Honda’s Monkey set to return

Rumoured for a reinvention as far back as 2016, it was only the display of a ‘Monkey 125’ concept at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show that pointed to Honda being more serious about extending the life of their compact 50cc fun bike that has a history dating back more than 50 years.

As presented at Tokyo, the Monkey 125 used the 125cc single-cylinder engine from the Grom, but producing a little less power, at 6.9kW and 11Nm.

Described as being very close to a production version, the Tokyo Show concept also featured modern LED lighting, LCD instrumentation, a USD front fork, similar 12-inch wheels to the Grom, disc brakes and ABS, with a listed seat height of 775mm and wet weight of 107kg.

Matched to these modern features are classic styling cues from the original 50cc Monkey, like a twin-shock rear end, chromed mudguards, pleated seat and an old-style Honda ‘wing’ tank badge.

More recently, Honda has filed applications for EU Homologation for the Monkey 125, which means that a production version is likely to be released soon, and while Australian availability of the new Monkey is expected, it’s yet to be confirmed.