The Grom (MSX125) is great for everyone, from beginners who just got their license to veterans who want a second bike. It's been more than a year since the new model was launched, but I'm sure there are many people who still love the old Grom and have no intention of switching to the new one. I myself am very satisfied with my Type 1 (JC61). However, it is also a fact that there are various complaints about the bike as stock. Here, I would like to introduce some recommended custom parts for street and touring, especially for Type 1 and 2 (JC75) users from a fellow owner's perspective.
A pain in the...! Fixing that overly hard stock seat!
KITACO: IDEAL SEAT
If you have ever taken a long trip on a Grom, you must have immediately thought that the stock seat was too hard. Even though it's a 125cc, I'm sure there are a lot of people who want to go on long-distance touring trips, 'cause I'm one of them! However, the stock seat was so hard that it started hurting to sit after about 100km, and I had to go back and forth between sitting and standing because I couldn't sit properly.
The IDEAL SEAT from KITACO is the perfect item to solve that problem in one shot! It is made of a special shock-absorbent gel, making it as comfortable as a sofa. But that doesn't reduce the amount of information from the road surface, or make it slip; this seat has achieved an excellent balance. After replacing my seat with this one, I was able to take a 400km touring trip without any pain!
The handlebar is shaky! How to get rid of those vibrations common with single-cylinder engines!
ENDURANCE: Handle Crossbar D
The single-cylinder engine equipped on the Grom vibrates a lot, and that vibration is transmitted to the handlebar, making it shake constantly. The ENDURANCE Handle Crossbar is a great part that reduces those unpleasant vibrations! (The term handlebar brace may be more common.) At first glance, some may think it is just a dress-up part, but when you actually put it on, you will notice that the vibrations are indeed reduced. Additionally, you can also use it as a smartphone mounting bar, and it gives off a nice custom feel. Take my word for it, I promise you won't be disappointed.
Want to load more cargo? Upping the load capacity!
HURRICANE: Rear Rack
One of the most popular Grom customizations is the addition of a rear rack. With the stock rack, you can't carry any luggage at all, and you have to tour with a backpack on your back at all times. If you add this HURRICANE rear rack, you can use a loading rope to hold your luggage down, or attach a GIVI base to attach a box. You can free yourself from the cumbersome backpack life! You'll get a bigger load capacity and will never want to go back to the way it was. With space for luggage on this commuter rapid you'll be unstoppable!
Customized just for you! Dress-up parts!
Do you see a lot of Groms around town and think that you'd like yours to stand out from the rest? Why not try adding some dress-up parts to it! Here are 3 different parts that we recommend!
HURRICANE: Fender Eliminator Kit
If you think the stock Grom fender is not cool enough, a fender eliminator kit is just the thing you need! This will refresh the rear view and make the Grom look a little bit like a street fighter! But be careful not to splash mud. When you ride at the front of a group when touring after the rain stops, you'll get complaints from the riders behind you.
Are you wondering why we're recommending HURRICANE again? It's because their products are super cost-effective! Compared to large bikes, parts for mini-bikes are much easier on the wallet.
BABYFACE: Axle Cap
As they say, fashion starts from the feet up, right? If you want to outfit your bike with a full ensemble, BABYFACE axle caps are for you! Not just for adding an accent point with colors like gold and red, you'll also get protection for your brake calipers and discs in the event of a fall. If you go to a mini bike course, you'll see a lot of bikes with these on. This is a recommended item for those who want something extra in addition to dress-up.
*You'll need to be able to jack up the bike to install this product.
DAYTONA: Windshield SS
This large windshield made by DAYTONA is both dress-up and practical to the max! It provides amazing wind protection for long-distance touring and winter city riding. You could also go with a meter visor, but I think bigger is better. The comfort level is totally different. But if you are particular about style, the meter visor may be more to your liking.
*This product is designed to be attached to the handlebar.
In summary: Welcome to the Grom Custom Life!
The old Groms are still very popular and a wide variety of custom parts are still available. They are also irreplaceable for those who like the round headlight of the Type 1 and the robot-like face design of the Type 2. In the next article, we will introduce some custom parts for mountain and racetrack riding. If you want to get even more into Grom customizing, come check that out as well.
