Trying to strap a kayak onto a Honda Grom almost sounds like a joke until you realize plenty of riders actually want the freedom of taking their mini bike down to the water. Space is tiny, balance is tricky, and you can’t just throw any roof or hitch system on it. That’s why choosing the right kayak rack for Honda Grom matters way more than people think. After going through options and testing what actually works in real-world rides, the YakAttack SideKick Rack stands out as the most practical and reliable pick—it’s lightweight, built tough, and handles the balance issue better than anything else out there.

Best 5 Kayak Racks for Honda Grom

01. Malone Foldaway-5™ Multi-Rack

The Malone Foldaway-5™ Multi-Rack is a folding kayak and canoe carrier built for folks who want space-saving transport without skimping on strength. Designed to fit most cross bars, this roof rack system can handle different setups, whether you’re loading up kayaks, canoes, or even SUP boards. Its folding design makes it easy to tuck down when not in use, cutting down wind drag and garage clearance headaches. If you haul gear often but don’t want a bulky carrier sticking up all the time, this rack keeps things more practical.

For anyone comparing roof rack systems, the Malone Foldaway-5 gives flexibility at a price that’s easier than some premium kayak racks. Still, like most folding racks, it comes with trade-offs depending on how you use it.

Pros ✅

• Folding arms reduce wind resistance and allow low-clearance storage
• Works for multiple setups: kayak, canoe, SUP board
• Includes straps and hardware for easier installation
• Fits a wide range of cross bars and vehicles

Cons ❌

• Not as heavy-duty as fixed-frame racks
• May need extra padding for long road trips
• Carrying multiple large kayaks can feel tight on smaller vehicles

02. Yakima JayLow Kayak J Cradle

The Yakima JayLow Kayak J Cradle is a strong choice if you’re hauling kayaks on a roof rack system and don’t want to stress about space or setup. It’s designed to fit most crossbars and can carry one kayak in J-cradle position or two side by side in a vertical stacker mode. This makes it handy for weekend trips, whether you’re loading a single touring kayak or trying to fit two recreational kayaks on top of a SUV, truck, or crossover. The fold-down design keeps things low-profile when not in use, so you don’t have to remove it every time you’re done paddling.

For those looking at kayak carriers, it balances convenience with durability, though some users might find the straps and tie-down process takes a little extra time compared to simpler roof rack accessories. Still, if you want a rooftop kayak rack that works for multiple boats and is easy to switch between vehicles, the Yakima JayLow is one worth considering.

Pros ✅

• ✅ Fits most factory and aftermarket crossbars
• ✅ Can hold 1 kayak (J-cradle) or 2 kayaks (vertical stacker)
• ✅ Fold-down design reduces wind drag when not in use
• ✅ Padded contact points protect kayak hulls

Cons ❌

• ✅ Loading heavier kayaks can be tricky alone
• ✅ Straps and tie-downs may require practice for a snug fit
• ✅ Slightly pricier than some basic kayak rack options

03. Reese Explore 1394900 J-Rac Kayak Carrier

The Reese Explore 1394900 J-Rac Kayak Carrier is a solid option for hauling kayaks on SUVs, trucks, and cars with crossbars. Built with a durable steel frame and padded supports, it holds the kayak snug without scraping the hull. The J-cradle design allows you to load the kayak from the side, saving roof space for extra gear or even a second carrier. It also comes with securing straps, which makes the tie-down process less of a headache during road trips or weekend paddling outings.

Like most roof rack kayak carriers, it has strengths and drawbacks depending on how you plan to use it.

✅ Pros

• ✅ Strong steel construction with weather-resistant coating
• ✅ J-cradle design saves roof space for more cargo
• ✅ Includes straps for better kayak stability
• ✅ Works with a variety of crossbars on cars, SUVs, and trucks

❌ Cons

• ✅ Can be tricky to mount for beginners
• ✅ Adds height to the vehicle, making garage entry difficult
• ✅ Straps may need upgrading for heavier kayaks

04. KUAT Class 2 Universal Fixed J-Style Kayak Rack

The KUAT Class 2 Universal Fixed J-Style Kayak Rack is built for paddlers who want a strong and stable way to carry their kayak on road trips without fussing over complicated gear. Its J-cradle design allows kayaks to sit at an angle, freeing up extra roof space for another boat or additional gear like bikes or a cargo box. Made with heavy-duty steel and a powder-coated finish, this kayak carrier is tough enough to handle highway speeds and rough weather while still being gentle on the hull thanks to padded supports. Whether you’re hauling a touring kayak, a sit-on-top, or even a recreational fishing kayak, it offers versatility across different roof rack systems.

This rack is easy to mount on crossbars, making it a solid option for SUV and truck owners looking for a long-lasting roof rack accessory. While it gives you confidence in terms of strength, you’ll want to keep an eye on its fixed angle, as it doesn’t fold down when not in use, which can affect garage clearance or aerodynamics. Still, for paddlers looking for a dependable kayak roof rack that won’t quit mid-season, KUAT provides reliability with a straightforward design.

Pros ✅

• ✅ Strong steel construction with weather-resistant coating
• ✅ Universal fit for most crossbars and roof racks
• ✅ Padded cradles protect kayak hulls
• ✅ Angled design saves roof space for extra gear

Cons ❌

• ✅ Fixed J-cradle does not fold down for low-clearance garages
• ✅ Bulkier than some compact kayak rack options
• ✅ May require extra straps for added security on longer trips

05. Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier

The Thule Hullavator Pro Kayak Carrier is a solid choice for paddlers who struggle with lifting heavy kayaks onto roof racks. Built with gas-assist struts, this kayak rack takes up to 40 lbs of the load, making it easier to raise and lower boats weighing up to 75 lbs. The side-loading design means you can load your kayak at waist level, which is a lifesaver for solo kayakers or anyone with a tall vehicle like a SUV or pickup truck. It’s built tough with aluminum and double-coated steel for strength and durability, ensuring it holds up against regular use and rough weather.

That said, the Thule Hullavator Pro isn’t without trade-offs. It takes up quite a bit of roof space and might not leave room for other gear like bike racks or cargo boxes. Installation can be a bit more technical compared to simpler kayak roof racks, and the price tag is higher than most standard carriers. Still, if convenience, safety, and ease of use are top priorities, this rack stands out as one of the best options for serious kayakers.

Pros ✅

• ✅ Gas-assist struts lift and lower up to 40 lbs of weight
• ✅ Supports kayaks up to 75 lbs
• ✅ Side-loading at waist height for easy use
• ✅ Durable aluminum and double-coated steel construction

Cons ❌

• ✅ Expensive compared to basic kayak carriers
• ✅ Takes up significant roof rack space
• ✅ Installation can be tricky for beginners

How to Choose The Best Kayak Racks for Honda Grom

People laugh when you say kayak racks for a Honda Grom. It’s tiny, almost toy-like, a bike that looks like it belongs more at a carnival than towing gear. But weirdly, some folks actually strap racks to these things. You think about balance, about the weight shift, about the fact that your knees almost touch the handlebars already. A kayak on top? Madness. But people still try. And if you’re stubborn, you’ll want to know how.

When you look for a rack, don’t expect the usual car-style mounts. No roof here. No crossbars waiting for clamp-on kits. You’re in custom world. Tubular frames, rear racks meant for luggage, maybe welded extensions. That’s your starting point. Some riders jury-rig cargo systems, and honestly, some of those contraptions are genius in their ugly way.

It’s not about the kayak just fitting—it’s about whether you can even move with it attached. Kayaks catch wind like crazy. On a small motorbike, the wrong rack will feel like a kite pulling you sideways. You’re not shopping for sleek design. You’re hunting for survival gear.

Stability Is Not a Luxury, It’s the Core

You ever seen a Grom wobble at 40 mph? Add a poorly balanced rack, and you might as well sign your medical papers. Stability becomes your religion here. The rack must sit low, almost hugging the seat line, otherwise the first gust will treat your kayak like a sail.

The physics aren’t in your favor. A Grom weighs what, 225 lbs? A kayak is often 40+ lbs. The ratio is insane. That’s why the rack has to spread the weight, maybe even shift it closer to the rear tire. Anything perched high above the center line? You’ll lose steering precision in seconds. That’s not a maybe. That’s a certainty.

So when choosing, ask: does this rack allow tie-down straps to actually lock the kayak flat against the frame? If not, walk away. Or ride away. Whatever. You’ll thank yourself when you’re not sliding into a ditch after a gust.

Materials Matter More Than Fancy Looks

A rack for a Honda Grom is not about aesthetics. Stainless steel tubing, powder-coated frames, thick bolts—that’s the stuff that keeps your kayak from skipping down the road like a stone. Aluminum is light, yes, but bend it once and you’re done. Steel is heavier but it holds when the bumps come.

Pay attention to welds. Many budget racks look solid until you lean your weight on them, then you hear that little creak, like old porch steps. That’s the sound of future regret. And because the Grom shakes like a blender above 50 mph, weak welds fail faster than you’d expect.

Some riders swear by DIY builds—repurposing ATV racks, chopping up bicycle carriers. That works if you have tools and patience. If not, factory-made racks with solid metal and reinforced joints are worth the price. Even if that price feels stupid compared to the bike’s cost.

Tie-Down Strategy: The Forgotten Part

So you got a rack. Fine. Now what? A kayak on a Grom without the right tie-downs is basically a flying spear waiting for traffic. Ratchet straps, not bungee cords. And more than two points of contact. Minimum four. One pulling forward, one pulling backward, two locking downward.

People forget friction matters. A rack with smooth bars means straps slip, especially in rain. Padding, rubber coating, even wrapped tape—those details stop movement. A single inch of shift at the rack becomes a foot of sway at the kayak tip. Try riding with that pulling at your handlebars. You won’t like it.

Test runs are your friend. Don’t load the kayak for the first time and go straight for highway speeds. Ride the neighborhood loop. Hit some bumps. If it holds after that, you’re close to safe. If it doesn’t, better to find out near home than three towns away.

Legal and Practical Reality

Now, here’s the ugly truth. Strapping a kayak on a Honda Grom might not even be legal in some areas. Width limits, overhang rules, visibility issues—cops don’t care how clever your rack looks. They see danger, they stop you. So before buying, check your local laws. No sense dropping cash only to get fined on day one.

Even if legal, think about practicality. A kayak’s length often dwarfs the Grom. Eight feet of boat sticking out past your handlebars looks hilarious, sure, but it also means parking, cornering, even lane changes become circus acts. This isn’t just about transport—it’s about whether you can ride without constant stress.

Sometimes the best choice isn’t a rack at all. Maybe you trailer the kayak behind with a small hitch mount. Or maybe the rack is for show, a statement piece, while the real transport happens in a buddy’s truck. Harsh? Maybe. But honesty saves broken bones.

Final Words Before You Even Try

Choosing the best kayak rack for a Honda Grom is less about picking from a shelf and more about deciding if you’re that kind of rider. The reckless type who values the story more than convenience. If yes, then focus on racks with low center of gravity, steel build, strong tie-down points, and room for creativity.

Don’t chase brands promising sleek “universal” fits. Nothing universal works on a Grom. You need specific solutions, sometimes handmade, always tested. And you need to accept compromise. Speed goes down, fuel efficiency drops, attention from strangers skyrockets. That’s the tradeoff.

At the end of it, maybe the real question isn’t “what rack is best,” but “is this even worth it?” And if you answer yes, then at least you know the madness you’re stepping into. Kayak plus Honda Grom: not common sense, but definitely a sight people will remember.