I bought a new Honda Monkey in 1970. I parked on the pavement outside a pub in Watford. When I came out a traffic warden was looking at it and asked me if it had an engine. I said yes but had not parked it there and said Kids had moved it onto the path, one parking ticket saved. I loved that little bike and used to ride inside the factory were I worked.
Great video Sam, we bought two monkeys in May last year one reason was to get my wife Carolyn back riding after twenty years, she loves the bike and has clocked up 1600 miles so far, mine has done just over 2000 miles, they should be compulsory.
Nearly got my grom to a year well 5 months before it got destroyed and my leg racked up 8k miles on it before she had to go to heaven 😢but now waiting on picking up a new one on the 16th finally be back 🙌
Nice one Sam, a bit late to the party this week, its certainly a fun machine! I was impressed by the yamaha 125 tricity my friend is having delivered this week and am looking forward to having a go next time I visit him in Aberdour.
@@SamVBikes physically it's quite big too and looks really comfy. The 300 version looks like an ideal commuter machine as it will have enough power for keep up with any traffic flow. We went over to Inverness and Loch Ness and headed back north after the commando monument. There was plenty of snow on the mountains and good weather on the afternoon so the pics are amazing!
Yeah that level of power seems to be just about right. The only issue with the monkey being a 125 is that keeping up with traffic on faster roads! Sounds like you had a great time!
Great video Sam glad your enjoying the monkey I got my one in red last year the only mods I’ve done so far is put a termignoni decat exhuast changed the chain and sprockets and a k&n filter seems to give it a little more power great fun bike to whizz around on all the best mate.
I dreamt of the Monkey Bike in the motorcycle shop window in Hatfield about 1970 (Blue) I was 5. I did the Pools with my dad every week as he said that was my only chance. They haven't changed that much and I still lust after one, I could probably fit it in the old GS's Pannier. .."Rosebud"
Nice video overall, loving the fact you are enjoying the riding as you speak to the camera! Not many people could do this when talking to their cameras because they know they could easily get distracted! Who are you insured with if you don't mind? And do you ride this bike with a full driving licence + CBT or a full motorbike licence? Regards
Thank you! I'm insured with Bikesure at the moment on the Monkey. They cover all the mods without it costing an absolute fortune to do so. Riding on a full license
Small quality 125's like this are brilliant. I have a Skyteam Monkey at the moment for my Motorhome, always thinking it might let go and leave me stranded while out exploring. One of these would be great, more comfy than an MSX, just a shame they dont have folding handlebars.
If the monkey ever goes out of production the whole world will weep. Along with the cub, Honda produced two of the most iconic bikes of all time and changed the world. I've driven many more expensive cars and bikes in my life. But there are two that strangers grinned and wanted to talk to me about. My MK4 mini cooper and my monkey, they're just so iconic. Both of them make people happy for some reason.
Hi Sam great content as always. I actually only came across your channel as I’m considering a monkey as a second bike & found your intuitive uploads really helpful. And so I’m just curious to ask, if you had a choice of colour when you bought the Monkey would you have chosen the black or do you prefer the Yellow or Red? Thanks Simon
Thank you bud! It's a great 2nd bike to dart around on! Honestly I'm happy with the black, but seeing Joe's red one, I'd probably go for that if I were buying again! Looks really smart
Very curious in how your upping the power as its something i want to do with mine. Totally agree, my Monkey isnt never going anywhere, currently trying to convince a few mates to get one!
Less than 2,500 GBP in Thailand. Is the dash easily visible? I've heard not. I may be wrong, though. The OE chain is rubbish. I read that. I'd rather like one to ride the local roads around Chiang Rai. The trouble is that I've already got a Yamaha Aerox 155 twist and go scooter as my runaround. I think the Monkey would be more fun, though, if less practical. Nick
Haha, loved this video buddy😊my first ever motorbike was a 50cc Honda monkey when i was 7😂my dad entered me into the cadets class of schoolboy scrambling(dad modified it a lot😂)I've currently got a Honda 500x which is my main bike, but I'm seriously considering a cheap second bike that will fit easily in the van to explore places further away in the winter🤔I'm gonna consider this mad monkey further😋Great review bud😉
@SamVBikes who knows but I doubt they would change it for stupid Australian laws. If the bike was under 125cc it wouldn't matter ... apparently once it's 125cc in Aus it's dangerous.
Thank you! Think the red plaids are the 2023 models. Not sure if they've updated for 2024. Tbh quite a few people seem to swap the plaid seats out for plain ones or aftermarket ones so I reckon you'll find one on FB marketplace
@@SamVBikes In the states at least they kept the pearl nebula red color going for 2024. I wish I could find a 2023 banana yellow with the plaid seat but that seems to be a rare color for the states.
Grettings from Barnet!! 😃I wished i could buy a Honda Monkey just for laughs.🙄 But i can buy a 2nd hand Honda Rebel 500 with the money i would spend on a new Honda Monkey and not have the disadvantages of a 125cc bike.🤔 Should i get both then?😅 What a joyful review, mate! I feel that kind of bike is a vehicle one buys to keep it forever - specially because it's so damn expensive for such a small bike. Have a great week! Drive safe🏍💨and watch good movies!✌😉
У меня тоже KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S и я уже давно мечтаю об этой HONDA MONKEY. По этому я попал на Ваш канал. У меня только один вопрос: Что с нами не так ?!)
they always look cutesy & fun, gotta give one a spin before too long. I've just bought a new bike from padgett's, so maybe i'll see if i can take a demo monkey out for a spin next time im in there for a service, even though at 6' and 19st i'll prob look a bit of a clown :)
When people who buy these small displacement motorcycles and then mention that the lack of power is a draw back and it does have a 12Ah battery, how big should it be?. Get a more powerful bike in the first place. I own a 2023 Honda Monkey and the battery turns it over just fine and very happy with it.
My mentioning of lacking power was in regards to the 9bhp the engine produces, not battery. On the topic of the battery power, it's the alternator output which could be a problem. People use these bikes as cheap commuters and run-arounds, so if you're plugging in heated grips, sat-navs, auxiliary lights or anything else, it starts to struggle.
I had a z50 version of this and put 7k miles on it during the summer 😂. Just bought a z125 like this one off my brother, he put 5k miles on it in a year, and I plan on doing the same. They’re great fun, and of course they’ve got to at Honda reliability Funnily enough, you’re calling this bike simple, but to me this seems like a rolls Royce 😂 last bike had drum brakes and a broken speedo. So to be able to see my fuel level on dash and all? Practically riding a aeroplane with all the gauges
I hope you got that huge lunch box air box off of it! Get a intake kit it opens it up and allows a lot more airflow to the cylinder head not to mention weight loss, I got the man in the box M-take kit here in the US.
Hey there, I recently met a Monkey in person and even though I never owned a bike, I thought to myself: this is something I'd ride. Now, for the past weeks I'm contemplating the Monkey and the Grom and can't really decide. One of the questions going round and around in my head still is: can I take my GF on my rides on the Monkey? I know that there are 3rd party passenger pegs, that's not a biggie. But what about the seat? I'm a skinny guy at 173cm and 60kg, my GF is like 155cm and around 43kg - is the factory seat long enough for us both? And even if I'd put on a 3rd party seat, wouldn't be the exhaust too much in the way for her short thighs/legs? Wouldn't be the tank too much in the way of my own legs, if I'm "pushed" forward by her?
Nice! I'm glad you could see yourself riding one! As for having a pillion, you could probably get another person on the seat with you but I'm not sure I'd want to. There is plenty of seat space but I don't imagine it would be very comfortable. The power might also be an issue carrying around 2 people
Hi - it’s Big kg payloadRodger’s in Ireland. I’ve done 11000 miles on my 4 speed 2020 model. Monkey is only designed for one person, the shocks are ridiculously if not criminally soft, the seat while luxuriously comfortable for one would be a nightmare for two and most importantly your insurance would be invalid as pointed out to me by my insurance company. My Monkey is rated for only 105kg payload and then there’s the question of available power. I know the Grom and Benelli TNT have pillion seats but I’d never be brave enough to perch myself on them.
I do food delivery on my Honda monkey. I average about 8000 miles a year on mine. Just cracked 21000 miles! Still going strong!
Good effort! Bet it's fun doing food delivery on it
Loved it, I always tell people that my Monkey may only have 9 horsies, but they are highly motivated.
And they work bloody hard haha
Lol Lol !
I bought a new Honda Monkey in 1970. I parked on the pavement outside a pub in Watford. When I came out a traffic warden was looking at it and asked me if it had an engine. I said yes but had not parked it there and said Kids had moved it onto the path, one parking ticket saved. I loved that little bike and used to ride inside the factory were I worked.
😂😂 it's worrying when they ask if it has an engine! Brilliant things though
Worth saving a parking ticket, though.@@SamVBikes
haha nice one
1500miles!! I’ve done 12000 absolutely fabulous fun miles on mine, best bike I’ve ever owned👍
Haha good effort!!! Nice to hear someone using it. So many on the market with 200 miles on the clock 3 years old
I had a 50cc version when I was 10 and seeing this larger clone brings back sooo many good memories. I want one.
It's such a great bike for that!
@@SamVBikes a perfect garage for me would have a super adventure S/superduke gt, an r nine t and a monkey bike.
Now that is a garage I can get behind! Absolutely perfect! Only way it could be better is by adding a few more bikes 😂
ME TOO, back in the 70's when I was10 !!! My 50cc was blue and I keep hoping that Honda will make a blue 125cc. I want one so bad !
Me too when I was 11 it was 50 cc long time ago 1986 now I would love to have this one ☝🏻
I do have the dax. I'm totally in love with these mini bikes. So much fun, so much relaxed!
Definitely agree! Way more fun than I'd ever imagined
Haha, what a great video... I loved how much you laughed whilst riding it.
Haha thank you!
Great video Sam, we bought two monkeys in May last year one reason was to get my wife Carolyn back riding after twenty years, she loves the bike and has clocked up 1600 miles so far, mine has done just over 2000 miles, they should be compulsory.
Thank you! Good going on the mileage too! Seen far too many 3 year old bikes with 200 miles!! Glad you're enjoying them!
Nearly got my grom to a year well 5 months before it got destroyed and my leg racked up 8k miles on it before she had to go to heaven 😢but now waiting on picking up a new one on the 16th finally be back 🙌
Ahh damn! Sorry to hear that!! Congratulations on the new bike though! 💪🏼
Nice one Sam, a bit late to the party this week, its certainly a fun machine! I was impressed by the yamaha 125 tricity my friend is having delivered this week and am looking forward to having a go next time I visit him in Aberdour.
No problem mate! Hope you had a good weekend! All of these little bikes seem to be getting better and more appealing!
@@SamVBikes physically it's quite big too and looks really comfy. The 300 version looks like an ideal commuter machine as it will have enough power for keep up with any traffic flow. We went over to Inverness and Loch Ness and headed back north after the commando monument. There was plenty of snow on the mountains and good weather on the afternoon so the pics are amazing!
Yeah that level of power seems to be just about right. The only issue with the monkey being a 125 is that keeping up with traffic on faster roads! Sounds like you had a great time!
@@SamVBikes yeah, it was great thanks, have a good week 👍
You too pal!
Bonjour , je viens d avoir mon Monkey 2024 Red ❤️j’adore cette moto 😍😍😉🇧🇪
Great video Sam glad your enjoying the monkey I got my one in red last year the only mods I’ve done so far is put a termignoni decat exhuast changed the chain and sprockets and a k&n filter seems to give it a little more power great fun bike to whizz around on all the best mate.
How does the termi sound? I was tempted with that!
Enjoy it pal!
Hi Sam the termignoni has a nice grunt to it not as loud as my mates yoshimura rs3 but you can get a spark arrester baffle to silence it a bit.
Nice to know! Yeah the Yoshi seems pretty loud from what I've seen!
I dreamt of the Monkey Bike in the motorcycle shop window in Hatfield about 1970 (Blue) I was 5. I did the Pools with my dad every week as he said that was my only chance. They haven't changed that much and I still lust after one, I could probably fit it in the old GS's Pannier. .."Rosebud"
Corr you're not far from me in Hatfield! Yeah slightly bigger in all aspects but very much the same look and feel which I love!
Nice video overall, loving the fact you are enjoying the riding as you speak to the camera! Not many people could do this when talking to their cameras because they know they could easily get distracted!
Who are you insured with if you don't mind?
And do you ride this bike with a full driving licence + CBT or a full motorbike licence?
Regards
Thank you!
I'm insured with Bikesure at the moment on the Monkey. They cover all the mods without it costing an absolute fortune to do so. Riding on a full license
Love the video. Any list of all the mods you've done? Looks like you added even some heated grips.
Thank you! Yes, It's the video after this on the channel!
Small quality 125's like this are brilliant. I have a Skyteam Monkey at the moment for my Motorhome, always thinking it might let go and leave me stranded while out exploring. One of these would be great, more comfy than an MSX, just a shame they dont have folding handlebars.
Folding handlebars would be so useful for throwing it in the back of a van!
They used to have fo.ding handlebars@@SamVBikes
You’re recent Monkey content inspired me to take the missus’ 125 out for a blast when my bike had a flat battery and I had forgot how fun it was!
Haha they shouldn't be that fun but they really are!
Does anyone know of a UK company that offers a tuning package (with Dyno and fitting) for one of these please?
Thank you for the excellent one year review!!! BTW, beautiful countryside !
Thank you!
If the monkey ever goes out of production the whole world will weep. Along with the cub, Honda produced two of the most iconic bikes of all time and changed the world. I've driven many more expensive cars and bikes in my life. But there are two that strangers grinned and wanted to talk to me about. My MK4 mini cooper and my monkey, they're just so iconic. Both of them make people happy for some reason.
I need myself a classic mini too!!
Awesome upload! 🍿
Im hoping to pick one up soon
Thank you! It's a fantastic bike!
Hi Sam great content as always. I actually only came across your channel as I’m considering a monkey as a second bike & found your intuitive uploads really helpful. And so I’m just curious to ask, if you had a choice of colour when you bought the Monkey would you have chosen the black or do you prefer the Yellow or Red?
Thanks Simon
Thank you bud! It's a great 2nd bike to dart around on!
Honestly I'm happy with the black, but seeing Joe's red one, I'd probably go for that if I were buying again! Looks really smart
only thing i can think of is the 190cc swap or 212 for more power ! , great vid
Haha nope! Thank you!
I love the fact you chuckle when you hit the back break. 💯💯😂🇺🇸
Just love the little bike. It will be my next purchase. Thank you for sharing.
It's fantastic! Thank you for watching
Spot on svb content as always pal and I’m looking forward to what is to come mate
Thank you pal! Once this house is sorted I can get booking some trips! Bring the new beast up to your neck of the woods
Im guessing, dhm ecu, cam, 149cc, air, to supplement the exhaust.
Haha not that route
Very curious in how your upping the power as its something i want to do with mine.
Totally agree, my Monkey isnt never going anywhere, currently trying to convince a few mates to get one!
It's not going to be a small task! But vids will definitely be coming!
Haha I've managed to get 3 people to buy them so far 😂
Kk
Loving the monkey, saving up as we speak 👌
Less than 2,500 GBP in Thailand. Is the dash easily visible? I've heard not. I may be wrong, though. The OE chain is rubbish. I read that. I'd rather like one to ride the local roads around Chiang Rai. The trouble is that I've already got a Yamaha Aerox 155 twist and go scooter as my runaround. I think the Monkey would be more fun, though, if less practical. Nick
Haha, loved this video buddy😊my first ever motorbike was a 50cc Honda monkey when i was 7😂my dad entered me into the cadets class of schoolboy scrambling(dad modified it a lot😂)I've currently got a Honda 500x which is my main bike, but I'm seriously considering a cheap second bike that will fit easily in the van to explore places further away in the winter🤔I'm gonna consider this mad monkey further😋Great review bud😉
Haha thank you! I love this little thing. It's hilarious fun and a completely different experience to the big bike!
@SamVBikes I bet it is🤣I've got to ask though, do you feel vulnerable on rhe road because of the size & slower speeds🤔
Not really! Only a bit on the motorway a lorry overtakes you 😂
@@SamVBikes 🫣
These aren't available in Australia any more due to no abs on the rear.
I have a yellow 2019 model.
Love it.
Such a shame! I wonder if the 2025 model will have rear abs too
@SamVBikes who knows but I doubt they would change it for stupid Australian laws.
If the bike was under 125cc it wouldn't matter ... apparently once it's 125cc in Aus it's dangerous.
They are crazy fast so I can understand that 😂
Can the crf 300 engine fit in the frame or a hybrid turbo
Haha! The insurance company said the only thing I'm not allowed to do is Turbo/supercharge it... or add NOS 😂
@@SamVBikes they suck
😂😂
Now that's an interesting thought!
😉
Have a 2024, the more I ride it the more I love it. 🙈
Haha they are amazing aren't they!
Hey m8, did ya remap it after fitting the Scorpion? Ta.
Nope! It runs a bit rich with the air filter too but no issues at all
Does anybody make a kick starter kit for them? It is the same engine as the Trail 125 in America.
I love your videos I done with my Monkey 3000 miles 😂😂😂
From midle Jun and march 😂😂😂😂 I love every single mile ❤❤❤
Really debating selling my Grom for one. Great video! Would love to find one with the red plaid seat.
Thank you! Think the red plaids are the 2023 models. Not sure if they've updated for 2024.
Tbh quite a few people seem to swap the plaid seats out for plain ones or aftermarket ones so I reckon you'll find one on FB marketplace
@@SamVBikes In the states at least they kept the pearl nebula red color going for 2024. I wish I could find a 2023 banana yellow with the plaid seat but that seems to be a rare color for the states.
This video makes me fall asleep not sure why even when it’s so informative.
😂 maybe watch it later tonight if you're struggling to sleep
What brand tank bag do you have?
Sw Motech Pro Micro!
@@SamVBikes Thank you, I actually watched another one of your videos and found out.
Great! Glad you found it!
Grettings from Barnet!! 😃I wished i could buy a Honda Monkey just for laughs.🙄 But i can buy a 2nd hand Honda Rebel 500 with the money i would spend on a new Honda Monkey and not have the disadvantages of a 125cc bike.🤔 Should i get both then?😅
What a joyful review, mate! I feel that kind of bike is a vehicle one buys to keep it forever - specially because it's so damn expensive for such a small bike.
Have a great week! Drive safe🏍💨and watch good movies!✌😉
У меня тоже KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S и я уже давно мечтаю об этой HONDA MONKEY. По этому я попал на Ваш канал. У меня только один вопрос: Что с нами не так ?!)
😂😂
Love mine and the super adventure 😎👍
💪🏼💪🏼
they always look cutesy & fun, gotta give one a spin before too long. I've just bought a new bike from padgett's, so maybe i'll see if i can take a demo monkey out for a spin next time im in there for a service, even though at 6' and 19st i'll prob look a bit of a clown :)
Haha yes! That's the fun of them! It's just stupid but hilarious
for around town/city local riding you really don't need a car the honda monkey or grom are perfect
When people who buy these small displacement motorcycles and then mention that the lack of power is a draw back and it does have a 12Ah battery, how big should it be?. Get a more powerful bike in the first place. I own a 2023 Honda Monkey and the battery turns it over just fine and very happy with it.
My mentioning of lacking power was in regards to the 9bhp the engine produces, not battery. On the topic of the battery power, it's the alternator output which could be a problem. People use these bikes as cheap commuters and run-arounds, so if you're plugging in heated grips, sat-navs, auxiliary lights or anything else, it starts to struggle.
I had a z50 version of this and put 7k miles on it during the summer 😂. Just bought a z125 like this one off my brother, he put 5k miles on it in a year, and I plan on doing the same.
They’re great fun, and of course they’ve got to at Honda reliability
Funnily enough, you’re calling this bike simple, but to me this seems like a rolls Royce 😂 last bike had drum brakes and a broken speedo. So to be able to see my fuel level on dash and all? Practically riding a aeroplane with all the gauges
Any after market skid plates avaible?
Quite a few. I've got the Kitaco one
i'm 193cm short, is the monkey too little for me?
There are a lot of people who are taller and heavier that ride them! I would try sitting on one
@@SamVBikes Will do, thanks for the reply
I think they are 30inch tall in the seat. Ihave a 34 inseam,no problem
I guess they are easy to nick?
love the bike
Thanks! So do I 💪🏼
new head and piston?
Not far off but bigger 😉
@@SamVBikes swap?
I weigh 150kg(23.6 stones) and am 190cm tall, you think the monkey is too small for me? Would be pretty hilarious if a man my size would ride one.
I weight 120 kg an i am 184 cm and i am not sure too
Do it!! There are quite a few taller and bigger people asking the same question on the owners groups on FB
@@SamVBikes i will get one asap 🐒
Try a truck...
If they would sell them lower priced than the xr150l that's $2971 MSRP I'd get one.
I hope you got that huge lunch box air box off of it! Get a intake kit it opens it up and allows a lot more airflow to the cylinder head not to mention weight loss, I got the man in the box M-take kit here in the US.
I havent yet because I take it off road a lot and ride in the rain, so couldn't have an exposed air intake. There is a plan to get rid of it though
@@SamVBikesthey say the rain doesn't matter if you use a pre-filter bag.
What do you think of that?
Great review Sam and glad you’re keeping the bike there so much fun. Looking forward to the next one. 👍
Cheers pal! 💪🏼
I've decided to keep my 2023 monkey after going to Honda and being offered £2200 trade in against a Honda Hornet. How's that for customer loyalty ?
Corr that's bad! You'll be able to sell that privately for 3200 or more!
Hey there,
I recently met a Monkey in person and even though I never owned a bike, I thought to myself: this is something I'd ride.
Now, for the past weeks I'm contemplating the Monkey and the Grom and can't really decide.
One of the questions going round and around in my head still is: can I take my GF on my rides on the Monkey? I know that there are 3rd party passenger pegs, that's not a biggie. But what about the seat? I'm a skinny guy at 173cm and 60kg, my GF is like 155cm and around 43kg - is the factory seat long enough for us both? And even if I'd put on a 3rd party seat, wouldn't be the exhaust too much in the way for her short thighs/legs? Wouldn't be the tank too much in the way of my own legs, if I'm "pushed" forward by her?
Nice! I'm glad you could see yourself riding one!
As for having a pillion, you could probably get another person on the seat with you but I'm not sure I'd want to. There is plenty of seat space but I don't imagine it would be very comfortable. The power might also be an issue carrying around 2 people
@@SamVBikes okay, thank you very much for the fast answer
Hi - it’s Big kg payloadRodger’s in Ireland. I’ve done 11000 miles on my 4 speed 2020 model. Monkey is only designed for one person, the shocks are ridiculously if not criminally soft, the seat while luxuriously comfortable for one would be a nightmare for two and most importantly your insurance would be invalid as pointed out to me by my insurance company. My Monkey is rated for only 105kg payload and then there’s the question of available power. I know the Grom and Benelli TNT have pillion seats but I’d never be brave enough to perch myself on them.
I need a new 125cc bike
rip the air box off change sprockets gearing
Big Bore!? :)
Not quite 😉
I want one 😂
Do it 😏😉
The Giggle Machine LOL
Haha too right!
no you didn’t . ! it wasn’t a monkey bike . it was a z50 !
Walkern !
This is bike porn Heaven -IAnd I love it🤓
Haha! Too right
Can you please use an American accent the way you talk sounds silly thanks
Imagine being that narrow-minded to think other parts of the world should speak how you do... wild
@samvincent this is like saying ooo an AK47 let me go find a high school... what a fucking tool
As long as you do it in an American accent it's fine 😂😂
@SamVBikes 🤣🤣🤣🤣 hey yall take look at this here rifle I got it off my cousin husband you like it
@@theYorkshirebiker-it2yklol we’re still more civilized than you sausage pastry eating tea drinking wannabes