9 Great Minimotos for Everyone

[Hugh Janus]

The beauty of a modern minimoto is not the places it’ll take you but how much fun you’ll have getting there. (Jeff Allen /)

Technology was supposed to make everything easier. And while we won’t argue the benefits of smartphones, smart TVs, and smart everything-in-between, there’s no denying that our fast-paced world can leave you feeling a little overwhelmed. The simple things offer a nice change of pace, and in the motorcycling realm, few things are simpler than a minimoto.

What makes the modern minimoto even more special is its ability to reach such a wide audience. Whether you’re looking for a nonintimidating introduction to motorcycling, the perfect campsite commuter, or a lightweight, affordable, and fun bike for running errands, there’s almost certainly a bike out there for you.

Much of the category’s resurgence is, of course, owed to Honda and its ultra-successful Grom. Big Red’s success hasn’t stopped other manufacturers from finding their own way into the class though, and there are now more small-bore options than ever. Below is a look at some of the great street-legal minimotos currently on the market.

Honda Grom

Honda leaned into its small-bore roots to produce the 2014 Grom, simultaneously capturing the hearts of new riders and everyone who grew up riding Trail 70s. Immediate success led to a steady stream of updates to the platform, Honda doing its best to recognize how customers were using the bike and then adjusting the formula accordingly.

Honda’s Grom is the leader of the pack when it comes to minimotos. The latest version is centered on an easily customizable design and refined, 124cc engine. (Honda/)

The third-generation Grom is the perfect example. Honda recognized the aftermarket community being built around the bike and designed this latest version to be easily customizable. Body panels and hardware aren’t just “bold and new,” but designed to be easily removed as you build your version of the perfect Grom.

Other highlights of the third-generation Grom include the recently introduced five-speed transmission, a flat seat that accommodates varying rider heights, sufficiently sized 1.6-gallon fuel tank, and LCD display that keeps the Grom looking fresh in a category that’s all about style.

The 2023 Grom is available as a base model for $3,499, or with ABS (and more stylish Pearl White paint) for $3,799.

Kawasaki Z125 Pro

When the Honda Grom was introduced in 2014, it quickly began encroaching on the sales of small-displacement volume leaders like the Kawasaki Ninja 300. Kawasaki quickly fought back by introducing the Z125 Pro ($3,399) as an early-release 2017 model.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Like the rest of Kawasaki’s naked-bike lineup, the Z125 Pro sports sharp, aggressive lines. (Kawasaki/)

There’s not much a manufacturer can do to distinguish itself from the competition when it comes to bikes that are as compact and simple as a minimoto, but Kawasaki attempted to set itself apart wherever possible. The biggest difference is the engine, which uses an oversquare design compared to the Grom’s undersquare configuration. Theoretically, that oversquare layout (larger bore, shorter stroke) has more power potential, though honestly it’s tough to tell the difference on bikes producing less than 10 hp.

The Z125 Pro has a taller seat height than the Grom (31.7 inches versus 30 inches), which will work in the favor of some, but not others. Another big difference is that the Z125 Pro uses a four-speed transmission, compared to the five- and six-speed transmissions available on competitive models. That hasn’t stopped Kawasaki from taking a piece of the minimoto pie though, and for anyone with an affinity for Team Green, the Z125 Pro is a great addition to the garage.

CFMoto Papio

CFMoto studied the competition closely before coming to market with its lineup of streetbikes, and in the case of the Papio, it’s obvious where the company was getting its inspiration from. The result is a bike that looks just as sporty and fun as the Honda Grom or Kawasaki Z125 Pro, but is available at a lower entry price ($2,999).

With an MSRP of just $2,999, the CFMoto Papio is an equally sporty alternative to the Grom and Z125 Pro. The biggest advantage? A six-speed transmission. (CFMoto/)

The Papio is powered by a 126cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine that puts out a claimed 9 hp and is plenty fun in quick trips around town. A six-speed transmission—the only one in its class—offers easy cruising at higher speeds, while a light clutch pull and smooth power delivery help new riders feel comfortable in their first trips around town.

The Papio’s only real disadvantage is the smaller aftermarket community around it, especially when compared to what’s available for mainstays like the Grom and Z125 Pro. Those who aren’t building a fully custom minimoto will appreciate the Papio for what it is though: a stylish, fun, and most importantly, affordable entry into the minimoto world.

Honda Trail 125

If the Grom was Honda leaning into its small-bore roots, then the Trail 125 is the company putting all of its weight on that minibike history. Park a Trail 125 next to a 1984 Trail 110 and it’s hard to spot the differences, Honda’s design team having almost perfectly matched the lines of the original in their attempt to pluck the heartstrings of anyone familiar with the Trail’s history.

Modern technology meets classic design. Park a Trail 125 (left) beside its predecessor, a 1984 Honda Trail 110 (right), and it’s hard to spot the differences. (Drew Ruiz /)

Even those who don’t have a built-in soft spot for early CTs will appreciate the modern Trail 125. The SUV of today’s minimoto category, the bike is based on Honda’s own Super Cub but with model-specific features that give you the confidence to venture off the beaten path. Things like ground clearance, suspension travel, and low-end torque have all been taken into account. The result is a bike that’s equally fun whether you’re running errands or exploring the outer bounds of your campground. Credit the semi-automatic transmission for making the “running errands” part a much easier task.

No, the Trail 125 won’t replace your adventure bike or enduro-ready dual sport, but at $3,999, it’ll have you smiling as you bounce down nearby fire roads.

Super Cub C125

Honda changed America’s perception of motorcycles and motorcyclists with its “You meet the nicest people on a Honda” campaign, which was built around the then-49cc Super Cub C100. The small-displacement motorcycle was fun, cheap, and didn’t attempt to be tough or badass. Continuously manufactured by Honda since 1958 for numerous world markets, production numbers of the Super Cub have long since surpassed 100 million, making it the highest-selling motor vehicle of all time.

Hidden behind the Super Cub’s classic styling, modern technology offers superb ride quality and convenience for everyday riding. (Honda/)

That’s important to point out, only because the modern Super Cub C125 is built around the same ethos. Featuring classic Super Cub styling with an S-letter silhouette and step-through design, the Super Cub uses Honda’s quiet and fuel-efficient 124cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, fuel injection, a comfortable seat, and ABS brakes. The only real shame is that you can’t share the experience with anyone else; American Honda’s Super Cub C125 ($3,849) doesn’t have passenger accommodations.

Honda Monkey

The Monkey was one of Honda’s first attempts at taking the Grom and updating the design to celebrate legendary minibikes like the Z50A, a bike that helped countless kids get their start in motorcycling. The concept worked, and suddenly there was an even wider audience coming into Honda dealers to look at minimotos. Reliving your childhood is fun, after all.

If looking at the Honda Monkey doesn’t put a smile on your face, then riding one will. This is Honda celebrating its minibike roots, but making sure the experience is as you’d expect from a modern motorcycle. (Honda/)

The Monkey isn’t just a styling exercise, as Honda continues to update the bike alongside its minimoto counterparts. For example, the Monkey shares key engine specs with the current-generation Grom, including a smaller bore and longer stroke (50mm x 63.1mm versus the previous 52.4mm x 57.9mm) for more low- and midrange grunt. It also uses Honda’s latest five-speed transmission, for comfortable cruising.

Styling is where the monkey stands out from the competition, its soft, curved surface a stark contrast from the sporty lines of the Grom and Z125 Pro. Rather celebrate motorcycling history than head to the kart track and go minimoto racing? This might be the bike for you. Keep in mind, of course, that the Monkey is the most expensive model in Honda’s minimoto lineup, with an MSRP of $4,249.

Benelli TNT135

Benelli refers to the TNT135 as “the next big small thing,” and of all the minimotos that have followed in the Grom’s tire tracks, this bike looks and feels the most unique, without being too obscure.

Bigger is not always better, but in the minimoto class, it’s good to have a power advantage. The Benelli TNT135 uses a 135cc engine producing a claimed 11.3 hp. (Benelli/)

One of the TNT135′s biggest advantages is the larger-displacement 135cc SOHC engine that puts out a claimed 11.3 hp and 7.4 lb.-ft. of torque. That might seem like a small edge, but in the world of small-displacement motorcycles, a few extra ponies can make a big difference. The TNT’s trellis frame is equally as unique and contributes to the Benelli’s sporty handling, while adding a high-end look and feel. Add in bold color contrasts, slash-cut exhausts, and the usual mix of LED lighting, and you have a rather potent and stylish alternative to the class leaders.

Kymco K-Pipe 125

Kymco’s K-Pipe 125 has the hard job of competing in a space dominated by sporty and/or retro-inspired designs. Not interested in the aggressive lines of the Z125 Pro, or the retro looks of Honda’s Super Cub/Monkey? This “European-styled” minimoto could be a worthwhile consideration.

A 33-inch seat height and tall, slim packaging help the Kymco K-Pipe 125 stand out in a class dominated by sporty and/or retro-inspired designs. (Kymco/)

Outside of its tall and slim stature, the K-Pipe 125 stands out thanks to 17-inch wheels, which Kymco says are used for “stability and handling.” The carburated, 125cc engine is equipped with a four-speed transmission and produces a claimed 8 hp at 7,000 rpm and 6.3 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,000 rpm, meaning the K-Pipe is slightly outclassed by the competition. Other notable specs include the 33-inch seat height and 1.2-gallon fuel tank. And while those specs do narrow the draw, the K-Pipe 125 claws back some attention with an MSRP of $2,249.

Honda Navi

The Honda Navi fills an interesting void between Honda’s scooter and minimoto lineups, but that’s hardly the most interesting thing about this 109cc, fully automatic minibike; the real highlight is that the Navi sells for just $1,807. And while that low price tag means the Navi isn’t outfitted with the latest technology or high-end hardware, this minimoto has some neat convenience features, like the 15-liter keyed storage compartment that’s big enough to fit a small bag of groceries, or whatever other items you need to haul around town.

Honda’s Navi blurs the lines between scooter and motorcycle in an aim to make motorcycling more accessible than ever. That all starts with a low MSRP of just $1,807. (Honda/)

The 109cc engine is carbureted and the gauge cluster looks outdated, but the Navi gets a claimed 110 mpg and zips around city streets with ease. Thanks to its motorcyclelike layout, with footpegs and a rear brake pedal, it appeals to those who want the convenience of a scooter but the style of a motorcycle.

Like its “bigger” siblings, the Navi has a comfortable layout for riders of all sizes and won’t leave you feeling pretzeled by the ergos. It accelerates up to 45 mph pretty quickly, and 55 mph is possible if you wait long enough. Sure, you could ask for more, but with a price tag under $2,000, it’s hard to argue with what the Navi is capable of.

Source

[Buckster]

Where is @gymwitch?

[boboneleg]

CT125 please, I'll even take the shitty grey colour if that's all thats left

[Earache]

4 hours ago, boboneleg said:

CT125 please, I'll even take the shitty grey colour if that's all thats left

Yes please. Really like those things. I have no use for one, but it'd be fun to tool around on.