Honda Monkey 125 2022 — Specifications

Who still buys a motorcycle that can fit in a car trunk? Honda Monkey 125 enthusiasts, apparently. Born in the 1960s as a theme park attraction, this micro-bike has crossed the decades without ever losing its power to make people smile. The 2022 version carries on this tradition with disarming confidence, proving you can be serious in execution while categorically refusing to take yourself seriously.

The 2022 Honda Monkey 125 inherits the Grom's single-cylinder, a four-stroke 124.9 cc unit with undersquare bore and stroke dimensions (50 x 63.1 mm) that favors low-end torque over horsepower. With 9.4 horsepower at 6,750 rpm and 11 Nm at 5,500 rpm, we're not talking about performance but about character. This little engine runs smoothly, accepts revs without complaint, and proves remarkably frugal: 1.5 liters per 100 km. With the 5.6-liter tank, expect roughly 350 kilometers of theoretical range. For a motorcycle whose top speed caps out at 90 km/h, that's more than enough. The gearbox moves to five speeds, a welcome improvement for easing mechanical strain on flowing road sections. Those looking for a Honda Monkey 125 engine kit to squeeze out a few extra horsepower will find plenty to play with, but the charm lies precisely in this mechanical modesty.

On the chassis side, the steel backbone frame carries 12-inch wheels fitted with 120/80 and 130/80 tires. The 1,156 mm wheelbase and the contained wet weight of 104 kg deliver almost absurd agility. You can thread through anything, turn the Honda Monkey 125 around on a dime. The 31 mm inverted fork and the two progressive rear shock absorbers handle urban imperfections competently, despite a ground clearance of 175 mm that remains respectable. Braking relies on two hydraulic discs with optional ABS managed by an inertial measurement unit: Honda doesn't joke about safety, even on its wildest toy. The seat, perched at 775 mm, accommodates smaller riders without issue, but taller riders will have to accept folding their knees. The question of a two-seater Honda Monkey 125 comes up often on forums: technically, the seat is short and solo homologation remains the standard.

Against the competition, the positioning is unique. The Kawasaki Z125 plays in the same price bracket but adopts a more conventional style. The Honda Monkey 125, priced at 4,149 euros, affords itself the luxury of miniature neo-retro — a segment where it reigns alone. On the used Honda Monkey 125 market, prices hold firm, a sign of solid residual value. Honda Monkey 125 accessories abound: luggage racks, guards, cosmetic tuning parts. The custom community has a field day, transforming these little monkeys into rolling works of art. Honda Monkey 125 forums overflow with projects, each more inventive than the last.

Who is this machine for? City dwellers who want a cheerful second vehicle, A1 license holders looking for an endearing first motorcycle, collectors who want something unique in their garage. Honda Monkey 125 reviews all converge on the same verdict: you buy it for pure pleasure, not for performance. It's a motorcycle that turns every ride into recess. Its main flaw remains its price, steep for such a minimalist 125. But Honda is selling an emotion here as much as a two-wheeler, and on that front, the competition simply doesn't exist.