Old GROM (MSX-125) Owner Solves your Problem | Custom Parts for Mountain Pass and Track

GROM (MSX-125) are for beginners, right?
It's for street riding only, right?
Every time I heard such a word, I thought it was different. The fun of sports riding in GROM (MSX-125)is recognized by many.
However, it is still true that there are difficulties in the normal state.
In contrast to the previous article for city riding and touring, this time I would like to introduce what kind of customization is recommended for comfortable sports driving with the GROM (MSX-125), based on my own experience as an owner of an old GROM (MSX-125).

Let's start here! Rearset

The OEM footpeg on the  GROM (MSX-125) is quite low and can easily rub the bank sensor when banked to a certain degree.
If this happens, it is more dangerous than performance, so we recommend replacing the steps with back steps first.

OVER Rearset

Among the many backsteps, I would like to recommend the OVER rearset. The most notable thing is its accuracy!
I actually installed it on my  GROM (MSX-125) and it was easy to install without any rattles.
It motivates the rider because it has a crisp feeling and a much higher position when ridden.
Best of all, those shiny silver steps look cool!

BABY FACE Rearset 

Performance Backstep Kit from Baby Face, a familiar name in the All Japan Championships.
The bright gold color is eye-catching.
Feedback obtained from racing has been used, such as double bearings and knurling on the step bar.
Please note that the position of the step and shift pattern of this product is different between Type 1 (JC61) and Type 2 (JC75).

Handlebar position is too high! Replace handle

The OEM handlebars of the  GROM (MSX-125) are positioned very far forward and high, which is a very comfortable position for city driving and touring, but many people may feel that they are in the way during sports driving.
Replacing the handlebars will free you from such stress and give you a more flexible riding position.

HURRICANE Forward Conti Type 2 Handlebar

This is the handlebar that is favored by many  GROM (MSX-125) owners. This is the Hurricane Conti Type 2 handlebar.
Compared to the OEM, the Type 1 (JC61) is 60mm down and 95mm forward, and the Type 2 (JC75) is 40mm down and 65mm forward, which is a much lower forward leaning position. The OEM position is upright, to begin with, so if you have experience riding other sports motorcycles, you may feel rather comfortable with it.

This product is specially designed for the  GROM (MSX-125) , so there is no need to drill holes to stop the switch box from turning around. It is also a great point that it can be installed without changing the length of the brake hose or clutch wire.
In other words, it can be simply attached.

SP TAKEGAWA Aluminum Handlebar Pipe

This handlebar is produced by SP Takegawa. The product features aluminum for lightweight and is slightly more upright than the above Hurricane product.
Note that these handlebars are also specially designed with holes drilled in them, so you can save time when replacing them. Please be careful about the brake hose and clutch wire.

If you feel that the rear suspension is not moving properly, replace the rear suspension!

The rear suspension of the  GROM (MSX-125) is not adjustable in both preload and damping, which is insufficient for riders who are particular about driving. Reflecting such dissatisfaction, rear suspensions are now available from various companies, and we would like to introduce them here.

SHIFT UP Racing Rear Shock G-1

The most notable feature of the Shift-Up rear suspension is its cost performance.
Although priced in the 30,000 yen (approx. 218 USD) range, it is equipped with specifications that can handle all kinds of situations, such as stepless preload adjustment, 14-level rebound damping, and 4-level compression damping.
And it comes with a separate reserve tank!
The spring rate itself will be a little stiffer than OEM, but the aforementioned adjustability and superior damper will definitely improve the ride quality.
This is our No.1 selling product in the rear suspension for the old GROM (MSX-125) .

NITRON Rear Suspension Mini Shock MINI R1

Rear suspension from Nitron, a leading suspension manufacturer that needs no explanation. The turquoise blue springs give it a racing look.
Adjustment functions are also sufficient, with 24-levels of both rebound and compression damping with no preload steps. The know-how cultivated in the racing scene is packed in this one. It may be a little expensive, but we recommend it to those who are looking for uncompromising suspension.

 GROM (MSX-125) week point. Reinforced front suspension!

The feeling of the front suspension of the GROM (MSX-125) is very soft, which is good in town, but when hard braking is required, it immediately becomes a negative aspect.
The replacement work is difficult, so it is basically a custom job to be done by a motorcycle store, but the returns are great, so I will introduce it to you.

KITACO Front Fork Springs

For those who want to drive on the mini circuit in earnest, this is for you! Kitako's front fork springs.
This product is available in 3 different spring rates, 5.5/6.0/6.5, to suit the rider's skill level, weight, and riding field. (*OEM spring rate is 3.8N)
With these springs, you can be rid of the nose dive and suspension bottoming out that has plagued you up to now!
It is recommended to use KYB #30 fork oil when replacing the springs.

SHIFT UP Strengthened front fork springs

If you don't brake that hard, but would like to make it a little stiffer than OEM, here it is!
Shift-Up's reinforced front fork springs.
This one has a spring rate of 4.2N, which is about 10% more than the OEM spring, and a milder ride than the above Kitako spring can be expected.
We recommend this spring for riders who mainly want to enjoy riding on public roads.

Slow straight line! Engine Tuning!

Once the suspension is done, the engine power becomes insufficient. With the OEM engine, it often loses in a straight line to 125cc engines in the same class.
There are many engine tuning kits available for the GROM (MSX-125), and I recommend the following.

KITACO S Stage Alpha Bore Up Kit 181cc

The steady GROM (MSX-125) has a reputation for being slow. If you simply want to increase power, a bore-up is the quickest way.
The 181cc S-stage Alpha Bore Up Kit from Kitako can increase the output by about 4 horsepower even if the exhaust system and throttle body remain steady. If you use an external exhaust system and FI setting, you can get even more power, so you can dream big.
This product comes in a set that includes everything needed for bore-up, so there is no need to buy each part separately.

SHIFT UP High Comp Piston & Cylinder Full Kit

It's not a good idea to change the displacement. For those who are not so sure, Shift Up's high-compression piston and cylinder full kit. With an external exhaust system + high camshaft + FI setting, you can expect a power increase of about 2.5 horsepower even if you keep the 125cc engine.
Please note that the high camshaft must be replaced in order to incorporate this product.

Let's customize the GROM (MSX-125) for unimpeded sports riding!

Once you install the above custom parts and get the settings you like, you'll have a GROM (MSX-125) that will motivate riders!
You might be able to outrun bigger bikes on the descent of a mountain pass or on a mini-circuit. There are many custom parts that we could not introduce here. Please check them out if you are interested.