2023 Honda Monkey 125cc I 1500Mile 1 Year Ownership Review

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Gear;
Helmets - Arai Tour X4
Summer Gear - Knox Urbane Pro Mk2 Mesh Jacket and Roadskin Taranis Elite AAA Jeans
Casual Gear - Halvarssons Racken Jacket and Roadskin Paranoid-X AAA Jeans
Touring Gear - Halvarssons Gruven Jacket and Laggan Trousers
Boots - Daytona Roadstar GTX, Sidi Adventure 2 and Daytona AC Classics in Brown
Gloves - Halvarssons Ljusdal, Knox Handroid Pod Mk5, Goldtop Predator, Gerbing XR heated gloves
Camera Set Up;
Main Camera - GoPro Hero 11 Black
Face Camera - GoPro Hero 9 Black
360 Cam - Insta360 One X2
Sound Recorder - Zoom F2 BT

[@klapphelmfahrer4148]

Loved it, I always tell people that my Monkey may only have 9 horsies, but they are highly motivated.

[@SamVBikes]

And they work bloody hard haha

[@alangazeley5497]

Lol Lol !

[@steverogers2369]

I bought a new Honda Monkey in 1970. I parked on the pavement outside a pub in Watford. When I came out a traffic warden was looking at it and asked me if it had an engine. I said yes but had not parked it there and said Kids had moved it onto the path, one parking ticket saved. I loved that little bike and used to ride inside the factory were I worked.

[@SamVBikes]

😂😂 it's worrying when they ask if it has an engine! Brilliant things though

[@steverogers2369]

Worth saving a parking ticket, though.@@SamVBikes

[@Bob-ts2tu]

haha nice one

[@morganmartin9286]

I had a 50cc version when I was 10 and seeing this larger clone brings back sooo many good memories. I want one.

[@SamVBikes]

It's such a great bike for that!

[@morganmartin9286]

@@SamVBikes a perfect garage for me would have a super adventure S/superduke gt, an r nine t and a monkey bike.

[@SamVBikes]

Now that is a garage I can get behind! Absolutely perfect! Only way it could be better is by adding a few more bikes 😂

[@johnepperson8867]

ME TOO, back in the 70's when I was10 !!! My 50cc was blue and I keep hoping that Honda will make a blue 125cc. I want one so bad !

[@Gareth.W]

Haha, what a great video... I loved how much you laughed whilst riding it.

[@SamVBikes]

Haha thank you!

[@markfromleeds]

Spot on svb content as always pal and I’m looking forward to what is to come mate

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you pal! Once this house is sorted I can get booking some trips! Bring the new beast up to your neck of the woods

[@SandStormPower]

I do have the dax. I'm totally in love with these mini bikes. So much fun, so much relaxed!

[@SamVBikes]

Definitely agree! Way more fun than I'd ever imagined

[@johnepperson8867]

Thank you for the excellent one year review!!! BTW, beautiful countryside !

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you!

[@Lewis4568]

Nearly got my grom to a year well 5 months before it got destroyed and my leg racked up 8k miles on it before she had to go to heaven 😢but now waiting on picking up a new one on the 16th finally be back 🙌

[@SamVBikes]

Ahh damn! Sorry to hear that!! Congratulations on the new bike though! 💪🏼

[@rogerhummerston8361]

Great video Sam, we bought two monkeys in May last year one reason was to get my wife Carolyn back riding after twenty years, she loves the bike and has clocked up 1600 miles so far, mine has done just over 2000 miles, they should be compulsory.

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you! Good going on the mileage too! Seen far too many 3 year old bikes with 200 miles!! Glad you're enjoying them!

[@HenningPetersen-k6z]

Just love the little bike. It will be my next purchase. Thank you for sharing.

[@SamVBikes]

It's fantastic! Thank you for watching

[@waynesmith537]

Great video Sam glad your enjoying the monkey I got my one in red last year the only mods I’ve done so far is put a termignoni decat exhuast changed the chain and sprockets and a k&n filter seems to give it a little more power great fun bike to whizz around on all the best mate.

[@SamVBikes]

How does the termi sound? I was tempted with that! Enjoy it pal!

[@waynesmith537]

Hi Sam the termignoni has a nice grunt to it not as loud as my mates yoshimura rs3 but you can get a spark arrester baffle to silence it a bit.

[@SamVBikes]

Nice to know! Yeah the Yoshi seems pretty loud from what I've seen!

[@humanoid2545]

Awesome upload! 🍿 Im hoping to pick one up soon

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you! It's a fantastic bike!

[@mxseba7232]

Bonjour , je viens d avoir mon Monkey 2024 Red ❤️j’adore cette moto 😍😍😉🇧🇪

[@barrydaly7174]

I dreamt of the Monkey Bike in the motorcycle shop window in Hatfield about 1970 (Blue) I was 5. I did the Pools with my dad every week as he said that was my only chance. They haven't changed that much and I still lust after one, I could probably fit it in the old GS's Pannier. .."Rosebud"

[@SamVBikes]

Corr you're not far from me in Hatfield! Yeah slightly bigger in all aspects but very much the same look and feel which I love!

[@wavshrdr8452]

Love the video. Any list of all the mods you've done? Looks like you added even some heated grips.

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you! Yes, It's the video after this on the channel!

[@michaelmclarney1994]

Nice one Sam, a bit late to the party this week, its certainly a fun machine! I was impressed by the yamaha 125 tricity my friend is having delivered this week and am looking forward to having a go next time I visit him in Aberdour.

[@SamVBikes]

No problem mate! Hope you had a good weekend! All of these little bikes seem to be getting better and more appealing!

[@michaelmclarney1994]

@@SamVBikes physically it's quite big too and looks really comfy. The 300 version looks like an ideal commuter machine as it will have enough power for keep up with any traffic flow. We went over to Inverness and Loch Ness and headed back north after the commando monument. There was plenty of snow on the mountains and good weather on the afternoon so the pics are amazing!

[@SamVBikes]

Yeah that level of power seems to be just about right. The only issue with the monkey being a 125 is that keeping up with traffic on faster roads! Sounds like you had a great time!

[@michaelmclarney1994]

@@SamVBikes yeah, it was great thanks, have a good week 👍

[@SamVBikes]

You too pal!

[@TheNecroFrog]

You’re recent Monkey content inspired me to take the missus’ 125 out for a blast when my bike had a flat battery and I had forgot how fun it was!

[@SamVBikes]

Haha they shouldn't be that fun but they really are!

[@grayman999]

Same here 1500 miles in first years ownership i agree with your findings very honest review i shall be keeping the monkey alongside my NT1100 HONDA 😊

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you! Hope you're loving it as much as I am!

[@Jones-xx2gc]

Small quality 125's like this are brilliant. I have a Skyteam Monkey at the moment for my Motorhome, always thinking it might let go and leave me stranded while out exploring. One of these would be great, more comfy than an MSX, just a shame they dont have folding handlebars.

[@SamVBikes]

Folding handlebars would be so useful for throwing it in the back of a van!

[@Vazza72]

Hi Sam great content as always. I actually only came across your channel as I’m considering a monkey as a second bike & found your intuitive uploads really helpful. And so I’m just curious to ask, if you had a choice of colour when you bought the Monkey would you have chosen the black or do you prefer the Yellow or Red? Thanks Simon

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you bud! It's a great 2nd bike to dart around on! Honestly I'm happy with the black, but seeing Joe's red one, I'd probably go for that if I were buying again! Looks really smart

[@burns2142]

Love mine and the super adventure 😎👍

[@SamVBikes]

💪🏼💪🏼

[@user-lp3mh5vu9v]

Great review Sam and glad you’re keeping the bike there so much fun. Looking forward to the next one. 👍

[@SamVBikes]

Cheers pal! 💪🏼

[@follyfour506]

I've decided to keep my 2023 monkey after going to Honda and being offered £2200 trade in against a Honda Hornet. How's that for customer loyalty ?

[@SamVBikes]

Corr that's bad! You'll be able to sell that privately for 3200 or more!

[@lifeonmarshmoto]

Very curious in how your upping the power as its something i want to do with mine. Totally agree, my Monkey isnt never going anywhere, currently trying to convince a few mates to get one!

[@SamVBikes]

It's not going to be a small task! But vids will definitely be coming! Haha I've managed to get 3 people to buy them so far 😂

[@laryangel4082]

Kk

[@ifindoubtbailout70]

Haha, loved this video buddy😊my first ever motorbike was a 50cc Honda monkey when i was 7😂my dad entered me into the cadets class of schoolboy scrambling(dad modified it a lot😂)I've currently got a Honda 500x which is my main bike, but I'm seriously considering a cheap second bike that will fit easily in the van to explore places further away in the winter🤔I'm gonna consider this mad monkey further😋Great review bud😉

[@SamVBikes]

Haha thank you! I love this little thing. It's hilarious fun and a completely different experience to the big bike!

[@ifindoubtbailout70]

@SamVBikes I bet it is🤣I've got to ask though, do you feel vulnerable on rhe road because of the size & slower speeds🤔

[@SamVBikes]

Not really! Only a bit on the motorway a lorry overtakes you 😂

[@ifindoubtbailout70]

@@SamVBikes 🫣

[@migueruta]

Grettings from Barnet!! 😃I wished i could buy a Honda Monkey just for laughs.🙄 But i can buy a 2nd hand Honda Rebel 500 with the money i would spend on a new Honda Monkey and not have the disadvantages of a 125cc bike.🤔 Should i get both then?😅 What a joyful review, mate! I feel that kind of bike is a vehicle one buys to keep it forever - specially because it's so damn expensive for such a small bike. Have a great week! Drive safe🏍💨and watch good movies!✌😉

[@Justcharnock]

only thing i can think of is the 190cc swap or 212 for more power ! , great vid

[@SamVBikes]

Haha nope! Thank you!

[@bocurtis1962]

This video makes me fall asleep not sure why even when it’s so informative.

[@SamVBikes]

😂 maybe watch it later tonight if you're struggling to sleep

[@ChaseLancaster]

Really debating selling my Grom for one. Great video! Would love to find one with the red plaid seat.

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you! Think the red plaids are the 2023 models. Not sure if they've updated for 2024. Tbh quite a few people seem to swap the plaid seats out for plain ones or aftermarket ones so I reckon you'll find one on FB marketplace

[@ChaseLancaster]

@@SamVBikes In the states at least they kept the pearl nebula red color going for 2024. I wish I could find a 2023 banana yellow with the plaid seat but that seems to be a rare color for the states.

[@theflyingyetti_666]

Loving the monkey, saving up as we speak 👌

[@steveleigh587]

1500miles!! I’ve done 12000 absolutely fabulous fun miles on mine, best bike I’ve ever owned👍

[@SamVBikes]

Haha good effort!!! Nice to hear someone using it. So many on the market with 200 miles on the clock 3 years old

[@DIVERBULLDOZER]

У меня тоже KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S и я уже давно мечтаю об этой HONDA MONKEY. По этому я попал на Ваш канал. У меня только один вопрос: Что с нами не так ?!)

[@SamVBikes]

😂😂

[@loco2612323]

I love your videos I done with my Monkey 3000 miles 😂😂😂

[@loco2612323]

From midle Jun and march 😂😂😂😂 I love every single mile ❤❤❤

[@markgibbs7303]

love the bike

[@SamVBikes]

Thanks! So do I 💪🏼

[@McRcFly]

These aren't available in Australia any more due to no abs on the rear. I have a yellow 2019 model. Love it.

[@SamVBikes]

Such a shame! I wonder if the 2025 model will have rear abs too

[@McRcFly]

@SamVBikes who knows but I doubt they would change it for stupid Australian laws. If the bike was under 125cc it wouldn't matter ... apparently once it's 125cc in Aus it's dangerous.

[@SamVBikes]

They are crazy fast so I can understand that 😂

[@user-lk8lq1vx4t]

Hey m8, did ya remap it after fitting the Scorpion? Ta.

[@SamVBikes]

Nope! It runs a bit rich with the air filter too but no issues at all

[@Bob-ts2tu]

they always look cutesy & fun, gotta give one a spin before too long. I've just bought a new bike from padgett's, so maybe i'll see if i can take a demo monkey out for a spin next time im in there for a service, even though at 6' and 19st i'll prob look a bit of a clown :)

[@SamVBikes]

Haha yes! That's the fun of them! It's just stupid but hilarious

[@Lunaticakabuller]

Im guessing, dhm ecu, cam, 149cc, air, to supplement the exhaust.

[@SamVBikes]

Haha not that route

[@fiveplates]

I guess they are easy to nick?

[@andyderby150]

I hope you got that huge lunch box air box off of it! Get a intake kit it opens it up and allows a lot more airflow to the cylinder head not to mention weight loss, I got the man in the box M-take kit here in the US.

[@SamVBikes]

I havent yet because I take it off road a lot and ride in the rain, so couldn't have an exposed air intake. There is a plan to get rid of it though

[@Silence-and-Violence]

​@@SamVBikesthey say the rain doesn't matter if you use a pre-filter bag. What do you think of that?

[@danieloneill4459]

Any after market skid plates avaible?

[@SamVBikes]

Quite a few. I've got the Kitaco one

[@richiem1987]

The Giggle Machine LOL

[@SamVBikes]

Haha too right!

[@rlw85]

Can the crf 300 engine fit in the frame or a hybrid turbo

[@SamVBikes]

Haha! The insurance company said the only thing I'm not allowed to do is Turbo/supercharge it... or add NOS 😂

[@rlw85]

@@SamVBikes they suck

[@SamVBikes]

😂😂

[@michaelmclarney1994]

Now that's an interesting thought!

[@SamVBikes]

😉

[@vdogg43]

What brand tank bag do you have?

[@SamVBikes]

Sw Motech Pro Micro!

[@vdogg43]

@@SamVBikes Thank you, I actually watched another one of your videos and found out.

[@SamVBikes]

Great! Glad you found it!

[@tonywilliamson4512]

I want one 😂

[@SamVBikes]

Do it 😏😉

[@PrzemekKucia]

new head and piston?

[@SamVBikes]

Not far off but bigger 😉

[@PrzemekKucia]

@@SamVBikes swap?

[@scoresandflames]

Hey there, I recently met a Monkey in person and even though I never owned a bike, I thought to myself: this is something I'd ride. Now, for the past weeks I'm contemplating the Monkey and the Grom and can't really decide. One of the questions going round and around in my head still is: can I take my GF on my rides on the Monkey? I know that there are 3rd party passenger pegs, that's not a biggie. But what about the seat? I'm a skinny guy at 173cm and 60kg, my GF is like 155cm and around 43kg - is the factory seat long enough for us both? And even if I'd put on a 3rd party seat, wouldn't be the exhaust too much in the way for her short thighs/legs? Wouldn't be the tank too much in the way of my own legs, if I'm "pushed" forward by her?

[@SamVBikes]

Nice! I'm glad you could see yourself riding one! As for having a pillion, you could probably get another person on the seat with you but I'm not sure I'd want to. There is plenty of seat space but I don't imagine it would be very comfortable. The power might also be an issue carrying around 2 people

[@scoresandflames]

@@SamVBikes okay, thank you very much for the fast answer

[@rodneysweetnam8653]

Hi - it’s Big kg payloadRodger’s in Ireland. I’ve done 11000 miles on my 4 speed 2020 model. Monkey is only designed for one person, the shocks are ridiculously if not criminally soft, the seat while luxuriously comfortable for one would be a nightmare for two and most importantly your insurance would be invalid as pointed out to me by my insurance company. My Monkey is rated for only 105kg payload and then there’s the question of available power. I know the Grom and Benelli TNT have pillion seats but I’d never be brave enough to perch myself on them.

[@matomaukka]

i'm 193cm short, is the monkey too little for me?

[@SamVBikes]

There are a lot of people who are taller and heavier that ride them! I would try sitting on one

[@matomaukka]

@@SamVBikes Will do, thanks for the reply

[@john-hd5ny]

rip the air box off change sprockets gearing

[@Krippztr]

Big Bore!? :)

[@SamVBikes]

Not quite 😉

[@brianmckenzie6046]

This is bike porn Heaven -IAnd I love it🤓

[@SamVBikes]

Haha! Too right

[@alangazeley5497]

Walkern !

[@JihadHorse]

I need a new 125cc bike