They say you meet the nicest people on a Honda…and there are few bikes as nice (or as gosh-darn cute) as the Honda Monkey.
We normally lead off our bike reviews with an action-packed image, dramatically leaned over, the rider a masked superhero in flight. Somehow that didn’t feel right for the Honda Monkey, however, so we chose one more in alignment with its personality and mission.
After all, one of the hashtags provided by Honda for the press launch on Catalina Island (which it had dubbed the “Isle of Monkey”) was #POWERofNICE. And come on, it’s the Monkey. As in “more fun than a barrel of….”
The History of the Monkey Bike
A little backstory on the Monkey bike before we dive into the particulars: back in 1961, an amusement park in the Tokyo suburbs called Tama Tech debuted a ride to promote the “joys of driving,” using little bikes dubbed the Z100 that used Honda’s 50cc Super Cub engine.
The ride was so popular that Honda introduced a CZ100 production bike in Europe and Asia in 1963, with an off-road-only Z50A introduced in the U.S. in 1968. Honda sold 50,000 Z50As that first year, and a legend was born.
An entire generation learned to ride on the little Z50 (which was nicknamed the monkey bike due to how riders looked on the thing), and today’s young ‘uns can still get their first taste of two-wheeled delight on the CRF50 dirt bike.
In 2013, Honda introduced the 125cc Grom, blowing the doors open in a new (for the U.S.) mini-moto category previously inhabited mainly by Ruckus owners who’d stretched, stripped and souped-up their scoots into little twin-headlight hooligans.
Nearly 40,000 Groms have been sold in the U.S. since then, impressive when you consider its stock top speed is about 65 mph, and the mini-moto subculture is growing. Turns out it’s pretty fun to rip around on a small bike.
Now we come to the Monkey, a Z50 clone powered by the Grom’s 125cc, air-cooled, SOHC, 2-valve single. It also shares the Grom’s easy-shifting 4-speed manual transmission, 31mm USD fork, single 220mm disc/two-piston caliper front and 190mm/single-piston rear brake with optional one-channel IMU-based ABS, and a tubular steel main frame.
For all its retro-ness, the Monkey is a thoroughly modern little motorcycle-no, there’s no kickstarter, and you can’t fold the handlebars down and put it in your trunk like the original Z50, though you can probably load it into an SUV.
Apart from the obvious styling differences, other changes from the Grom include a new rear subframe and swingarm, dual rear shocks, a model-specific air cleaner, intake and muffler, and a new crankcase cover.
At this point, I’d normally begin my in-depth assessment of the bike’s handling, power, performance, etc., but let’s face it: this is a 232-lb, sub-10-horsepower mini-moto.
The 125cc four-stroke has enough grunt to get you up a twisty hill, 12-inch wheels spinning furiously beneath you, and it’s geared fairly tall so don’t be afraid to downshift. It’ll even tackle some light off-road riding, but you’ll want to maintain momentum if you encounter any loosely packed hills.
The Monkey is all about one thing: having fun. It’s meant to hook you on the experience of riding a motorcycle in a way that’s been somewhat lost over the last few decades. If this thing doesn’t bring a smile to your face, there’s something wrong.
Freeways aren’t going to be a very safe option, at least not without some mods, but if you’re happy keeping it under 65 mph the Monkey is a hoot. It’ll tootle around town happily, and your biggest issue is going to be the amount of times you’re stopped by people who want to know what you’re riding and how they can get one.
Its diminutive size and positively adorable style make it approachable for just about anyone, which is exactly what Honda wants. As its U.S. reps put it, the Monkey bike is a brand ambassador, exactly what the Cub and Z50 were back in the 1960s when you’d meet the nicest people on a Honda.
Whether it’s on the back of an RV, terrorizing the streets of your subdivision, scooting through traffic in town or barreling off a jump at the annual Smoky Mountain Crawl, the Monkey will bring a smile to your face—and likely to the face of anyone who happens to be watching.
FAQs
Q: When will the 2019 Honda Monkey be available in dealerships?
A: The 2019 Honda Monkey will be available in dealerships starting October 1.
Q: How much does the 2019 Honda Monkey cost?
A: The 2019 Honda Monkey is priced at $3,999 (non-ABS) or $4,199 (ABS, available in red only).
Q: What are the engine specifications of the 2019 Honda Monkey?
A: The 2019 Honda Monkey is powered by a 125cc, air-cooled, SOHC, 2-valve single.
Q: Does the 2019 Honda Monkey have ABS?
A: Yes, the 2019 Honda Monkey offers optional one-channel IMU-based ABS.
Q: What is the weight of the 2019 Honda Monkey?
A: The 2019 Honda Monkey weighs 232 lbs (as tested).
Conclusion
The 2019 Honda Monkey is a charming and fun motorcycle that brings back the joy of riding in a compact and retro package. With its adorable style and approachable size, it’s a bike that is sure to bring a smile to your face as you cruise through town or tackle light off-road trails. The Monkey is a perfect choice for those looking for a unique and enjoyable riding experience. Visit Car news today to learn more about the latest trends and updates in the world of cars.