Redesigned for 2018 with modern touches, but still powered by an air-cooled engine, Honda has unveiled the Monkey 125, which was being displayed in concept form at bike shows in 2017. The iconic mini-bike now boasts an upside-down front fork, fully-digital instrumentation, LED lighting and the 125cc motor from the Grom.
The 2018 Monkey has a lovely two-tone colour scheme straight out of the 1970s. These retro colours work well on the bike, with the chrome details seen on the headlight and tail-light assembly, exhaust heat shield, turn signal indicators and instrument cluster. The bike also stays true to the original Monkey with its small 5.6-litre fuel tank and the, comparatively, large seat.
Powering the Monkey is a 125cc air-cooled, SOHC, single-cylinder engine that makes 9.3hp and 10.9Nm of torque, which is a big step up from the original bike’s 49cc motor. This time around, the bike also has one more gear, taking the total to four. Honda is claiming a fuel efficiency figure of 80kpl on the mini-bike thanks to its fuel-injection system. Handling suspension duties is an upside-down front fork and dual rear shock absorbers. The Monkey will also come with ABS-equipped front and rear disc brakes.
It will be available internationally in three colours – yellow/white, red/white and black/white.
As with the Grom, it's unlikely that this cheerful little motorcycle will make it to our market because Honda simply won’t be able to price it competitively.
Vishal Venugopal
Ved Janve
Azaman Chothia
