Honda Monkey Review After 1000 Miles - What Do I Think Of It? - An Owners Perspective
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- Опубліковано 6 лип 2024
- In this video I talk about how my Honda Monkey is holding up after owning it for two years and 1000 miles. I had one problem with it but after the first oil change it has gone away. Join me on this ride thru the country as I talk about my Monkey!
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After a lifetime, I've gone from a Honda S90 to Honda V1300CT Interstate. After riding son's Honda Grom and newest Navi, I'm taken back to my 'beginning'... The 1st 'freedom' of a small, go anywhere bike shakes me to my core after 10,000 mi years on giant cruiser bikes...
One year in this April, 1500 miles, it is just so fun to ride and brings smiles to people besides myself. Right off the bat I installed a Chimera intake, Yoshi RS3, Dynojet PWR Commanger, Yoshi fender delete, rack and trunk and other items. Love the Brap of the Yoshi, people hear what seems like a loud dirt bike coming the block and behold it's and old man on a loud Monkey.
im a teenager on a loud 50cc monkey
Loud bikes are annoying
I'm so happy to see a new video from you!
Your and other videos convinced me that this bike was for me. I’m in suburbia and it has been nothing less than spectacular. It’s big enough to take you serious distance but yet small enough people don’t get bent out of shape If you hit a trail.
Man I don’t know if you get this a lot but thank you for your videos….. you are amazing at what you do. And thank you for your time to give us amazing info 💪 please keep it up 🙏🙏
Enjoyable down to earth commentary and relaxed visuals kept this interesting. Great little bike.
Great review! Love the fact you like the little Honda just as it came ...no upgrades!
Good to see a video again! Always really enjoy your content. Love my monkey! It’s not perfect, but it’s perfect for what it is.
Love that little bike. I was ripping up the Canyon last week in my BMW S1000RR.. I mad the loop from Seattle then back home over white pass. Had a great ride. Glad to see u out riding brother.
This video really sold me on getting one as my first bike.
Great videos! Keep up the good work!
Great review with a lot of good insight! I've been thinking about getting one since I saw one back in 2019. Your review is influential!
I want one so bad. I've never ridden a motorcycle, but this is where I'd start, and probably wouldn't ever need more. I love small vehicles. Also, a 5th gear doesn't really mean they add another gear to the end. It usually is about the same overall final gear, just the ratios between are tighter.
yes but i think the overall is a bit longer since the 2022 has higher topspeed,and also fixed the issue where 1st and second where so far apart
as a 650cc and 1000cc rider i assure you this bike will offer you as much motorcycle and freedom as any other and even more,i want to sell my current bike to get this one as im not willing to waste money on gas and rarely go on trips any more because of that ,with this its just carefree ridng,also it can go "offroad" on gravel and what not quite decently,its just pure fun and freedom,also i like going on mountains for trail running and this seems like a sweet partner for my adventures compared to my street touring bike,also 100km/h will get you anywhere quick enough
You should I've never ridden a motorcycle but understand the jist of it and I've been riding for like 5 months it's a ton of fun
@@bionickchief i love this bike but for evrything adventure i would rather buy the himalayan enfield
It does make a huge difference and gets it up to 70mph
Got my new 2023 today red!! $4,800 out the door with factory 2 extra years warranty!! Not a bad deal. My dear sells them $100 under MSRP only have to state sales tax! No other fees at all. No shipping no prep no doc fees
Where are you located?!
Mississippi
Another great video! I was pleasantly surprised to see you made another video so soon... kinda like the old days when you released a new video every week.
I’m going to try to be better about that. Just been a hectic year.
@@GasWorksISO I completely understand. I have been subbed to your channel for quite awhile. Take your time, we will still be here when you release new videos. Be safe.
Great video! Thanks for sharing and thanks for the ride. 👍
I live in the World's best area for riding a Monkey; Lakeside, AZ. This gem of a resort town located in the cool White Mountains has tons of small winding roads and endless trails in the woods. More Pine Trees here per Square Mile than any place on Earth.
If you're thinking about buying a Monkey, you won't be disappointed.
Did you ever consider the Honda trail 125 abs?
I know what you mean about switching back and forth between such different bikes. I have a Honda Monkey 125 and a Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited. Both are great in their own ways, but also so different. I love ‘em both! 👍🏻
They have a BBK kit for the 125 engine that upgrades it to 186cc, giving near 30hp total
a 200cc Super Monkey at would remove $5,000 from my bank account quickly.
The monkey is 3999 and there is a kit you can buy called a BBK which increases the engine displacement to 186cc its a $500 kit that you can get installed for $200 so there ya go that upgrade takes the hp from 10 to 30 hp with a top speed of 65-70mph it will go on all those 125cc engines
You were right about them putting a 5 speed in and right about it being relatively useless in terms of speed, my 5 speed was getting left behind by a 4 speed Grom, but I do like having the 5th speed like an overdrive for just keeping the revs down when cruising at 45-50..
Yamaha TW200
@@David-lq2xgcarbs :(
I'm at 5,400 problem free miles. Great honest review 👍.
Great review. I'm looking forward to picking up my 21 Monkey w ABS in about a week. Agreed, I was thinking the same thing, get the 4 speed as its been and before other things, especially that nice styling, changes for perhaps the worse.
I've been a little wary of the oft mentioned 3rd gear slip issue, but have also seen others say it works its way out after about 600+ miles or so. We shall see, can't wait!
🐒✨💖👍
Awesome review man. Intelligent and to the points.
Great video ! Keep up the good work
Love these little bikes so much , I need to pull the trigger on one
Thanks for this video!
Great detail in this video thanks!!!!! Looking at this and the Hunter Cub Ct125 and since the CT does NOT have the hi-low switch think I'm going with the monkey!
Go with the Monkey; it's the most fun you can have on two wheels.
I had the original Z50A with the loop rear end when I was a kid in the 70's so Im just lusting after this thing👍🏼
The two Honda bikes I could see myself owning are the Navi and the Ruckus, the Navi has that huge storage box and enough power for local suburban trips where roads hit a 40mph speed limit and the Ruckus would be a fun take it easy around back roads and suburban roads bike where you just want to take everything in.
Thanks for sharing!. I am Looking at a Monkey/Grom for my daughters first bike.
You better buy two….cause you’re gonna steal it from her. 😆
Get the Monkey 🐒
Monkey never die.
@@GasWorksISO it really happened in my family
I hear the new monkey is some hot shit, a lot of improvements to extend mileage. The cub would be a hood second choice.
I plan to do long back road trips this summer. So happy with my monkey!
Excuses, i'm french and old! Wainting for my Monkey ! Thanks for vidéo.
My 2022 yellow monkey has been shipped. I bought it about 900 miles of back roads away! I was wondering how I was going to service it along the way. Glad to here you just changed the oil. I will do the same and oil filter. Guess when I get home bike will be broke in and will service it properly.
So much good info. I want a little bike for fun and commuting back and forth to work on nice days.
Any one of the little Honda’s will put a smile on your face. They’re great bikes.
As a old guy in semi rural Colorado. Waiting on a tw200 for the mining roads and a Monkey for towny rides. Nice scenery!
I hope they keep the way it is
Love these fun little bikes !
I own 3 of them. I’ll have them for a long time . Miles of smiles :)
hmmmm why3? are you afraid one breaks then you got 2 more?
Have mine now for 4 years , 8500k on it ! Uptill now no breakdows or stuff broken , the only that doesnt work anymore is the alarm system ! I have had over 50 motorbikes , most of them I only keept for max 2 years. But this one I just dont get bored on it , love everytime I go for a ride 😍😎 O Yea , changed the exaust - Tyga and K&N airfilter !
50,000 miles in just over 2 years on mine and still going strong. Got the Takegawa standard look exhaust on mine but everything else stock. Replaced cam tensioner at about 25k miles. Can get 70mph out of it on a still day. Replaced the valve seals recently as started consuming a bit of oil, not so bad now. Runs fine though and sounds fab! Great little engines.
I want one. Reminds me of my 1969 mini-trail 50, but a whole bunch better.
maybe change the gear oil? im not familiar with the monkey but pretty sure it has it somewhere. That might help you with the shift issue, i had a ruckus but to small CCs so i went to the ADV150 :) take care
looks like livermore ca tesla road , thanks for the review
People riding just the big bikes don't appreciate how much fun the small bikes are. I have a 2022 grom and it's just soooo much fun.
Was this ride filmed in SoCal?
In the video are you riding in Hollister Ca?
Great video follow up !!! Subbed !!! I have been debating the last year on getting a Monkey , but now might wait til the 22's are here as of the changes they made , or unless I see a deal I can't pass up on a 19-21 Monkey . On FB I see quite a few Monkeys for sale , and wondering it's because those owners don't want them anymore or want to get the new 22 model ? How do you feel about the long gear range on the 1-2 gears ? Is it worth doing that 14t sprocket to pick up the lower end torque ?
Ok I’m getting one so awesome
Great video. The old Naches hwy is an awesome road for riding on. It was one of the first I took my monkey on. I have a '23 and am wondering how to get a little more power out of it without spending a ton of money. Top speed on the flat is about 53 mph +/-. Not fast enough for the hi-ways around here. It came stock with the sprocket gearing I was going to change it to so I'm at a little bit of a loss as to what I can do to it. Any ideas?
Probably a camshaft, intake exhaust and a tune would be the best as far as cost to performance increase. Even then, you’re only going to see a few mph extra on the top end. In my opinion these bikes don’t respond well to performance upgrades. They’re just slow, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I just avoid highways and take the more scenic routes.
Get a cam and Aracer ECM. They really are perfect with about 13HP.
Also the new 5speeds, 5th is the same ratio as 4th on your bike, just has more gears down low.
On the 2022 and beyond Honda mini bikes. They are actually a little bit faster. Not much. But it’s more so because of the change to the compression ratio than the extra gear. The 5th gear is really more about getting even better gas mileage and so the motor isn’t screaming at speed.
Totally agree with everything this gentleman said about ownership. Have a 2021 non-abs in blue and put two mods on it... $100.00 rear shocks from MNNTHBX and lowered the front sprocket one tooth... both mods are worth it. Rear was bottoming out off road often (I’m 180 lbs) and fourth gear had no pull... almost just a cruise control. Sprocket totally made 4th useable as well as a little more torque-feel throughout all gears. Don’t do this mod with an ABS model or you will get a trouble code/light. Love this bike... cheers from Arizona
Monkey 🐒✨💖👍😊
I wish I could buy one. But there's none around my area. Does someone knows when they would be available?
A 5th gear is not meant to go faster. It's not geared higher usually, but instead like my 8-speed tranny in my RAM it's all about a closer gear ratio to give you more power in each gear and get up to speed faster and stay in the power range easier without running high rpm in each gear before shifting.
5 SPD, oil filter, 1.1 additional HP, style identical. Paint changed. Frame black now. Also progressive rear shocks now. Compression Ratio up now by a point . Bore and stroke changed. It's a close ratio 5speed, to always stay in sweet spot.
My 22 won't go into 5th. 4th at 7100rpm, is 53mph. GPS verified. Shift to 5th, and it loses speed.
@@rozcloudtry dropping a tooth on your front sprocket. You’ll lose some top speed but give you a little more on the bottom end.
🛑🛑 The Honda Monkey reminds me of my youth when the Honda CT70 was the most popular motor bike in the neighborhood.
😀👍
Right now, finding a Monkey is tough. The price is creeping up as well. I’m seeing Monkeys being sold between $4100 to $5200 for New Bikes. Used Monkeys are also $4100 to $5100 for 2 year old bikes as well 🤷♂️.
Great Video👍
And they’re only going to get more expensive because Honda has stopped taking dealer orders for this bike and several others.
How’d you eliminate wind noise and talk into the mic and it tune out the wind?
Lots of trial and error. This video I was using a DJI Osmo Action with the audio adapter and an inline volume control knob. Hooked to a Purple Panda mic with a dead cat on it. There’s a hundred different ways of doing it. A lot depends on your helmet and how noisy it is.
I plan to get some sort of two wheeled vehicle, motorcycle or scooter, electric or gas. Rough estimate from my location I plan to go to work is 30 miles to and 30 back. In 16.6 days I can easily rack up 1000 miles. Now I won’t be working everyday, but 365 days times 60 miles, that’s 21,900 miles. I wonder how well the monkey can hold up.
I'd say that kind of commute--especially if you have to do short sections of expressway or fast two-lane roads--you're better off with something in the 200-400cc class. My Piaggio BV 350 handles my 25 mile daily round trip commute with no problems, being able to cruise in the center lane to keep up with traffic at about 65-70mph.
Omg! So true ! I have a 2020 Grom and it is bad ass, the new ones are UGLY. I am buying a 2023 Monkey next week with the 5th gear. I’ll let you know how I make out. But the 2023 Monkey still looks mad cool!
Are you riding in San Benito County?
Back road of naches? Nice day out
what is your cam/mic setup? The sound is really good.
The added a fifth gear for 2022 so gas mileage is probably better, still very very cheap to run-
When will the 2022 Monkey be out for sale or do I just go ahead and put a down payment on one for pre-order at my local dealer?
@@jeffreyelliott622 In Spain the are expected to arrive in early september. It can't be much longer for the rest of the world. These little bikes are very well put together, they are a lot of fun and chip to ride.
I am saving up for one. I want one so bad.
Nice ❤️
You don't agree with the "hard break in" method then? I haven't heard about it recently do maybe it was a prank malicious rumour designed to ruin engines, I know I'd prefer sticking with the soft method..
Question is: Is it as fun to ride as the old Honda 50 it's based on? Thinking about getting one.
Imagine a larger, faster, more comfortable, more reliable version of the old one and there’s your answer. (Yes)
I have a Grom. I am just shy of 4k miles in 9mo!😂. I still ride although the temps have been in the 30’s. Just gear up like the Michilan man and you’ll be fine!😂🤣😂
My Monkey wouldn't go over 40 out of the dealership, after 100 miles or so 45 , 250 miles on it then it'ld go 50 mph -eventually ,and never any more than 53 even after 2K miles on it , I have two different speed trap signs I go by so speedo is off by 1 to 3 mph only depending on speed .
How is it with the high exhaust? Have you ever burned your leg by accident?
Never a problem.
I would hope it runs like new at 900 miles. Or something is terribly wrong.
New gear ratios in all gears, has helped peppiness . Oil filter, instead of spinner, good move too. Progressive expensive rear shocks great. One and a quarter, more HP, I am hearing, for '22. I like everything they did, but not the new paint scheme.
And a tons of problems in the 2022 5 speed transmission
They should make a Honda monkey “Classic” paint scheme. With the original red tank/badge etc. I think that would be an excellent alternative. I agree they haven’t done great with color schemes etc on the monkeys. I got the 2019 yellow, but not a fan of really any of the other options
the thing is new riders get into this horsepower trap which is fine if you want to race but for me to have fun riding aggresively on canyon twisties is quite dangerous and dont think its worth for the adrenaline,i prefer exploring nature with enduro/dual sport bikes which is much cheaper and safer,also the thing about fast bikes is that you dont enjoy the trip as much and everything becomes smaller and less fun,with this however even a 40km there n back trip to the mountains is so relaxing,same reason why touring with a bicycle is so much more adventourous.....
Hey I’m looking into buying a Honda monkey soon but I’m wondering if I’ll be too big for it. I’m 5.11” and weigh roughly 190. I haven’t had a chance to sit on one yet. Do you think I’m too big for it?
I’m 6’1” and weigh 220lbs, no problems. 👍🏻
I’m 5’8” and 180lbs and I have no problems. I have six motorcycle cycles from an Indian to off road bikes, I have the best time on my monkey bike
Its not a seat...its a couch. I have a 2022 five speed and it has power in fifth unless theirs a strong wind. It has great mileage but I'm frequently putting gas in the little tank.
Just got a used 2021 monkey with 3900. Miles....with full exhaust...I just did rear shocks....I have other bikes....but I just love the monkey...it's perfect around town.....sooooo much fun....😁💜🇺🇸👍
Holding up? I have 10.000 miles on mine? Your not going to hurt it!
I passed my licensing test by using a Grom. I already have a Z400 but I want a Monkey!
Is the road test difficult?
Idk about monkeys but there isn't a day I don't want to go ride my grom around, even for 20 minutes. It's addictive lol
I do my Kawasaki Versys has the same requirement... under 6,000 RPM for 2,000 miles or something? Something about engine particle shavings getting into the oil mixture or some shit? Don't quote me, but I think it's something like that. It's stated in the manual... Not salesperson bs.
I really wanted to buy this bike, but when I sat on it at the dealer, handlebars hit my knees before full lock. Anyone else overcome this problem? I worry about low-speed parking lot maneuvering.
Adjust the handlebars
Stand up.
There's a video on how to adjust the handlebars towards you or away from you.
this bike must be cool! Is it possible to travel 100km a day to go to work?
Yes. As long as no highway travel is needed.
@@GasWorksISO thank you very much 😉
Dude sounds just like Dave Ramsey reviewing a Honda Monkey. My wife does not want me learning to ride a full size bike but agreed to something for around town. Been flip flopping between this and the CT125.
Have you gotten one yet?
ha ha ha . I was thinking the same thing. lol
Looks like California. Miss it.
Itll sputter if you dont let it warm up
I had the choice in 2020 of buying a monkey or a grom. I ended up with a grom but wish i wouldve went for the monkey.
I always wanted a grom when they came out.i was playing with a couple of Chinese 110 and 125 pit bikes.then I saw the monkey a couple years later.i found a used monkey in 2020 for 3000 dollars and pulled the trigger.there fun comfortable bikes for a nutty 62 year old kid.hope you try one out I think you would like it.🙏😁
I restored a 1974 Honda Trail 70 and I like it. I really like the Monkey, but the price tag! So, I got a Trailmaster MB200 v2 and decked it out. I mainly want to do dirt trail riding and I mean easy grandpa trails. So, my lady and I can relax and enjoy the day.
You still have the trail 70? I have an almost restored ‘75 mighty green trail 70. VI Honda in British Columbia phoned me and said the new monkey is finally coming to Canada by September,can’t wait to see it and maybe purchase😎
i have the trailmaster as well and go back and forth vs buyin a monkey or makin the trailmaster street legal. i plan to keep a bike on a short bus i have to camp in, so has to be a adult sized mini bike for sure but i want the ability to leave the bus parked and head into town for whatever.
I'm stuck between getting a Grom or a Monkey for my first started Bike.
Monkey, Grom looks like a POS transformer.
Watch the review videos,monkee wins
Same, but went with Monkey. Seating position, comfortable seat, and style won l me over. My back prefers not to be hunched over so upright was better. Not to mention I love how it looks!
@@luisb3374 just saw something called the ADV150 by honda,that looks pretty nice
It’s better than the Monkey and Grom, both great bikes, but the seat height is much taller.
Curious if anyone else has run their Monkey anywhere close to my mileage yet? 40,000 miles in less than 2 years.
Damn!! I’m nowhere near that.
@@GasWorksISO Haha, I would guess few are on most bikes, let alone a tiny Monkey. Testament to the quality though that I've only really had one issue with it (cam chain tensioner shot through). Still going strong!
It would take me 40 years to rack up 40,000 on mine. Glad to hear it’s served you well!
@@GasWorksISO 50,000 miles now. Still going! :)
I’m 225lb, would it be to small for my weight?
That’s about what I weigh. Scoots along just fine. Upgrade the rear shocks though.
@@GasWorksISO Is the upgrade something the dealership can do?
It’s a DIY swap. Easy to do.
Nice fancy toy
Want one, supersport rider for the past 20 years and now time to slow down, this bike seems perfect. Just need to justify the purchase to the missus 😂
At this point in your experience you should own enough bikes that the Missus wouldn’t even notice a new one in the collection….😊😆
@@GasWorksISO 😂😂😂👍👍
I am the same way, the bike is fun. But when the wind blows, So does the bike. Seems like you live in an area where you can take it camping.
Sorry about the divorce man
@@jonblanchard5453 True but now there's the opportunity to go camping ... almost like sleeping alone on the sofa but without the nagging!
I put 2,600 in 6 months on my 2005 metropolitan
3800 miles so far on mine change oil every 1000 miles used hard brilliant bike never missed a beat
Did you get the abs one?? I'm about to be buying one. How do you like it so far??
I got non abs, first time rider, but really didnt have a choice, bought it luke new 2nd hand, saved $1300 in dealer fees for a 200 mile monkey but no abs. Havent ever seen another monkey for sale in my area within a reasonable distance outside buying new at a dealer
Non abs so far is just fine, its not a fast bike
If you Had to Choose- Grom or Monkey?
i have a 2019 Grom. I rode a 2022 Monkey and I would go with the Monkey, better riding position and comfy. If your younger probably the Grom
After 48 the wind makes it not a nice motorcycle ride
Yes, these bike are bullet proof, but there is one big problem with this bike, the tires have tubes in them. I have the smaller CT70 and once when I was 50 miles in the forest, I had a flat tire. You want to see the look of a panicked person as if he is on an electric chair, that was me. After a few hours of pushing the bike, God sent me a kind man with a pickup truck ! ! !
I do not know what I would have done if I had not come across this guy. A tubeless tire would have been fixed in 10 minutes. It would be great if honda put tubeless tires on these bike.
They are tubeless….
It’ll always be 100% reliable it’s a Honda
1500kms, no problem, goes like grandmoms Porsche 911. My monkey 2022 is superb.
What do you have to say a year later?
@@SWEETVENOM100 5000kms, goes ok, handy commuter machine, no problem.
The 2021 model with 5 speed gearbox has lower HP and torque and is like this only to make it Euro 5 compliance.
The most desirable version will always be the 2018 to 2020 model with the 4 speed gearbox.
the 2022 5spd version has higher compression, so in theory it should be snappier.
@@billwilliamson9842 Higher compression means theoretically that the vehicle (head / valve seatings / pistons) will be under more stress in the long term.
@@johntheaccountant5594 Yes the more power you have the more stress, but we're not talkin pro stock race levels here lol besides you said it would have lower hp and thats simply un true. you sound a bit jealous of the new models is all.
@@billwilliamson9842 Not jealous but check the stats and the torque and power of the 2022 and it is no more than the 2019/20. The 5 gears might help a little with maintaing speed if you know how to use the gears to their potential.
In reality, I wouldn't notice and nor would you.
@@johntheaccountant5594 So not lower power like you said.
59
I have to see a video of you going 70 miles an hour my 22 monkey will never go that fast... You know what they say if you don't have it on camera it never happened. 🤔
67mph. ua-cam.com/video/x2bfnrE8ZBc/v-deo.html
Should clean out the spin filter