Honda Monkey: tradition and modernity in 125cc

Honda – Past and modernity merge into the new Honda Monkey, the iconic minibike Honda which has been redesigned and updated, with a style completely similar to the original in the Seventies versions but with the integration of modern elements that make it a premium model, such as the upside-down fork, double rear shock absorbers, LCD instrumentation, ABS with inertial platform IMU e full LED lights.

Although she was born in 1961, the Honda Monkey he had his most successful period, becoming a fashion icon, in the seventies. Originally developed as a 49cc toy motorcycle for a Tokyo amusement park (Tama Tech), it became so popular that a street version was made, initially exported to America and Europe in 1963. The model was equipped with a unique chrome fuel tank , folding handlebars and 5″ wheels without suspension.
Its popularity came from an attractive design that made it immediately likable, its small size and ultra-light weight, which really allowed anyone to drive it easily and transformed any city route into pure fun. In 1969 the diameter of the wheels was increased to 8″ and in 1970 its compact structure was further developed by adding the quick release fork, which allowed the bike to be stored in the trunk of a car, even a small one. 1978 saw a real turning point for Monkey. The style of the motorbike was modified by creating a new teardrop tank which literally drove the numerous Recreational Vehicle owners crazy, constantly looking for a convenient means of transport to use once their vehicle was parked. And it was from this moment that the cheeky Monkey truly became the darling of millions. Thanks to the 3-speed gearbox and centrifugal clutch, which made it easy to ride even for those without motorcycling skills, thousands of people of all ages were able for the first time in their lives to turn the accelerator knob up a two-wheeled vehicle.
It was so fun and easy to ride that it helped promote the idea of ​​motorcycle ownership to a wider audience than any other motorcycle ever had. With its big tires, the curved handlebars that seemed to hang on, its rider, thousands of people of all ages were able for the first time in their lives to twist the throttle on a two-wheeled vehicle.

After the launch of the MSX125, the acrobatic 'Mini Street Xtreme', the desire for an unconventional, practical and compact small-displacement urban motorcycle has become increasingly evident. It was therefore the ideal time for the rebirth of the Monkey, redesigned and ready for 21st century cities. Naturally, the classic Monkey style was to be the inspiration for the new model. There trapezoidal silhouette in fact it underlines its importance extraordinary compactness, while adding depth and substance to its overall setup. The simple curved surfaces are designed independently of each other and thus characterize the entire look. The shiny 5,6 liter fuel tank, painted two-tone and color-matched to the frame, swingarm and suspension, proudly bears a historic 3D Honda Wing logo. The homage to the original Monkey is completed by High chromed steel mudguards, from the molded and suggestively chromed exhaust protection, from the circular rear-view mirrors and from the high handlebar which is also chromed. The evocative classic look it is accompanied by the most modern technologies: the LCD digital instrumentation winks and flashes pleasantly when you turn the key to ON, and includes a speedometer, odometer with two partials and a six-segment fuel level indicator. All the lights are LED. The ignition key is of the solid 'wave' type and features the same historic logo as on the tank, it is also equipped with a button that makes the lights flash to make it easier to locate in crowded car parks. The single-channel ABS system (on the front wheel) is based on the IMU inertial platform to prevent the rear from lifting in the event of sudden braking.

Il engine of the new Monkey, faithful to the original, is a 2 cc horizontal single-cylinder single-cylinder 125-valve engine, air cooledsimple, robust, extremely reliable and optimized for city driving. The bore and stroke measure 52,4 x 57,9 mm and the compression ratio is 9,3:1, with electronic fuel injection Honda PGMFI which allows it to deliver a power 9,4 HP at 7.000 rpm and a pair  11 Nm at 5.250 rpm. The 4-speed gearbox it is spaced to allow the engine to always express itself brilliantly and at the same time guarantee the extraordinary efficiency of the consumption, equal to 67 km/l in the average WMTC cycle. The upper single-spar steel frame is robust and balanced, rigid in the most stressed points and flexible where needed, ideal for a wide variety of riding conditions. Even the swingarm, made of oval section tubes, recalls the rounded design that characterizes the entire line of the motorcycle. L'distance it is very compact, only 1.155 mm, with a steering head inclination of 25° and a trail of 82 mm, for a turning radius of just 1,9 m. The weight with a full tank it weighs just 107 kg, and the saddle is just 775 mm from the ground. Extremely elegant, it is made of high-density urethane (a hard rubber-like material that remains flexible even up to 60°C) for maximum comfort, with white piping and a refined covering. The upside-down fork features a precious Alumite finish and is combined with double rear shock absorbers with generous travel. The height from the ground is 160 mm. The front disc 220 mm, with 2-piston caliper, and the 190 mm rear one, with single-piston caliper, always provide adequate braking power which, on the front axle, can count on theABS with IMU inertial platform which prevents the rear wheel from lifting. The beautiful 12" split-spoke alloy wheels are fitted with large section tyres, 120/80 12J at the front and 65/130 80J at the rear. The new Honda Monkey 12 is available in Italy in two color variants: Banana Yellow/Ross White and Pearl Nebula Red/Ross White.