Back again for 2025, Honda's iconic Monkey continues to make friends and influence people wherever it goes. An irresistible mix of nostalgic styling and modern performance, this nifty little ride appeals to a variety of riders, from entry-level newbies to motorcycling veterans. A compact build and comfortably plush suspension speak to the former, while the latter appreciate the throwback styling, as well as features like the snappy 124cc fuel-injected engine and ABS brakes. All in all, the Monkey combines the best of today and yesterday in one charmingly retro, affordable package.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
The Monkey has a fifth gear for more comfortable cruising, thanks to a modern engine with a wider spread of gear ratios and a 37-tooth rear sprocket. The Monkey's power plant provides peppy acceleration from low speeds. The 124cc two-valve, overhead-cam, air-cooled engine has an undersquare design, with a narrow bore and long stroke.
- True to its origins, the Monkey's horizontal SOHC 124cc single-cylinder engine is simple, robust, and tuned to deliver useful around-town performance.
- Air-cooled, with bore and stroke of 50.0mm x 63.1mm and compression ratio of 10.0:1, fed by PGM-FI, it produces strong, enjoyable power all the way through the rev range.
- Simplifying maintenance, a replaceable oil filter is used.
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
The Monkey's steel backbone frame has been tuned for a suitable balance between rigidity and supple feel—perfect for the wide variety of conditions the machine is sure to be ridden in. Oval in cross-section, the swingarm echoes the circular design theme that runs through the bike.
- Wheelbase is 45.0 in., while rake and trail are 25°/82mm for confidence-inspiring handling.
- Wet weight is a mere 231 pounds, with a seat height of 30.5 inches.
- High-density urethane seat with 70mm cushion contributes to comfortable ride and iconic looks.
- The inverted fork is matched by dual shocks for a compliant-yet-sporty ride.
- A single 220mm front disc and a 190mm rear provide secure stopping performance and can be managed by the available IMU-based ABS.
- Fat, 12-inch block-pattern tires make for a smooth ride and are sized 120/80-12 65J front and 130/80-12 69J rear.
- Head pipe, main frame, and engine hanger plate offer optimal strength for stable handling.
STYLING
Classic Monkey styling, including curved surfaces and a trapezoid silhouette highlighting the compact length, harken back to the loveable design of the original Monkey models, putting enthusiastic smiles on the faces of riders and bystanders alike.
- Glossy 1.5-gallon fuel tank, finished in the same paint color as the frame, swingarm, and shocks, crowns the machine, and proudly wears a historic 3-D "Old Wing" design Honda logo.
- Chrome steel high-mount front and rear fenders—plus the evocatively stamped exhaust shield, circular mirrors, and high-rise handlebar—all pay homage to the original.
- Modern technology is fully present within the reincarnation of the classic look: a digital full-LCD circular meter features speedometer, odometer with two trip meters, and six-segment fuel-level indicator.
- The "wave" pattern key wears the "Old Wing" motif.
- LED lighting adds modern touch, durability, and energy efficiency to a classic design.
