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.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
