Based mostly in Florida, USA, Cohn Racers is generally identified for its Muscle R2 sequence—burly Sportster scramblers swathed in carbon fiber and dripping with high-end elements and bespoke engineering. However they wish to shake issues up on occasion, with initiatives that fall outdoors their traditional area.
“We do it purely for the problem, creativity, and pleasure of constructing one thing distinctive,” says store boss Chet Perez. “This Honda Grom undertaking was precisely that—a enjoyable, however extremely entertaining departure from our traditional work, executed with the identical consideration to element and requirements that outline all Cohn Racers builds.”
Cohn kicked issues off with a zero-mile 2019-model Honda Grom chassis. “From the beginning, the aim was to create a compact motorbike with actual race bike character whereas sustaining steadiness, rideability, and sturdiness,” Chet explains. “We had seen a number of Grom builds fitted with 250 cc and even bigger powerplants, however lots of these setups felt extreme for the chassis and infrequently compromised dealing with, reliability, or total enjoyment.
“After cautious consideration, we decided {that a} 125 cc two-stroke engine could be the perfect selection. It delivers sturdy, thrilling efficiency with out overpowering the platform, protecting the bike agile, controllable, and genuinely enjoyable to experience.”
The crew sourced an unused 2016-model Yamaha YZ125 engine and modified the chassis to accommodate it… however that was solely half the job. “One of the crucial and difficult elements of the construct was addressing vibration,” Chet tells us. “Two-stroke engines are identified for harsh vibration, particularly when put in in light-weight frames. To unravel this correctly, we engineered a totally rubber-mounted engine setup.”
“A number of {custom} elements had been machined particularly for this objective, permitting the engine to be remoted from the body whereas sustaining rigidity and alignment. This resolution dramatically diminished vibration and reworked the driving expertise, making the bike way more refined and satisfying than a typical engine swap.”
A peek beneath the Grom’s fairing reveals rather more than a mere engine swap. Cohn threw a smorgasbord of mods on the bike, together with a Boyesen Manufacturing facility Racing clutch cowl, a MotoSculpt entrance sprocket guard, and a Polisport engine protector. A chunky foam filter pokes out on the left-hand facet of the drivetrain, with a barely modified Professional Circuit exhaust system dominating the suitable and terminating in an Akrapovič muffler beneath the seat.
“Cooling was additionally fastidiously thought-about,” Chete provides. “The water cooling system was positioned on the entrance of the motorbike to take full benefit of direct airflow. This structure works together with the entrance air consumption, making certain constant cooling and dependable efficiency even throughout aggressive driving.”
Sticking with the efficiency theme, Cohn specced the Honda Grom with Öhlins suspension at each ends. A stunning aluminum swingarm was put in out again, including each fashion and rigidity in spades. The braking system was upgraded with Brembo calipers, bigger discs, and custom-made hoses.
The Grom is pictured right here with slick tires, however Chete confirms that the compound they use makes them appropriate for highway use. “From the start, this bike was designed to be ridden on the highway, not simply admired. The stator was modified to generate electrical energy, in order that it will possibly run a headlight, brake gentle, flip indicators, and a speedometer, making it a real avenue motorbike moderately than a track-only construct.”
All the things is neatly packaged in a full fiberglass physique equipment, sourced from a specialised producer in Asia. Just like the motor, the physique is rubber-mounted on custom-made brackets—a element that referred to as for cautious planning and fabrication. “This method reduces vibration switch, improves sturdiness, and offers the bike a way more refined really feel than most {custom} builds on this class,” Chete provides.
Painted in conventional HRC racing colours, the Grom has the look of a mini-MotoGP machine. It additionally sports activities countless considerate little particulars—from the ceramic wheel bearings to the carbon fiber protectors and accent items which can be scattered all through. Customized clip-ons adorn the cockpit, CNC-machined rear-sets from Neverland sit decrease down, whereas an Alcantara-covered seat provides a luxe contact.
Now that Cohn Racers has buttoned up the Grom, they’re able to promote it and transfer on to the subsequent undertaking. In contrast to their Muscle R2 Sportsters, this can be a one-off construct that will not be replicated. And if that does not tempt you to open your pockets, Chete’s glowing assessment of the hopped-up Grom’s driving traits may…
“On the highway, the bike is an absolute rocket. The mixture of low weight, sharp energy supply, correct suspension, and severe brakes makes it extremely thrilling to experience. It has the uncooked character of a two-stroke however with a degree of refinement that’s hardly ever achieved in {custom} engine swap initiatives.”
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