Honda Monkey

The Honda Monkey

Honda’s pocket-sized grin machine is set and ready to cheer up 2026. Specification includes a Euro 5+ compliant air-cooled 124cc engine, five-speed gearbox, steel frame, USD forks, 12-inch wheels and IMU-controlled ABS braking. Full LED lighting and neat LCD dash are the premium finishing touches updated for 26YM with new suitably retro paint schemes.

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:

• **NEW** Mat Gun Powder Black Metallic
• **NEW** Knight Silver Metallic and Millennium Red
• **NEW** Pearl Himalayas White with Banana Yellow