2018 Honda Monkey: First impression

 2018 Honda Monkey: First impression

Boon Siew Honda’s website has a new addition in their products section under the header of Fun Bike – The Honda Monkey. Click on it and you’ll be greeted with that name in a funky cartoonish font that pretty much sets the tone for the bike. But as fun, as it might seem, bringing back the Monkey name was no laughing matter for Honda.

2018 Honda Monkey

The original Monkey was launched in 1960’s. With its iconic design and diminutive dimensions, it fits right in with the 60’s aesthetic. Today it enjoys an iconic status and a cult following. Thankfully, the new Monkey holds up that image quite well. Here are some of the most distinct impressions we get from its first few outings.

Grin-inducing

You cannot ride this bike with a straight face. Partly because you’ll look ridiculous. Partly because how fun it is to ride around. But mostly because how charming the design is. The fat tires, the tiny fuel tank, and the chunky seat together make it look extremely cute.

Then there are the retro elements like the two-tone paint scheme with white on banana yellow, pearl glittering blue or pearly nebula red, the chrome exhaust cover, the nostalgic but LED lighting and that logo. All these features mean that the Honda Monkey will make everyone stare at it with huge grins on their faces.

2018 Honda Monkey REAR

Small wonder

It is indeed small. It has a length of 1712 mm, width of 754 mm, and a height of 1029 mm. At 12-inch, its wheels are some of the smallest you’ll find. But - especially unlike the previous bike – this is not a toy. It is a proper bike. At 105 kg dry, it has a reassuring weight. Its small dimensions, especially 1152 mm wheelbase, and 25-degree caster angle make it an absolute laugh on city streets. It can filter through traffic like nobody’s business. Upside down front forks and twin rear shocks might not have the most amount of travel, but they do make for a smooth and comfortable ride. The air cooled and fuel injected 124 cc engine pushes out 9.3 hp and 11 Nm of torque through a 4-speed gearbox. The power might not seem a lot, but it will take you up to speeds of 100 km/h. With a 5.6-litre fuel tank and a mileage figure of 67 kmpl, you can putter around the whole day without ever having to stop for a fuel fill up.

2018 Honda Monkey FRONT AND REAR

Retro Grom

As you would have expected, this is indeed a Grom or the MSX 125 in a more classic garb. In fact, everything from the engine, frame, brakes, wheels and the front suspension are borrowed from the MSX 125. This means that the Monkey is just as capable as the MSX 125 when it comes to street performance. But here it is meant to be a more comfortable experience.

Well equipped

2018 Honda Monkey FEATURES

The classic design of the Honda Monkey hides a very modern spec sheet. The classic round instrument panel hides an LCD screen with a digital display. All the lighting on this bike might look old but uses LEDs – even the winkers. The bike also comes with advance security features like an alarm and an answer back system integrated into the key. The logo rests on a toolbox integrated into the frame. The front uses upside down forks while the rear uses preload adjustable dual shocks. There are hydraulic disc brakes front and rear.

Expensive

The obvious comparison here would be the Honda MSX 125. Keen riders would remember it to be quite expensive at almost RM 10500. The Monkey, however, cost RM 14000. For what is essentially a 125-cc mini bike, this price might seem just as ridiculous as its 60’s styling. While the bike was eagerly awaited by many people, its price is surely going to disappoint quite a few of them.

And indeed, this bike is not meant for everyone. It riders must prepare themselves for becoming the absolute attention magnets that this bike will turn them into. But included in the package will be a comfortable, infinitely flickable modern bike that is just like any other 125 cc motorcycle. So, is it meant for you?

Purva Jain

Purva Jain

Purva is a crazy admirer of cars and she has got a lot of expertise in their detailing. Though, she has mastered in Economics but cars have always been her field of interest. She is an introvert in talking but when it comes to cars and the latest news regarding them she talks like hell. Exploring new cars as well as the vintage machines is listed in her hobbies while getting to know about the history behind the same are the things which she enjoys the most. She may seem silent from the outside but inside her is a volcano erupting to engulf the mean machines.

Read Full Bio

Honda Motorcycle Models

  • Honda RS-X
    Honda RS-X
  • Honda BeAT
    Honda BeAT
  • Honda CBR250RR
    Honda CBR250RR
  • Honda ADV160
    Honda ADV160
  • Honda X-ADV
    Honda X-ADV
  • Honda Dash 125
    Honda Dash 125
  • Honda ADV350
    Honda ADV350
  • Honda CB250R
    Honda CB250R
  • Honda CBR150R
    Honda CBR150R
  • Honda Wave125i
    Honda Wave125i
Honda Motorcycles Price

Trending & Fresh Updates

You might also be interested in

  • News
  • Featured Stories

Honda Featured Motorcycles

  • Upcoming
  • Suzuki DR-Z400S
    Suzuki DR-Z400S
    Price coming soon
    Expected Launch TBA Alert Me When Launched
  • GPX DZ3
    GPX DZ3
    Price coming soon
    Expected Launch Jan, 2025 Alert Me When Launched
  • Aveta Vanguard 250
    Aveta Vanguard 250
    RM 20,000 Expected Price Kuala Lumpur
    Expected Launch Feb, 2025 Alert Me When Launched
  • Yadea Orla ev
    Yadea Orla
    By Order
    Expected Launch TBA Alert Me When Launched
  • Benda Napoleon Bob 250
    Benda Napoleon Bob 250
    Price coming soon
    Expected Launch TBA Alert Me When Launched

Trending Street

Compare

You can add 3 variants maximum*