Honda Monkey 125 2018 — Specifications

Who remembers the chubby little machine Honda rolled out in the 1960s to entertain visitors at a Japanese amusement park? The Honda Monkey 125 motorcycle returns in 2018 with an identical recipe at its core, but seriously updated in terms of style. And the result is an unclassifiable machine, somewhere between a mechanical toy for adults and the most endearing urban two-wheeler on the market.

Let's get things straight from the start: we're not talking about performance here. The Honda Monkey 125 tops out at 90 km/h, its air-cooled 124.9 cc four-stroke single produces 9 horsepower at 7,000 rpm for 12.7 Nm of torque at 5,250 rpm, and its gearbox has only four speeds. On paper, it's meager. In reality, it's exactly what's needed. The air-cooled engine, set at a 9.3:1 compression ratio with two valves per cylinder, asks for nothing more than to spin along unhurriedly. This is the philosophy of low-speed pleasure, the kind that turns every commute into a leisurely ride. Up against a Kawasaki Z125 or even its cousin the Honda Dax, the Monkey plays a different card: guaranteed smiles, not lap times.

The chassis fully contributes to this vibe. The steel backbone frame brings the whole package to 107 kg wet weight, making the thing as nimble as a skateboard in traffic. The seat perched at 775 mm remains accessible, the short 1,155 mm wheelbase and 12-inch wheels fitted with 120/80 and 130/80 tires deliver a playful character around town. The inverted fork offers 100 mm of travel up front, the twin rear shocks 104 mm. It's enough to soak up cobblestones and speed bumps, not enough to go off adventuring on dirt roads. Braking, handled by a 220 mm front disc and a 190 mm rear disc, gets the job done with confidence, especially since Honda had the good sense to fit ABS coupled with an IMU inertial measurement unit. On a 125 of this size, that's practically a luxury.

And that's precisely where the Monkey surprises. Behind its cuddly mechanical face, it packs modern equipment that contrasts sharply with its retro looks. Round digital instrument cluster, full LED lighting for the headlight, taillight, and turn signals, electronic fuel injection, car-style key with a remote light function to find your ride in a packed parking lot. The fit and finish is meticulous, with a coordinated color scheme across the frame, fork, tank, and shock springs, plus chrome accents scattered throughout. The vintage Honda logo on the small 5.6-liter tank completes its irresistible charm. And it's precisely this attention to detail that partly justifies the Honda Monkey 125 price of 4,399 euros — a steep tag for a small 125, but consistent with the level of finish.

Who is it really for? Urban riders who want a second two-wheeler just for fun, A1 license holders looking for an original machine rather than an anonymous scooter, motorhome owners who want to strap a compact ride to the back for exploring on vacation. The community is active on Honda Monkey 125 forums, Honda Monkey 125 accessories abound, from luggage racks to Honda Monkey 125 engine kits for tuning enthusiasts, and the used Honda Monkey 125 market remains lively with moderate depreciation. On the other hand, forget highways and long trips: the tiny tank, lack of wind protection, and limited speed confine the Monkey to its natural playground. It's a good-mood machine, not a transportation tool. And that's perfectly fine.