Honda Monkey 125 MY2019: You drive it and… the monkey immediately jumps out at you! [ROAD TEST]

Honda Monkey 125 MY2019 – When Honda Italia announced the availability of its quintessential “recreational vehicle” to the press, the frenzy began, especially considering the fact that it is the first time ever that it has been imported into Italy. In front of her you realize what the new Honda Monkey really represents and, immediately after, you start to think about why a sane person could ever buy it. While they prepare the documentation, we walk around her with that stupid smile of someone who is about to bring home the toy that she has always wanted and that, finally, she manages to grab. Not even time to receive the keys and we are already on the run towards the center of Milan where the little Honda car moves with disarming agility.

We had the opportunity to do a brief test run of the Monkey earlier this year – here the link – but we can only tell you that this time we went far beyond the simple test drive: a love story has blossomed! Perhaps not everyone knows that the iconic mini-bike born under the sign of the wing saw the light in 1961 as a toy motorbike for the Tama Tech amusement park in Tokyo; the entire area, with a motoring theme, was owned by the Honda Motor Company Ltd. and closed definitively on September 30, 2009 after 47 years of activity. It was in 1963 that Honda - following the success achieved by the first example known by the acronym "Z50" - decided to produce a version approved for road circulation, starting exports to America and Europe.

The model was equipped with an exclusive chrome tank, 5" wheels without suspension and folding handlebars designed to reduce its dimensions. Thus was born what is defined as the era of the "Z-series", i.e. the mass production of minibikes by Honda called "Monkey" or "Gorilla" and which includes the models known by the acronyms Z50A Mini Trail, Z50J, Z50M, Z50R and the famous ZB50 which represents the first Monkey approved to circulate on roads open to the public in the USA. The taller you are, the easier it will be to understand why enthusiasts - and even Honda itself - defined these minibikes with the term "Monkey": the vehicles were so small that, once in the saddle, arms and legs assumed unnatural angles and, at depending on the pilot's height, the back would hunch as a result, forcing the pilots to take on a conformation very similar to that of monkeys!

From 1961 to today, the evolution has been epochal and the latest addition is a concentration of technology that does not disdain the link with the past, still forcing a "forced" but decidedly more manageable and comfortable position. So comfortable that you never want to get off, thanks to the high-density urethane saddle capable of guaranteeing an epic level of comfort. If it is true that the "Monkey mania" did not resist in Europe, in Japan and the States the model continued to undergo changes and updates that kept it constantly alive. Briefly retracing the history, we can state that 1961 saw the birth of the model destined for Tama Tech while '63 decreed the export and marketing in the USA and Europe of the first mass-produced example.

In 1967 the first model with a folding seat was sold in Japan and in 1970 it was equipped with a detachable fork which allowed the Monkey to be transported in the trunk of a small car. 1978 saw the introduction of the typical “teardrop” tank and, in 1984, Honda released the limited edition “Gold” version. To see the sporty interpretation called "R" we had to wait until 1987 and in 1991 we witnessed the birth of the exclusive and refined Baja-style off-road version with double headlight and a look that recalls the old Africa Twin but... on a smaller scale.

In 2004, a version inspired by the CB750F victorious at the Daytona 100 with Freddie Spencer was produced and, in 2009, the transition to electronic injection, distribution with roller rocker arm and offset cylinder took place. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the start of sales in Japan, a final model was released in 2017 before arriving at the test specimen which crowns the return of the incomparable Japanese monkey to the European market.

Aesthetics and finishes:

rating:  

A little gem entirely made in Japan

The standard of beauty is, never more than in this case, terribly personal. It is an object that has no equal (even if the MSX 125 could be one but not in terms of personality!) and that cannot be chosen as an alternative to something else; it does not replace a scooter and does not take the place of a 1:1 scale motorbike. It is a stand-alone product with the usual construction level to which mother Honda has accustomed us: solid materials, first-rate finishes and meticulously cared for details, combined with a look that makes everyone who meets it fall in love with it. Its popularity comes from an attractive design expertly mixed with a portability unknown before; the introduction of the Monkey on the market was so impactful that it was considered the means by which millions of people began to think about owning a motorcycle. With its big tires, curved handlebars, tiny tank and generous, soft saddle, the Monkey had an unmistakable and timeless look.

It took years from the first rumors regarding a re-edition of the model but, in the end, it arrived and embodies in a modern key that idea of ​​urban commuting which - over fifty years ago - already seemed to be so dear to the incredible Japanese people . The classic Monkey style characterized by the trapezoidal shape has been maintained, as have the main parts which - despite being very distinct from each other - are skilfully joined together to form a small masterpiece on two wheels. The shiny 5,6 liter tank is painted in a two-tone color and chromatically matched to the swingarm, suspension and frame while the 3D logo is the historic Honda one.

The contrast with the chrome that characterizes the large fenders, the mirrors, the handlebars and the exhaust protection is clear and in line with the new stylistic course of this vehicle which does everything to look like a miniature scrambler. Classic and modern meet with the new Monkey: if the references to the past are clear, the LCD digital instrumentation, the front headlight, the rear stop and the full LED direction indicators are confirmation that Honda has spared no expense. The small display flashes when you turn the Wave key to ON and then shows the speedometer, two-trip odometer and the six-segment fuel gauge which, as we'll see later, never seem to disappear.

Engine and performance:

rating:  

Always full throttle and the monkey becomes uncatchable

Bar chatter doesn't suit the Honda Monkey. It doesn't go fast, but as the saying goes "he who goes slowly goes well and goes far". To remain in line with the theme of tradition, harnessed in the frame we find a 2cc air-cooled horizontal single-cylinder single-shaft 125-valve engine which makes simplicity and robustness its strong points. Bore and stroke measure 52,4 x 57,9mm with a compression ratio of 9,3:1. Robust and extremely reliable, it is equipped with Honda PGM-FI electronic injection and delivers 9,4hp at 7000 rpm with a peak of 11 Nm at 5250 rpm; the gearbox has 4 gears but, once driving, you realize that the fourth is almost never used except on long straight stretches for which, however, the Monkey is decidedly unsuitable, also due to a maximum speed which exceeds just over 100km/h.

We have reported the data to be fair to the manufacturer and to make you understand what we are talking about: what is certain is that whoever wants to put a Monkey in the garage will certainly not look at the horsepower, the maximum speed and even less the peak torque. Put into first gear, it almost seems as if the single-cylinder doesn't want to start but, as soon as it picks up the revs, it starts to climb well up to 49km/h when the time comes to put it into second gear. Shortly after eighty, it's time for third gear and then - at your discretion - you will decide when and whether to use fourth gear which is, essentially, a very difficult gear to use, especially for daily urban commuting. The trick is to drive smoothly and practically always at full throttle without ever dropping the revs otherwise moving up quickly will prove quite difficult. Monkey teaches that very little is needed to have fun: a road closed to traffic and the clever use of the clutch are enough to enjoy wheeling at a more than calm speed!

This vehicle enters the hearts of enthusiasts for how it drives, for its ability to give color to gray days, for its friendly nature that will change your mood the moment you open the garage and see its tiny shapes in a corner , ready to welcome you and take you around without stress and with an agility never experienced before.

Ride and handling:

rating:  

Handling and driving sensations never experienced before

Size matters? In some cases yes… in others, decidedly less! 1155 mm of wheelbase, 25° steering head inclination and 82mm trail transform the driving experience of the little Monkey into something extrasensory. Add a turning radius of 1,9 m, 107kg of mass with full tank and the saddle positioned 775mm from the ground and you will realize that nothing is like it. The upper single-beam steel frame is robust and balanced, stiffened in the most stressed parts and flexible where necessary: ​​this particular choice aims to make the vehicle usable in all conditions without paying the slightest attention to even the most extreme uses. In the saddle you sit really comfortably and the classic "monkey" position is slightly hinted at but never to the levels of the Z series of the 60s, obviously. Having grabbed the small handlebar and become familiar with the respective blocks - simple, without frills and obsessively well made - all that remains is to turn the key, start the engine and open the throttle!

The stability given by the wide tires - 120/80-12 at the front and 130/80-12 at the rear respectively - is excellent and, thanks also to the upside-down fork and the rear shock absorbers with generous travel with medium/soft calibration, the driving is satisfying and always a lot of fun. Finding the limit of the Monkey is not difficult and, long before you get there, you will realize that you are a loose cannon in the midst of the daily routine with all the other two-wheeled vehicle drivers who will look at you without understanding where you came from and how you got there. made to disappear on the horizon. Its lightness and compactness combined with a 220mm front disc and a 190mm rear disc guarantee noteworthy braking and without the risk of lifting the rear wheel thanks to the IMU inertial platform combined with ABS on the front axle only. Going down to the garage in the morning and going to the office with the Honda Monkey is an "appointment" that cannot be missed: the super-comfortable saddle with a white leather profile accommodates riders of all sizes and the riding position is so unusual as to be comfortable .

The curves can be taken in complete safety even at high speeds and by using your arms and legs well you will realize how difficult - at medium speeds - it will be to get close to you from other two-wheeled vehicles. 9,4 horsepower may not be much but if you are able to make full use of it and above all to use the gearbox expertly, every trip will be just simple daily fun.

Price and consumption:

rating:  

Whoever wants it knows why

The Honda Monkey is something that wasn't there and now is. The only one to have tried was Polini when, in 2012, it started marketing the XP4 Street 125cc, a 9hp mini motard designed for everyday use. However, not having a background like that of Monkey, the much hoped for success never arrived. Nowadays the only alternative could be the Honda MSX but the price difference would not justify the choice, unless you prefer its look to the more personal one of the Monkey. There are two colors available: Pearl Nebula Red/Ross White (test sample) or the fantastic Banana Yellow/Ross White version which we strongly recommend choosing if you are about to purchase this little toy totally made in Japan by Honda.

The €4090 needed to purchase it is not exactly a small amount but what you get is a vehicle that will really change the course of your days. Whether you use it at the weekend to run errands or it is your faithful companion in your daily life, the Honda Monkey represents a bold but decidedly satisfying choice. You should have the courage to prefer it to the classic "scooter", even knowing that you will not go on the ring road or on the motorway, you will never carry a second passenger and that the only loading compartment is the one hidden behind the bulkhead on which there is the “Monkey” logo and which contains just the booklet folded like an origami, two emergency keys and… nothing else. You will always need a backpack also because, with an average mileage of 67 km/l with a 5,6 liter tank, you can do a lot of errands...[/caption]

PROS AND CONS

We like it:

Personal and inimitable look

Driving position

IMU platform with ABS

We do not like it:

Monoposto

Honda Monkey MY2019: the Motorionline Report Card

Motor:
Handling:
Gearbox and transmission:
Braking:
Suspensions:
Guide:
Pilot comfort:
Passenger comfort:
Equipment:
Quality price:
Line:
Consumption:

Matteo Pozzi collaborated

Tester clothing:

Gloves: Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon black/white

Jacket: Alpinestars SP

Pants: Alpinestars Denim Pants – Raw Indigo

Shoes: Alpinestars LUNAR

Helmet: LS2 Spitfire Sunrise

Mask: Aries Feather