Honda Monkey 125 Review and Ride | The Good, The Bad, and Everything in Between
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- In this video we review the Honda Monkey 125. One of the more exciting additions to the US motorcycle offerings, this bike is a unique machine with characteristics not found on anything else I've ridden in the last few years. I discuss what it is, what it isnt, the good, the bad, and everything in between.
#HONDAMONKEY #Z50 #RETROMINI
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Ride safe!
I'm 5'5 and 120 pounds, this bike is perfect for me! I would make it look full sized 😂
It would be a blast for ya for sure. Definitely a lot more pep than with my ass on it!
I am 6‘2 and 250 pounds still love it
😆
Um 5'7 lol
@@andyc9902I'm 5.7 😕😕😕
I bought mine on my 77th birthday, Is is as you described. Most reliable and affordable fun for the dollar.
40's not old. I used to ride CT70s and I'm 70 this year. ☺ Thanks for the review. I, too, love Honda's little bikes. My wife's first new car was the Honda Civic. She bought it in 78 or 79. We would love to see Honda bring back that super-cute little Civic. It would totally out-sell the Fiats and any other small vehicles out there. Come on Honda, bring back the 78 Honda Civic.
And the 91 CRX!
The japanese economy has been stuck for most part of this century! Japanese enterprises rather invest in something that might be accepted by the general public and this bringing profit, than bringing back a last century's looking model with modern technology.
- Ironically, they have done it with the old "Honda N" and renamed it "Honda E".
Unfortunately, they only made a Electric Version, without any ICE version. Which is stupid because that little car looks like a old car redesigned with modern lines that lots of people would love.
You are absolutely right about these monkey’s. My first motorcycle was a 1969 Honda mini trail z50. I was five years old and been riding bikes ever since. When they came out with the new monkey in 2019 I had have one. I have two now and I’m 58 years old and having a blast on them. Honda nailed it! 👍
Hell yeah brother.
Small bikes are fun. I had an awesome magna 750 and picked up a 50cc scooter for my wife. After tinkering with the scooter with weights and a 80cc jug I found myself taking the scooter out for late night cruises around town. It was just fun to zip on the back streets or grab some milk from the store on a smooth quiet little bike. Could ride all week on a gallon of gas. Really its just getting over being seen on a scooter and once you stop giving a F what others think then you can have a blast.
Couldn't agree more. I'll ride literally anything on 2 wheels without shame.
i own a 2021 monkey, imo is the must fun bike you can buy. sadly is very expensive in my country i paid 5.7k lol
They're 4k in the U.S. brand new.
@@emperorpalpatine1228 AKA they're a bit overpriced everywhere.
@@emperorpalpatine1228 5.7k is an out the door price. You don't get one for $4K, it's $4K + tax, tag, destination, POI, dealer fees, etc. A guy just paid $5.7K yesterday at a dealer in Jacksonville.
It's €5k over here ;p
@@emperorpalpatine1228 About 5200 in the US otd right now.
Thanks for such a positive review. Couldn’t agree more with your enthusiasm for this little gem. I’ve had mine for a year now. Also the owner of a 2018 Goldwing, 2014 Yamaha Stryker, 2019 Can Am RT Spyder, and a 2019 Can Am Ryker. All of those bikes are great but it is the a monkey that brings the biggest smile. A return to the simple years. And you are exactly right, Honda has done such a stellar job with fit and finish and turning out such a quality bike. So darn fun. Great video. Thank you.
I see a bigger guy riding a monkey around town and it’s the coolest thing ever to see. I literally am getting my monkey next week!
Love it! Definitely seems like a perfect little bike for RVing
Literally the ultimate RV companion!
Absolutely love the monkey and the newest grom it’s hard to make a decision knowing I’m going to modify either one so it’s hard to justify a 6k toy but after 36 yrs if riding I deserve either one.
The monkey is much cooler than the grom but what got me is the seating position. The monkey is just plain comfortable. The grom had me arched forward a bit which I hated.
My honest bet if you've been riding for 36 years is to go with the monkey. I'm no mathlete but my guess is you are older like me and the monkey is light years more comfortable.
This thing takes me straight back to the first Honda 50 I ever rode 50+ years ago.
I think I'm in love.
I'm 52, been riding since 1985 and ya, your right. These things are special. Light, legal, comfortable, quiet, efficient and able to sneak around just about everywhere. good vid.
I agree. It's big enough to handle highway speeds but it's all about engine size. If this had a 175cc engine it could be a much better bike for an easy cruise at 55 mph all day without being wound tight and could top out about 65-70 mph. I had the CT125 for 1500 miles. the 125 engine just isn't enough in the US to ride the roads here for most of us. These bikes were best designed for the smaller and slower roads in the foreign countries. For people in the US that have the narrow/slow blacktop roads like you were riding on, then they'll work fine. For the rest of the US, like out here in NM where all roads are straight and long before you get anywhere and side roads are 65 mph, you just can't go anywhere on a bike like this. I moved up to an XT250 from the 125 and I consider that the minimum to actually ride on the road.
Yeah, I would love if this or the CT125 could get up to 175. That could push my 260 pound body up to that 55-60mph range safetly.
@@philk8807 I love my Monkey and will keep it for a long time. It's faster than the CT125 and the manual clutch gives it a lot more power off-road. I just ordered the new XR150. Again, you're right, we do need a 175 like we used get when I was a kid, or even a twin 160 like I had (CL 160 scrambler), but for now, Honda did finally bring the 150 to the US after having it in foreign countries for many years. The foreign countries all have a lot more bikes to choose from than we do in the US, and they can't say those small don't sell here because the dealers are always sold out of them. The XR150 was released in April and I found out about it the end of May and all the dealers within 250 miles of me were all sold out and had to get on a waiting list for the July order because each dealer only gets 2 at a time. I had an XL125 (actually two of them) in about 1975 and this new XR150 will bring back memories because it's totally old-school. Analog speedo and trip odometer, carb and pet cock, drum rear brake. No electronics on it to go wrong except a CDI ignition, and they never give any trouble. It should be a lot of fun.
big bore kit?
@@msher1438 Big bore kit for which bike. We have talked about 3 different ones in the comment, the CT125, the Monkey 125 and the XR150. Some guys have put big bore kits in the CT125 and probably the Monkey too. It's a lot easier to do in a carbureted bike like the XR150 because all you have to do is re-jet the carb. But the fuel injected bikes need a new "mapping" to make use of the larger displacement. Most guys can't do that kind of work.
@@spydie I was referring to the monkey 🙈
OMG! its like the 1970s again! Back when I was like 12-13 all the "cool" kids rode Honda Trail 70s and those little Honda z50s with the 3 speeds and folding handle bars. I always dreamed of owning one and now it looks like they are collector items. All we need now are retro bicycles with banana seats and sissy bars!
One negative is the price. Brand new they cost around 4,500 dollars. Even more if you want ABS. And used ones aren't much cheaper.
Calling your self one of the old guys is insulting. At 40 you are still a young punk. The ole guys were riding long before you were even though about. Don't try to put your self in the ole guy group until hit 70 and then that can be iffy.
Thank you for the super sweet video and narrative. "You meet the nicest people on a Honda".
180 pound? I'm 260 and it handles me without trouble
Dude your killing it. Really likable video and you come on sincere. Sweet ride.
Hi - it's Big Rodders in Ireland. I enjoyed your review. I've done 4500 miles on my 2019 model and just love it as it returns me to the essence of motircycling that I first enjoyed 50 years ago and that is the ability to explore the freedom of the road and to enjoy fresh air. To make the Monkey perfect for me I would want it to lose a bit of weight, have stronger rear shocks, replace rear disc for a hub brake for ease of cleaning and maintenance and a fifth gear to provide an ultra low first as mine is far too high for offroad use. The useless mirrors are easily transformed by using a simple extension kit. I think I will consider a 2022 model although it has lost some of its cheeky appeal with the switch from a yellow to a black frame.
All agreed. Glad you're enjoying it and it's allowing you a return to youth. What a beautiful thing.
I agree about the frame, just not the same in black.
@@downstateradv That's a Great revue! Sold after the first thirty seconds!
Honda has Nailed this by returning us to our Motorcycling past... And in 2021, Who wouldn't want to? As a 66 yr old, I still lust after a Honda CB400RR (think I need therapy?)
Regards
Survivor of 3x IOM TT 'Mad Sundays'
I spoke to Mike 'The Bike' Hailwood too!
This is a throw back to the honda mini trail 50. They've had bikes like this for years. China, Japan, and so on have had this bike for many many years. Just like the ford ranger. Other countries have had them. Just not the United States.
Definitely enjoying the adventures people are having with these on knobby tires. Will be going with them when my stockers wear down :)
So true, thanks! I think Honda Monkey 125 is probably the best bike I ever owned. Greetings from Finland (Europe)!
I’m a bigger guy( 6ft and 260lbs) this bike is fun on another level, not too scary like other bikes and just something to mess around with
This information helped me. I am 187 cm and 102 kg. I'll make fun and buy Monkey. Thanks.
How fast can you go?
@@romanslejska766 Did you buy it? I am 189 cm 86 kg and I wonder how comfy it is. Is it ok with legs? :D
@@TheSkaen I bought and sold after about 500 km. In terms of size, it is possible, but the maximum is about 90 km/h. she wasn't good enough for me. Just weak for my weight. But as a second bike for fun why not.
Really cool little bike. My first dirtbike was a Suzuki TC 100. The color scheme on the Monkey reminds me of an old Yamaha Trials 250 I used to own.
I've ridden a TC actually. Cool little bike.
The gas mileage is also a big seller, its so good you can explore entire continents for dirt cheap with it 😁
Very true
This is my driving school Bike. It Drives pretty Well Dispite me being 6"6.
I am building an Overlander and was looking to find a small bike I could put on a hitch mount and rip around the woods when I get to my campsite. This is exactly what I'm looking for. Good price too
To be honest I have had the most fun on smaller bikes like this.
Same. Great machine.
I've been riding for over 50 years and currently ride a Yamaha 950 Bolt. It's a low bobber type of bike so it's very easy to ride even for a 66 year old like me. But I'm thinking about the future and what I'll be riding a few years down the road. A Monkey with a 300 cc engine would be cool. Low bikes with moderate power are easy to ride.
Have a 2015 grom, just got a 2019 monkey. Upgrading the pipe, intake, cam and re flashing is needed to make this bike 60mph capable in rolling hills.
The grom I have is serious street setup, the monkey is definitely a scrambler.
What changed about the oil filter?
Keep chugging. For my 69th birthday I had my son video me attacking the slope below my house on my CT110. Old guy?
Hi there,
Nice video!;o)
Can you please tell me the brand and model of the exhaust?
The current Monkey is better than this one?
Have you tried the Brixton Crossfire 125 XS?
Best Regards
I bought mine yesterday, had.3 miles on it. I can’t figure out shifting I keep stalling when coming to stops
I just got the 2022 model and it’s worth every penny. Such a fun mini moto.
Awesome. The fifth gear is 🔥
@@downstateradv game changer 👍🏽
The Monkey is the BEST small motorcycle available.
2014 Groms sold very well and they were fuel injected, not carbureted.
Other than the fact gap there, I share your enthusiasm for these minis. Not sure what took me so long but I just picked up a 2022 Grom last week and wow it's fun. It is the same kind of thing as a supermoto, but it's much more polite about that purpose. You can wring a Grom's neck everywhere you go all the while not disturbing the community and getting amazing gas mileage. Can't say the same about a DRZ400...
The Grom is surprisingly comfortable too, you can sit in the stock saddle for an hour pretty easily.
I'm fingering the Trigger on a 2023 Grom. I'm a larger guy... 6' and 250.. but many Gromsters have assured me that I wouldn't be alone and that the bike would still be a blast. As I have little off-road options in my suburban area anymore, and have been a Sport (street) rider for many years.. the Grom seems to be more sensible. IF buying a Grom or Monkey would EVER be "sensible"!
yeah . you never see five and six year old kids riding those , like back in the day . all grown men . comical
I'm waitin on my black 2022 to get here, hopefully gets it while there are still some se ky days I can ride it before it gets too cold. They made a lot of small changes for 2022 besides the 5th gear and filter. 1st gear is lower, 5th gear is higher then last years 4th, rear sprocket is a 37 now instead of a 34, single chamber muffler vs the old 3 chamber, smaller but freer flowin catalytic converter which gained another 1/2" of ground clearance, dual stage rear coils and revised shocks for bigger riders, slightly less bore, more stroke and higher compression, revised intake for better flow, all lights are led now, and all this adds up to a bike with "supposedly" 1 hp more, more punch down low, higher top speed and just a better all around bike. Honda hit the bullesye with the Monkey, plan to keep mine on my short bus/camper rig.
Already have a set of Shinko mobbers and 300 miles on my 2022 yellow honda monkey
This is the original Miata blueprint. Non-threatening, underpowered, reliable AND retro.. The reason this works is because it's a lot more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. 🍻
💯
Your description and feeling about this little bike mirrors mine exactly.
Great video mate i just subscribed
$6000.00 Canadian for 9 horsepower. LOL. Uhh..
what is the problem with old models oil filter please ?
thx for the vid, its a good one
I love this mini bike, I think it will be my second bike soon as!!!!!!!!!!!
Hells yea!! just got a 2023 monkey yesterday. Ive never ridden a mototorcylce, but learned the clutch pretty quick last night ( only thing is, when I pull the brake sometimes I pull the gas...but it'll be smooth soon enough)
Great overview. YES. the 5-speed makes a huge difference! Still love the tubeless tires and loads of aftermarket support.
I've got my little 2019 bike and that thing is still just awesome to goof around on. Awesome video.
The "out the door" price of this motorcycle is actually $6,200.00, which is considerably higher than the Honda Grom. Also, these bikes require a special license which requires 20 hours of mandatory training similar to that of a pilot's license!
6200???? Wow I got a brand new 2023 KLR 650 S model out the door tax etc etc 6700
@@bigdave6194 Well, that's nice. Hope you enjoy it.
I'm 5'2 and 110 lbs. Do you think this would look like a normal motorcycle with me on it?
Absolutely.
Haha it definitely would and would likely be ideal for you in all seriousness.
Does it have hi/low range like the trail 125?
I wish they would but the 2023 drive train from the Monkey in the Honda Trail 125 that would be a blast. Love my Trail 125 but would have a second one if the put the 2023 five speed with clutch from the monkey in it.
I like the TW 200. Same concept why why mot have the power to get uphill and size to be comfortable
The TW doesn't fit through my doorways, I keep the monkey in my living room .
@@joecamel6835 😄👍
My grandparents bought me a 1976 Honda Z50 when I was 9 years old, I loved that thing
Good review. Thanks. I just bought a 2020 Monkey.
Sory i'm french ! I do like it, wainting for my one... En français, désolé, " ce n'est pas la vitesse qui compte, mais l'impression de la vitesse", enfin, I'm an old man !
looks fantastic,think i will be getting one used with some aftermarket goodys and somethin pre 2021 euro4 want 4speed as seems to be reliability issues with the new 2022 lump
Which reliability issues does the 2022 have? I'm also doubting between pre 2021 and 2022 ;)
Hello is it possible travel 100km a day to go to work with the monkey 2022 ? ( I ‘«m from Belgium . Thank you 😊
the biggest and important mistakes are not having kicked and for 2 people. I don't understand it as Honda failed, or I would have bought it… I me encanta,i’m lovint
Oh fuck that lucks amazing Man.
When I built my e-bike. I started dabbling with engines then I discovered this channel
Beautiful scenery - where are you located? Great review, by the way!
Thanks. That was filmed in upstate NY.
where to buy this little lovely thing
Your local Honda dealer
I have to admit the biggest selling point for me is the seat on the monkey. That think is a marshmallow compared to the grom.
Very true.
What's the Weight Limit?
It's not for fat f k s
If your old I'm really old . I rode mini bikes in the late 60's early 70's with a group of my friends . The Honda 50 was $200 dollars back then . The trail 70 was the bad ass of all our bikes . I rode a Yamaha 60 it was red and white and screamed 2 stroke. There was always a friendly feud Yamaha or Honda. Thank you for your content it's given me a moment to reflect on how fortunate we all were growing up at that time in American history. Don't get me started on the car thing that's a whole other story ! Thanks again for your content . 1 down 3 up !
drove mine for 600 miles, and it´s a yellow beauty, Öhlins of course
Great bike for sure!! I really want honda to bring the 50 and 70s back. Mini trail!! Great video
I bought mine back in 2018 cause it was love on the first sight. Today, after more than 5000km I have respect for this little bike and it is often my first choise over my HD.
After watching a lot of reviews on Monkey...I'm definitely getting myself on that waitlist. Thank you for the review. Hi from Bangkok, Thailand.
Im sold man 🤣 getting that itch haha
I think you're wrong. Who would not think the monkey is fun from the get go? If you find that person, I suggest you stay away.
I ride my Monkey on the 70 mph highway to work all the time
Much though I love it (apart from the hideous black Tupperware above the engine) I’m 6’2” and 240lb so over the limit for it. Time for a diet I think!
I'm 5'10 and 260 and have a blast on it daily
yup , its the bike my mom wouldn't let me have !!
i also ride a speed triple and its a toss up which is more fun 😊
Ahhh.. you mentioned puch... I had a 67 puch Sabre badged as Sears motorcycle.. bought outta a Barn.. restored it.. great time..
Now.. I'm really looking at this
Almost 40? Start planning plot at cemetery.
Cremation better
Nice review. Beautiful country. What region is that? Looks New England.
*Haha You can't talk without using your hands can you, Bernie Sanders*
Ha! I'm the product of euro trash, what do you expect?!! 😂😂. 🤌🤌
Monkey Fun ....... ❤
Did you purchase this Honda Monkey ?
For the same money I bought the 2022 Honda ADV150 scooter. I do a little off road which I can do on my ADV . When I was young we owned 2 -1973 👍Honda CT70 with 4-speed and they got around just fine.
Howdy brother
Ty for this reivew helping push me to where I want to be and it’s on one of these little dudes. Iv had Harley’s and hard tails and crotch rocket scooters your name! Its been a couple years I need to back on 2 wheels. And my work is 15 miles aways and it’s all backroads.
How old are ya? I’m born in 85:)
Cheers brother form northern ca
Ideal work commuter rig if it's not highway. Definitely grab one. I'm 40.
@@downstateradv thanks much brother goood shit
How tall are you ?
they are not cheap
i have allways wanted honda monkey but have never found one at a great price. but if i ever get the money i will buy a Honda Monkey 125 straight away. you mentioned Puch. I had a Puch Dakota such a great moped. and pretty collectible if in great shape. my friends dad have a really nice collection of old mopeds. he restores them. and one of the best is an old Cresent moped. cant remember the model name of it now but it looks brand new and he ofc got a Puch Dakota allmost in new condition to. there is something therapeutic about riding arround a motorbike or moped. just buzzing arround reflecting on life day to day. great video btw.
Where is this? Very nice scenery.
The area is nicer than the bike
I can't even get one of the damn things how and where do you go about getting a monkey
They're pretty available in most of our dealers New and plenty also available on the used market. Really depends on where you are I guess.
There's none in Maine! Bummer 😕
So much fun. What kind of rear rack is that? Been looking for one!
Been waiting for this!
Honda, i love you! Gift me one of these bikes!
I ❤ my monkey
As the saying goes, less is more and it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. I had a 50cc monkey as a teenager, such a fun bike, I would ride it on the trails, in the forest, everywhere. I've had and ridden big bikes, 400cc, 600cc, 1000cc, but I've come to the conclusion that riding on the highway at high speeds is not fun, it's fun to explore, ride the twisty back roads, ride on a trail and what's the point of having all that power when you're not even using it. Don't get me wrong, I've had fun on bigger bikes, but I've had the most fun on my small monkey bike. I feel like the monkey is the do it all or the jack of all trades.
All that, and a price of 4.5K (euros) for a brand new motorcycle? I must say the kid inside me is really tempted to go and buy one of these, especially since I haven't had a motorcycle for two years now.
Couldn't agree more. This might be one of my all time favorite motorcycles and I've owned and ridden everything, literally.
great stuff here. What are your thoughts on ABS brakes or not? Cheers John
On a simple bike like this that's not taylored to any high spec segment, I see no downside to abs. It's smarter than us and would likely to more good than harm, unlike on a dual sport. Go for it.
@@downstateradv thanks! They seem hard to find. Im in san francisco
™ 👁🗨 BRAAAAAP
I have a FZ-10 but i want a monkey. I'm going to look at a 2022 this weekend. 99% of my driving is in town. I see people riding these and they are smiling while on the way to work. I know its not their job making them smile.
Haha very valid. I think you'll be one of those smiling monkey riders in no time
The upside-down front forks are pretty cool on a small bike.
Great review and fun little thing, anyone know what the change to the oil filter is on the new 2022 version?
ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME DUDE!!!
Nope. They're a great little motor bike.
I really want a Honda Monkey 450