Buying A Honda Monkey And IMMEDIATELY Taking It Off-Road..

Ever since the Honda Monkey had been announced (I was actually at the event in TN 2018).. I wanted to get my hands on one. On this cold January day in Ohio, it just so happened to show up at my shop!
So what's the first thing we do? Take it off-road of course.. If you have been around the channel long enough you have seen the abuse we put our Honda Groms through, pretty much riding them like mini adventure bikes.
I was always curious if I would like the Monkey better due to the more relaxed seating position and higher handlebars, turns out, I LOVE it! Way more comfortable than the Grom and superior off-road in many ways.
Here are my thoughts! I hope you enjoy the review.
#Honda #Monkey #Grom

[@Capital993]

Never thought I’d say this but it was a lot of fun watching another guy play with his Monkey.

[@AdventureDaily]

Glad you enjoyed😂😂

[@veiledallegory]

FREAK!!!

[@kennyknackers6084]

It’s name is bubbles MJ

[@johnm7586]

This needs more likes 😂🔥

[@donniecothern9842]

I play my wife's monkey all the time !!!!

[@Dave-eg2pc]

Back in the early 70's I had a mini bike that looked exactly like that only mine was a 50cc. Road the wheels off that little thing. My dad would put it in the trunk of the car so we could take it with us and I could ride it ware ever we went. Good memories, my father was an awesome guy.

[@veikkopohjola1755]

I have one now im gona ride it

[@danamuise4117]

I think what you had was the QA50

[@connorssmallengines6663]

@@danamuise4117 no, it would be a z50, because a z50 has rear shocks. A qa50 has a solid rear

[@HF1600ie]

Perhaps a Honda Mini Trail?

[@razorsedgeadventures6599]

Love the blue! The whole thing just takes me back to my childhood in the 60s and the nights I used to dream about having a Honda Trail 50!! If they weren’t $4000 I’d buy one today just to look at and reminisce! There is a campground in Oregon on Wallawa Lake that used to rent the Trail 50s and Trail 70s. I begged my dad until he gave in on summer and rented me a Trail 50 for an hour! I’m 62 now and still remember that day!

[@usernamemykel]

Red, white and blue? No problem! My favorite colors for 77 years!

[@ridgetop8161]

A buddy got one to keep up with us guys on TW200s and what not. He put some knobbies on there, and outside of doing the insane rocky stuff, seems to be having the time of his life every time he's out there.

[@outon2s]

I thought the title said: Buying A Honda Monkey And IMMEDIATELY Taking It BACK!!! LOL

[@AdventureDaily]

Haha I could see that, it's staying for a couple months at least.

[@justhesolution]

Something Ross creations would do

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

I bought a crf300L because of you and tomorrow I’m going in to get a monkey. I’m leaning towards red as it’s Honda but the blue looks good. Cashed up so no sleep lol. Your vids is only tv I watch 10/10

[@downey318]

That bike is both funny looking and unique as hell. Looking forward to seeing some videos when your 100%

[@AdventureDaily]

I agree! Love the vibrance of it. You and me both Downey! Can’t wait for that day.

[@fidpiano]

thanks for the great video. good info, I ordered my Red monkey last week. only color available here in canada. ( cape breton, Nova Scotia) first year offered here in canada

[@benjaminpettibone4254]

This Honda Monkey is very similar to what my buddy and I had growing up. We both drove Kawasaki KV75’s that looked almost identical to this Monkey. Albeit the smaller 75cc engines we had didn’t give us as much power as these 125 cc engines but still had loads of fun for hours almost daily. My mom drove it into our small town to get groceries on occasion. I think it was just an excuse for her to drive it. Miss those days very much. Thinking about purchasing a Monkey to reminisce old times.

[@sixdsix5028]

Congrats on the new bike, mate. I'm still holding out for the 2021 Grom. 5 speed, flat seat, oil filter, gear indicator, better MPG than the previous Grom.

[@AdventureDaily]

Good choice! Can't wait to ride one and see if the 5 speed makes a difference.

[@timpavao3302]

Keep the monkey and the blue is gorgeous. Man it brings back memories of my honda 50 back in the 70's my dad brought it home for me in the back of his vw bug🤪👍👍👍👍

[@MrSantacruz48]

These really benefit from an upgraded exhaust and intake too. I have Achropovic on mine with Chimira intake and I think you could fit a skid plate. That would be awesome!

[@brianminkc]

Looks almost exactly like the Trail 50 my dad bought me when I was 8 years old. Would have been about 1967. It was a great little bike. I put about 5,000 miles on that bike in 4 years and I don't think we ever even changed the oil. Great little bike. The sound of that engine brings back many great memories!

[@donniecothern9842]

Same here i was 10 in 67 rode mine every where miss those days!!!!!

[@kirkpryce1629]

I bought the blue one a few weeks ago, so I am partial to that color. My two buddies have a red and a yellow one. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them however.

[@mountainskyaerialphotograp3921]

My first bike was this Honda. I was 10 years old then, I'm now north of 63+. Sure brings back memories.

[@djharto4917]

Buy another one !

[@stickerbombmoto2605]

XR50 protapers are a super nice set up for tall guys... I have em on my pitbike and I'm 6'3 and have no issues with em hitting my knees...

[@just_another_Joe]

I bought my red Monkey last June and I love it! I have a couple other motorcycles, but the Monkey always puts a smile on my face. I’ve gotten LOTS of compliments on it from others. I ride it both on- and off-road, but I prefer it off-road (it’s a blast to ride off-road). I’m 6-foot, about 235 pounds. Pretty sure I’m overloading it, but it seems to handle my size just fine, though, I did install preload spacers at the bottom of the shocks...that helped a lot.

[@BLSdarrin]

I tried to buy a used 2020 crf250f for my wife last week from a dealership that they advertised on marketplace and craigslist at 4100 , had aftermarket exhaust , levers and in new looking shape. After going up there, I was told after all fees it would be 4,950 out the door. They wouldnt budge a dime. i walked away. Dealerships wonder why people stay away from them

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

Totally with you on the Monkey . Such a cool looking bike . I think I will have to get one some day .

[@AdventureDaily]

You should!

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

@@AdventureDaily Need to sell my 2019 DR650 as I am really liking my Tenere 700 . Wish I didn't need to l ou were the Tenere but after 3 drops at low speed turns like into a parking space I thought this things a bit too top heavy and I need a bit more control of it . Just need more time on it and I can't wait for spring . Not sure what adventure I will take but I will probably go on a property hunt and moto camp . Just wish I could bring my dog , she would love it .

[@KlingonCaptain]

I've been wanting a Monkey since the new version came out, but I wanted the Grom Scrambler prototype to go into production more. It was a beautiful machine.

[@jeffpeterson6507]

I have a crf250l and love it, but I've been considering, for the past year, getting a monkey as a second bike just because it looks like a barrel of fun.

[@AdventureDaily]

These little things are a blast! Would definitely compliment the 250L well.

[@tonykartracer8032]

I see what you did there.

[@RoseteMonik]

Im switching my grom for the monkey, I never felt confortable on it, (nice bike though) but I made the mistake to go for the looks and not for the comfort. So this time I’m making the right choice!!

[@-BC.]

Sell the Grom, make as much content as you can with the Monkey sell it and get that Trail125 🤙🏽

[@AdventureDaily]

Not a bad idea! The trail is on my list for sure.

[@Amar1338]

@@AdventureDaily Your Monkey is actually more Comfortable, faster top end , and looks way way cooler than the Trail 125. There is a reason why used monkeys are hard to find . They end up being forever bikes .

[@donspider1]

Sell the monkey buy a Grom, Grom for life mofos

[@DanDan-xr4ke]

@@donspider1 grom is temporary monke is forever

[@gardini100]

@@DanDan-xr4ke haha I love that comment

[@Hatleyrocket]

Vernes Honda in Antigo, WI is a first rate dealer. I've bought 3 bikes from them new and one used never a problem. Great on prices, great with trade ins and very nice people.

[@TheHoovercm]

Cool, I’ve always loved the monkey! If I were buying between the Monkey and Grom, I’d buy a Monkey. I guess I just like the looks of it better. 😀

[@John5XR]

Having both the Monkey and Grom, and with the majority of my riding being offroad, I think you'll inevitably find the Grom as more confident for aggressive off road riding. The seating position and suspension design just handles it better. My Grom with a better seat and KLX bars, the same engine mods as the Monkey, and the same tires, tears through the rough stuff and jumps way better than the Monkey. I still prefer the Monkey however for the vintage "trail bike" factor. Enjoy, and if you wanna see the Monkey doing some off-roading, I have a decent playlist going: kzbin.info/aero/PLnywfkUEwzsTXyCM3cTluayOUiA_xwhbj

[@liveintransit3783]

SP Takegawa exhaust looks just like the stock exhaust but ditches the under pipe/cat. Sounds great too.

[@AdventureDaily]

Good to know, thanks for the suggestion!

[@SgtBrewdawg]

I must say, I’m very impressed with the Monkey. At being over 6ft tall, it’s amazing you are still comfortable on this bike. Great video and thanks for sharing and the insight…….I am so tempted to buy one of these Honda primates!!!! 🦧🦧🦧

[@kylerwood5494]

I got the grom first in 2015. I went and got a monkey last year. Then got a dirt bike. I plan on keeping all 3. You should keep both!

[@rockingw123]

Is the monkey better for hard core trails over the grom?

[@vancemiller47]

You’ve been talking about this for months glad you finally got one

[@ramiretz]

Takegawa makes an full Exhaust system for the monkey with the ground clearance you asked for... it does have the stock look and you reuse the stock chrome heat shield, no catalytic converter and more flow .... and its also not too noisy i had also a monkey when they came out, mine was banana yellow... did also offroading with it, the stock tires are better then they look but the stock suspension is a little bit to soft on the rear shocks and the 1st gear is too long when you doin some hillclimbing.. rest is wonderful like you said its so much more comfortable then the grom which i also had....

[@michaelzuccaro1798]

I have a red one with 3400 miles.that blue is a great color.im running a 14 and 37 tooth sprocket combo.much more pull in all 4 gears.i just put on new shinko mobber tires.perfect for the desert trails in lake havasu Arizona. Enjoy your fun bike

[@davidmcmanus4751]

I just subscribed. Liked the video. I don't know how you injured yourself, but I'd like to recommend that if you're still healing, go get yourself a container of baby leaf spinach in the produce section, and start eating 1/2 cup every six hours, just like you'd take medicine, every six hours. I've found that baby leaf spinach really heals me quick when I need to be healed of something, and it won't interact with any medicines that you're on. Also, try to drink up to a gallon of water per day. Yeah, you'll pee a lot, but you'll stay hydrated, and heal even faster, AND potentially prevent yourself from tearing any ligaments. Being hydrated keeps your skin and organ tissue stretchy and flexible. Ride safe, mate!

[@TheBurgerBoys]

I set the suspension up for my big ass. So with a normal sized human on it, it would be pretty stiff. Throw the stock rears back on or let out the adjustment on the reservoir. Such a surreal thing to see my old bike on your channel. Take care of her!

[@parkersgarage4216]

How much did you sell it for?

[@MetalDetectoristMick]

The 22s only come in yellow/silver or black/silver. The 5 speed with higher speeds and changeable oil filter make the 22 worth more than the color options over the 21s for me, so I'm opting for black and silver. I saw one with a windguard over the gage and make it easier to see. They also make a black ring replacing the chrome so make the gage easier to see too. An option for you there.

[@williamheinsinger7390]

Had My 2022 Banana Yellow Monkey for almost a month now ,Love it 😁👍💟

[@MetalDetectoristMick]

@@williamheinsinger7390 hoping to find a black one when it's time to buy.

[@OutFishedTv]

I have one it’s so much fun on the dirt and just goofing around !!!

[@smallbikesrool9581]

I personally find the Grom sf comfortable, but I'm only 5'11". I would get the black and white Monkey, I like the copper/orange one you get in the US.

[@hemisuperzee1287]

Now if Honda would just make the smaller displacement XL's again (80cc, 100, 125, 185)...we'd be back to the 1970/1980's but with fuel injection. They'd sell all the could make!.

[@kylepruitt2037]

Check out the takegawa sp exhaust, that’s what I have and it looks stock but loses the catalytic converter. Also check out the new Tb parts handlebars, they looks retro and are taller! They are 99.99.

[@ndlsjk]

Literally been nursing a knee injury since February. Starts feeling good, I get dumb and go riding, then re-injure myself. It's really close to being healed now because I haven't crashed or ridden too hard for a couple of weeks.

[@iggy9651]

Thanks for posting I wanted to see it off-road before I got one

[@chadrowland6324]

you do not want something rubbing on tank / friction explosion / static / may take place. also rubbing tank will ruin paint also seat is in rite location also it keeps your but warmth also it allows leaves to drop through

[@twistandgo3414]

So glad you mentioned your height! - been thinking about getting one myself but been a little concerned about space being the same height myself! I love the blue! Not sure we can get that in the UK though. Looked at cheaper alternatives like the Skyteam, or Triton etc, but I'm not convinced on the quality of them. Great content, now subbed 👌😎👍

[@AdventureDaily]

Go for it! Can't beat Honda reliability, thanks for the support!

[@Crashlewis1]

I had the same concerns being a fellow tall. This video convinced me!

[@twistandgo3414]

@@Crashlewis1 yeah, i did buy one after all! 400 miles in a day, no problem! it’s ace!

[@mrforeman7443]

​@@twistandgo3414 great feedback after 2 years 👏 my short a$$6'2 sat on one today and it was instant love - and comfort!

[@twistandgo3414]

@@mrforeman7443 I bought one after all! A 22' monkey, Pearl nebula red. Had it a year now past 1st march and 2200 miles in! 😎😁👍

[@FastDrawD]

Keep both. Do a grom build for street riding.

[@bfarm44]

Hell of a lot cheaper to change the fork oil to 30 weight

[@trentont8695]

For the exhaust I would suggest the full yoshimura exhaust, and as a bonus it sounds amazing, on ours we also have intakes which clean up the look a lot in the front

[@childsacrifice5737]

My grandfather on my dads side died of COPD in 2016. It’s a crying shame that he didn’t get to ride one of these amazing machines. I just learned to ride my fathers monkey today, I had been wanting to ride it for weeks. Also throw some shinco mobber tires and a 14 tooth back sprocket, and you are set for off-roading.

[@aGentleUser]

Yellow! a jungle green one could be nice too

[@sylvainb4049]

Definitely keep the 🐒 and build it out to an adventure or scrambler style bike! 😎

[@MrSantacruz48]

Very Nice! I love mine, lots of upgrades out there. Kenda big blocks really help off-road!

[@cubgsan]

Good day to you ! I am HONDA Cross Cub Grandpa rider from Japan. This is so nice Monkey video. Everyday adventure by Monkey !! Thumb Uped!! Have a nice day with HONDA Monkey !!

[@jerryfarmer5989]

Ok I like the red one because I had a red little Z50 I rode the living daylights out of. Plus the monkey looks like the 50 only no foldable handle bars.

[@athanasiospapadimitriou5216]

Excellent man, give us more informations about the front and rear suspension, cost and from where can we buy them.

[@jasonjulian1]

Keep the monkey!!!! Grom content from time to time would be good... If you can keep both. But definitely keep the monkey. Your mini bike vids are my favorite that you do.

[@easyfromtnbtw3555]

I looked at a monkey when I bought my Grom and I was surprised how comfortable it is to sit on. That seat feels like a recliner 😝

[@danovision]

I'm so glad, that I don't have to keep this 1 of many of your secrets anymore. Lollapalooza Loved the 4K and the video was epic, just like every video you pump out! Much Love and Mad Respect to my favorite KZbinr and non blood related brother from another mother!

[@danovision]

BTW I still love that blue!

[@AdventureDaily]

The secret is out!! Much love brother I appreciate you🙏🏻

[@shawndoucet4751]

man i love ur vids im new abit too ur channel i feel in love with a grom ended up buying a used 2020 with 800kms ! keep ur vids coming friend

[@AdventureDaily]

Thank you Shawn that’s awesome I hope you enjoy it!

[@dailylife3975]

The 2022 is better to 5-speed

[@martykasa7864]

The corbin seat fills in that gap. The pro taper adventure high are tall. The takegawa stock look exh does just that... But also push you off the peg. Swap the grom wheels over.

[@flint4fire]

Dude great video ! Keep the monkey ditch the grom the blue is the next best to the yellow or black as well I got the blue wishing it was yellow but now I love the blue after all my mods it’s basically a scrambler now and it ride so very fun on dirt way more options and comfort with a monkey and adventures on the coast are a blast the ohlins will soften up after a bit or you could drain the fork oil and go lighter have fun mang be safe !

[@JasonTurner]

This reminds me a lot of your early videos on your channel. Good times!

[@AdventureDaily]

Good to hear Jason I appreciate you sticking around that long.

[@kickedintheballs2000]

For one it’s a Honda so obviously red is my pick but I must say the blue is poppin and I’d keep the grom until she blows. While other toys may come and go, the Grom has more then earned the right to stay.

[@reedtarted1932]

Yellow is my favorite

[@jeffreydevoti7000]

Everything bought new: 1968 Honda Mini-Trail 50, Blue 1974 Honda XL175 Orange, Black stripe 1994 Honda XR650L Dark Blue graphics Still have 650 😁 Cheap mod, bought cheap wristwatch with big black face, white numbers. Piece foam around handlebar then strapped watch on where it was easy to see ⌚ 👀

[@TwoStrokeJ]

When you inevitably get rid of this bike you should sponsor me with it... just an idea

[@AdventureDaily]

You aren’t lying! J would look like a boss on one of these.

[@TwistedThrottleyt]

Ill sell you my rm for $12

[@gailjohnson6670]

Interesting review. Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.

[@GratefulEd907]

I think the new trail 125 would be a better choice for what you want to do

[@todstrucks2919]

Back in the 70s I had a QA 50 2 speed automatic. It was a ton of fun!

[@wulbo399]

Red for me but the Red badge on the Blue is beautiful too...look forward to more antics on this wee beast...w

[@saulbarragan8324]

Looks like you enjoy the monkey way more, i think you should sell grom, mod the monkey😂😂👍👍

[@adampalmer162]

love the Monkey! I need your opinion on the SWM bikes. They are re-badged Husqvarna models but improved. SWM RS SWM SM - Husqvarna te husqvarna smr seriously do some research into them, such good prices because they dont have that big name. SWM

[@stuartclubb4302]

Was going to buy the 5'1" wife a Grom. She walked in and saw the 2021 Monkey in blue, and it was like: "I want it". So she got it. Even though tippy-toe is the order of the day. The seat feels so plush compared to the Grom and if you sit way back, you can keep the bars off your knees :-)

[@garylsmalley]

I love the blue. I bought one just like yours and my son, Hunter Honda, got the red. We have so much fun on these bikes. I also got a Fly mini tank bag, magnetically held in place. The magnets are rock solid and the rear bag magnet flap tucks in between the seat/tank gap. Can carry my wallet, phone, cigar and lighter and two bottles of water. Love the bag for longer street rides. Off road they are pretty rough. I need better rear suspension. Let me know if you find a rear suspension you like.

[@gphilipc2031]

I own an 1100 Shadow, paid $3800.00. Used with 5600 miles on it.

[@AdventureDaily]

That's awesome! Honda makes fantastic machines.

[@merasanjuan1026]

Love the shadow I upgraded to the vtx but now want the monkey lol

[@sidcisco2007]

When you mentioned about the gap between the seat and tank I instantly thought the insulating tube foam used for copper pipes. But if the foam touches the tank any dirt will scratch the tank. Maybe you could attach the foam to the tank but in a way that if you want to remove it, it will clean up nice. With this in mind maybe the gap is not worth being to concerned about. If you go on Ali Express you can get an inflatable air pad for the seat. I've had mine for 3 weeks so far and no leak. The air pad makes a big difference to me. The pad I have has a zippered cover which I put a protective cover on top of the bladder. This cover came from Dollar tree in the form of a welcome mat that I cut to fit. The seat cover was under 25 bucks and if it holds up worth every penny. Keep the bladder very lightly filled with air, almost really no pressure. Worry more about your seat and less about the gap.

[@billybrandish1936]

Gap is good you don’t want those parts rubbing together!

[@Dave-sw2dm]

I checked out the Monkey, but then decided the Van Van was a better bike for where I wanted to ride. I do wish I could upgrade the suspension on it though. It is fine if you don't push it too hard.

[@stephenwandersonea1935]

These Honda Monkeys are so cool! All of the color schemes are cool but it really pops in blue.

[@Moondoggy1941]

I can't wait to get one, I used to ride one in the 70's.

[@mixflip]

Now I want a money.

[@PABLOESCOBAR-ph3el]

BRI THE YELLOW OR BLUE ARE THE BEST COLOR. BUT RED IS THE WAY TO GO CAUSE YOU CAN MATCH RED TO BLACK OR ANYTHING ELSE EASIER. ALL THAT BLACK WILL STAND OUT EVEN BETTER ON RED.

[@monkeyventures6871]

It's in the 20's here right now ... you're much braver than me :D

[@tchabot1]

Hell ya! Blue is beauty. Great surprise 🤙

[@AdventureDaily]

I love it!

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

I don’t like how unprotected underneath is though. Really hoping upgrades out there hopefully as I’m getting one tomorrow. Finally got bash plate etc for the 300l (shiny and chrome 🤤)

[@jimmy450r]

Great video!!! Very entertaining... I just bought the wife and I each a Monkey. New 2021 OTD $3,860. Also went with Blue (it really pops)

[@smallbobcat08o.g.47]

The monkey is sweet and I would like to see some monkey content, I just can’t imagine no more Grom. I don’t think there’s anything that can truly replace or replicate what you and the grom have been through.

[@magealexstra]

Yoshimura makes an exhaust specifically for the monkey.

[@AdventureDaily]

I'll have them send me one!

[@Cosmicsurfpro]

With bananas on it!!

[@MadsWorld34]

i have been looking for a trail 125 for about 8 months now with no luck. so i am starting to look at the monkey i love the 2022 it comes in black with a 5 speed and better rear shocks. but i really really want a trail 125.

[@shrevewaxter4876]

Love my (red) Monkey!!🐒🐒🐒 I swear it’s more fun than my Italian sport bike. Typical Honda quality. Lots of double takes and compliments!! 😮😃😮😃

[@wtpence4731]

Wish they would just build old CT 70 with a 125 cc ! Close but no cigar for me. New trail 125 is also close but no sale W/O 2/speed gear box. (hi/lo range)

[@-GhostFox-]

My wife loves the blue version, i like the red one myself.

[@ripjohnson2121]

I like both colors ,a neighbor had red so was going after blue ,but wanted abs so got red don't k ow they make blue with abs at that time ,but couldn't find one anywhere in or around Ga Nice blue

[@veiledallegory]

Where is Alexis???

[@stevelubs]

They broke up I heard

[@veiledallegory]

@@stevelubs that makes my question even more pertinent. Haha

[@dex400ex]

Pro taper evo adventure fat bars, they are super tall and crazy comfortable on the monkey!

[@AdventureDaily]

I’ll look into those, thanks for the suggestion!

[@Eddy_zilla]

That looks like so much fun 👍👍

[@gardini100]

I had to get the yellow it just looked right for me, but I like them in any color :)

[@garrettwilliams8640]

KEEP THE MONKE!!!

[@Spartan375X]

When I went on a group ride with a few other minis, the oldest was on a Monkey and left us in the dust going through the twisties. I just uploaded a short video because I forgot to back then. Don't blow out your knee, we'd still like you to ride as we do!

[@t_rex8767]

been binging`ish monkey-videos these days and kinda want to get the 125cc-license upcoming spring if i can find the time 👍

[@richardvalitalo3670]

My buddy had a small harley about the same size & colour with about 14" wheels when we were kids. Lucky guy! Now I want a monkey but Canada only gets red, that's ok. Rather the monkey over the grom.

[@Shamus3]

Takegawa STD exhaust will get rid of the cat but looks the same. Also the T Rex bars and skid plate are really sturdy.