I have the same bike, just 2021. I love it. I had a trail 70 when I was in college and it got stolen. When this thing came out I had to have one so I finally got one in 2022. I like looking at it almost as much as riding it. I am 51, I'm planning on keeping this thing until they put me away.
great video. I just ordered my 2022 because I wanted the 5-speed and the real oil filter. They are really hard to find, even used ones. I should have it hopefully in August. I can hardly wait. It will be my 62nd bike. I bought 7 new 2021 models when I turned 70, so now I'm 71 so this will be 7+1. I only kept the CT125 Trail for 1500 miles and got rid of it. That was the hardest seat I've ever seen.
To buy new Monkey because now it’s 5 speed has no bearing as the 4 speed Monkeys are great and you have a better use of the torque curve so I searched and got a ‘21 red Monkey
@@gonzalosanabria2251 I too got a '21 model. They have been having some trouble with the 5-speed in the Monkey and the Grom. The top two gears aren't getting lubrication and are turning blue and burning up. Honda is replacing the whole engine/transmission in the affected bikes. I decided to wait a couple years until it's a proven power-plant. I found a nice blue '21 (I really wanted yellow but couldn't find one) with 285 miles on it. I have about 3000 on it now. You can actually make better use of the engine hp and torque with the 5-speed because it's a closer gear ratio which helps to keep you in the power-band. and that real oil filter would be nice (you can get a kit to switch it over to a real oil filter but I'm not sure it's as good as the factory one?). The 5-speed and also help mpg (not that I need it as I'm getting in the 140s all the time and my high is 151 mpg.). All in all I think I'll keep the '21 model.
I have my dads 71 Honda Z50 Monkey. He bought it in 1979 at 10 years old for $50 on a newspaper out of West Covina, California. I plan to do a full on restoration someday.
Great video, I was thinking about getting a grom but decided I like the look of the monkey a lot better. Been calling around trying to find one and that seems easier said than done right now… but when I find one you better believe I’m gonna go buy it! Looks like a super fun little backroad cruiser!
Update… I found a 2020 monkey used with 132 miles on it. Drove 4 hours to the finger lakes area of New York for it. And it’s every bit as fun as it looks!
You know, you should get a Grom ABS and do a shootout between all three 😈. I am incredibly curious as to how you get such good audio with an open face helmet. That out of the way, riddle me this: how did Honda make such a good seat on this bike, and SUCH AN UNCOMFORTABLE SEAT ON THE CT125?! Did they have some sort of karmic agreement where what they gave to one, they must taketh away from the other? I was watching this and thinking of the bike compared to what happened yesterday. I was getting ready to leave Walmart and saw another rider sitting across the Honda Crosstourer (33.5" seat height). I was putting helmet and gloves on when I heard a loud crash; I looked over, and the guy was on the floor, bike taking an unplanned nap. The guy wasn't hurt, but clearly he wasn't happy, so I went over, and both of us lifted the bike up on to the side stand. On the Honda Monkey, let's say that you did accidentally bump a parking sign, or run over something at low speed. Like a large rock that gets ejected from under the wheel, or someone walks out in front of you, or basically any unexpected situation... the bike is low slung enough and comfortable enough that you'll likely be able to recover even if you skip leg day at the gym. If you have the leg strength of a newborn baby, even with poor technique you could still pick the bike up off the ground. That Crosstourer was heavy even with two of us lifting it, the kind of heavy that I know many experienced men and women would struggle with. I was thinking about that a lot on the ride home. These highly reliable horizontal 125cc thumpers give them fantastic smiles to dollarydoos ratio. I also wheel mine backwards across uneven ground a good 30-45 ft to get it into the parking spot I have for my bike (around a corner, through a gate) and that would be a nightmare on most other bikes. It's no wonder why people love these as a first bike, and as a last bike... especially with such a comfortable seat.
Sneaky Dingo! Good on you for helping that guy pick up his bike. And yeah with bikes like the monkey and trail, a child could pick them if they did fall over and probably even keep them from falling over in the first place cause they're so light. The smiles to dollarydoo thing is what always gets me about these bikes. People don't know what they're missing out on
I agree. All these people on hear talking about so affordable. BS for the size of the bike I see it as a rip-off bike. Same with the Grom. Honda prices across the board are stupid. But people keep buying them ,so they just keep sticking it to you.
wow that is a cool little bike. wish it fit me [im6'6"] so shucks I had an XL175 [slightly larger] and it was fun to ride too [I live in the woods] that monkey I look at and wish for it, but . . .
What a perfect analysis. You nailed it! I got my motorcycle permit March of 2021 and have been contemplating what kind of motorcycle to get? I had a budget of up to $10K. I watched tons of videos on TH-cam under beginners motorcycle and they were recommendation of motorcycles with 700cc and 500+lbs. however, i concluded that most of those analysis were most likely coming from people who would consider Olive Garden as an Italian restaurant(well by name it is but it’s furthest from what Italian food is). So, last month I bought me a 2022 Honda Monkey and everything you say about it is completely true. But for me the most important part is that you are not intimidated by this motorcycle. It’s very confidence building. I get stopped and asked often about it. Thank you for your wonderful review.
Another excellent review 👏. This is also one of the bikes that I am considering. You hit two of my main concerns, availability and comfort . Although your 125 looks cool with the crate on it, I need a comfortable seat and the Honda Monkey has that. Can two people ride it ?
No you can't ride with two people on either bike. There is aftermarket passenger seats and pegs for the trail to allow that, but as far as I know not the monkey
I put pegs on mine and the trex luggage rack. Carries 2 ppl just fine. I recently put a food delivery box on my 21 monkey and started delivering through Uber eats and door dash with it. 5 bucks gets you about 5 hours of deliveries nonstop. I’m not sure how ppl in cars are even making money delivering food. Honda Monkey is the best delivery platform IMHO.
Top Reason you shouldn't buy a Honda Monkey. It is too slow to keep with traffic. All right for neighborhoods roads but that is about it. I couldn't believe how slow they are.
You should tilt the handlebars a bit forward. Lot more nimble ans spacious. I have 2019 red too, and I bought it for 3500 euro when it had done 400 miles too! Crazy coincidence that. I have done 19k miles in 1 and 1/2 years with it. 🙂 No faults or not even any weird noises. P. S. I changed the oil every at 1250 miles. I cleaned the centrifugal oil filter and screen at 8k miles, but they were basically empty. No need to open those so often.
Damn I didn't realize that, I guess the pandemic has really messed with supply. Good news is you can usually find one on craigslist and marketplace, keep your eyes peeled
You're joking right? Don't matter what size bike you're on. If you go down, the first thing you're going to do is put your hands out to break the fall and without gloves super bad hand injuries all the time
High quality parts made by Honda in Thailand?? Lol Older ones were made in Japan one more proof that older ones were better. If you're disputing if made in Japan is better than made in Thailand you are ignorant arrogant and waste of time
@@billwaller4094 If you knew anything about nation of Japan you would not have said nothing! Japan and Thailand do not compare in skilled labor or culturally. Japanese did not go to Thailand for quality they went down there for cheap labor just like Americans go to Mexico and China for the same reason. Japanese skilled labor and even though the same parts are used when something is manufactured in Japan it's always better than manufactured somewhere else PERIOD!!!! it's called discipline high education hard work that Thailand does not have up to the Japanese level. You just got educated so next time when you know you don't know about something stay quiet you'll save yourself and others time.
@@anthonynicholich9654 I have a 1981 Z50 and a 2020 Monkey. Both are great quality. But has one EFI, ABS, bigger tyres and more power and the other one will get you killed. I know which one I ride more.
@@glowimagery634 Whatever you are saying its great for you. When your Thailand made fuel injectiand with no back up kickstart breaks on a side of the road and you're looking at the ground you'll be wishing you had the one that you could get killed on. You know the one that was made in Japan always starts with a kick start and has no perishable electronics to brake
I have an HD Roadking, Buell Cyclone, BMW R1250 GSA and a Honda Monkey. The Monkey gets the most attention and is the most fun to ride.
I know exactly what you mean. I don't have the monkey but I have a grom and feel the same way about it
Just got My 2022 Banana Yellow Monkey, Love it 💟😁👍
Awesome man, enjoy it!
I love that bike! I have 3 motorcycles already ranging from 300cc to 950cc....but I still want a monkey bike!
I have the same bike, just 2021. I love it. I had a trail 70 when I was in college and it got stolen. When this thing came out I had to have one so I finally got one in 2022. I like looking at it almost as much as riding it. I am 51, I'm planning on keeping this thing until they put me away.
great video. I just ordered my 2022 because I wanted the 5-speed and the real oil filter. They are really hard to find, even used ones. I should have it hopefully in August. I can hardly wait. It will be my 62nd bike. I bought 7 new 2021 models when I turned 70, so now I'm 71 so this will be 7+1. I only kept the CT125 Trail for 1500 miles and got rid of it. That was the hardest seat I've ever seen.
To buy new Monkey because now it’s 5 speed has no bearing as the 4 speed Monkeys are great and you have a better use of the torque curve so I searched and got a ‘21 red Monkey
@@gonzalosanabria2251 I too got a '21 model. They have been having some trouble with the 5-speed in the Monkey and the Grom. The top two gears aren't getting lubrication and are turning blue and burning up. Honda is replacing the whole engine/transmission in the affected bikes. I decided to wait a couple years until it's a proven power-plant. I found a nice blue '21 (I really wanted yellow but couldn't find one) with 285 miles on it. I have about 3000 on it now. You can actually make better use of the engine hp and torque with the 5-speed because it's a closer gear ratio which helps to keep you in the power-band. and that real oil filter would be nice (you can get a kit to switch it over to a real oil filter but I'm not sure it's as good as the factory one?). The 5-speed and also help mpg (not that I need it as I'm getting in the 140s all the time and my high is 151 mpg.). All in all I think I'll keep the '21 model.
I have my dads 71 Honda Z50 Monkey. He bought it in 1979 at 10 years old for $50 on a newspaper out of West Covina, California. I plan to do a full on restoration someday.
That would be an awesome TH-cam video. I hope it works amazingly.
I have 11,000 miles on my 2019! I Love Mine... I get about 160 miles per Gallon.... I take mine everywhere!
I'd love to see you do a "Which should you buy" video with this and the Trail 125, since you have both.
That preferred parking is clutch!!! Unlike the trail which has no clutch!
Great video, I was thinking about getting a grom but decided I like the look of the monkey a lot better. Been calling around trying to find one and that seems easier said than done right now… but when I find one you better believe I’m gonna go buy it! Looks like a super fun little backroad cruiser!
They are!
Update… I found a 2020 monkey used with 132 miles on it. Drove 4 hours to the finger lakes area of New York for it. And it’s every bit as fun as it looks!
That is exactly what it is a fun little back road cruiser.
Cheap, reliable, economical, fun, on/off road, that's my 5 😊
Lol I want to ride slow bikes fast. I want to live...true but funny 😂
The seat is a LEGEND.
I agree with the soft seat reason. I got rid of my Suzuki DRZ 400 that felt like a 2 by 4 wood seat. This one is PLUSH!
Picking up my 2023 Honda Monkey in Banana yellow tomorrow (Feb 25,2023) at Honda Dealership
I have a 2022 Honda ADV 150 . I average over 105 MPG consistently with storage under seat.👍❤️
Wife rides a '22 adv, and i ride a blue '21 monkey, we love them! Great bikes👍🏻
You know, you should get a Grom ABS and do a shootout between all three 😈. I am incredibly curious as to how you get such good audio with an open face helmet. That out of the way, riddle me this: how did Honda make such a good seat on this bike, and SUCH AN UNCOMFORTABLE SEAT ON THE CT125?! Did they have some sort of karmic agreement where what they gave to one, they must taketh away from the other?
I was watching this and thinking of the bike compared to what happened yesterday. I was getting ready to leave Walmart and saw another rider sitting across the Honda Crosstourer (33.5" seat height). I was putting helmet and gloves on when I heard a loud crash; I looked over, and the guy was on the floor, bike taking an unplanned nap. The guy wasn't hurt, but clearly he wasn't happy, so I went over, and both of us lifted the bike up on to the side stand.
On the Honda Monkey, let's say that you did accidentally bump a parking sign, or run over something at low speed. Like a large rock that gets ejected from under the wheel, or someone walks out in front of you, or basically any unexpected situation... the bike is low slung enough and comfortable enough that you'll likely be able to recover even if you skip leg day at the gym. If you have the leg strength of a newborn baby, even with poor technique you could still pick the bike up off the ground. That Crosstourer was heavy even with two of us lifting it, the kind of heavy that I know many experienced men and women would struggle with.
I was thinking about that a lot on the ride home. These highly reliable horizontal 125cc thumpers give them fantastic smiles to dollarydoos ratio. I also wheel mine backwards across uneven ground a good 30-45 ft to get it into the parking spot I have for my bike (around a corner, through a gate) and that would be a nightmare on most other bikes. It's no wonder why people love these as a first bike, and as a last bike... especially with such a comfortable seat.
Sneaky Dingo! Good on you for helping that guy pick up his bike. And yeah with bikes like the monkey and trail, a child could pick them if they did fall over and probably even keep them from falling over in the first place cause they're so light.
The smiles to dollarydoo thing is what always gets me about these bikes. People don't know what they're missing out on
yes but can you zip tie a milk crate to it
Yep. I have a homemade top box. Cheers Dean
Best bike in the world
It's also the most expensive horse power for the money, so it's kind of luxurious vehicle.
I agree. All these people on hear talking about so affordable. BS for the size of the bike I see it as a rip-off bike. Same with the Grom. Honda prices across the board are stupid. But people keep buying them ,so they just keep sticking it to you.
I'm french, and wainting for. my Monkey ...It's hard wainting ! So thanks a lot , I'm dreaming !
wow that is a cool little bike.
wish it fit me [im6'6"] so shucks
I had an XL175 [slightly larger] and it was fun to ride too [I live in the woods]
that monkey I look at and wish for it, but . . .
What a perfect analysis. You nailed it! I got my motorcycle permit March of 2021 and have been contemplating what kind of motorcycle to get? I had a budget of up to $10K. I watched tons of videos on TH-cam under beginners motorcycle and they were recommendation of motorcycles with 700cc and 500+lbs. however, i concluded that most of those analysis were most likely coming from people who would consider Olive Garden as an Italian restaurant(well by name it is but it’s furthest from what Italian food is). So, last month I bought me a 2022 Honda Monkey and everything you say about it is completely true. But for me the most important part is that you are not intimidated by this motorcycle. It’s very confidence building. I get stopped and asked often about it. Thank you for your wonderful review.
Hey thanks man. Glad you liked the video and happy you're enjoying your motorcycle!
What do you keep doing with your feet?
Another excellent review 👏. This is also one of the bikes that I am considering. You hit two of my main concerns, availability and comfort . Although your 125 looks cool with the crate on it, I need a comfortable seat and the Honda Monkey has that. Can two people ride it ?
No you can't ride with two people on either bike. There is aftermarket passenger seats and pegs for the trail to allow that, but as far as I know not the monkey
I put pegs on mine and the trex luggage rack. Carries 2 ppl just fine. I recently put a food delivery box on my 21 monkey and started delivering through Uber eats and door dash with it. 5 bucks gets you about 5 hours of deliveries nonstop. I’m not sure how ppl in cars are even making money delivering food. Honda Monkey is the best delivery platform IMHO.
"I want to live."
Great bike 🇬🇧👍
Music was loud. Thanks for uploading.
Thanks for the feedback and the music. Will keep that in mind for future videos.
Nice lil upload!
I just picked up a blue 21 with 289 miles.
Hope its the gift that keeps giving.
Spending 10x would be 50k 😂. They are not cheap for what you get.
Top Reason you shouldn't buy a Honda Monkey. It is too slow to keep with traffic. All right for neighborhoods roads but that is about it. I couldn't believe how slow they are.
You should tilt the handlebars a bit forward.
Lot more nimble ans spacious.
I have 2019 red too, and I bought it for 3500 euro when it had done 400 miles too!
Crazy coincidence that.
I have done 19k miles in 1 and 1/2 years with it. 🙂
No faults or not even any weird noises.
P. S. I changed the oil every at 1250 miles. I cleaned the centrifugal oil filter and screen at 8k miles, but they were basically empty. No need to open those so often.
The #1 reason is so manny people come up to you to talk about the bike ALL THE TIME!! I have met sooo many people with this bike:)
Too expensive new, and most people who buy them beat the crap out of them so I do not want to buy used, so no go for me.
👍👏👏👏
Why do I want one of these so bad? nice vid. The music loop. yours?
Been to a bike dealer an they been sold out on Honda monkeys for months 😔
Damn I didn't realize that, I guess the pandemic has really messed with supply. Good news is you can usually find one on craigslist and marketplace, keep your eyes peeled
I have been looking for over a yr and never seen one at a dealer
Your mirrors are janky
yeah you know watching the video I said the same thing, but while riding they worked fine, I was able to see behind me.
Great video. Thanks for sharing the fun.
4000 Usd after taxes in Vietnam....
Great Bike, Great review :)
I agree with the soft seat reason. I got rid of my Suzuki DRZ 400 that felt like a 2 by 4 wood seat.
I'm wanting to sell my drz lol too
I wonder about the gloves he is wearing. Do you really need them?
You're joking right? Don't matter what size bike you're on. If you go down, the first thing you're going to do is put your hands out to break the fall and without gloves super bad hand injuries all the time
👍👏👏👏
Bought two a couple years ago. Wife never drove one now she just jets every where on it we ride them all over the place.
Hello is it possible to travel 100km a day to go to
work
with the monkey? thank you (i'm from
belgium) thank you
Everything is possible, depends on your enthousiasm 😉 Greetz back from Belgium 😆
It gets over 200km on 1 tank
High quality parts made by Honda in Thailand?? Lol Older ones were made in Japan one more proof that older ones were better. If you're disputing if made in Japan is better than made in Thailand you are ignorant arrogant and waste of time
The Honda Thailand plant uses the exact same specs and material as the one in Japan
@@billwaller4094
If you knew anything about nation of Japan you would not have said nothing! Japan and Thailand do not compare in skilled labor or culturally. Japanese did not go to Thailand for quality they went down there for cheap labor just like Americans go to Mexico and China for the same reason. Japanese skilled labor and even though the same parts are used when something is manufactured in Japan it's always better than manufactured somewhere else PERIOD!!!! it's called discipline high education hard work that Thailand does not have up to the Japanese level. You just got educated so next time when you know you don't know about something stay quiet you'll save yourself and others time.
@@anthonynicholich9654 I have a 1981 Z50 and a 2020 Monkey. Both are great quality. But has one EFI, ABS, bigger tyres and more power and the other one will get you killed. I know which one I ride more.
@@glowimagery634
Whatever you are saying its great for you. When your Thailand made fuel injectiand with no back up kickstart breaks on a side of the road and you're looking at the ground you'll be wishing you had the one that you could get killed on. You know the one that was made in Japan always starts with a kick start and has no perishable electronics to brake
Is the monkey the best of the Honda minimotos?
The Ruckus is the best.
If you want a 49cc underpowered scooter@@shanehopke8966
Don't stop get it get it.
Impossible to find in Canada