Honda Monkey 125

From a press release issued by Honda:

The Honda Monkey bike is perhaps most widely known as a groovy icon of the 1970s, but it first saw the light of day in 1961. Originally developed as a 49cc child’s plaything for Tama Tech, an amusement park in Tokyo, it proved so popular that a road-going version was developed, which was initially exported to America and Europe in 1963, with a distinctive chrome tank, folding handlebars and 5-inch diameter rigidly mounted wheels.

Its popularity was based on a cute, instantly-likable design, tiny dimensions and ultra-light weight – which made it a whole load of fun around town. By 1969 its wheels had increased to 8-inch in diameter and from 1970 it gained even greater popularity, when the addition of quick-detach forks meant it would fit into the trunk of a small car.

By 1978 – a point that marked the start of real prime time for the Monkey – the bike had been re-styled with a teardrop style fuel tank and became hugely popular with legions of RV (Recreational Vehicle) drivers in need of convenient transport to use once they were parked up. And this is where and when the cheeky Monkey really cemented its place in millions of hearts; with its 3-speed gearbox and centrifugal clutch (which needed no ‘traditional’ motorcycle skill to operate) it gave thousands of riders their first experience of twisting the throttle on a powered two-wheeler.

Because it was so much fun, and so easy to ride, it did more to sell the concept of motorcycles to a wider public than perhaps any other machine. With its chunky tyres, mini-‘ape’ style handlebars, miniscule fuel tank and big, squashy seat the Monkey look is unmistakably of its time, but – just like the affection in which it is held – also timeless.

And in 2018 the Monkey’s time came around once again. Inspired by the original (but also as a usefully fun 125cc motorcycle fit for the 21st century) a brand-new Monkey cheered up the roads of Europe. For 22YM the Monkey got an engine upgrade, an extra gear for the transmission, suspension refinements and detail improvements, widening its ‘smile’ factor and building-in extra day-to-day usability.

25YM saw the pocket-sized Monkey gain EURO5+ compliance, thanks to mild tweaks to the engine. Mechanically unchanged for 26YM, brand-new paint options means that the pocket-sized Monkey fun has never looked so good.

The Monkey 125’s EURO5+ compliant two-valve air-cooled engine produces 6.9kW power with 11Nm torque. It’s durable and easy to use while a 5-speed gearbox opens up longer rides. The steel frame, USD forks, twin rear shocks and 12-inch wheels roll smoothly; for extra safety the ABS braking is Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) controlled.

Then, of course, there’s the inimitable Monkey look, correct from the mini-ape ’bars to upswept exhaust. It’s infectiously grin inducing – for the rider and everybody it passes. Exclusive accessories include a clock and gear indicator display, rear carrier, side bag support, immobiliser alarm, USB socket and heated grips.

For 26YM the Monkey will be available in the following, suitably cool, paint options:
- Mat Gun Powder Black Metallic
- Knight Silver Metallic and Millennium Red
- Pearl Himalayas White with Banana Yellow

Key Features
Engine
- 124cc air-cooled engine delivers 6.9kW power and 11Nm torque
- 5-speed gearbox for easy cruising speed

The Monkey is equipped with an engine designed to ride and have fun on; 124cc, SOHC with 50mm bore, 63.1mm stroke and compression ratio of 10.0:1. It produces peak power of 6.9kW @ 6,750rpm with peak torque of 10.7Nm @ 5,500rpm.

A correcting plate manages the path of fresh air drawn in and feeds an intake duct inlet and connecting tube designed to smooth airflow. The shape of the airbox also promotes smooth airflow, smooth torque output and flexible drivability. For the Monkey’s 25YM updates, EURO5+ compliance was achieved via revised ECU settings, updated catalyser and an additional OBD2-2 sensor.

The 5-speed gearbox spreads its ratios apart for longer journey ease and provides a more relaxed cruising ability. Top speed is 91km/h. Manual clutch operation imparts a full-sized motorcycle experience while 12-inch wheels deliver agile around-town response. Naturally, the Monkey’s small stature and assured low-speed balance allow it an easy passage through jammed traffic.

\It’s also an economical engine, returning 1.5 litres/100km (WMTC mode) by using low-friction technologies, such as an offset cylinder and roller-rocker arm for the valve gear. Sophisticated PGM-FI guarantees highly efficient combustion.

Styling & Equipment
- Cheeky style harks back to the 1970s with mini-ape handlebars and upswept exhaust
- Chunky tyres complete the look
- Circular LCD display includes fuel indicator.

Classic Monkey style (mini-ape handlebars, chromed mudguards, upswept exhaust with stamped heat shield, chunky tyres, padded seat and ‘peanut’ tank) pays loyal homage to the original and provides all the cues required to chime both with those of a certain age, and a much younger generation.

Older riders connect to a certain ’70s irreverence – maybe matched to a memory of their first feel of motorcycling freedom – innate in the design while newer riders, already turned on to all things retro, get both that and something undeniably funky to set them apart from their friends. One thing that unites everybody, whether riding a Monkey or simply passing one by, is the ‘smile’ factor. It’s that sort of bike.
The glossy 5.6L fuel tank proudly wears a historical 3-D Classic Wing design Honda logo. Modern technology is fully present amongst the classic looks: a digital full-LCD circular display features speedometer (which winks playfully when the ignition is turned on), odometer with two trip meters and six-segment fuel level indicator; all lighting is LED.

A ‘wave’ pattern key (which also wears the Classic Wing motif) features an ‘answer back’ system that makes the lights flash at the push of a button to allow easy location in crowded car parks.

Chassis
- Steel frame, USD forks and 12-inch diameter tyres
- Twin rear shocks feature two-stage springs to deal with rough surfaces
- Easy-to-manage 775mm seat height

The Monkey’s steel backbone frame is tuned for a suitable balance between rigidity and supple feel – perfect for the wide variety of conditions the machine is designed to be ridden in. Oval in cross-section, the swingarm echoes the circular design theme that runs through the bike.

Wheelbase is set at 1,145mm with rake and trail of 25°/82mm and a minimum turning radius of just 1.9m. Wet weight is 105kg, with a seat height of 776mm. The plush seat is made of high-density urethane for maximum comfort.

USD front forks employ 100mm travel and wear a premium Alumite finish. The dual rear shocks feature two-stage colour matched springs to maintain ride quality on bumper roads and reduced bottoming. They have 102mm of axle travel; maximum ground clearance is 175mm.

A single 220mm front disc and 190mm rear provide secure stopping performance, managed by the IMU-based ABS to mitigate rear ‘lift’ under strong braking. Fat, block pattern tyres make for a smooth ride and are sized 120/80-12 65J front and 130/80-12 69J rear.

Accessories
A comprehensive range of Genuine Honda Accessories are available for the Monkey. To boost everyday useability, a rear chrome luggage carrier is available alongside a deep, left hand side canvas pannier completed with an included waterproof black fabric inner bag.
For added peace of mind an immobilizer alarm is available, as are heated grips and a USB socket to keep personal devices charged. Everyday practicality can be boosted through the addition of the optional clock and gear position sub-meter.