That was funny. Thanks for the racing videos. My 125cc KYMCO scooter would beat a stock Grom in acceleration but not miles per gallon. I would switch to the XR150 solely for the smoother ride over bad roads. Three and seven tenths inches of suspension travel with twelve inch diameter wheels means having a bumpy ride on bad roads.
For me, it is the wheel diameter that would make the decision, at least if I intended to use one for practical transportation rather than as a toy. Taller wheels deal better with potholes and broken pavement.
Small bikes, big fun! I'm xr all the way. We have the 17/49 stock sprocket combination. I changed the front to 16 and made a difference a bit to become "drag spec". Lol!
I also have a one tooth smaller front sprocket on my XR150, for the last 3 years (here in darkest Africa) Slight improvement in acceleration with no negative effect on top speed, probably 'cause it now has the lower ratio to overcome the wind resistance at the top end. Honda sure got their sums wrong with this one alright.
@@MishMashMoto Back in the late 70's I had a Kawasaki KE 100. Of all the bikes I've had, it was the most fun. I wonder if the XR150 would be similar, light, flickable, ideal with supple longish suspension for back roads with their imperfections?
@@johnl5974 I owned a 2 stroke oil injected KE100 in the mid 90’s. She and I both rode it around off road back then. The XR150 is much more refined then the KE was. Power is different of course since it’s a 4 stroke. I like the XR better for daily use but that powerband sure was fun!!! Per the spec sheet numbers it looks heavy for a 150cc but it’s pretty nimble and fun just like the old KE100 was IMO.
The word, "better" can't be applied here, because we haven't defined in what categories. Each has a special fit in the market and each has its strong points and weak points.
We think it comes down to personal preference. We dont believe that one is “better” than the other however, the Grom owner is considering trading it in on the XR.
Some more feedback, as this excellent review focused mainly on the drag race aspect - my very similar 2015 model XR150L has a top speed of 70mph, here at the coast in South Africa. It's happy to cruise at 55mph all day. I weigh about 165lbs.
Yeah, loss of traction due to lack of heat 🤣 Good one!!! I love it!!! Seriously though, I should’ve slipped the clutch a little longer (had a little less flywheel mass/inertia then I expected and I bogged it out bad on the starting line).
I am the guy, I am actually pretty good at it but this race was not planned and my first time doing it on this bike. I screwed the pooch for sure though. 🤣
Yep, both are small cc bikes and good for beginners IMO. I have several bikes and choose to ride this little bike often because it’s just fun and simple.
