Are you considering buying a mini motorcycle for commuting or just for fun? Two popular choices in this category are the Honda Grom and the Icebear Fuerza.
Both bikes have their own unique features and specifications, but which one should you choose?
Contents
Honda Grom: Overview
Design and Aesthetics
The Honda Grom is known for its compact design and sporty looks. It features a sharp headlight, an aggressive fuel tank, and an upswept exhaust, giving it a distinctive appearance.
The ergonomics are comfortable for both short and tall riders, and the bike has a seat height of 30 inches.
Engine and Performance
Powered by a 125cc single-cylinder, four-stroke engine, the Honda Grom produces 9.7 horsepower and 8 lb-ft of torque.
This might not sound like much, but considering its size and weight, the Grom offers zippy acceleration and a top speed of around 60 mph, making it suitable for urban commuting.
Handling and Braking
The Honda Grom’s lightweight design and low center of gravity make it nimble and easy to handle, especially in tight spaces.
It has 12-inch wheels and hydraulic disc brakes on both the front and rear, providing responsive braking performance.
Fuel Efficiency
The Grom boasts an impressive fuel efficiency of around 134 miles per gallon, making it an economical choice for daily commuting or leisure rides.
Pricing and Availability
As of 2023, the Honda Grom has a starting price of $3,500. The bike is widely available at Honda dealerships across the United States.
Icebear Fuerza: Overview
Design and Aesthetics
The Icebear Fuerza is another mini motorcycle with a sporty and aggressive design. It features a twin-spar frame, LED headlights, and a digital gauge cluster, giving it a modern appearance.
The seat height is slightly lower than the Grom at 29.5 inches, which might appeal to shorter riders.
Engine and Performance
The Fuerza is powered by a 125cc single-cylinder, four-stroke engine, producing 9 horsepower and 6.2 lb-ft of torque.
Although slightly less powerful than the Grom, it still offers quick acceleration and a top speed of around 55 mph, making it suitable for city riding.
Handling and Braking
Like the Grom, the Icebear Fuerza is lightweight and has a low center of gravity, contributing to its agile handling.
It has 12-inch wheels and hydraulic disc brakes on both the front and rear, ensuring responsive braking performance.
Fuel Efficiency
The Icebear Fuerza has a fuel efficiency of approximately 110 miles per gallon. While not as fuel-efficient as the Honda Grom, it still offers significant savings on fuel costs for daily commuting or leisure riding.
Pricing and Availability
The Icebear Fuerza has a starting price of around $2,199, making it a more affordable option than the Honda Grom.
However, it might not be as readily available as the Grom, as Icebear is a smaller manufacturer with fewer dealerships.
Comparison: Honda Grom VS Icebear Fuerza
Design and Aesthetics
Both the Honda Grom and Icebear Fuerza have sporty, aggressive designs that will appeal to riders who prefer a modern look.
The Grom has a slightly higher seat height and a more recognizable brand name, while the Fuerza offers a more affordable price point and a slightly lower seat height for shorter riders.
Engine and Performance
The Honda Grom has a slightly more powerful engine than the Icebear Fuerza, with 9.7 horsepower compared to the Fuerza’s 9 horsepower.
While this difference isn’t huge, it does give the Grom a slight edge in acceleration and top speed.
Handling and Braking
Both bikes have similar handling characteristics, thanks to their lightweight design and low center of gravity.
They also both feature hydraulic disc brakes on the front and rear, providing responsive braking performance.
Fuel Efficiency
The Honda Grom is the clear winner in fuel efficiency, boasting 134 miles per gallon compared to the Icebear Fuerza’s 110 miles per gallon.
This difference in fuel efficiency can lead to significant savings over time, especially for daily commuters.
Pricing and Availability
The Icebear Fuerza is more affordable than the Honda Grom, with a starting price of around $2,199 compared to the Grom’s $3,399. However, the Grom is more widely available due to Honda’s larger dealer network.
| Feature | Honda Grom | Icebear Fuerza |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Aesthetics | Sporty, aggressive | Sporty, aggressive |
| Seat Height | 30 inches | 29.5 inches |
| Engine | 125cc, 4-stroke | 125cc, 4-stroke |
| Horsepower | 9.7 hp | 9 hp |
| Torque | 8 lb-ft | 6.2 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | ~60 mph | ~55 mph |
| Handling | Nimble, agile | Nimble, agile |
| Braking | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Fuel Efficiency | ~134 mpg | ~110 mpg |
| Starting Price | $3,399 | $2,199 |
| Availability | Widely available | Limited availability |
Conclusion
When choosing between the Honda Grom and the Icebear Fuerza, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and priorities.
The Grom offers slightly better performance, fuel efficiency, and brand recognition, while the Fuerza is more affordable and has a slightly lower seat height.
Both bikes provide enjoyable riding experiences and are well-suited for urban commuting or leisure rides.
