Modern Technology
A digital full-LCD circular meter features speedometer (which winks playfully when the ignition is turned on), and an odometer with two trip meters and six-segment fuel level indicator.
Starting from £4,049
After its popular re-introduction in 2018, Honda’s iconic Monkey gets a brand-new air-cooled engine for 2022, with 5-speed gearbox and EURO5 compliance. Two-stage springs for the dual rear shocks smooth the ride and a tubular steel rack is available as an official accessory.
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.
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. Now, for 2022, the Monkey gets an engine upgrade, a larger gearbox, refinements to the suspension, a brand new colour and detail improvements, further widening its ‘smile’ factor and building-in extra day-to-day usability.
Caster Angle | 25° |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 1,710 x 755 x 1,030mm |
Frame type | Steel backbone frame |
Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres) | 5.6 litres |
Fuel Consumption | 1.5 litres/100km |
Ground Clearance (mm) | 175mm |
Headlights | LED |
Kerb Weight (kg) | 104kg |
Seat Height (mm) | 775mm |
Trail (mm) | 82mm |
Wheelbase (mm) | 1,145mm |
Bore × Stroke (mm) | 50 x 63.1mm |
Carburation | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection |
Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 |
Engine Displacement (cc) | 124cc |
Engine Type | Air-cooled SOHC 4-stroke 2-valve |
Max. Power Output | 6.9Kw / 6,750rpm |
Max. Torque | 11Nm/5,500rpm |
Oil Capacity (Litres) | 1.1 litres |
Clutch | Wet multi plate clutch |
Brakes Front | Single 220 mm hydraulic disc with IMU-based ABS |
Brakes Rear | Single 190mm hydraulic disc |
Suspension Front | USD fork, 100mm axle travel |
Suspension Rear | Twin shock, 102mm axle travel |
Tyre Size Front | 120/80-12M/C 65J |
Tyre Size Rear | 130/80-12M/C 69J |
Wheels Front | 10-spoke cast aluminium |
Wheels Rear | 10-spoke cast aluminium |
Headlights | LED |
Tail Light | LED |
A digital full-LCD circular meter features speedometer (which winks playfully when the ignition is turned on), and an odometer with two trip meters and six-segment fuel level indicator.
The Monkey has a new 124cc SOHC two-valve air-cooled engine (drawn from the MSX Grom) with 50mm bore, 63.1mm stroke and compression ratio of 10:0:1.
A new correcting plate manages the path of fresh air drawn in and feeds an intake duct inlet and connecting tube redesigned to smooth airflow.
The new 5-speed gearbox, replacing the older 4-speed, spreads the gear ratios further apart to improve longer journey performance and provide a more relaxed cruising ability.
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.
USD front forks employ 100mm travel and wear a premium Alumite finish. The dual rear shocks now feature two-stage springs and revised damper rubbers.
A single 220mm front disc and 190mm rear provide secure stopping performance, managed by the IMU-based ABS.
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 104kg, with a seat height of 775mm.
The mini-ape handlebars, chromed mudguards, upswept exhaust with stamped heat shield, chunky tyres, padded seat and ‘peanut’ tank pay loyal homage to the original.
Older riders connect to a certain ‘70s irreverence, while newer riders get both that and something undeniably funky to set them apart from their friends.
For 2022 a stylish tubular steel rear carrier is available as an official accessory – usefully suitable for heavier loads of up to 3.0kg.
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