for sure. The hardest part is when you are trying to upgrade to a bigger bike, the resale value wouldn't be that great as it is a smaller displacement motorcycle and many learners prefer a 600 cc motorcycle or something that has a bit more power. I've been struggling to sell mine and still hasn't found a buyer yet.
    If you are after something that is a hoot to ride in the city any naked motorcycle should do, with the Suzuki Sv 650 being my favourite.
    P.S if you really like the grom, just go for it. It is super reliable being a Honda

  • fossilfuel on 01/12/2017 - 03:09
    +4

    Go for your learners course first then see if riding is for you. I'd stick with something bigger than the Grom for your first bike. I did the learners course on a 125cc and thought it was overpowered. Once I got my CBR250R and started riding, it felt so underpowered. For ease of the P's test, I'd got with a naked bike. You can do it on a sport bike but doing the U turn might be a bit of a pain.

    Licence/Rego/Insurance depends on the state. In NSW, my licence is about $24 since I've got my full drivers (Just need a replacement licence). I have a CBR250R and rego is ~$120 and CTP is >~$440, totaling ~$600. Gear costed me a total of $500, I got half priced jackets, pants and boots from Aldi (About $200 all up), dri rider gloves with knuckled protection for $60 approx and went with a HJC helmet that fitted nicely and was dropped from $450 to $200.

    My tips:

    • DON'T IMPULSE BUY A HELMET AND NEVER BUY A HELMET FOR ITS LOOKS. I cannot stress this enough. Find a helmet that FITS first then worry about aesthetics. Here's a guide.
    • NEVER SKIMP ON GEAR and DON'T BUY 2ND HAND. Look for specials/clearance items at your local motorcycle store and make sure they are new.
    • If you're getting your first bike and are not competent in riding (I don't think anyone would be), have someone else test ride it and inspect it and sit on it yourself. See if your feet your touch the ground, handlebar reach, check if the riding position is comfortable etc.
    • Know the market price for the bike you'd like (Model and Year). This gives you room to negotiate the price, could save you an extra hundred or so dollars.
    • NEVER buy an unregistered bike. If there's a bike you really like and it's unregistered, ask the owner to add rego before purchasing.
    • ALWAYS REVS/PPSR check the vehicle before purchasing. Don't trust the owner of the bike, even if he/she appears extremely friendly. Never use an external company or anything that shows up first on google. You shouldn't pay any more than $3.40.
    • If there's a lot of aftermarket stuff attached to the bike, ask the owner for the originals. Weigh up whether it's worth purchasing a bike with aftermarket parts. Aftermarket parts should not increase the value of the bike. The bike I purchased had a lot of aftermarket parts but the price was less than that of a bike with stock parts.

    I think most riders are extremely cautious. Always assume everyone else on the road is an idiot. Most common issue you'll come across is the idiot that didn't indicate to change lanes or the idiot that didn't perform a headcheck before switching lanes. But as long as you're alert at all time, you'll be fine.

    Happy riding!

    • inittobinit on 01/12/2017 - 09:35
      +2

      Very useful advice, thank you!

      • fossilfuel on 03/12/2017 - 00:52

        You're more than welcome mate. PM me if you have any further questions.

  • bigmez on 01/12/2017 - 06:49
    +1

    I don't see the problem with a GROM. I own a 2012 ZX-10R ABS and simply put -for ME commuting on it isn't that great. Let alone the 'maximum' usable power on the roads here.

    Everyone's opinion will differ, end of the day it is the quality of the bike you need to research. I personally love the GROM's. With speed limits often being capped at 80 or 100 on freeways, the GROM will be enough.
    Small, nimble and easy to filter. At least a GROM you know you can floor each gear without killing yourself lol!

    • bigmez on 01/12/2017 - 06:50

      Oh and besides.. Riding on the roads isn't all about power unless you're on the track.

  • myusername on 01/12/2017 - 08:24
    -4

    motorbike rider = temporary citizen

  • kimmik on 01/12/2017 - 08:40

    Do you have a gf?

    If no, get a grom. Chicks love groms. Other bikes too.
    If yes, get a scooter, like a honda pcx. She might want to learn to ride with you.

    Had a ninja 300 and a pcx125, both were excellent. And would recommend.

    Main advise to you is SPEND THE TIME AND MONEY to ride safe. Read lots.

    • inittobinit on 01/12/2017 - 09:37
      +1

      I do and funnily enough she's had her permit (elapsed) and ridden before.

      She got scared off with the whole 'I could actually die doing this' realisation and lost interest.

      Who knows, maybe she'll want to get back into it if she sees a bike this size in the flesh, she rated it when i showed her.

      I don't think i'll show her the scooter, she'd probably disown me!

  • nizzkid on 01/12/2017 - 13:05

    Groms are fun and versatile on short trips, but that's about it. If you have the $$$ spare and don't mind having to continually pay out $$$ on reg, insurance, fuel, maintainance why not.

    My work is @ 10k's also. I have the option of 4 cars, a motor bike (large cruiser), a scooter VS125 or a 1000w ebike.
    If the weather is nice I will ALWAYS take the ebike!
    I would never buy a 250w ebike just not enough power. 1000w is really the minimum.
    I can ride along throttle only at @ 50km/h.
    Can ride ANYWHERE, bike paths, roads ECT…
    With a Topeak MTX trunk bag and rack there is heaps of storage. No on going costs.
    It's really fun to ride, love it.

    I got a battery for $500 and a magic pie vector kit for $500. Slapped it on my old bike and boom. For a $1000 I have done thousands of km/s.

    • lordra on 04/12/2017 - 14:05

      Could you please provide a little more information on this set up please, & how we could explore purchasing opportunities?
      Thank you.

  • dsgfh on 01/12/2017 - 14:11

    10km? Most importantly, what's the fastest road you'll need to take? You do not want a grom anywhere near a freeway. 50kph roads are its happy place I suspect (having not ridden one).

    • inittobinit on 07/12/2017 - 09:32
      • 60km/h max going to work (which is 8 out of 10 commutes)
      • 60km/h for 90% of the way/80km/h for last 10% going to uni.
  • fruitloafer on 01/12/2017 - 14:20

    The GROM doesn't come with ABS, which it absolutely should. While I have had a ton of bikes without it, right now I consider it a lifesaver especially if you're commuting a lot through traffic.

    • inittobinit on 07/12/2017 - 09:30

      2018 model announced with ABS!

  • autolux on 01/12/2017 - 15:25
    +1

    do it. if you're not a serious or experienced rider the grom or any of those learner suitable bikes do the trick, some have great resale as well where you lose next to nothing.

    i doubt i would live in this city if i didnt ride a motorbike as well as have a car. the traffic and parking situation is beyond a joke, and i would have cracked it years ago, but with a motorbike you have zero cares. just ride with common sense, motorcycling is not just a method of commuting, its a zen concentration art…

  • PleasureMe on 01/12/2017 - 15:27

    I ride, so I agree that a motorbike is a good choice, but don't buy a grom. Apart from my view that they look stupid when an adult is riding on them, they can actually be dangerous due to how low you sit. On a real motorbike, you sit higher than most people in their cars. This is important because trust me, people in cars will try and kill you every day that you ride. If you sit up higher, it could give you that extra 1 second of reaction time that could save your life.

  • buy swap sell on 01/12/2017 - 15:32

    I have a Braaap Urban which is a Grom copy

    https://www.braaapmotorcycles.com/collections/urban black

    It's a fun little bike, great around town and awesome fuel economy.

    Down side is too slow on highway and not quite enough grunt up the really steep hills. The other down side is everyone including the police stop you and ask you about the bike

    • inittobinit on 01/12/2017 - 15:45

      Any reason you went the urban over the grom?

      • buy swap sell on 01/12/2017 - 16:14

        Price, I picked up one for just $1400 with 400km on it (yes way under priced). I also like the look of the urban and the CBR dash and led lights looks awesome

  • avgbowlofpho on 01/12/2017 - 16:05

    How tall are you?

  • batfastard on 01/12/2017 - 16:26

    Hayabusa

    You know it makes sense.

  • conradl on 01/12/2017 - 21:58

    If you want a cool way to get around and your ride is only 10klm get GREASER electric bike - https://www.michaelblast.com.au

    There is some awesome reviews here - https://www.michaelblast.com.au/pages/reviews

    Aussie designed and awesome quality to boot!

  • pointy1 on 02/12/2017 - 08:00
    +1

    Ok so here is my 2 cents,

    I own a Grom have done now for over 12 months it's awesome, Love it most fun bike I have ever had (Been riding for over 10 years)

    But, it is underpowered and I wouldn't recommend for learner riders its lack of power can be dangerous. Going @ 80 and being unable to overtake is a problem and could cause risky behaviour in an inexperienced rider.

    I would get something that could do 100km/h as then you can take on freeways. On the Grom only done it a couple of times and it is not fun.Maybe a Ninja 300 or cbr300 it will last you a heap longer.

    Mine was bought purely as a toy and for no real purpose other than a bit of fun, this is the purpose of the Grom pure and simple. Don't get as your primary mode of transport

    In saying all that, I did buy mine within the space of 6 hrs after first seeing one on the street and don't regret the impulse buy, so who am I to tell you not to get one.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/12/2017 - 17:16
      -2

      He already stated that he's using this for a local commute…so I'm unsure why you would focus on highway driving.

      Did you even read the OP's post?

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