Honda Monkey 125

What is the Monkey 125?

The Monkey 125 reinterprets the Monkey mini-bike Honda launched in 1961 with a 50 cc engine. Back in Europe since 2018 as a 125, it has sold almost 25,000 units on the continent. It keeps the original’s cues: small rounded tank with the classic Honda wing, thick seat, high chrome handlebars, chrome mudguards and upswept exhaust. Honda presents it as a mini-bike for town and leisure riding.

Which model year and what price?

The 2026 model year only changes the colours: matte black, red and silver, yellow and white. The Monkey is mechanically identical to the 2025 model year, which brought Euro 5+ compliance (revised ignition and injection settings, updated catalyser, OBD2-2 sensor). Honda France sells it at €4,449 in a single version, the same price as the 2025 model year, still in the range. In the United States it costs $4,399 before destination charges, in matte black only.

In France it can be ridden on an A1 licence, or on a car (B) licence with the 7-hour training course (subject to conditions).

How good is the engine?

The horizontal, air-cooled 124 cc single, with a single overhead camshaft and two valves, comes from the MSX125 Grom. It makes 6.9 kW (9.4 hp) at 6,750 rpm and 10.7 Nm at 5,500 rpm, with a 5-speed gearbox. Honda France’s website rounds the power to 9.3 hp. Honda quotes a top speed of 91 km/h. MCN finds the engine sluggish, with a fifth gear that acts mostly as an overdrive; Ultimate Motorcycling finds it torquier than the old one but vulnerable in fast traffic.

How does it ride?

The steel backbone frame carries an upside-down fork with 100 mm of travel and twin shocks with two-stage springs (102 mm). The 1,145 mm wheelbase, 1.9 m turning radius and 105 kg kerb weight make it very easy to handle in town. The 2026 press kit and owner’s manual give 105 kg and a 776 mm seat; Honda France’s website still shows 104 kg and 775 mm, the 2022-2023 figures. Braking combines a 220 mm front disc with a two-piston caliper and a 190 mm rear disc. ABS works on the front wheel only, but it is managed by an IMU that limits rear-wheel lift under braking; MCN praises it. The 12-inch block-pattern tyres are Vee Rubbers.

What equipment?

Equipment is basic: a round LCD (speed, odometer, two trip meters, fuel gauge), full LED lighting, HISS immobiliser and an “answer back” key that flashes the lights to locate the bike. There is no rev counter, gear indicator, riding mode or traction control. A clock, gear position indicator, USB socket and heated grips are accessories. MCN finds the display very dim and almost unreadable.

Who is it for?

The Monkey is a single-seater: the owner’s manual allows the rider only, with a maximum load of 106 kg including gear. Honda aims it at town and leisure riding; MCN advises against dual carriageways and motorways.

Which generations?

The first generation (2018-2021) used the MSX125’s 4-speed engine and weighed 107 kg. The second, launched in 2022, received the new long-stroke engine, the 5-speed gearbox and revised shocks. Known recalls (a genuine rear carrier too weak, in Europe and the United States) concerned the 2018 generation; no recall affects the current generation (RappelConso, NHTSA).

Fuel consumption and maintenance

Honda quotes 1.5 L/100 km, giving a theoretical range of about 370 km from the 5.6-litre tank. MCN recorded 100 to 126 UK mpg (2.2 to 2.8 L/100 km) while riding mostly flat out. The manual calls for an oil change every 6,000 km or every year and a valve clearance check every 6,000 km. The warranty is 2 years with unlimited mileage.