Honda Monkey 125 2024 — Specifications

Who would have bet, back in the 1960s, that a mini toy designed for Honda amusement parks would become a global two-wheeled icon? The Honda Monkey 125, in its 2024 version, carries on this tradition of mechanical joy with disarming confidence. It doesn't try to impress — it tries to charm. And it succeeds with an almost irritating ease.

Beneath its chrome-laden retro bodywork, the 124 cc single-cylinder engine produces 9.4 horsepower at 6750 rpm and 12.7 Nm of torque at 5500 rpm. On paper, it's meager. In reality, it's enough. This powerplant, inherited from the Grom, features a long-stroke architecture (50 x 63.1 mm) that favors low-end availability over brute force. The Honda Monkey 125 tops out at 90 km/h, which automatically disqualifies it from highway use but gives it formidable relevance in the city and on small coastal roads. The five-speed gearbox — a welcome upgrade from the previous generation's four speeds — offers a fifth gear that eases mechanical strain on faster-flowing sections. On the fuel economy front, Honda claims approximately 1.5 liters per hundred kilometers. With a 5.6-liter tank, expect close to 350 kilometers of range. For a machine of this size, that's a solid selling point.

Let's talk about the chassis. The steel backbone frame houses an inverted telehydraulic fork up front and twin progressive side-mounted shock absorbers at the rear, with 100 and 104 mm of travel respectively. Braking relies on a 220 mm disc gripped by a twin-piston caliper at the front, and a 190 mm disc with a single-piston caliper at the rear, all overseen by an ABS system coupled with an IMU inertial measurement unit. On a 104 kg machine riding on 12-inch tires, this level of equipment borders on luxury. The 775 mm seat height makes it accessible to riders of all sizes, beginners included. In fact, Honda Monkey 125 forums are full of testimonials from freshly licensed A1 riders who have found their ideal first bike.

Against the competition, the little Honda positions itself at a price of 4399 euros, which places it above some utilitarian 125s but below the realm of pure indulgence. The Kawasaki Z125 plays in a similar register, the Benelli Leoncino 125 attempts affordable vintage, but none can match its likability or build quality. The Honda Monkey 125 used market remains buoyant, a sign that depreciation is contained and affection never wanes. Honda Monkey 125 custom enthusiasts also get their money's worth: the tuning and accessories scene is thriving, from luggage racks to aftermarket exhausts and engine kits for the more daring.

Let's be honest about the limitations. This bike is not made for riding two-up, even though the Honda Monkey 125 2-seater configuration technically exists. The passenger will suffer. The tiny tank demands frequent stops on long journeys. And the top speed capped at 90 km/h closes the door on any serious road use. But criticizing the Monkey for that is like criticizing an espresso for being too short. It's not a flaw — it's its nature. For the savvy urban rider, the collector of simple thrills, or the experienced motorcyclist looking for a carefree weekend toy, the Honda Monkey 125 verdict is unanimous: you climb on grinning, you climb off smiling. And in a motorcycle world obsessed with power and electronics, that recipe is worth its weight in gold.