Improved in detail: the 2023 Honda Monkey 125!

The Honda Monkey zooms into model year 2023 technically unchanged (but cheerful as ever thanks to its playful spirit). It features an air-cooled 125 four-stroke engine, five-speed gearbox, steel frame, upside-down forks, 12-inch wheels and IMU-controlled ABS, plus premium Ingredients such as an LCD cockpit display and LED lighting technology all around. The Monkey of the 2023 vintage is now available in Pearl Shining Black as well as in revised Banana Yellow and Pearl Nebula Red, with colour-coordinated frames, forks, swingarms, damper springs and checked seat covers emphasizing the retro appearance as in the 60s.

2023 Honda Monkey 125

Everyone knows the Monkey; Honda's minibike has enjoyed cult status for decades. The first examples were made in 1961 and were intended for use at the Tama-Tech amusement park in Tokyo as a special attraction for children. However, the enthusiasm for the funny speedster did not stop at adults either. As a result, Honda launched a legal variant of the minibike, which was initially exported to America and Europe from 1963. Chrome-plated tank panels and 5-inch wheels characterized this early variant with a completely rigid wheel suspension.

The sympathetic mini bike enchanted thanks to its shrunken proportions, fun design and ease of driving; Jetting around with it was a lot of fun. From 1969 larger 8-inch wheels were installed, and from 1970 a folding handlebar upgraded the design because it opened up the possibility of being taken along in the trunk of a car as a mobility problem solver. Thanks to a re-styling, the Monkey started in 1978 with a teardrop-shaped tank. Above all, customers in America took the charming speedster to their hearts when they went on excursions with campers and mobile homes. Numerous beginners got to know the Honda in this way. Thanks to the three-speed gearbox and the easy-to-use centrifugal clutch, driving was a pleasure that was easy to learn – simply turning the throttle was enough to experience motorized locomotion on two wheels.

The special charm made a decisive contribution to the fact that later motorcyclists discovered and enjoyed mobility on two wheels in the first place. Cute tyres, funny tank shapes, low seat height and comfortable individual seat - a motorized two-wheeler could hardly be more inviting. Overcoming and reducing fears of contact among beginners remained an outstanding quality of the Monkey and still works today. In 2018, the comeback of the newly launched Monkey also caused enthusiasm in Europe. Of course, there is a market for smart bikes with a small stature.

So the timing was right to reborn into the 125st century with a displacement of 21 cc and the right ingredients. For the 2022 model year, the Monkey 125 received an engine upgrade, a five-speed gearbox, a refined chassis set-up and other detailed improvements. The aim was to support the friendly and pleasing charisma and to further improve the suitability for everyday use. In the 2023 model year, the Monkey 125 is technically unchanged. There are three new colors that specifically support the retro appearance.

Model overview

The air-cooled two-valve four-stroke engine, which is identical in construction to the MSX 125 Grom, ensures charming, lively propulsion and driving pleasure for everyone. The sophisticated technology works reliably, the five-speed gearbox supports a speed-saving driving style. The equipment is completed by a steel frame, USD fork, rear swing arm with two shock absorbers and 12-inch wheels. The ABS brake controlled by an IMU inertial measurement unit ensures safety. The typical monkey look is underlined by mini-ape handlebars and a raised exhaust pipe. The visual appearance of the 2023 Monkey with checked seat cover and revised retro paintwork is based on the original version of the Monkey from 1967, which was first sold in Japan (further information can be found in the Monkey Milestones subsection).

Equipment features

Motor

• Air-cooled 125cm3 engine with 9,4 hp (6,9 kW) and 11 Nm torque
• Five-speed gearbox, easy to shift and speed-reducing
• Meets Euro5 emissions standard

The Monkey is powered by an air-cooled SOHC two-valve engine with a displacement of 124 cm³, which the developers gave it a 50 mm bore, 63,1 mm stroke and 10:0:1 compression. The peak output is 9,4 hp (6,9 kW) at 6.750 rpm and the maximum torque is 11 Nm at 5.500 rpm. The engine tuning supports driving pleasure and easy operation. A connecting pipe in the intake tract optimizes the air flow. The shape of the airbox also promotes an even torque output and a pleasantly flexible engine characteristic. To meet the Euro5 standard, a catalytic converter efficiently cleans the exhaust gases. The single-chamber silencer supports the practical power development and at the same time keeps the noise development under control.

The transmission with five gears helps to make driving smooth and harmonious. Moderate stature, 12-inch wheels and agile handling not only promote safe control in city traffic. Pleasant engine character, powerful brakes and manual operation of the clutch convey an authentic motorcycle feeling. The maximum speed is 91 km/h, which means that you can easily keep up with the traffic. The Monkey engine shines with exemplary economy. Only 1,5 liters of fuel per 100 km (measured in WMTC mode) are consumed. Low-friction technologies such as offset cylinders and roller rocker arms in the valve train contribute to this, as does PGMFI fuel injection, which ensures clean and efficient combustion.

Chassis & styling

• Steel frame, USD fork and 12 inch tires
• Shock absorber equipped with a spring package with two different spring rates
• With a pleasantly low seat height of 775 mm

A stable steel frame, in combination with the upside-down fork and an oval tubular rear wheel swing arm, ensures safe driving behavior and easy handling. So that driving the new Monkey is guaranteed to remain problem-free on excursions of all kinds and lots of driving fun is guaranteed. The wheelbase is 1.145 mm, the steering head angle is 25° and the trail is 82 mm. The turning circle is 1,9 meters. With a full tank, the Monkey 125 weighs just 104 kg. The seat height is pleasantly moderate at 775 mm, and the lavishly padded seat offers maximum comfort.

The upside-down fork offers 100 mm of travel and a high-quality Alumite finish. The rear shock absorbers are equipped with double spring packs for improved comfort and to avoid bottoming out under heavy use off paved roads. The rear suspension travel is 102 mm, the maximum ground clearance is 175 mm. A 220 mm disc brake in the front wheel and a 190 mm disc brake in the rear wheel allow perfectly adjustable, powerful braking. The single-channel ABS works extremely efficiently thanks to an IMU-controlled rear wheel lift detection despite the short wheelbase. 12-inch wheels with block profile tires support the bold look and the problem-free, safe handling. The front wheel is fitted with a 120/80-12 65J tyre, the rear wheel with a 130/80-12 69J tyre.

Even as a 125 light motorcycle, the Monkey maintains a friendly appearance that arouses sympathy and admiration everywhere. Pleasant charisma and moderate stature attract both young and old admirers. Ease of use, low weight and problem-free handling help novices of all ages to avoid fear of the unknown. On the contrary: Hardly any other motorcycle exudes so much desire to sit in the saddle and try out motorized locomotion on two wheels. A stylish tubular steel luggage rack with a load capacity of up to three kilos is available as a Honda Genuine Accessory. As in the past, Honda wing logos adorn the 5,6 liter tank, whose paint color is also found on the frame, swingarm and damper springs.

The Honda Monkey 125 of the year 2023 is available in three colors:

• Banana Yellow (with new yellow frame, swingarm, damper springs, black and white seat cover and white tank inset)
• Pearl Nebula Red (with new red frame, swingarm, damper springs, black-white-red seat cover and silver tank inset).
• Pearl Shining Black (with new black frame, swingarm, damper springs, black and white seat cover and white tank inset).

Electronics

• Round speedometer with LCD displays and LED lighting technology all around
• Radio key with answer back function
• IMU controlled ABS with rear wheel lift detection

Modern technical ingredients underline the classic appearance of the Monkey 125. A round housing accommodates the LCD cockpit display. Rev counter and speedometer, fuel level, bar display and two tripmeters provide information about all the essentials. Headlights, rear lights and indicators are equipped with LED technology. The ignition key is equipped with an »answerback« function, which flashes the lights from a distance at the touch of a button. The single-channel ABS of the brake system is also controlled via the IMU electronics to prevent the rear wheel from lifting off unintentionally (because of the short wheelbase) during hard braking manoeuvres.

Technical data

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2023 HONDA MONKEY 125
Photo credit: Honda

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