Ever feel like your Honda Grom is begging for a little something extra? That tiny beast is a blast to ride, but sometimes, the tires it comes with just don’t cut it. You want to lean into those corners with confidence, grip the road like glue, and maybe even add a touch of style. But then you look at all the tire choices, and your head starts to spin. What works best for city cruising? What about those twisty backroads? It’s a common problem for Grom owners, and it can feel overwhelming to pick the perfect set.
That’s where we come in! This guide is all about helping you find the best Tires For Your Honda Grom. We’ll break down the different types of tires available and explain what makes them good for your specific riding needs. No more guessing games or wasting money on tires that don’t perform. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of your options and feel ready to upgrade your Grom’s grip and style.
Top Tires For Honda Grom Recommendations
- IRC aspires to provide rides with high performance tires for any condition
- Tubeless (TL)
- Flat sidewall design
- Special high-grip compound
- 100% made in Taiwan; DOT approved tubeless tires fitting with 12" Rim Size.
- 120/70-12 : Speed Rating L; .Up to 74.5 miles ; Load Index Rating 51; max load 441 LBs
- 130/70-12 : Speed Rating L; .Up to 74.5 miles ; Load Index Rating 56; max load 494 LBs
- Enhanced tire shoulder area design to deliver good cornering capability.
- Balanced tread pattern design and advance tire compound employed to provide safe and comfort ride in city traffic and good mileage.
- Load index : 56.0
- Seasons : Year Round
- Seasons : Year Round
- 120/70-12 tubeless tire, designed for scooters and small motorcycles. Ideal for front or rear fitment—check fitment guide for additional models.
- Fits Popular Models: Perfect for scooters and small bikes such as Honda Grom 125, Yamaha Zuma 125, Vespa GTS 300, Honda PCX 150, and Piaggio Liberty 125.
- Speed & Load Capacity: J-rated for speeds up to 62 mph, with a load rating of 51, each tire supports up to 430 lbs (195 kg), making them ideal for urban commuting and recreational riding.
- Durable 4-Ply Construction: Built with a 4-ply rating for durability and strength, ensuring excellent stability and traction in various street conditions.
- All-Weather Performance: Designed for all-season use, these tubeless tires offer reliable grip and handling in wet or dry conditions, providing a smooth and comfortable ride year-round.
- Kenda Kwick KD1 Tubeless Performance Tire in size 130/70-12. Kenda's newest race inspired tire with super sticky compound for scooters and small motorcycles. The Kwick KD1 tire is designed to have low rolling resistance and optimal cornering traction and features reverse tread patterns on front and rear tires to enhance water drainage and grip. The Kwick KD1 is ideal for small street bikes such as the fits and compatible with Honda Grom, Kawasaki Z125, Benelli TnT135, Kymco Spade and Lifan KP Mi
- ni. *
- Ideal for Small Scooters & Motorcycles: Perfect for small scooters, motorcycles, and street bikes, the KD2 Kwick tire is an ideal choice for riders looking for speed, stability, and reliability on a variety of bikes.
- Race-Inspired Performance: The Kenda KD2 Kwick Motorcycle & Scooter Tire features a super-sticky, race-inspired compound that heats up quickly, providing immediate track-ready performance and enhanced grip.
- Lower Rolling Resistance: Designed with lower rolling resistance, this tire offers greater efficiency and smoother acceleration, while maintaining high-speed stability on straightaways
- All-Weather Reliability: The KD2 is designed to offer consistent performance in all weather conditions, making it the perfect all-season tire for a wide range of riding experiences.
- Perfect Fit for Honda Grom: Specifically sized to fit the Honda Grom (100/90-12), providing a great combination of performance and durability for this popular motorcycle
- Ideal for Small Scooters & Motorcycles: Perfect for small scooters, motorcycles, and street bikes, the KD2 Kwick tire is an ideal choice for riders looking for speed, stability, and reliability on a variety of bikes.
- Race-Inspired Performance: The Kenda KD2 Kwick Motorcycle & Scooter Tire features a super-sticky, race-inspired compound that heats up quickly, providing immediate track-ready performance and enhanced grip.
- Lower Rolling Resistance: Designed with lower rolling resistance, this tire offers greater efficiency and smoother acceleration, while maintaining high-speed stability on straightaways
- All-Weather Reliability: The KD2 is designed to offer consistent performance in all weather conditions, making it the perfect all-season tire for a wide range of riding experiences.
- Perfect Fit for Honda Grom: Specifically sized to fit the Honda Grom (120/80-12), providing a great combination of performance and durability for this popular motorcycle
- Can be used in any type of cross country terrain
- Dynamic tread pattern provides exceptional traction
- Full set (2 front and 2 rear) for complete replacement
- Heavy 4 ply rated nylon construction resists punctures and abrasions
- Tires only, rims are not included
Choosing the Perfect Tires for Your Honda Grom
Your Honda Grom is a fun, zippy bike. It deserves tires that let it perform its best. Picking the right tires makes a big difference in how your Grom handles, how safe you feel, and how long your tires last. This guide will help you find the best fit.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for Grom tires, keep these important things in mind:
- Tire Size: This is super important! Groms usually use a 120/70-12 for the front and a 130/70-12 for the rear. Always check your owner’s manual or the sidewall of your current tires to be sure. Wrong sizes won’t fit and can be dangerous.
- Tread Pattern: The grooves and patterns on a tire help it grip the road.
- Slicker tires are good for dry, smooth roads and racing. They offer maximum grip in good weather.
- Treaded tires have deeper grooves. These help push away water, making them better for wet or slippery conditions.
- Aggressive tread patterns are best for off-road or all-weather riding.
- Tire Compound: This is the rubber mixture the tire is made from.
- Softer compounds give great grip but wear out faster.
- Harder compounds last longer but might not grip as well, especially in corners.
- Load and Speed Rating: These numbers tell you how much weight the tire can carry and how fast it can safely go. Your Grom has specific needs, so make sure the tires match.
Important Materials
Most motorcycle tires use a blend of natural and synthetic rubber. This mix is key to a tire’s performance.
- Rubber: This provides grip and flexibility.
- Carbon Black: This strong material is added to make the rubber tougher and last longer. It also gives tires their black color.
- Silica: This helps improve grip, especially in wet conditions. Many modern tires use silica.
- Reinforcing Cords: These are strong threads, often made of nylon or polyester, woven into the tire. They give the tire its shape and strength.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things affect how good a tire is:
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often invest more in research and development. This usually means better quality and performance.
- Manufacturing Process: How the tire is made matters. Good manufacturing leads to consistent quality and fewer defects.
- Tire Age: Tires can get old, even if they haven’t been used. Look for a manufacturing date code on the sidewall. Tires older than 5-6 years might not perform as well.
- Storage Conditions: Tires stored in direct sunlight or extreme heat can degrade over time.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you ride your Grom will help you choose the best tires.
- Daily Commuting: If you use your Grom for getting around town, you need tires that are good in all weather and last a long time. Tires with a balanced compound and a good tread pattern are ideal. They offer a good mix of grip and durability.
- Spirited Riding/Cornering: If you love leaning into turns and enjoy sporty rides, you’ll want tires with a softer compound for maximum grip. These tires might wear out quicker, but they give you confidence in corners.
- Occasional Track Days: For track use, sticky, soft-compound tires are a must. They provide the best grip on smooth surfaces. However, these are not meant for street use and wear out very fast.
- Wet Weather Riding: If you often ride in the rain, look for tires with deep grooves and a tread pattern designed to channel water away. Silica-rich compounds also help improve wet grip.
Choosing the right tires for your Honda Grom is an important decision. By understanding these key features, materials, quality factors, and considering your riding style, you can make a choice that enhances your riding experience.
Honda Grom Tire FAQs
Q: What are the most common tire sizes for a Honda Grom?
A: The most common sizes are 120/70-12 for the front tire and 130/70-12 for the rear tire. Always double-check your owner’s manual.
Q: How do I know if a tire will fit my Grom?
A: You need to match the size number on your current tire’s sidewall. The numbers like “120/70-12” tell you the width, aspect ratio, and rim diameter.
Q: What is the difference between a slick tire and a treaded tire for a Grom?
A: Slick tires have almost no tread and are best for dry, smooth roads for maximum grip. Treaded tires have grooves that help grip wet roads and provide stability.
Q: Should I choose a soft or hard tire compound for my Grom?
A: Softer compounds offer better grip, especially when leaning into turns, but they wear out faster. Harder compounds last longer but might not grip as well.
Q: How important is the tread pattern for Grom tires?
A: The tread pattern is very important. It helps the tire grip the road, especially in wet conditions, and affects how well the tire handles.
Q: Can I use car tires on my Honda Grom?
A: No, you should never use car tires on a motorcycle. Motorcycle tires are designed differently for the way a bike leans and handles.
Q: How long do Honda Grom tires typically last?
A: Tire life varies a lot based on the compound, how you ride, and road conditions. Some tires might last 3,000 miles, while others could go 8,000 miles or more.
Q: What does the date code on a tire mean?
A: The date code, usually four numbers like “2522,” tells you when the tire was made. “25” means the 25th week of the year, and “22” means the year 2022.
Q: Where can I find the best deals on Honda Grom tires?
A: You can find good deals at online motorcycle parts retailers, local motorcycle shops, and sometimes during seasonal sales events.
Q: Are expensive tires always better for a Honda Grom?
A: Not always. The “best” tire depends on your riding style and needs. Sometimes a mid-range tire from a reputable brand can be perfect for your Grom.