Honda Monkey: The Mini Monster is Back!

It’s been a few decades since the Honda Monkey last appeared on these American shores, but it has been welcomed back with open arms, and rightly so. Here’s why you should  actively consider getting one of these to strap to the back of your adventure-mobile.

Small But Mighty: Modern Monkey vs. The Classic

The new Monkey keeps its vintage charm but leaps ahead when it comes to performance and ride quality. Where the original was more of a fun-sized city hopper, the reboot packs a punch with a sprightly single-cylinder engine that’s eager to zip through traffic or country lanes. Thanks to modern fuel injection, it starts easily and runs smoothly—no more fiddling with a stubborn carburetor.

But perhaps the biggest change is how it handles the road. The updated Monkey gets a serious boost in control and comfort thanks to its upgraded suspension—think high-tech inverted front forks borrowed from much larger motorcycles. This translates to better stability over bumps and a surprising amount of front-end feedback, making every ride feel confident, even if you’re dodging potholes or bouncing down a gravel pull-off on your way to a hidden trailhead.

It’s these small-but-significant upgrades that make the new Monkey not just a nostalgic nod to the past, but a genuinely fun machine for today’s roads—whether you’re running errands or following your adventure-mobile somewhere new.

Riding in on the back of the Grom’s success, mini-bikes with big attitudes are all the rage right now. They are compact, inexpensive and incredibly fuel efficient. Being based off the Grom with some retro highlights like a steel tank and some other throwbacks pulled from the dusty cobweb infested factory floor, these pint size Japanese heroes are itching to have some knobby tires put on them and to tear up the campground, or be your runner into town to grab supplies or groceries so you do not have to break camp.

Mini But Mighty: Monkey Highlights

So, what’s packed into this little dynamo besides its wild retro charm? Let’s break down what makes the Monkey not just irresistibly cute, but genuinely capable whether you’re weaving through city traffic or bombing across a campground.

• Engine & Performance:
  Sitting at the heart of the Monkey is a lively 124cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. Paired with modern fuel injection, you get reliable starts, punchy torque for its size, and a dash of efficiency. Don’t let its friendly face fool you—it’s got enough pep to make your errands grin-worthy.
• Modern Safety Features:
  The Monkey comes standard with anti-lock brakes up front, so sudden rain or that surprise gravel patch won’t dampen your day. The inverted front fork offers upgraded suspension, soaking up bumps that might have rattled your teeth on older minis.
• Classic Meets Contemporary Design:
  Retro styling cues—think high-rise handlebars and that steel tank—blend seamlessly with new-school reliability. Chunky tires not only look the part, but also smooth out rough roads and grip through the twisties.
• Easy Handling, Effortless Fun:
  With a low 30.5-inch seat height and a featherweight build, maneuvering the Monkey is a cinch. Park it anywhere, ride it all day—whether you’re vertically gifted or modestly sized (no shame).
• Comfort & Convenience:
  Twin rear shocks and a plush seat mean you’re riding in style and comfort even when the pavement gets patchy. An LED taillight keeps things bright and safe, no matter when you’re headed back to base camp.

There you have it: all the essentials, wrapped up in a pint-sized package that’s equal parts nostalgia and practical fun.

Built for the Urban Jungle

What really makes the Monkey a winner for city dwellers is its uncanny ability to zip through tight spaces, snag parking in even the most crowded lots, and sneak past gridlocked traffic with a grin. Thanks to its featherweight frame and friendly 124cc engine, navigating busy boulevards or weaving down alleyways feels more like play than chore.

Retro charm is baked right in—from that iconic round headlight to the unmistakable silhouette—which means you’ll catch smiles at stoplights from scooter fans and classic car buffs alike. Low enough to handle with confidence, with just enough pep to leave delivery vans eating your dust, the Monkey transforms the daily slog into a quick detour for tacos, coffee, or whatever calls your name.

Coming in at a price that won’t make your wallet cry, but still loaded with personality, it’s the perfect companion for anyone looking to add a little mischief to their morning commute or weekend downtown explorations.

Confidence-Inspiring Design and Features

Now, let’s talk about why swinging a leg over the Monkey doesn’t just make you grin—it keeps you feeling in control wherever you take it.

First off, there’s a solid nod to modern safety with the front-wheel ABS, which might sound fancy for such a playful little machine, but it really shines when roads get sketchy or that unexpected summer shower hits. You get the confidence to squeeze the brakes a bit harder on gravel turnouts or slick blacktop, knowing the bike’s got your back.

Up front, the upside-down hydraulic fork is more than just a cool retro-meets-modern touch. It soaks up bumps and potholes that would make lesser mini-motos jittery, and delivers better road feedback—so on rough campground trails or patchy urban asphalt, you stay both planted and smiling.

All that classic styling comes wrapped around real, usable features that turn this “novelty” into a genuine daily runabout, no matter the weather or terrain.

Low and Light: Effortless Manoeuvrability

One of the Monkey’s most inviting quirks is its seat height. At just 30.5 inches off the ground, hopping on feels more like settling into your favorite camp chair than mounting a motorcycle. Add in its featherweight chassis—checking in at about 230 pounds wet—and pretty much anyone can flat-foot it or shuffle it around a crowded parking lot with zero drama. This low, light build transforms tight turns, last-minute parking jobs, and stoplights into a breeze, making the Monkey just as friendly for newcomers as it is fun for seasoned riders wanting a no-stress runabout.

Modern Suspension, Vintage Vibes

While the Monkey is loaded with retro charm, its rubber meets the road with some decidedly modern upgrades. Chief among them: an inverted hydraulic front fork that gives the pint-sized Monkey big-bike stability. This suspension setup doesn’t just look cool—it delivers noticeably better comfort and control over every pothole, gravel wash, and suburban speed bump you’ll ever point it at.

The improved fork, along with contemporary rear shocks, means the Monkey soaks up rough patches without flinching. Whether you’re meandering through city traffic or dodging stray pine cones around the campground, you’ll appreciate the added confidence and steady handling. Plus, the suspension keeps the grin on your face, instead of knocking your fillings loose—a definite plus if you’re taking the long way back with that carton of eggs.

Outfit Your Monkey: Accessorize for Fun and Function

Half the fun of owning a Honda Monkey is making it truly your own. Whether you’re planning to hit the trails behind your favorite KOA or zip into town on a coffee run, there’s a sprawling market of accessories to help you dial in both style and function.

Fancy swapping out the stock bits? Consider these crowd favorites:

• Luggage racks and basket kits: Perfect for tossing a camp stove or that all-important bag of charcoal.
• Crash bars and skid plates: Give your Monkey the armor it needs for the occasional tumble—or aggressive curb hopping.
• Upgraded seats: Because your backside deserves to be as happy as you are cruising backroads.
• LED lighting kits: Light up the night, and make sure you’re spotted by drivers distracted by your Monkey’s irresistible retro charm.
• Knobby tires: Transform the little bike into a burly campground crawler that laughs at mud puddles.
• Customization bling: From anodized handlebar ends to high-mount exhausts, there are bolt-ons galore to crank the personality dial up to 11.

And let’s not forget storage boxes, phone mounts, or a fresh set of mirrors with a little urban attitude from outfits like Chimera and Kitaco. The real limitation? Your imagination—and maybe your wallet.

100% street legal, featuring all the DOT requirements such as headlamp, turn signals, horn, and brake lights, and a 125cc engine with fuel injection means that with a stiff breeze to your back, you can get this thing going well into the 60mph range.

Braking and Suspension: Small Size, Serious Tech

When it comes to stopping power, the Monkey isn’t monkeying around. It comes equipped with a front-wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), giving you extra confidence when cruising through a sudden downpour or navigating sketchy gravel patches at the edge of the campground. No more white-knuckle moments when the pavement gets slick—just smooth, controlled stops.

On the suspension front, the Monkey gets a modern twist with an inverted hydraulic front fork. This upgrade gives the bike noticeably better handling and feel compared to its vintage ancestors. You’ll notice improved road feedback, which makes winding through campground trails or darting through city streets equally enjoyable. Add in a durable set of twin rear shocks and chunky tires, and you’ve got a little beast that soaks up bumps and potholes like a much bigger bike. The low, plush seat rounds out the comfort, so even when the campground turns into a washboard, you’ll be grinning instead of grimacing.

Available in two colors, Banana peel Yellow and Nebula Red, and a starting MSRP of $3,999 – this little monster is sure to be seen everywhere now that they are back in the US for the 2019 model year.