2024 CFMoto Papio SS vs Honda Monkey - Both Look Great, But Which One Should You Buy?

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Alex and Kase take the Honda Monkey and CFMoto Papio SS for a ride to compare and see which bike is best!
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#honda #cfmoto #minimoto

[@kjaubrey4816]

The Papio looks like something out of an old anime but in a good way. The monkey is just classic.

[@iangarcia2708]

If you are familiar with the anime "Golden Boy", the Papio definitely looks like it

[@WW-wf8tu]

As journalists, it is pretty apparent that different, newer, unique and or interesting have to out weigh other considerations when making choices that a consumer with limited income would go for. IF I were to choose, it would be the Monkey. Not just because of the classic look. But because of the heritage. The Honda brand has been around far longer. You have a large community that supports that brand. Can get parts for it all over the place if need be. The riding position is more appealing to me.

[@garysarratt1]

Because it’s not Chinese.

[@donderstorm1845]

@@garysarratt1 nah cfmoto makes quality bikes

[@heep34987yt]

I’ll stick with Honda rather than a something else because not many are around.

[@strubbleler]

@@garysarratt1 honda is still asian though, whats the difference?

[@garysarratt1]

@@strubbleler So they’re all alike over there?

[@ricatiman]

Up here in Canada, we get 2 models of Papio, and we pay less. We have both the SS and the CL which is built with upright handlebars, a 1 piece 2 passenger seat, lower footpegs and knobby tires. All for $3999.00 CDN, or just $2924.00 USD. So, on the road starting STARTING AT $4,674 * The price includes $3,999 MSRP and a $100 commodity surcharge, $275 freight, and a $300 preparation fee. Financing 3,99% on 36 months term. Here in Canada, the Honda starts at $6169.00 CDN ! Includes $698.00 for Freight, PDI and Fees. Exclude taxes. That's the incredible overpricing in USD of $4646.38 . Up here the Honda Grom is over $1000.00 cheaper than the Monkey.

[@karlg1535]

End of the day I bet the monkey will last decades.. Can't say the same for cf moto. They saying always goes " buy cheap things, get cheap results " I'm.also in Canada and have been seeing more cf moto atv and SXS on the scene. I've know a few to do a motor swap with a Kawa or KTM motor once the Chinese ine breaks, frames seem to hold up for now though. Nothing against cf moto it's always nice to have a budget option especially in something more along the lines of off roading since after market parts aren't to expensive and relatively easy to fix.

[@jimstenlund6017]

@@ricatiman But how’s the insurance rates??

[@aaronrhoades509]

At the end of the day I would still buy the Honda !! I've had a couple of other Hondas and I've had some Chinese bikes. I just don't seem to have problems with the Hondas!! That I do with the Chinese bikes upgrade a carburetor to make one run better you got to add a better brakes and different tires rims and chain and sprocket you got to change the air breather and exhaust sometimes it's the front forks and shock, s?? and sometimes you got to put bushings in the swing arm?? Honda's come complete and run really good unless you want to do something stupid???😢 My last Honda I've had to do nothing to it but oil changes and adjust the valves!! Thank you Honda if you're watching I ❤ your motorcycles

[@denttime]

I have both myself. Won’t give up the Monkey ever. Wish the Papio SS will come out with more parts and a BBK. But love my Papio!

[@big_red_joe]

its a k157fmi, any chinese en125 based kit will fit with the flat top piston

[@clevermoron]

Is there anyway to get pegs to make the Monkey a 2 seater?

[@big_red_joe]

i have a papio, Ive cammed it and added a 150cc jug. they're a k157fmi engine so surprisingly there's a few things available for them. also have levers and front preload adjusters on mine from ali express. also painted the front fender and under cowl to match the white on the rest of it... I'm happy with the bike so far

[@salskars6637]

Painting the front fender and under cowl is slick and inexpensive. I bet it transforms the lines/flow of the design. Great choice.

[@christopherjohnson3377]

I have a ‘23 Papio, what brand is the big bore? I got the MSC tune at the moment and still want a little more out of the bike.

[@harrymiram6621]

In Hawaii, "papio" is usually in reference to golden trevally. More often sought after by shorefishers, papio can also be caught by spearfishers & known for it's tenacity when caught. Cooked over wood fire, it's flesh is soft, flaky & moist... similar to mahi-mahi. Can also be enjoyed steamed

[@You-Toober]

Oh.

[@KyzoFox]

Here’s a fun fact if you have the older Honda Grom and the older Honda monkeys, you can get the 2024 transmission clutch and gear set and it is completely compatible for the older models because it’s basically the same age and the only thing they did is added as stacked extra gear

[@andrewsmith9575]

To much fun! Both are cool bikes. I would be going with the Papio. Mainly because of that sport bike look. I would love to put the Papio on one of our beautiful canyon roads. Strait line speed is not as important. Hard to get into speeding ticket problems with either!

[@DaroffApFire]

I'd go with a Honda Grom instead of the Papio if you're wanting that more sporty look. World renown reliability, upgradeability and parts availability can't be matched.

[@CraigSmith568]

MSRP on the Monkey is $4299, not $4600. I think more people buy the Grom at $3599 also. It also weighs a little less and has a slightly bigger tank.

[@stanwbaker]

You forgot the $300 "destination fee".

[@CraigSmith568]

@@stanwbaker So didn't he. He said MSRP was $4600.

[@SkidMark5150]

Ya but most people are confusing MSRP with OTD pricing😂

[@DaroffApFire]

Yes but more than that nobody can compete with Honda's world renown reliability, upgradeability and parts availability. It's a no brainer to go with Honda.

[@CraigSmith568]

@@DaroffApFire I agree 100%

[@pcthayer]

The CFMOTO reminds me a little like a bigger version of the Yamaha YSR50. I love the looks but not a fan of Chinese bikes. I'd buy the Monkey for the Honda dependability. (Maybe if price was a big issue for you, perhaps consider the Grom?)

[@snickelfritz4706]

If the Papio was a 200cc it would be amazing. I love the looks.

[@kugangles9860]

The Monkey will last forever with simple maintenance. The CFMoto? Not so sure.

[@warrenr4]

I do. It won’t.

[@CS-pl8fc]

I absolutely love the look of the Papio. If someone made a 900 triple that looked like that I'd but it tomorrow

[@ontheway4034]

I ❤ my 2019 Monkey and personally I prefer the 4 speed gearbox.

[@byhsu6140]

I love the styling of the Papio SS.

[@paratrooperlane7022]

It's not about price! It's about the quality of the build.............

[@DouglasRosser]

My local CFMoto dealer has a slightly different version of the Papio. Less cafe racer and more naked/adv in style with higher bars.

[@randymelissabutton2159]

The reason you see the Monkey everywhere is because it is a luxure purchase and if you end up just selling it, it is still going to hold it's value. No way to predict reliability, but if I was a gambling man, I would imagine the Monkey is going to give you a lot more years trouble free. In the end I guess it come down to your pain threshold for the initial cost. Great review guys and CFMoto is showing that it can produce "acceptable" quality and you will not be just burning money when you buy it.

[@brentcollins9727]

After a few years of ownership, you can sell the Monkey for just a bit less than you paid for it. You wouldn’t even be able to give away the CF Moto.

[@aaronbehindbars]

The Papio CL would be a better comparison to the Monkey, but performance ought to be largely similar. I do like to looks of this Papio SS over the CL. I owned a Monkey and somewhat miss it. I am hopeful we get the new Honda ST125 Dax. I love the looks of it, but wish it could be had with the 5 speed and manual clutch plus high front fender of the Monkey. Someone will probably figure out some sort mash-up of those bikes. I'd buy a Papio if I found a used one for cheap in a couple years. Resale values of Chinese bikes ought not be too strong.

[@Smallbore2wheels]

I also thought there shift light on the PAPIO SS was a nice surprise when I test rode one. Not sure if you can increase it, but it was a cool little thing to see.

[@photonpilot__]

Would've loved to see the Lifan KP Mini EFI in this video as well.

[@genekelley7579]

🛑🛑 Coming from a guy that was around, remembers and rode the original CT70’s (and owns one today) from the 1970’s … and currently owns a CVO Harley Ultra Limited; the Honda Monkey “hands down” is the best mini moto out there. The Monkey is great. Resale of a Monkey, will hold its value; over the Chinese Bike. The Monkey can be modified in anyway. The Monkey is the WINNER…PERIOD!💯

[@PeterJerome-f5c]

The greatest part of our happiness depends on our dispositions, not our circumstances.

[@Amory98]

One looks classic old school, is rugged and would last you a lifetime with simple maintenance, the other just looks cool. You were asking where did that other 1000 go, it went into making sure that the Monkey stays with you for a lifetime.

[@DaroffApFire]

I think a better comparison to have been made would have been tween the Papio and Honda Grom simply for the sporty styling.

[@salskars6637]

Excellent video lads.

[@edwardkeeter762]

Does the riding position really matter on a mini-moto? It's not like either bike is going for many day-long, touring-style rides. Yes, the Monkey is more comfortable, but for an afternoon ride with a few breaks mixed in for coffee or ice cream stops? I'm pretty sure the Papio won't punish the rider too much. I wish I had the extra cash lying around to pick up one of these as just a fun toy in addition to my "big boy" motorcycles.

[@ykm15282]

As much as I hate most chinese brand but CFMoto really impressed me. Build quality is on par with a Japanese brand. Definitely value for money.

[@davidrochow9382]

In a lot of places these days a 125cc motorcycle is the largest you can have to start with.

[@stabbyronnie]

Man I haven't seen you since you played JP in Grandma's Boy! Nice to see you man!

[@lifeinsector4]

Weird comparison. The Papio competes against the Grom, not the Monkey. Aside from the engine size they are not comparable. Even the Monkey beats the Papio in every test except price - the Grom would destroy it. Yet, somehow, the Papio gets the recommendation? Hella sus IMO CFMoto paying for some airtime, I guess

[@dekriecastle-cook327]

Definitely the honda as they always make great long lasting and very very reliable!

[@jackblack5636]

Can you guys compare this to a 2024 Lifan Kp mini 150cc RS EFI model its new for 2024 and is about 2,500$ 150cc mini bike that's supposed to compete with the grom and z125

[@MikePound-j4r]

Jerry liked to look at paintings while eating garlic ice cream.

[@lylejohnson5549]

In cars, you typically estimate a weight penalty or benefit as 1bhp/10pounds. So, when you’re only starting with only 9 bhp, +/- 30 pounds is very significant. How would these bikes manage or look with a 5’11” 200# rider? I’d like to see that. Would I look like a clown? Um, that’s rhetorical, for the record. Fun review, thanks.

[@thebeez9487]

Remember, always pick up heavy objects straight legged and using a hard jerking motion using your back. Give it all you got. Your welcome.🙃

[@gardeningwithdrevs8024]

The extra $1000 goes towards rock solid Japanese quality. CF moto has a bad rep in the side by side market if you read online owner reviews. However I will say this CF moto are built in a KTM factory in China. I know CF is the best of Chinese offerings. I’m sure if maintained the Papio due to its simplicity would be reliable enough for most people.

[@TouchofDepth]

Nothing Chinese is good

[@Dane-o7q]

Monkey. hands down.

[@sportyeight7769]

We need a papio on a 500cc or more. That style is just prime !

[@polong99]

Check out cf moto 500 sr voom

[@Bodneyblue]

Would be interesting to compare the CL version to the Monkey.

[@Leonardo24D]

Is this legal for A1 license, in my country you can't get A category until the age of 22 and I was thinking about this Papio, I would really appreciate if anyone could help.

[@TheJosephayal]

the monkey last 10 times longer

[@LTLT900]

The cheap man pays twice.

[@MetallicBlade]

Yup. That extra $1K will pay for itself in time just from reliability alone.

[@fasteddylove-muffin6415]

@@LTLT900 Sounds like ancient Chinese proverb.

[@denttime]

CFMoto has made the motors for KTM for years by the way 😉

[@jimstenlund6017]

Highly doubt the Monkey would last even 1.5-2X as long. Actually, the owner of the Monkey would probably upgrade the engine before it wears out just from sheer boredom.

[@johnsb1550]

I can't believe you compared a Honda Monkey to this P thing! Are you serious or just in it for the money 💰?

[@johntheaccountant5594]

I cannot see the point in having 6 speed on a 125cc motorbike; even 5 seems too many. CF Moto is going to become the Honda of China in 10 years time. I have a few motorbikes and my favourite is the Honda Monkey; comfy seat and great looks and all metal.

[@arrdubu]

I'll take all the gears I can get with only 125cc... 6 speed is common on the small bikes but I'm still usually reaching for 7th..

[@A-FrameWedge]

Little engines need more gears, not a lot of torque in them.

[@Churrros]

Love to see the monkey again

[@mikehimes4833]

Those pirelli tires are sold out everywhere!!

[@andrewgee241]

All the talk about the Monkey's heritage seems like advertising hype. The reintroduced 125cc Monkey has almost nothing in common with the original Z50. Significantly physically larger, with manual gears and clutch.

[@pauljohnson8794]

I wish they come with a 250 inline 4

[@bernhardmatejka2222]

Made in 🇨🇳 vs Made in 🇯🇵

[@Warkid1993]

Designed in 🇯🇵 Manufactured in 🇹🇭 Still a proven wonderful 125cc platform

[@shinigami951002]

It is no longer like that honda only does bikes in Japan from 600 cc and forward 😢

[@NoName-c4y7h]

​@@shinigami951002Not even, the CB650R is not built in Japan either. The Ruckus is built in Japan, so model based.

[@shinigami951002]

@@NoName-c4y7h thanks for crushing my heart

[@NoName-c4y7h]

@@shinigami951002 My 471cc Honda was made in Thailand, and has 71k miles including the original battery. I do prefer Made in Japan myself.

[@clevermoron]

Is there anyway to get pegs to make the Monkey a 2 seater?

[@ozzie7523]

You can buy after market bolt on pegs but you'd need to check if there is room and that they will fit on a Monkey swingarm.

[@mikeygarand3903]

What’s the top speed of these bikes

[@lylejohnson5549]

My pet peeve is how Honda cheaps out on their gauges. I wanted to love and buy a newer gen rebel but the gauge looks like a $3 part and $1.50 of engineering. It’s your primary visual interface and a total let down. I don’t know how bike manufacturers get away with these achilles heals. I love my Honda SH150i which runs flawlessly and has nice features but the low end of the product line of Honda these days have really sad gauges, total turnoff. How much more would a nice gauge add to the cost? $25? $40? Please do it.

[@MaureenKent-j8k]

Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one.

[@jamesonpace726]

Fun, cute, zippy, yes, but useful, not really, except for riding inside a warehouse, (a-hem!) & when I went to a bigger bike, I never looked back....

[@enochthewitness719]

The Papio does look cool, but way too heavy for a small bike. My 125cc yamaha scooter weighs 200lbs and is a more standard size bike.

[@GenXoutofamerica]

Honestly in my personal opinion which means exactly crap. I live in Vietnam and small bikes are everything here. My daily rider is a Honda Wave. Great bike. No one here rides a Chinese bike. It's all Honda and Yamaha. In reality......chinese manufactured vehicles will always be substandard. Harder to maintain and will never hold their value like a Japanese bike. But I also only paid 1300.00 US dollars for my brand new 110 cc Honda wave 4 speed semiautomatic tranny. It will last me for the rest of my life. About 8 horse power. No torque specs. Top speed around 110 km per hour due to no restrictions here in Vietnam.

[@Davy_PRC]

Gotta get that load bearing turn signal 😆

[@KRAM-zb2vc]

A better comparison would be against a Grom 🤔

[@joshuataft5541]

Papio is awsome

[@ddorko]

Or you can get the Papio CL mini scrambler which is more like the Monkey.

[@GromGeekz]

and the Grom just sits on the sidelines?!

[@DaveLowe28]

Do this review after 2 years of riding them. That'll tell you which you should've spent more money on.

[@OscarStephanie-t3j]

326 Welch Roads

[@windrider65]

Honda hands down, I'm pretty sure that the Honda is going to outlast the Chinese bike.

[@tristanhipps604]

Papio is legit. Just wait until the aftermarket picks up on it

[@brandonclement]

You should also have a disclaimer stating that your results are different because you're located mile high in Colorado😅😅

[@jasenhaynes8164]

Dude, I wouldn’t say. My monkey lol.

[@AngelinaPutnam-w3j]

Lockman Knoll

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

Monkey doesn't have CBS braking. Who wants a bike that when you press rear brakes the front also brake. I'll keep my money and 500 ninja or 401 husky are 1000x better

[@Fiatmannen1]

So a 126cc engine then it Will not come to europe as it is 1cc too much to go in the a1 license bracket.

[@daveplem]

Was this a review or an infomercial? How about taking them both off-road? No mention of resale value? And choosing a bike simply because “it’s new?” Really? The future will be filled with “ran when I parked it” non-running CF Motos with 700 miles on them for $500. Buy one then.

[@KennanGabrielle]

3100 Tony Gardens

[@HarveyJill]

7115 Sadie Cove

[@alexpervanoglu7420]

126cc, so they have written off the European licence free market by 1cc. Fools. To explain in Europe we can ride up to a 125cc bike on a car licence or on a provisional licence or in some nations with just a basic one day course. However the bike may not exceed a registered capacity of 125cc so the Chinese bike is missing a market of millions of people. Oops.

[@lanceemola2450]

The honda will last 30 years,the chinese 2 years with luck.

[@weaselman24]

I worked at a rider training center and they used cf motos. And I was impressed in the day in day out abuse they took.

[@LawsonRebecca-k3g]

Marley Throughway

[@TamesMaddison-y8i]

Robel Mountains

[@MV-df8jl]

Good luck finding parts for the Chinese bike

[@turbosupra2jzdragracingtob249]

I wouldn’t leave either one parked at a gas station for 15 minutes. Too bad the world is full of thieves.

[@AnthonyViola-p7q]

Quincy Garden

[@GlenCropley-r1q]

Jones Ville

[@SenaBatey]

684 Oliver Club

[@JosephMorton-c6u]

Marks Valley

[@eidolusgad3818]

Shut up and take my money for both.

[@JarredStender-j8o]

Fay Locks

[@respen43]

Can you add your own custom emojis to the screen?

[@rideorcry-1990]

The only chinese i buy is food and thats like twice a month...afterthat nothing else👌🏻

[@Mattwer1999]

Why?

[@CarolHernandez-x6w]

Stefan Station

[@TressaSweet-z2p]

Oberbrunner Ramp

[@Isai_Calderon]

Anyways, Miata is always the answer.

[@k9bud]

Honda vs Chinese .. "I'm not why this cost so much more". Baffling is the level of ignorance in their opinions. Sheesh.

[@geraldwillcox]

you missed out Yamaha now owns cfmoto

[@TouchofDepth]

Absolutely nobody should buy these cheap chinese bikes...

[@GregLanz]

The Monkey is so cool, the cf not so much

[@warrenr4]

The cf is ugly and it will fall apart.

[@James.576]

These arnt available here where I live, but arnt they awesome little machines, kinda want one as a tall rider 🤌🏻😆

[@paratrooperlane7022]

I wouldn't own any Chinese bike!

[@AgalmicAutomata]

Good luck finding a bike without parts made in china

[@42crazyguy]

Same, it's hard to see any difference between this and a mail order hawk 250.

[@42crazyguy]

Same, it's hard to see any difference between this and a mail order hawk 250.

[@ApocGuy]

KTM is half owned by Chinese ...