Up Front Research · Comparison
CFMOTO Papio CL & SS vs Honda Grom & Kawasaki Z125 Pro
Minimotos: six gears and traction control vs the segment icon.
Reviewed & updated by the team at Empire Cycle & Powersports, Spokane Valley.
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CFMOTO pricing for the is not yet announced. Reserve now and we’ll confirm your price the moment CFMOTO publishes it.
This model is incoming. Reserve yours with Empire Cycle & Powersports by call, text or email — deposits are handled by phone, no online payment required.
Quick verdict
- Choose the CFMOTO Papio CL or SS if you want six gears, traction control and a choice of retro or sport style.
- Choose the Honda Grom if you want the icon — unbeatable resale, community and Honda’s network.
Gearbox counts are manufacturer-published: 6 (Papio) vs 5 (Grom) vs 4 (Z125 Pro).
2027 CFMOTO Papio CL & SS vs. Honda Grom & Kawasaki Z125 Pro
Minimotos, honestly compared. CFMOTO’s 2027 Papio comes in two flavors — the retro CL and sporty SS — each with a 126cc single, a 6-speed gearbox and even traction control. The Honda Grom is the segment’s icon; the Z125 Pro is Kawasaki’s answer. Small bikes, real differences.
Papio CL / SSretro / sport 6-speed + TC | HondaGrom | KawasakiZ125 Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 126cc single | 124cc single | 125cc single |
| Power | 9.4 hp published | not published (US) | not published (US) |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 5-speed | 4-speed |
| Traction control | Standard ✓ | — | — |
| Seat height | 29.1″ CL / 29.9″ SS | see honda site | see kawasaki.com |
| Dry weight | 251 lb | see honda site | see kawasaki.com |
| Price starting MSRP | see live pricing at Empire | see honda site | see kawasaki.com |
Where the Papio makes its case
Two styles, six gears, and safety tech no minimoto rival includes.
- ✓Six gears in a minimoto. The Papio’s 6-speed keeps the little single in its powerband on real roads — the Grom runs five gears, the Z125 Pro four.
- ✓Traction control, standard. Unusual anywhere in this class — nice insurance for new riders and slick pavement.
- ✓Pick your flavor. Retro CL or sporty SS — same published 9.4-hp engine and equipment underneath.
- ●Where the Grom wins. The Grom is a phenomenon: unbeatable resale, a giant mod culture, and Honda’s dealer network. As a pure ownership-and-community play, it’s still the benchmark.
And the price is the price. Our advertised number already includes freight, setup and our documentation fee — only sales tax and title/registration are added.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Papio CL and Papio SS?
Styling and riding position: the CL is the retro version (29.1″ seat), the SS the sportier one (29.9″ seat). Both share the 126cc single publishing 9.4 hp, a 6-speed gearbox, traction control and full LED lighting.
Is the CFMOTO Papio better than the Honda Grom?
On equipment, the Papio counters hard: a 6-speed gearbox (Grom: 5-speed) and standard traction control (Grom: none). The Grom answers with the segment’s best resale and community. Both are terrific first bikes and errand machines.
Where can I get the 2027 CFMOTO Papio near Spokane?
Empire Cycle & Powersports in Spokane Valley, WA has the first 2027 Papio CL and SS arriving now — reserve with a phone deposit at (509) 892-6368. Up Front Pricing: freight, setup and documentation fee already included.
Papio figures are 2027 specifications published by CFMOTO USA. Honda and Kawasaki do not publish US horsepower for the Grom and Z125 Pro; gearbox counts are manufacturer-published. Competitor details vary by model year — verify at manufacturer sites. MSRPs exclude tax and title/registration. Comparison by Empire Cycle & Powersports, Spokane Valley, WA.