How to Make a Honda Grom Faster: Top Performance Upgrades - Ran When Parked

How to Make a Honda Grom Faster: Top Performance Upgrades

The Honda Grom is one of those bikes that just begs to be customized and tuned for more speed and fun. If you’ve been riding your Grom for a while, you might be itching to get a little more zip out of its 125cc engine. A great way to start is by upgrading the exhaust and intake. This can give you a noticeable boost in performance, and make your rides even more exciting.

How to Make a Honda Grom Faster: Top Performance Upgrades

When we swapped out the stock exhaust on our Grom, it felt like a whole new bike. Don’t forget to get a proper tune to keep your engine running smoothly and avoid running lean. Tuning is crucial for maintaining engine health and getting the most out of your upgrades. It’s like giving your Grom a breath of fresh air.

Another simple yet effective modification is adjusting the gearing. Changing the sprockets can alter your bike’s acceleration and top speed. We went from a 15/38 stock setup to a slightly different arrangement and noticed a big difference. Whether you’re inspired by videos on YouTube or recommendations from other motorcyclists, there’s a whole community out there tweaking their Groms and sharing their DIY tips. So, gear up, tune in, and let’s make your Honda Grom faster! 🏁💨

How To Make A Honda Grom Faster

When it comes to making our Honda Grom faster, small changes can make a big difference. Let’s jump into some practical ways to boost speed and performance!

One of the first things we did was upgrade the exhaust. The stock exhaust can be restrictive. Swapping it out for a performance exhaust improves airflow, giving us more power and a throatier sound 🏁.

Next up, the intake! A high-flow intake allows more air into the engine, increasing combustion efficiency. We installed the Dinger Built intake on our Grom, and the difference was noticeable 💨.

ECU tuning is another game-changer. A proper tune adjusts the fuel and ignition settings to match our new exhaust and intake, ensuring the engine runs smoothly and efficiently. 🔧🔥

Modification Impact Notes
Exhaust Increased airflow Better sound and performance
Intake More air to engine Improves combustion
ECU Tune Optimized settings Smooth engine operation

Adjusting the gearing ratio can greatly affect acceleration and top speed. Changing the sprockets is a simple way to modify gearing. We opted for a larger rear sprocket to get better acceleration, though this might slightly reduce top speed. ⚙️

Lastly, we can’t overlook the importance of weight reduction. Shedding unnecessary weight from our Grom helps it go faster! Lighter parts and removing non-essential accessories can improve our speed and handling 🍃.

We hope this gives you some good ideas to boost your Honda Grom’s performance. Happy riding! 🏍️

Engine Modifications

Improving the performance of a Honda Grom can be achieved by upgrading the air filter and installing a performance exhaust. These modifications enhance airflow, boost horsepower, and improve the bike’s sound.

Upgrading The Air Filter

Upgrading the air filter is a simple yet effective way to get more power from our Honda Grom. By replacing the stock filter with a performance one, like the K&N or Chimera intake system, we increase airflow into the engine. Better airflow means the engine can “breathe” more easily, resulting in more power and better throttle response.

The installation is straightforward and doesn’t require specialized tools. All we have to do is swap out the old filter for the new one. This mod can enhance both torque and HP. It’s a cost-effective way to notice real improvements without diving into more complicated engine parts. 🔧

Installing A Performance Exhaust

A performance exhaust system, like the Yoshimura or a full system setup, can significantly boost our Grom’s performance. By installing an aftermarket exhaust, we improve exhaust flow which reduces back pressure. This allows the engine to work more efficiently, producing increased horsepower and torque.

Moreover, a performance exhaust usually adds a more aggressive sound to our Grom, making it not only faster but also more exciting to ride. The combination of better airflow and enhanced sound transforms the riding experience. The install might be a tad more involved, but the payoff in performance is well worth the effort. 🛠️🚗

Tuning The Fuel System

To get the most out of your Honda Grom, it’s important to tune the fuel system. This means rejetting the carburetor and adding a fuel controller. Both adjustments help improve performance and make your bike run more smoothly.

Rejetting The Carburetor

Rejetting the carburetor improves the air-to-fuel ratio, which helps your Grom run better and faster. 🛠️

First, you’ll need the right tools: a screwdriver set and a jet kit. Remove the carburetor and find the jets. These small parts control how much fuel mixes with the air. Replace them with jets that allow more fuel.

Remember: more fuel means more power, but too much can flood the engine.

Use a dyno to measure improvements. Adjust the jets until the bike runs smoothly and performs well at various RPMs. This not only boosts speed but also prevents the engine from overheating. 🌡️

Fuel Controller

A fuel controller manages the air-to-fuel ratio electronically. It’s easier to install and fine-tune than rejetting the carburetor.

Start by getting a Power Commander V. Connect it to your bike’s ECU. This device lets you remap the fuel curve to match your intake and exhaust modifications. Tuning the fuel controller involves plugging it into a laptop and using software to adjust the settings.

⚠️ Pro Tip

Always check your bike’s performance on a dyno after adjustments.

Here are quick steps:

  1. Connect the Power Commander V. 🔧
  2. Load a base map.
  3. Use the dyno to fine-tune settings.

With these tools in hand, you can improve your Grom’s speed and efficiency while keeping the engine safe. 🏁

Upgrading The Suspension

Upgrading the suspension on our Honda Grom can make a world of difference 🌍. Improved handling, better comfort, and even enhanced performance are just a few benefits.

Front Forks

Front forks are critical for a stable and smooth ride ⚙️. The stock forks on the Grom might feel too soft, which can be especially noticeable at higher speeds or rough terrains. Upgrading to fully adjustable forks allows us to fine-tune for better control and comfort.

Adding adjustable damping 🛠️ helps in managing how quickly the forks compress and rebound. Preload adjustment is also essential to cater to our riding weight and style. After installing upgraded front forks, we’ll notice immediate improvements in handling and stability.

Rear Shock

The rear shock is another key component that needs attention 🔧. Stock rear shocks on the Grom may not handle bumpy roads or aggressive riding well. Switching to a higher-quality rear shock with adjustable features can enhance the ride drastically.

Look for shocks that offer both damping and preload adjustments to fine-tune the ride 🏁. This customization helps in achieving a balance between comfort and performance, making our Grom more versatile on different terrains. With a new rear shock, cornering becomes sharper, and the ride feels more solid and controlled.

Improving The Braking System

To enhance the braking performance of your Honda Grom, upgrading the brake pads and installing braided brake lines are crucial steps. These changes can help you achieve shorter stopping distances and better overall control.

High-Performance Brake Pads

High-performance brake pads are essential for effective braking. Sintered brake pads, for instance, are made from metallic particles, providing superior stopping power compared to organic pads. Additionally, sintered pads are more resistant to heat, reducing the chance of brake fade during intense riding.

Changing brake pads on our Grom was quite straightforward. We noticed an immediate improvement in braking response. The pads gripped better, and the stopping distance was noticeably shorter. For anyone considering this upgrade, it’s a quick win for better performance.

Braided Brake Lines

Braided brake lines offer significant benefits, including improved brake feel and durability. The stainless steel construction prevents the lines from expanding under pressure, ensuring more direct and consistent braking.

When we installed braided brake lines, the difference was like night and day. The brake lever felt firmer, and we had more confidence in our Grom’s stopping power. Another perk? Braided lines are less prone to damage and wear, making them a long-lasting upgrade.

Aspect Before Upgrade
Brake Feel Spongy and inconsistent
Brake Performance Moderate stopping power
Durability Prone to wear and tear

Incorporating these upgrades can dramatically enhance your Honda Grom’s braking performance. From quicker stops to improved brake feel, these changes make a noticeable difference.

Aerodynamic Enhancements

When looking for ways to make a Honda Grom faster, improving aerodynamics can play a significant role. Enhancements like fairings and windshields help reduce drag and increase stability.

Fairings

Fairings are panels fitted to the frame of the bike. By smoothing out the airflow, they reduce drag, making the bike more aerodynamic. We can see a notable improvement in speed, especially on tracks. While racing on a track with tight corners, fairings can also boost handling performance by reducing wind resistance.

Some popular fairing kits for the Honda Grom are designed to mimic larger sportbikes. This not only makes our Grom look cool but also offers practical benefits. They are typically made of lightweight materials, like plastics or fiberglass, avoiding any additional weight that might slow down the bike.

Additionally, installing fairings is relatively straightforward. Many kits come with all the necessary hardware and detailed instructions. Just equip the bike with basic tools like screwdrivers and socket wrenches. This makes it an accessible project for many Grom enthusiasts.

Windshield

Adding a windshield can significantly cut down on wind drag. This shield helps channel the airflow over and around our body, minimizing resistance. As a result, we can maintain higher speeds with less effort. On open highways or during long rides, a well-designed windshield can also reduce fatigue by lessening the constant pressure of the wind on our chest and face.

Different styles and sizes of windshields are available to match our needs. A smaller, sportier windshield may be more suited for aesthetic purposes, while a taller one offers increased wind protection. It’s essential to choose a design that complements our riding style.

Installation is usually quite simple. Most windshields are mounted on the handlebars or the front fairing of the Grom. Clear, step-by-step instructions are often provided, enabling us to complete the job with basic tools. With a well-chosen windshield, our rides can be both faster and more comfortable.

Weight Reduction

Reducing the weight of your Honda Grom can make a big impact on its performance. Here are some ideas to shed those extra pounds:

1. Swap Out the Exhaust System
The stock exhaust is quite heavy. Replacing it with a lighter aftermarket exhaust can help take off a few pounds right away.

2. Replace the Battery
Swapping the standard lead-acid battery with a lithium-ion battery can save significant weight.

3. Remove Unnecessary Parts

  • Passenger Footpegs: If you never carry a passenger, remove the footpegs.
  • Chain Guard: It’s often unnecessary and can be taken off.
  • Rear Fender: Many riders opt for a fender eliminator kit.
Remove what’s not essential to save weight! 🛠️

4. Use Lighter Wheels
Aftermarket wheels made from lighter materials like aluminum can decrease overall weight. They can make handling feel more responsive too.

5. Lighten the Seat
Changing out the seat for a smaller, lighter one can also help reduce weight.

6. Lightweight Bodywork
Look for carbon fiber or fiberglass bodywork to replace stock parts. They’re strong yet much lighter.

⚠️ A Warning

Be careful not to remove parts that are critical to safety.

Each pound you save can make a noticeable difference when riding your Grom. Always consider if you’ll be sacrificing safety or comfort for weight reduction.

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