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.

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.

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.

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

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?