2021 Kawasaki Z125 vs Honda Grom 125 - Specifications Compared

Jul 2, 2021
Views : 8225
4 min read

It’s Team Green vs Team Red in this mini bike comparo -- Which one wins?

Not long ago, Honda introduced the 2021 Grom (officially called MSX125) with its most substantial update since its first launch in 2013. Now, Kawasaki, in an attempt to steal the Grom’s glory, has introduced the 2021 Z125 in the US. While both these bikes may not ever make it to India, we’re keen to find out which of these Japanese mini bikes makes the bigger impression on paper. So here’s a specification comparison between them:

Engine

Specifications	Kawasaki Z125	Honda Grom
Engine	125cc, single cylinder, air-cooled engine	125cc, single cylinder, air-cooled engine
Power	14.7PS **	10PS @ 7250rpm
Torque	9.6Nm @ 6000rpm	11.1Nm @ 6000rpm
Gearbox	4-speed	5-speed

** Kawasaki hasn’t mentioned the power figures but it’s reported to be 14.7PS

Kawasaki hasn’t revealed the official numbers of the latest Z125 yet, but its previous iteration made around 14PS, 4PS more than the Grom. Since no changes have been made to the Z125’s motor for 2021, we expect these to remain largely unchanged, giving it an upper hand in terms of grunt.

However, the Grom features an extra gear, makes more torque and most importantly, runs cleaner as it is Euro-5 compliant, meaning it’d be punchier at lower speeds and less stressed on highways.

Underpinnings

Specifications	Kawasaki Z125	Honda Grom
Frame	Backbone	Mono-backbone
Front suspension	USD fork	USD fork
Rear suspension	Monoshock	Monoshock
Front brake	200mm disc	220mm disc
Rear brake	184mm disc	190mm disc
Front tyre	100/90-12	120/70-12
Rear tyre	120/70-12	130/70-12

Both bikes feature similar suspension and braking setups. However, the Grom comes out on top thanks to its bigger disc brakes, which should help it stop sooner. The Grom even comes in a single-channel ABS version while the Z125 misses out on it altogether.

These mini bikes roll on 12-inch alloy wheels but the Grom gets wider tyres for better straight line and cornering stability.

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Dimensions

Specifications	Kawasaki Z125	Grom 125
Wheelbase	1176mm	1200mm
Ground clearance	155mm	180mm
Fuel tank capacity	7.6-litres	6-litres
Seat height	805mm	760mm
Kerb weight	101kg	103kg

From a distance, both bikes seem similar in size. But on paper, things get interesting. The Grom benefits from better ground clearance (+25mm) and a 45mm shorter seat height compared to the Z125, aspects that tick the right boxes for newer or shorter riders.

Meanwhile, the Z125 features a larger 7.6-litre fuel tank despite weighing about 2kg lighter than the Grom which tips the scale at 101kg kerb.

The weight difference is inconsequential, but the larger fuel tank should keep you on the road longer with fewer fuel stops. Considering mini bikes are usually aimed at new riders, we feel the Grom should be dimensionally more suitable for the purpose, since ground clearance and seat height are more decisive aspects here. Not only this, even more experienced riders, who buy the Grom for the fun aspect, would also appreciate this.

Features

	Kawasaki Z125	Honda Grom
LED headlight	No	Yes
Digital instrument cluster	No	Yes
ABS	No	Single-channel (optional)
Swappable Body Panels	No	Yes

The Grom comes packed with features like an LED headlamp, a fully digital LCD instrument cluster, optional ABS and swappable body panels, for further personalisation. None of these are present on the Z125. It isn’t all bad for the Z, though. We feel even with its halogen headlamp, the Z125 looks better than the Grom, largely due to its design elements like the Z-shaped LED tail light, underbelly exhaust, and the musclucar side panels borrowed from its bigger Z siblings.

Price And Verdict

Kawasaki Z125	Honda Grom
Rs 2.46 lakh	Rs 2.53 lakh

In the US, the 2021 Z125 undercuts the 2021 Grom by $100 (about Rs 7500), which isn’t a significant difference. Given the features on offer, more accessibility, and slightly better equipment, the Grom easily justifies its premium, and thus is our pick between the two. Moreover, since it’s Euro-5 compliant, the Grom’s India arrival still stays somewhat relevant.

However, looking from an enthusiasts perspective, the Z125’s extra power, tall seat height and less weight would surely make it more fun while hooning around.