Hey ER! It might have been Winston Churchill who said, "When you’re 20, you care what everyone thinks, when you’re 40 you stop caring what everyone thinks and when you’re 60, you realize no one was looking at you in the first place." I’m of an age where I could ride that bike! Good review mate. Hope all is well. Take care. Chris
I get 155mpg . 6ft4 and still comfy. Better than my street twin which def was nt comfy! Mate just got one. First tank 170mpg. Amazing fun bikes. Saw a comment saying I Don.t get these bikes. Well I don't see the point of hayabusa etc. Like em tho. Horses for courses
I have yet to ride one of these, or a Grom. But I did ride a couple of mini bikes when I was very young, so I can imagine this being a blast to ride around the city! It's kind of funny, due to the seating position, you can't see the bike at all when you're riding! 😂
We used to have a 1970s 70cc Monkey bike, my little sister would ride it at 6 years old. She couldn't touch the floor so we had to catch her when she stopped ha ha! On private land of course! Great fun little bike!
It must be my lucky day ! My two favourite cheeky monkeys in one video !!! 🥰 Actually, before I found out about the Meteor, I did consider a Grom or Monkey because I just thought they would be tremendous fun but cheap to run. I also think a Monkey would cope pretty well with my planned off-road hijinks and would definitely be less intimidating than some tall 200+ kg ADV bike. So many deserving bikes, so few digits in the bank balance. What to do ? 🤔 I look forward to the full review but I know you are going to love it ! Cheers ER, El Outro 😉
Thanks E. R, it would have been a good choice. The Grom dosent have the decent suspension that the monkey has. But you ended up with 2 brilliant bikes anyway. Like you say, so much choice. If have a monkey anyday! 🐒
Hi, thanks for a rely lovely review. It's great to hear good things about the Honda MONKEY. I also have a 2022 and love it every day. Im an all weather Rider and in and out deep London every day. 7500 miles on and 2 years the Honda Monkey gets better and better. I've done no mods except a small windscreen as I love the look. And I'm able to reach and impressive 65 MPH when ever I need to. As for mileage , I get 180 Miles to the tank when I Brim the tank 😊. So just a big thank you for your review and letting people out there know how good the Honda Monkey really is . Best wishes to you 🙏😊 Ride safe and ride Happy 😁
I have the same one in the same colour had it a couple of months, just had it 600 mile service. Absolutely love it, I have another bike as well, but this one is so easy to get out and take to the shops or any other trips, I have done over 100 miles in one day. Incredible little bike.
Lovely looking bike. I rode a Grom some years ago and was surprised at the seating position, you expect you be all hunched up like some toy clown bicycle but it just feels like any other 125 really. I'd buy a Monkey if my commute didn't rely on dual carriageways, and the fact I've already got 2 bikes. :P
Just waiting for the Barnstaple office of MTS to open, hopefully this month. Just discovered someone in Westward Ho! started on a Honda monkey and watching him ride up and down lanes in Appledore, has swung me in the Monkeys favour. Can't wait for the full review.
Watched the one where he rode the Monkey down to Clovelly beach, then back up THAT road. Also another one down the steep roads where I live. Feeling completely confident about the Monkey now.
Monkey is a very fun bike to ride. It is like riding a toy on the street. I go on the freeways also and do 65mph. I will buy the next generation Monkey as well when they come out.
I’d like one of these - I take it you saw Daniel Hayes ride one across the Nullarbor? Bullet proof! Would you mind having a look and see where it is manufactured? Thanks.
I love the idea of them but here in Canada they're C$6,000 with freight, which makes it very expensive for a machine that really can't do the main roads very easily. They still look like fun... maybe one day I'll find one second-hand.
@@VOX-MOXIE that's wild.... I bought my '19 CBR500R brand new for less than that and I know which one I'd have. Monkey is fun but the price seems double what you'd expect it to be.
I have several bikes in the garage and am having a hard time parting with any of them to get a Monkey. Right now I'm thinking about getting rid of the Yamaha XT250 as my Honda CT clone wouldn't bring enough money to even make a decent down payment on a monkey (way over-priced for a tiny bike) but the 250 would get me enough to buy the Monkey, but I still am not quite ready to part with it even though I'm dying to have a monkey. I did get the new CT125 when it came out last year but got tired of the very hard saddle and that 125 engine just wasn't enough, so not sure I'm ready for another 125. But I'd still like to have one (I think).
@@lilynorthover8378 I've got plenty of room, just not plenty of money. I've got 6 bikes in the garage now. I think I just sold the XT250 though. I'd like to have an electric bike (since I'm on solar and it would cost me nothing to drive it) if 1. we had any dealers for electric bikes across the US and 2. if they were reasonably priced (they cost more than a very good and large gas motorcycle) and 3. if they could go 200 miles at 65 mph. It just isn't going to happen.
@@exeterrider I'm working on the wife as we speak 😂. Started looking at these a while back, first I wanted the Grom then the Dax now the monkey! Honda mini bikes just rock. 🙋
I adore my little Monkey, also in Blue. These little bikes are hilarious to ride, nippy in town and very comfortable to ride/move around etc.. I highly recommend them.
It gets by, the limited travel on the suspension can make the bike bottom out if your too harsh with it but potholes are so easily avoided anyway with its short wheel base and razor sharp handling.
I've a 4 speed and the suspension is far too soft (unless your 50kg) as it bottoms out everywhere with a clunk. This may attribute to a well known issue of swingarm cracks on the monkey? Luckily there's lots of suspension upgrades out there.. Though it's trying to find the delicate balance of affordable upgrades overiding it's inherent fun disposition!
I didn't know it was a 5-speed. I wish it was a 150. I live in northern Thailand most of the year, and most bikes which are 125 in Europe are 150cc here. That extra 25cc makes so much difference. 14'' wheels would be better, too. A bit impractical, too. My 155cc scooter is far more practical with its underseat storage and a lot quicker off the mark than this. I do like the Monkey, though.
@@exeterrider I'd like to try a Monkey on the road. All the Honda dealer in Chiang Rai would allow me to do was play around on it round the back of the shop. Quite a big area but not like real riding.
I would have to disagree, Nothing to do with euro5. I personally found on my Grom that it was revving far too hard and many said they wanted a 5th gear...its made all the difference : )
@@exeterrider it's soft for sure. Too soft. It will bottom out constantly. And in mildly "aggressive" riding we feel it's limits not in a nice way. Riding in the city, cars everywhere, it doesn't really matter much, that's true. Once you leave the city heading to the mountains... rubbish.
@@exeterrider I'm not saying it's bad off road, take it to a twisty mountain road, ride it as it deserves to be ridden, the kind of ride that makes you smile ear to ear, and you'll know what I'm saying.
@@zefautino I know exactly what you mean there, the travel isn't long enough for that. I was going to take it off road but didn't for that very reason 👍
No your wrong it in the ignition key turn steering to left and push down on key all the way to the left it will lock your steering, Maybe u down understand
Yes I'd like to see that one aswell. Maybe it's just a case of the others similar like the cub don't sell enough to warrant something much the same? It may dilute the sales too much perhaps? Just guessing there 👍🍻
@@exeterrider They must know what will sell. I would like to see more colour options for the Cub too. I find it a bit too grey and a bit too red. Yet Honda can offer tasteful options for other models, see the Monkey's paint job which is lovely.
@@exeterrider it's not matter of opinion. The Tnt has way more advanced suspension. In the front the same upside-down forks, but 44mm, on the back mono shock adjustable. 5 speeds and more advanced engine. 2 sparks and 7l tank. For half of groms price. The Monkey has more springy suspension and plushy seat, that doesn't make it better, just bounces more.
👌👍Fair enough, the monkey is 5 speed and the seat is far more comfortable I found. The TNT seat gets numbing after and hour I found, more reliable too I expect, even if the TNT is still pretty reliable. 👍
@@exeterrider but for me the Monkey is not in the same category as the TNT which is more against the Grom. The Monkey is all about those retro looks and fun. Could do a good job for commuting too, but mainly for fun I believe. Also it could be better for some light offroad with those stock tires
Hey ER! It might have been Winston Churchill who said, "When you’re 20, you care what everyone thinks, when you’re 40 you stop caring what everyone thinks and when you’re 60, you realize no one was looking at you in the first place." I’m of an age where I could ride that bike! Good review mate. Hope all is well. Take care. Chris
Cheers mate, I love that, what a great saying..... Yes I still care a little.... But less than I did. I really like the monkey 🐒
just turned 40 and stopped caring 😂 got this exact bike as a present from my wife, best gift ever 🙈
Wow, what a present!
@@exeterrider haha... I got a Land Rover Defender for my 40th a few years ago! You might want to revisit your 40th!
Look how many likes on your part Chris😉👍
Thanks ER,looking forward for the full review.
You and me both! I haven't started editing it yet but , I am even looking forward to that!
Yes, cute is the first word that came to my mind. The Monkey bike is quite sweet too 🙂
I’m actually really looking forward to the full review 👍🏼
It's a fun ride, id have one 👍🍻
This was a much appreciated review. 👍
👌👍🍻
Looking forward to seeing the full review. Thank you. Peter
Thanks for watching Peter. The monkey is a lot of fun🐵
I have an HD Roadking, Buell Cyclone, BMW R1250 GSA and a Honda Monkey. The Monkey gets the most attention and is the most fun to ride.
I love the monkey, could be in my top 5 favourite bikes 🐒
Great little review. Love the 80s synth outro!
Awesome, thank you! Glad someone noticed haha.... yes I like my 80s stuff : )
Great video, Honda monkey is my very first bike! Had it about a week and loving it so far!
I am and always will be a big fan of the Monkey... Good choice mate : )....full review coming up!
I get 155mpg . 6ft4 and still comfy. Better than my street twin which def was nt comfy! Mate just got one. First tank 170mpg. Amazing fun bikes. Saw a comment saying I Don.t get these bikes. Well I don't see the point of hayabusa etc. Like em tho. Horses for courses
I'm with you. Id have a monkey over a busa anyday. Love em 👍🐵
I have yet to ride one of these, or a Grom. But I did ride a couple of mini bikes when I was very young, so I can imagine this being a blast to ride around the city!
It's kind of funny, due to the seating position, you can't see the bike at all when you're riding! 😂
That's about of money for sure
Cant wait for the full review 👏👍🏻
Thanks Jim. 👍🙏
We used to have a 1970s 70cc Monkey bike, my little sister would ride it at 6 years old. She couldn't touch the floor so we had to catch her when she stopped ha ha! On private land of course! Great fun little bike!
Ha, I bet you wished you kept that now, worth a few quid!
It must be my lucky day ! My two favourite cheeky monkeys in one video !!!
🥰
Actually, before I found out about the Meteor, I did consider a Grom or Monkey because I just thought they would be tremendous fun but cheap to run.
I also think a Monkey would cope pretty well with my planned off-road hijinks and would definitely be less intimidating than some tall 200+ kg ADV bike.
So many deserving bikes, so few digits in the bank balance. What to do ? 🤔
I look forward to the full review but I know you are going to love it !
Cheers ER,
El Outro 😉
Thanks E. R, it would have been a good choice. The Grom dosent have the decent suspension that the monkey has. But you ended up with 2 brilliant bikes anyway. Like you say, so much choice. If have a monkey anyday! 🐒
Hi, thanks for a rely lovely review. It's great to hear good things about the Honda MONKEY. I also have a 2022 and love it every day. Im an all weather Rider and in and out deep London every day. 7500 miles on and 2 years the Honda Monkey gets better and better. I've done no mods except a small windscreen as I love the look. And I'm able to reach and impressive 65 MPH when ever I need to. As for mileage , I get 180 Miles to the tank when I Brim the tank 😊. So just a big thank you for your review and letting people out there know how good the Honda Monkey really is . Best wishes to you 🙏😊 Ride safe and ride Happy 😁
I really appreciate that Thank You! You really "get" what I was trying to do with the video there. It's a really nice bike.
I have the same one in the same colour had it a couple of months, just had it 600 mile service. Absolutely love it, I have another bike as well, but this one is so easy to get out and take to the shops or any other trips, I have done over 100 miles in one day. Incredible little bike.
I couldn't agree more. My favourite 125!
They’re so cute and they look really well made. I’d consider having one as a town bike.
If have one in a heart beat as you can tell lol
@@exeterrider what colour though? I do like the blue one.
I need to ride one now!…. Great vid as usual.
Thanks, yes it's a fun ride, hard not to enjoy it! 😂👍
Lovely looking bike. I rode a Grom some years ago and was surprised at the seating position, you expect you be all hunched up like some toy clown bicycle but it just feels like any other 125 really. I'd buy a Monkey if my commute didn't rely on dual carriageways, and the fact I've already got 2 bikes. :P
Yes my grom was good fun but needed another great which they now have. 👍🍻
Nice one ER, looking forward to the full review
Thanks Dave, 👍🍻🐒
Really fun and interesting bike, might swap the sym for something like that if I had the funds
It's honestly good fun and a nice ride 👍🍻
Everyone wants a monkey. Is the most stylish bike ever. Like you said It will fit between my two other honda that i own.. Nice review.
Thanks ,this is just the first ride....full review coming up!
Just waiting for the Barnstaple office of MTS to open, hopefully this month. Just discovered someone in Westward Ho! started on a Honda monkey and watching him ride up and down lanes in Appledore, has swung me in the Monkeys favour. Can't wait for the full review.
Won't be for a while Lilly. But you know how much I enjoyed this one 👍🍻
What's his name Lily?
Alex, from Alex's Workshop
@@lilynorthover8378 I literally just found him. He has some decent videos.
Watched the one where he rode the Monkey down to Clovelly beach, then back up THAT road. Also another one down the steep roads where I live. Feeling completely confident about the Monkey now.
I like that. would fit in my top box should I ever need it 😂
Ha it probably would with the size of your box 🐒👍
Get one!!!!!!!!! I just got a 2022. It's totally bitch'n.
Cheers from The Smoky Mountains TN.USA
Peace Be The Journey
👍👍👏👏🐒🍻
Monkey is a very fun bike to ride. It is like riding a toy on the street. I go on the freeways also and do 65mph. I will buy the next generation Monkey as well when they come out.
Having that 5th gear makes a big difference to freeway riding for sure!
They are funky looking bikes
They are brill mate, I reckon you would enjoy it as much as I did.
@@exeterrider 🙂
I’d like one of these - I take it you saw Daniel Hayes ride one across the Nullarbor? Bullet proof! Would you mind having a look and see where it is manufactured? Thanks.
I haven't ,I will take a look : )
@@exeterrider When you have a sec (manufacturing location) that would be interesting - the youtube videos are nuts ! (pardon the pun)
Fun little bike. I bet you look really cool on it.
I look cool on anything😅. You would enjoy this bike 👍🏍️🍻
@@exeterrider bring it here then
@@EpicAdamMotovlogs 🐒😉
Epic Adam, if I end up getting one, you can have a go on it.
I like it, ER, but I think I'd look a bit silly on it. Next time at Bridge I'll try one for size.
Most are fine on it, but yes I think you may look a little big on it Jim, although get past that and its a blast to ride .
I love the idea of them but here in Canada they're C$6,000 with freight, which makes it very expensive for a machine that really can't do the main roads very easily. They still look like fun... maybe one day I'll find one second-hand.
Yes that dosent add up does it. Its a shame.
I was quoted $5800 (USD) today with a three month wait. Dealers are savage right now. I guess I'll wait for the recession to hit here.
@@VOX-MOXIE that's wild.... I bought my '19 CBR500R brand new for less than that and I know which one I'd have. Monkey is fun but the price seems double what you'd expect it to be.
Yes, tough if this is your only bike. Great to add to a collection. The bike is that good I would spend the money… if it wasn’t my only bike.
The best bike on this planet !!! 🤗
It's up there on my list as well 👍😁
I have several bikes in the garage and am having a hard time parting with any of them to get a Monkey. Right now I'm thinking about getting rid of the Yamaha XT250 as my Honda CT clone wouldn't bring enough money to even make a decent down payment on a monkey (way over-priced for a tiny bike) but the 250 would get me enough to buy the Monkey, but I still am not quite ready to part with it even though I'm dying to have a monkey. I did get the new CT125 when it came out last year but got tired of the very hard saddle and that 125 engine just wasn't enough, so not sure I'm ready for another 125. But I'd still like to have one (I think).
Move to somewhere with a bigger garage 😂
I know that feeling!
I reckon if I move all my sons stuff out, I can get about eight motorbikes in the garage before they go all electric 😉
@@lilynorthover8378 I've got plenty of room, just not plenty of money. I've got 6 bikes in the garage now. I think I just sold the XT250 though. I'd like to have an electric bike (since I'm on solar and it would cost me nothing to drive it) if 1. we had any dealers for electric bikes across the US and 2. if they were reasonably priced (they cost more than a very good and large gas motorcycle) and 3. if they could go 200 miles at 65 mph. It just isn't going to happen.
I dont ride a bike but I want one of these, seriously 👍
Honestly, if you can then get one. You will need to garage it etc, but a days course and your free to ride (5k set up needed mind)
@@exeterrider I'm working on the wife as we speak 😂. Started looking at these a while back, first I wanted the Grom then the Dax now the monkey! Honda mini bikes just rock. 🙋
I adore my little Monkey, also in Blue. These little bikes are hilarious to ride, nippy in town and very comfortable to ride/move around etc.. I highly recommend them.
Me too. Shame they come across as a bit of a joke. I love em!
👍👏👏👏
Don’t forget the Honda melody!
👍🍻
Not sure why but I really want one 😊
comfortable, fun, a joy to ride, easy to store, great seat, cheap to run...may be why!
Well they are on back order everywhere they can’t keep them in the stores so that should say something about them, they are very much in demand.
Yes many manufacters are struggling to get bikes still at the moment. Hopfully next year things will be better!?
i sat on one but the 2022 grom fits me better
👌👍
you mentioned that the suspension is good but how do the small dia wheels cope with potholes ?
It gets by, the limited travel on the suspension can make the bike bottom out if your too harsh with it but potholes are so easily avoided anyway with its short wheel base and razor sharp handling.
I've a 4 speed and the suspension is far too soft (unless your 50kg) as it bottoms out everywhere with a clunk.
This may attribute to a well known issue of swingarm cracks on the monkey?
Luckily there's lots of suspension upgrades out there.. Though it's trying to find the delicate balance of affordable upgrades overiding it's inherent fun disposition!
It is soft but I never bottomed out. I really enjoy it. Full review coming soon 👍
Is it good for English country lanes slowly and quietly?
Yes perfect
Security wise you can lock the steering with ignition key
Yes, it's the fame on all bikes 👍🍻
I didn't know it was a 5-speed. I wish it was a 150. I live in northern Thailand most of the year, and most bikes which are 125 in Europe are 150cc here. That extra 25cc makes so much difference. 14'' wheels would be better, too. A bit impractical, too. My 155cc scooter is far more practical with its underseat storage and a lot quicker off the mark than this. I do like the Monkey, though.
5th gear is a huge difference!
@@exeterrider I'd like to try a Monkey on the road. All the Honda dealer in Chiang Rai would allow me to do was play around on it round the back of the shop. Quite a big area but not like real riding.
@@user-sw2lv3zp6o no that's right, can't beat a proper test ride. If you liked it in the shop then you will like it even more on the road though?
Increasing from 4 gears to 5 gears was similarly done to get it to be Euro 5 compliance.
In reality, 4 gears is enough on a 125cc
I would have to disagree, Nothing to do with euro5. I personally found on my Grom that it was revving far too hard and many said they wanted a 5th gear...its made all the difference : )
@@exeterrider Maybe I don't try to ride the Honda Monkey 4 speed fast enough as it has never occurred to me that it could do with a higher gear.
It’s a shame we can’t get this color in the US with the eu light pkg. such childish regulations here
Every country has dumb regulations one way or another I think 👍
Funky little bike, not sure it's my cup of tea but only because it's got too much power compared to my sportster 🤣🤣
It would give you a smile mate. 😁
Decent suspension!
What have you been drinking mate?
It is nice and soft over the bumps for road riding considering it's stock 👍
@@exeterrider it's soft for sure. Too soft. It will bottom out constantly. And in mildly "aggressive" riding we feel it's limits not in a nice way.
Riding in the city, cars everywhere, it doesn't really matter much, that's true. Once you leave the city heading to the mountains... rubbish.
@@zefautino agreed, it's mainly a tarmac bike and for that I found it very comfortable. 👍🏍️
@@exeterrider I'm not saying it's bad off road, take it to a twisty mountain road, ride it as it deserves to be ridden, the kind of ride that makes you smile ear to ear, and you'll know what I'm saying.
@@zefautino I know exactly what you mean there, the travel isn't long enough for that. I was going to take it off road but didn't for that very reason 👍
No your wrong it in the ignition key turn steering to left and push down on key all the way to the left it will lock your steering, Maybe u down understand
Yes that's what I meant. Don't all bikes have this? Or am I missing something?
a right blat about town bike ;;
Great fun 👍🐒
is it possible to travel 100km a day to go to work with the monkey? thank you (i'm from belgium) thank you 😊
Hi, yes it is, but I think it's nice to have more power when it comes to those miles, CB500 F perhaps
@@exeterrider yes of course but consumption level the monkey is the top 😉here in belgium petrol is very expensive…
It is good that Honda think our bike market is robust enough it can bring in fun rides. So why no CT125 Honda? WHY? 🙃
Yes I'd like to see that one aswell. Maybe it's just a case of the others similar like the cub don't sell enough to warrant something much the same? It may dilute the sales too much perhaps? Just guessing there 👍🍻
@@exeterrider They must know what will sell. I would like to see more colour options for the Cub too. I find it a bit too grey and a bit too red. Yet Honda can offer tasteful options for other models, see the Monkey's paint job which is lovely.
@@clangerbasher it is 👌👍
This dude is filming in MW3 Resistance.
😂👍🍻
Whats a Honda goldbring.?
Goldwing
Love My 2022 Banana Yellow Monkey 🐒 😁💟
I'm very envious of you William!
If I pay peanuts 🥜🥜, can I get a Monkey? 🐒
I'll get back to you tomorrow with the answer on that. If you don't hear from me, it's a no, cash only I think 🐒
Benelli TNT125 has much better suspension than the Monkey and the Grom. Also Led lights, better looks and much more cheaper
I have ridden the TNT, it's good but no where near the quality suspension the Monkey has, just a matter of opinion on this one I think 👍🐵
@@exeterrider it's not matter of opinion. The Tnt has way more advanced suspension. In the front the same upside-down forks, but 44mm, on the back mono shock adjustable. 5 speeds and more advanced engine. 2 sparks and 7l tank. For half of groms price. The Monkey has more springy suspension and plushy seat, that doesn't make it better, just bounces more.
👌👍Fair enough, the monkey is 5 speed and the seat is far more comfortable I found. The TNT seat gets numbing after and hour I found, more reliable too I expect, even if the TNT is still pretty reliable. 👍
@@exeterrider but for me the Monkey is not in the same category as the TNT which is more against the Grom. The Monkey is all about those retro looks and fun. Could do a good job for commuting too, but mainly for fun I believe. Also it could be better for some light offroad with those stock tires
@@aks13v35 yes my friend, we totally understand each other. Thanks for your opinion. Its good to know your views, thanks 👍
This is literally the weakest 125 you can buy on the market. Which 125 exactly feels sluggish compared to this one? Other 125's are usually 12-15hp.
Still does just fine for a 125, same engine as the grom and cub.
Must 125s range from 9 to 13hp
I loved it 👍
Sorry, just don't see the point of such bikes.
Light, easy, fun, but fair enough mate 👍
Because sometimes going 30 feels like your doing 80 🤘
👍