Mini Moto Madness: Honda Grom vs Kawasaki Z125 Pro vs Honda Monkey | On Two Wheels

Boredom. The number one threat to any office environment. It can strike anywhere, and anytime. Thankfully, with a fleet of shiny new motorcycles in the garage, the cure is a twist of the throttle away for the On Two Wheels crew…or so they think.
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What begins as an adrenaline-fueled plan to melt knee pucks on what Morgan Gales and Adam Waheed assume are liter-and-above-sized sportbikes morphs into a less palatable mission. Justin Dawes dupes them by lining up a trio of budget-friendly 125cc streetbikes from Honda and Kawasaki beside the tantalizing 180-some horsepower rockets.
True, these eighth-liter playbikes offer a mere sliver of the performance of the asphalt-hugging superbikes, the boys have to choose between these pint-sized sub-$4,200 machines or certain boredom. It’s an easy decision…
Gales and Dawes saddle up on the Hondas, with Morgan riding the more sporty Cherry Red Grom and Justin on the throwback, yet still very bespoke, Monkey in Pearl Nebular Red. Because nothing says “look at me” like a Lamborghini orange-painted motorcycle, Waheed naturally gravitates toward Kawasaki’s Candy Steel Furnace Orange Z125 Pro.
The plan is simple, or so they think: Ride to a racetrack somewhere in Southern California. Could it be Willow Springs International Raceway? Buttonwillow, or Chuckwalla Valley Raceway? Either way the guys are going to have to traverse hundreds of miles of gridlock SoCal traffic and desert to do it. Tune in and see what surprises lay ahead for the On Two Wheels crew.
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Special Thanks: Cardo Systems
Video/edit: Bert Beltran
Photography: Jeff Allen
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[@AbnormalWrench]

Have these guys thought of doing porn? Their acting abilities are perfect for it!

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

Abnormal Wrench The one guy is almost fat enough to be a clothed stunt double for the hedgehog, Ron Jeremy

[@1chienandalou]

They could act better but it’s more traditional this way. (See for example Twist of the Wrist)

[@FeelingENTITLED]

That Morgan looks like Christian Wilde from 'The Wilde Road.' 😆

[@n0madEJ8]

i have an orange z125 just like the one adam was riding and its such a fun little city rider. It brings tons of smiles to my coworkers when i show up at the office and park it right in front of the entrance. Not only does it bring smiles to people it also has inspired some to want to start riding since its such an easy bike to ride. I think i have more pure fun on the streets riding this than i did on a gsx-r600

[@Bert439]

I want to add one to my stable can you do a review?

[@DR4WZ]

Mini motos can definitely inspire non riders to ride. That's exactly what happened to me. Got a Grom in 2018, a year later a Ninja 400, last week just bought myself a 2019 Ninja ZX6R!!

[@tmlhkyfn]

I have a 2017 GROM & a 2018 GROM as well as 2 "full" sized motorcycles; The GROMs always bring an ear to ear grin

[@DR4WZ]

@@tmlhkyfn definitely the Grom has a permanent place in my garage!

[@TheAegisClaw]

This would be great if it wasn't so heavily scripted.

[@wtflip620]

Agreed this is unbearable. Especially with the poor sound quality. Would have been better just uploading raw footage and no dialogue.

[@ReverendNaughty]

Bro, shut the hell up. They're journalists, not actors.

[@TheAegisClaw]

@@ReverendNaughty that's obvious from the quality of the acting!

[@wtflip620]

@@ReverendNaughty I've seen journalists do 10x better. They shouldn't be in front of a camera and iust stay behind their keyboards.

[@jonnycando]

I believe our expectations are just a little too high.....let’s loosen up shall we?

[@carlrobinson5156]

Jesus...did you guys practice holding conversations by talking to a blank wall?

[@davijazzz]

Lol

[@RJBond121]

you..don't? I don't even know how to verbalize right now. Been stuck inside so long

[@vintagerealityvr]

People are hating way too much on this. You guys aren't that bad it's just kind of a cheesy production quality. I guess you got to listen to the fans but personally I would watch more videos just the way this one is

[@JETZcorp]

There needs to be a comparison between the modern Grom class (actual Grom, Monkey, Gromasaki, etc) and some of the 1970s mini enduros that used to be everywhere, and can still be had for cheap. Frankly I think the old minis were better. They tended to have more power but with that fun 2-stroke delivery, they were even lighter, they had awesome style, they were ridiculously reliable and easy to work on, and on top of it all they had genuine off-road capabilities. I would love love LOVE to see a showdown between a 2020 Grom and a 1970 Kawasaki G4 100.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

JETZcorp: TS125, KE175, and one of those funny Hodaka Road Toads that never made it the UK. But stirred an early interest from a Cycle World magazine of the mid 70’s.

[@peterholthoffman]

Definitely! The 1972 Kawasaki G5 100 had a rated top speed of 66 mph and the one we had would do considerably more than that. My SL-125 Honda was fine on the Interstate (of course, the national speed limit then was 55 mph). I have a feeling that changing the exhaust, tinkering with the airbox, and updating the carb would get a lot better performance from these bikes. The horsepower figures for them are more like for 90s than 125s.

[@JETZcorp]

@@peterholthoffman Oh you can easily double the power from them if you did some porting and put on a "good" expansion chamber. The stock configuration is extremely mild even by the standards of that time, let alone what you can do today.

[@dannymacarthur13]

I bet you three all went home after this and had the cheek to tell your partners that you have had a "hard day at work!" Yeah right!

[@dannymacarthur13]

@Bunnyshooter 223 I tell you what my friend, if you too tired someday I will gladly help you by taking your place and you can take a rest day. No no, you do not have to thank me!

[@duckseverywhere8119]

wut. bit harsh, don't you think?

[@shaqattack13]

The outtakes should be the show 👌

[@tracybuckalew2482]

This has to be one of my favorite videos on KZbin. You guys seemed to have a blast, and that is exactly what riding is all about. I just purchased a Honda 2020 Grom a month or so ago, and they are every bit the fun you guy's displayed in your video. Awesome!!!

[@larrycone8821]

That is certainly the kind of fun my buddy and I had when we were kids in the late 60s. His Suzuki 80 vs. my 1964 C-110 Honda 50. Something about riding a small bore bike feels just like you are a kid again. Even as adults we both kept the old bikes and rode them on occasion. Every little hill is again a challenge. Every take-off is a drag race and every ride was and still is just plain fun! I only wish we had helmet communication as we had to makeup sign language and ride close and holler at each other.

[@flobeck832]

1:38 11:20 17:56 Adams laugh keeps both cracking me up and shocking me every time I hear it... 😂

[@Sander_Salamander]

Dead

[@charlie-tangomotors2516]

The dialog was soooo cheezy but some fun bros and some fun bikes were involved so it was still fun to watch. Ha!

[@Pranav19k94]

I have a Honda Navi (a 110cc CVT scooter sold in India loosely based on Honda Grom). Its fun to ride, especially if you ride any normal sized bikes on most days and realise how much fun a mini bike is!

[@plusRpm]

„You meet the nicest people on a Honda.“ The first thing that springs to mind whenever i‘m on a honda

[@MrLaban2]

You needed to add a Honda Super Cub. On that track, it might have beat them all!

[@dainjahrus]

"I'm the pull out king" now that's a gem of a line right there lol!!!

[@patw9175]

This was fun! I like the hosts. I think the it's the editing that's the problem. There's clearly plenty of great fun and banter going on, but we didn't see any of it until the end.

[@johnnyreb86]

It’s more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow!

[@skandix]

What no budget for Acting Classes? Fun review!

[@Spartan375X]

Back in August, I went on a ride with my Grom, an older gentleman on a Monkey, Z125, Zuma 125 scooter and a big bore Grom. The gentleman on the Monkey smoked the rest of the 125's through the mountains and kept up with the big bore Grom.

[@GIGABACHI]

I need a Honda Monkey in my life.👌🤘😎

[@Porsche996driver]

Dude runs over his foot .... “I’m callin’ HR!!” 😆😆😆

[@MN-wf8hr]

Make the bloopers the main part please, so much funnier!

[@Chubby_Lemon]

definitely, only time I cracked up in the whole video

[@jecsah]

We all know what a grom and z125 are. It's been a while since I've see anyone show some other alternatives like the razkull or spade.

[@twotone3471]

Spade would be cheating. It looks like a Grom, but has about 1/3 more power. Spade is about the smallest bike one can own and call it highway capable.

[@brayvdb2191]

What brand is this spade you're talking about?

[@twotone3471]

@@brayvdb2191 Kymco Spade 150i is a pretty sweet bike. 4 valves per cylinder vs the Grom's 2, Fuel Injected, and its a 150 vs a 125.Adds up to a extra 4 hp, and when a Grom only has 8 HP, its a substantial power difference.

[@nonameyet2205]

take a look at the new 2020 yamaha mt125 it looks so good for a 125cc bike

[@twotone3471]

@@nonameyet2205 It looks like a Grom, but its 14 HP motor has my attention. A 6 speed transmission is nice as well. We only get shit bikes here in the US for 125's compared to the EU, due to the ability here to pass a written test and be legal to ride a Fireblade! A 125 here isn't seen as a "Real" motorcycle so there is little demand that the best tech and motors to go into them. The result? Bikes like the Grom, barely able to hold 100 KPH on flat ground, and a continuation of the myth that one needs 500cc or more as a starter bike.

[@SilverScarletSpider]

I want a bike suit but I’m on a tight budget. Can you do a buying guide?

[@fivespeed3026]

Dreamy Buy used, you can get a nice bike for $2500.

[@djnickpeters]

@@fivespeed3026 He's talking about leathers.

[@stopglobalswarming]

Goodwill

[@pmdinaz]

Establish a relationship with your nearest track day group if possible. Of thats out of the question ebay i suppose or keep saving those dollars and find one new in your price range. Happy hunting!

[@sheldondrewett9461]

Find a specific piece you want type it in Google and hit the shopping button , you'll find on eBay or real retail sites with a compare prices button

[@huemungus4269]

Can confirm, doing a skid on a Honda monkey is absolutely deafening. So damn loud

[@Steverinomeister]

You Broke the formula. 2 wheel vehicles = 2 guys.

[@fast95yzf]

Good stuff guys. Everyone was right though, outtakes were the most entertaining. Let the guys wing it a little and this could be great!

[@VVoltz]

Great episode. It was fun to watch but honestly, the outtakes were the funniest to watch. Great compilation of Waheed yawns LOL Here is my 2 cents: have one of the 4 plan everything for the episode and then have the other 3 hosts truly come without any heads up. You can do road trips, camping trips, more comparisons or any shannanigans but that would make this feel more natural, just take out the cursing when editing. Either way, this was great!

[@KawasakiNinjaZX10R26]

Fun video! I wish KTM had a bike like these in the US.

[@KawasakiNinjaZX10R26]

David Miatke Thanks David. I will check it out.

[@mbrad2669]

Amazing seeing full race suit on mini bikes😎

[@tysoncott7402]

good vid fella’s! I have litre bikes but also a Z-125, its a hoot! as you guys showed 👍

[@TopGearNS]

I did a similar shoot out many years back at a fun little industrial lot that allowed a figure 8, thirty five secondish lap course. Riding a 7 hp Honda MB5 50cc 2 stroke I did battle with a Kawasaki GPz750 and a Honda Nighthawk 650. I beat the Nighthawk but lost out ever so slightly to the GPz. The Kawie rider almost lost the front end a couple of times as he said he no way was he gonna loose to a 50 cc " keychain ". Those were the days. The industrial lot no longer allows impromptu races but is still lots of fun having went on to become a cannabis production facility :)

[@sushantkumar7379]

I love these small bike videos! Keep it coming guys.🛴🛴🛵🛵

[@TheImtoomuch]

Those is what motorcycling is all about - FUN!

[@966Mako]

No! I'm the pull out king, I legit only have 3 kids.

[@LNReacts]

FINALLY A NEW OTW EPISODE! now we just need new MC Garage

[@edritchotte6659]

I worked at a Honda/Kawi dealership and we used to do a ride with the Groms/Z125s, even at 6'5" 260lbs, you could see the grin through my full face helmet when we would get back.

[@tomw5334]

Seems like after a failed reboot, they decided to nix any more episodes and focus on MC Commute?

[@PEZ1514]

That one guy looks like a 40 yr old Patrick Mahomes LMAO

[@mopedmessiah]

The 701 really only probably made up those seconds through maybe the faster chacades, but mostly the straight entirely 😂

[@doug6281]

great vid guys, its the z125 for me.

[@temptingfate759]

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry...but I was entertained....🤣

[@aeror115]

Jupp this is the normal grom life... riding full throttle and talking to some good friends 🤘😂 Have a great weekend guys

[@CVarden]

The outtakes are so much more enjoyable. Please skip the script next time and let the boys be.

[@williamkerry2626]

Best vid with the new crew yet. Good job guys...

[@MotorcyclistMag]

thanks!

[@rogerdecosta2985]

Really enjoyed this episode seen a bunch of big guys on groms. Like I was and my son October of last year Both of our groms got stolen. And the police have not found them. But we don't have the money to replace them. But that was the best little bike I've ever owned. Mine was stretched lowered everything my sons had exhaust on it. I miss that little bike. But anyway, really enjoyed the episode.

[@Dowent]

I hope the end was just foreshadowing more MC Garage videos in the pipeline :) . I really need to improve, spent most of yesterday just changing the tires and doing the brakes. I thought I'll get it done during morning and spend the rest riding :( .

[@Allagi22]

These look like so much fun. I really want to convince my friends to get one of these and then we can roll up like we're hot shit on these little motorcycles. So many shenanigans are possible

[@dbwindhorst1]

I often think about adding a mini to the garage, because video reviews typically make them look like a lot of fun. But unless I want to go kart-track racing, I can't really figure out where I'd ride one nearby that would actually *be* much fun.

[@crypticreality8484]

the neighborhood my dude. Hooliganism is a thing.

[@dbwindhorst1]

@@crypticreality8484 And since I made that comment, I've moved from the country to a neighborhood, and picked up a Z125 for riding in the city. 😁 There's also a kart track nearby.

[@crypticreality8484]

@@dbwindhorst1 haha. Awesome

[@urf808]

Them little bikes are traffic Kings. BUTT, BBK that adds another 20hp really needed, Light kit, Forward light bar, higher rear set, with the right bbk you will do 14s on the 1/4 mile.

[@stuwest3653]

Aerodynamic leathers when you're 3 feet wide.

[@TD402dd]

It's a good post, but the need for a full size 125cc bike is almost here. Those bikes have a top speed of 80 mph, so you can move around in normal situations. It's amazing the 300-400 series of sport bikes have a top speed of 105-115 mph, but people put them down. We must get over needing a 1000cc sport bike.

[@mastersuprizo3626]

I like this motorcycle channel bcoz this channel is not always about the bigger bike but also have content about mini bike..great videos guys..keep it up👍💪

[@jeffcard3623]

I think your job looks like more fun than mine...

[@lvcsslacker]

"I'm the pull out king." Oh...

[@Buck1954]

The guy in the blue suit looks like a Ninja Turtle

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

I've rode the z125 and the Grom. They are fun but I wouldn't bother with the hwy. They are neighborhood bikes. I don't even like riding them in city traffic. Good learner bikes.

[@jamesking7423]

So I am a big lad that nearly got a grom as my 1st bike (in the uk) didn’t do it and regretted it. About a year later and everyone was buying a grom in 2018 I got one for myself. (Even though I had a 700) I don’t regret it one bit I use it as a daily for work there is a few things people don’t tell you about the grom. As said I am using for work so it is 100% stock but the biggest problem is all my scraps around the corners and pegs down has left a hole in the exhaust. No joke if you are ripping a stock grom around town you will soon put a hole into your exhaust. Yes I am treating it like a shitbike that I have no care for racing around every corner but it is great fun.

[@MrWhitelightning73]

This was an awesome video. Had to subscribe ❤

[@JLock_17]

We need more 125cc bikes in the US, especially cheap ones. I don't know why 50cc mopeds are still popular, but these aren't the #1 go to.

[@DroneStrike1776]

When are we gonna get another On Two Wheels?

[@thomascrownbuerger]

I'm still waiting for the On Two Wheels acting Masterclass.

[@wanderlpnw]

Reminds me of my first bike, a CRF250L. I used to tour on it, my eye constantly in the mirror looking for cars flying towards me.

[@halmaten]

Why I have driving crf250l and it do 75 mph easy

[@Bugside]

One of these would make a great second bike, for giggles

[@rzu7120]

Bugside almighty Or a great fourth bike!

[@MsChrisep]

Thats exactly why i bought my grom.

[@vincentvega4520]

Cool video! You folks brought back the road trip fun videos! Need to do more videos like these. Got to do a dual purpose bike (250cc) adventure with overnight camping...

[@i_read_bad_reviews]

That big dude In that getup tho

[@thecam0073]

Those outfits are the crime. It’s like going to Starbucks when the spandex tour de france is there. OUCH MY EYES!!!

[@magicoddeffect]

You wouldn't be complaining about it unless you were looking.

[@patrickdumont8670]

Awesome lineup !!!

[@davidwendel6080]

This is my road, lol, I ride her at least once a month. Yesterday I took the 78 and 79 and finished off on old 74... cb300f

[@jamesoren7238]

So many mixed emotions! On the one hand the Gromkhana videos were so so good and surely the grom novalty is well and truly worn off in 2020... But at the same time... what a blast lol

[@Marco-cl9pb]

It's a motorcycle, that's enough.

[@shukriaidil7505]

The video is getting better. Keep improving guys.

[@mitchellnix5274]

More fun than a sports bike any day 😁

[@staninjapan07]

Fin bikes. As good as a scooter of equivalent size, and probably better, for getting through the traffic and making the commute fun.

[@srrtbb]

How tall are you micheal? I'm 5'5" 155 lbs with 28.5 inseam and do you have custom suit? I'm a poor noob and it is really hard to find leather for me and my budget. I found joe rocket 2 piece leather. Will see what motorcycle/ dual sport I decided to get and what's my primary riding before spending money on gear.

[@ktkace]

another GYMNKARNA!? *BENELLI TNT 135 SP HAS ENTERED THE CHAT

[@naterichmond]

Haha! Super fun! Great vid guys! 💪😎👍

[@Praster89]

Where’s that mini track at?

[@izatizatruachhakodesh3069]

Top of the DAY. Lol , that's a lot of fun.

[@gendonbrekele]

is there motogp for mini bikes? i wanna watch

[@gromernaut]

This is why we ride :D - #Gromspiracy spirit all over! Keep doing those "experiments" ^^

[@ender2999]

Jump scare at 1:39

[@mmmasterscross7915]

Great Video! A lot of Fun !

[@davec.3198]

Moral of the story. Do stupid shit with your friends. Just hang out. :)

[@belgianbushrc7934]

We don’t need big bikes, we need small tracks!

[@kennethembalsado6872]

That guys looks like the stay puffed marshmallow man.

[@Supermankev2001]

Have you all bought one yet? They look like way too much fun.

[@theninja001]

Wow, a video every 4-7 months......great job

[@artvertex4152]

As a second or third bike I think a Monkey is the one to have. It has a very distinct toy like personality.

[@nickb3968]

Just watching the bowling ball get it was entertaining.

[@nickb3968]

@Justin Dawes "Sexy bowling ball"- any better?

[@jonnyabrudan]

I want the Grom, I'll take the Grom 😁

[@yoj8549]

@adamwaheed please do another comprehensive sport tire review. Then do the commentary after the day is done. Last time was brilliant you were baked after a full day of adrenaline

[@title214]

Great video. Man do those leathers look uncomfortable!

[@yoojyim9560]

Not moto related, but how do you guys do the voice recording? What ya use?

[@jumpingjewel3104]

I left after the first "new" episode because I was really disapointed... but ive got to say u guys have really really improved

[@sharklegs]

There is no conversation skills in any of these hosts

[@justinhermann9584]

That'll be perfect for when I go riding WITH MY GRANDMA

[@polong99]

No Tnt135?

[@sasbar187]

Fun little bikes for a day out great video

[@TheImtoomuch]

That was awesome! It looks like a ton of fun. This is why I love my Grom!