Here's What We Think Of The Honda Monkey After Owning It For Over A Year!

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Alex and Kase walk through the ownership experience with our long-term Honda Monkey test bike after a year and six months. ( www.alltfl.com/ )
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[@swchall]

Another great review guys. My wife and I both have monkeys in the UK alongside our bigger bikes. Summer 2021, we did 1500 miles on a tour of the lake district and Scottish Highlands - it was brilliant. We returned to the Scottish Highlands a few weeks ago on our ktm 890 dukes - they were great, but the monkeys were more fun

[@guyallphin1295]

Thanks for the video! I live in The Ozarks of Arkansas, the nearest village is 7 miles down the mountain the nearest "town" is 25 miles away. I have a SUV, a roadster convertible and a 4X4 camper truck. Three months ago my Honda Trail 125 came in, ( after almost a year on order) as of today I have 989 miles on the bike. The other vehicles pretty much stay in the garage. I average 110 MPG so, do the math! HA. Anyway, 2 weeks ago I ordered a Monkey! I'm SO impressed with these mini motos! I don't miss my Harley because the smile on my face is just as big riding my CT 125 through these mountains! Again, thanks for your insight and keep up the good work!

[@JQUICK21]

These Honda's are so cool and as good as it gets for "FUN" riding.....but you gotta check out and ride an AK-550 from Kymco.....it is a luxury scooter and I hate that word "scooter" because they are full blown motorcycles to say the least.....there is a back support thing on the seat which I removed and now I can scoot back and have my legs fully stretched out in front of me like on the big cruiser bikes.....nobody can keep up with me from red light to red light and the top speed is 125 or more.....never tried to check it out but other people have.....it gets between 80 and 95 mpg....and you can lean it over in the turns with those Metzeler tires being able to handle anything wet or dry conditions.....there is room for a couple bags of groceries under the seat.....they are around $9000....no clutch.....no shifting....belt driven with Brembo brakes and they are hugely popular everywhere but the USA......

[@tophergraves222]

Excellent review you guys. This is my first video from you and I am sure I will watch many more.

[@BlueUT6]

The Monkey provides nearly all the fun you can have with a motorcycle save speeding or highway riding. Those two things are what you have your full size bike for.

[@jukes4499]

And frankly as a new rider those are the only things I don’t want to do

[@andrewwernert9910]

Its the same thing other then it has a OD turn signals & disc breaks its something as my 69 mini train

[@andyderby150]

I’m back with some answers/ tips, I’m 59 HD rider, the Harley just sits its so much easier to break out the Munk, have the intake black widow exuast and flashed ECM and FYI it takes the bike some time to learn the tune, starting the bike cold let it run a minute before you start gunning it! , no my head light ring never popped loose and I hit some good bumps if you want a bike to pound on buy an XR, If you’re worried about fuel mileage on a 125 see a doctor!, The stock suspension is junk for anyone over 100 lbs, buy mirror extenders unless you like looking at your shirt, stay off interstate

[@5150bwagner]

I sold mine earlier this summer and missed it enough that I bought another 3 months later. Great, fun bike!

[@rebellucy6200]

I really enjoy my little Monkey. So easy to maneuver and get around. Truly a classic.

[@WW-wf8tu]

Yes, the headlight problem is what I was writing about at the time you brought it up. LOL I like the bike. It would not work for me, but it is awesome. Would like to see the owner riding it more.

[@gonzalosanabria2251]

Love my 2021 Red Monkey!!! It’s sooo much fun, it sits happily in my garage with my Goldwing Tour DCT and Ducati MultiStrada….. bottom line it’s a hoot and it’s a looker

[@andyballard5311]

I have the same exact bike and I enjoy looking at it almost as much as riding it. It is a great attention getter and conversation piece when you drive it around town. Sometimes I get too much attention and I prefer to ride out in the country sometimes. I don't need to go fast. 35-40 mph is all I want and I take it camping on the back of my rv.

[@humblegrumble1615]

Couple of suggestions about flakey throttle on cold start. (1) Wait for the fast idle to disengage before revving. (2) Make sure you've set the appropriate altitude range in the ECU. (3) Reset the dynamic map / initialise the ECU by shorting the Blue-Green wires in the 4-pin service connector behind the key-locked removable panel and turning ignition on while holding throttle fully open for 5 seconds. The fast idle doesn't always compensate for variance in external conditions properly, particularly if the air filter and such is a bit clogged up. Sometimes running for a few seconds, turning off and back on ensures the sensors pick up a better reading and it will rev freely from the off. But mine often bogged down from cold starts and re-initialisation as a matter of course any time I replace the air filter or carry out any internal mechanical work fixed it. Just remember that after initialisation, you need to be riding for 50 miles or so in variable throttle positions (not just WOT all the time) for the ECU to refine the map for best performance and fuel economy.

[@dommm111]

I don't know why but the Monkey is my favourite bike from the chanel even over the other expensive bikes. Really I don't know why but is so charismatic, practical and the price is fair

[@latunguley]

I am fascinated by this mini bike and even more fascinated by the 5 speed version just not crazy about the list price? Yes I drive rather large Duramax trucks on the daily. So it would be great to own one!

[@024DJF]

Solid video. Thanks.

[@DavidReese2ndA]

I have almost 12,000 miles on mine... I love my Monkey.. With todays Gas Prices, getting the milage that this bike get's, I'm not parting with mine anytime soon!

[@Al_Dente-d1p]

get's? With an apostrophe? WTF

[@Beef5]

​@@Al_Dente-d1p grammar criticism while blowing your own grammar. WTF? 😅🤣😂

[@TurnMaster]

​@@Beef5😂😂😂😂 exactly 😂😂😂😂

[@hectorohh]

Yeah I have a 2023 SP Grom and I am getting over getting 200 miles per tank for 6 bucks! It’s pretty sweet

[@JR-playlists]

This bike reminds me of my 1969 Honda Trail 50 I used to spend my summer breaks on. Top speed 28 mph. I could fill it up for 50 cents! Mine was red too, but I always liked the blue one better.

[@ohwell2790]

2923 out the door it is $6,700 and change pretty pricy but bought it anyway and love it and I am 80 and looking foreword to many years of ridding.

[@just_another_Joe]

I own a Harley touring bike, an old Yamaha dual-sport, and a 2020 Honda Monkey. I don’t ride the Monkey very much, but when I do, it’s just the right tool for the job. And it’s definitely fun on city roads and trails. It doesn’t take up much space in my garage, so I may just hang onto it forever.

[@jaynemccloskey5343]

Thanks for all the chatting. Planning on ordering a monkey but havent heard much talk, so thank you. I feel much surer buying one now

[@josevi5835]

I own the 2022 model -red- and I love it. Build quality is great, and the design and engineering are fantastic. Fuel consumption is ridiculous too (1,7 liters/100 km). Love this bike!

[@djpepsi2002]

how much you pay to full the tank

[@josevi5835]

@@djpepsi2002 Less than ten euros

[@todddavis240]

Love my 2022 Black, it's a blast

[@robertadams4415]

Hey guys I have a RE int a2021 model and you have to let it idle at least 2 minutes before you start out

[@yeboscrebo4451]

I got mine a week ago. I’ve never had more fun on a bike. Rode all the way out into the country and back and only used half a gallon

[@MrMoneyHelper]

With so few miles you may as well have said this is how our bike runs after a year of being parked.

[@123edwardzpad]

I loved this video. I loved seeing the Moab action with both Monkey and Traul 125. Honda Helix is the best seat of all tho. Could the Honda Helix be considered minimoto? 12" front tire 10" backtire, single cylinder.. It is the Max of the Mini.

[@dalegarrard9446]

Had one, loved it, traded for rebel 500, love it too.

[@CrustyBiker]

I see you tapping the headlight ring while talking about how much metal chrome there is on the bike, pretty sure that's plastic chrome as well as indicators? Never really liked the red much since I've had soo many cars that have faded, but in this video it looks very cool actually..

[@humblegrumble1615]

The chrome headlight ring is definitely metal. Indicators I don't know, but doubt it since the US ones are much larger than the European ones, and even ours are plastic. The chrome ring around the odometer is plastic though.

[@mastergene825]

where are these guys? thats some nice hills in the background

[@aks13v35]

Could you possibly review the Benelli TNT125/135 like for daily commuting bike.

[@Lark993]

was looking at these to ride in temps as low as -15, shame to hear it struggles like a carb in the cold

[@ontheway4034]

I love my 2019! I've had it 2 years and put about 1600 miles on it. I think the Monkey is way better than the Dax from a styling perspective, but also because the Monkey has a clutch whereas the Dax will have the centrifugal clutch of the Super Cub and Trail 125.

[@mmaaddict78]

But you can ride the Dax with a beer in one hand and the other hand on the throttle!

[@mennoosmusic]

Love the mini motos, keep up the great videos. Is the front tire on backwards? The thread pattern runs opposite compared to the rear

[@dangareau]

Some tires are like that, usually road tires. Stock tires are meant to run in one direction front and back but not all aftermarket are. I just put Shinko 723 whitewalls on my Monkey and the front tire is mounted directionally opposite of the rear tire based on rotation arrows molded into the sidewall indicating which way to mount them.

[@mennoosmusic]

@@dangareau Good to know! Learned something...

[@franknapolitano9144]

Would the Monkey do better off road with off road Tires ?... You guys should really look into the Rokon "Trail Breaker".

[@johntheaccountant5594]

I am waiting for you to get the new Honda DAX 125 and do a comparison of the Honda DAX 125 against the Honda Monkey 125.

[@bob2973]

my 21 Monkey don't do that , when you fire it up cold, it has a little fast ideal for a second then comes down.

[@slamboy66]

NEWS Also known as the ST125, the Dax has been available in Europe since 2023, but will finally be coming to the U.S. for 2025. The confirmation comes to us via the California Air Resources Board which released an executive order certifying the Dax125 as a 2025 model.Jun 12, 2024

[@shohruhrozikov8974]

Where can I find the accessories for the Honda monkey 2023?

[@ka509]

I had a 300cc engine put in my Monkey and I'm going to ride it from San Diego back to the Illinois with a camping trailer. Where is your office because if it is on the way, I will stop by?

[@Dodgevair]

I've seen these advertized as low as 3995 MSRP. What have you folk paid drive out? thanks

[@robertandersson2523]

Best buy just plodding around? Monkey or grom?

[@gregorizi]

not sure, yet front tire seems to be mounted in wrong direction

[@enriquelitton6714]

Can anyone tell me how much this monkey is to buy and where I could get one in a shop

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

Monkey is the top quality in its mini motorcycle class

[@SkidMark5150]

366 miles? 1.5 years?

[@hartmutwormann807]

Can I ride this bike with 120 kg bodyweight?

[@cb3391]

No matter what , I just can't cough up the 5k for one. Love my Navi though

[@warrenvarker]

You said you both have ridden this bike a lot and later revealed the milage (300 plus miles in a year and a half)

[@wileecoyote5749]

Rught,I have over 400 miles in 2 months

[@humblegrumble1615]

@@wileecoyote5749 70,000 miles in 3 years! :D

[@DavidReese2ndA]

You needed too Lock-tit the screws in the headlight IMMEDIATELY. which wouldn't have ever have happened otherwise... Mine have never fell OUT?

[@deltabravo1257]

10:15 The neighbors interrupted your video shoot.

[@hmtrimworks7148]

Mpg?

[@mxseba7232]

Hello is it possible to travel 100km a day to go to work with the monkey ? I’m from Belgium . Thank you

[@Justin935780]

Absolutely !

[@usernameisusername]

Nobody can milk more videos off of one vehicle then JFL

[@JimJones762x39]

this or a TW200?

[@freshoutofass]

Would this be a good first timer motorbike? I’ve been looking around and this is on the affordable side for me 😂

[@kawabungatortueninja]

@@yashchirka4060 do you have a link for these bananas handle bar?

[@kawabungatortueninja]

@@yashchirka4060 does it match??

[@nickn7939]

those don't say if it fits the monkey though@@yashchirka4060

[@jonwhite4838]

Will it carry both of you to Colorado?

[@DzHarryNuttz]

We're there man!

[@yourfriend5886]

Kase 😍

[@johncastro728]

The dealers are so expensive so getting something under 4k is unattainable

[@Jmmondeau]

Ok review. But poor on information. Like how often did it bottom out. How well did it stop. How does it do on wet roads. How low is first gear. Can you crawl around narrow trails at low speed with decent traction. Is it heavy to lift over obstacles. How stable is it when you crank on the front brakes on gravel or loose soil. Does it sound like a overreved sewing machine when your cranking up on it in the hills You get my point guys. Give me some meat. 🥩

[@SirFartsAlot1]

In one year only 367 miles? I dunno if you can really call it a long term review without even breaking it in lol

[@andrewgee241]

If they got it in January 2019 it would be 3 1/2 years old.

[@dmwolanski]

Exactly. Math is hard. lol

[@-Jethro-]

Yeah, I had to check the video release date when I heard that.

[@mmaaddict78]

Unless it was recorded a long time ago and just now finished edit and upload.

[@andrewt8116]

It's hard to find used price information on this bike. What would be a good deal on a 2019 no abs 200 mile Honda monkey for example?

[@dangareau]

$3850 --based on mine purchased with 103 miles, 5 monthes ago You'll actually probably pay more now in July, than I did in the middle of February in NJ ...and worth every cent!

[@andrewt8116]

@@dangareau thanks for the reply that info actually helps me out a lot. Too many monkey listings I see here in az seem unreasonably high. Good to see the price you paid so I know I'm not low balling when I make an offer

[@dangareau]

@@andrewt8116 Right now I could probably sell it for $2000 more than I paid for because you can't find 'em in the northeast. A place in Delaware wanted $6000 out the door new but you'll do better in AZ especially in little or rural towns. Good luck

[@andrewt8116]

@@dangareau it was a pretty bizarre coincidence right after reading your comment I went on to Craigslist and saw a monkey going for $3,700. Which is the lowest I've seen yet. Unfortunately it had been sold that morning

[@slimjim8488]

Monkey is a do it all bike.

[@bananepoep]

Looks like you put on the front tire the wrong way

[@paulelliott682]

I heard it runs on a banana at a time, but it runs a whole bunch. LOL

[@usernameisusername]

Tfl 2020 we bought a new monkey CFL 2040 we bought a new rear tire for our new monkey and we compare it to the old tires

[@andrewt8116]

4200 msrp? I've been looking for a Honda monkey for a couple months and I've never seen anything sold for less than 4,000 used on Craigslist. Most average for about 5k to 6k.

[@gonzalosanabria2251]

That’s right, 5k if you’re lucky to find one…..that’s what I paid out the door

[@andrewt8116]

@@gonzalosanabria2251 5k for a 2023 abs?

[@paulelliott682]

Is there a Chimp model ?

[@tommyk6719]

No….although there are the orangutan and gorilla models…

[@paulelliott682]

@@tommyk6719 LMAO

[@migueruta]

Greetings, mates! I have to disagree on one thing!😀 The Honda Monkey is extremely expensive for its size and equipment. Ironically, the CB125F is way cheaper, it's bigger, heavier, has better suspension, well built, changing its tires one can make it off-roadish like the Monkey - and it's also fuel economic.🙂 According to Honda's Motorcycle site, the Dax is not so fuel economic as the Monkey, but still as powerful. Have a great week, guys! Ride safe🏍💨and watch good movies!✌😉

[@the_jarmel]

Have a good day everyone

[@thenexthobby]

Most every new bike is a several-months waiting list unless you get randomly lucky, and the Monkey is no different. Weirdly makes "choosing" something pointless, and more than a little depressing. I can wait, because that's really the only "choice."

[@repsol6198]

I couldn't agree more, everytime I stop by a dealer they are always out of any of the Honda mini-bikes. I wonder if the availabilty will ever change for the better?

[@thenexthobby]

@@repsol6198 Yeah we have two choices: Wait and pounce, or go in another direction and be happy with alternatives. It really depends on what you want and what you're willing to accept at the time. I have 2 or 3 bikes on my radar; none are really available. And they're basic models from big names, not exotics. KZbin channels represent more of a fantasy realm in that regard, because they're geared towards "reviews" and other opinions. The business model of a typical channel depends on product being readily available, creating the disconnect here. I saw a video awhile back from someone that basically said, just pick something, it doesn't need to be "ideal," and keep the other as a goal for later. I appreciate these updates because it creates continuity, but TFL is well positioned to take a few side journeys into random classic bikes or projects; I hope they do more there.

[@rafaeltassitano2090]

I don't normally comment on videos but, for safety's sake... that front tire is on backwards!

[@drimmer]

Monkey or TW200?

[@robertyoung8289]

Monkey if you want something truly special.

[@rik999]

Fairly rude of that guy at 9:59 to just bomb your shoot. I try to avoid doing that and duck out of the way even for obviously nonprofessional people just casually filming some object with their iphones.

[@lennythelizard3856]

Still waiting for the Dax!

[@repsol6198]

If they do offer it in the USA you probably won't be able to find one just like most of the Honda mini's. And if you do the out the door price is way over the MSRP.

[@lennythelizard3856]

@@repsol6198 already have a Navi paid just under 2400 otd less than a month ago.

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

👍✌️♥️

[@timothymoore7988]

$5 fill up...sounds like a KFC commercial

[@spydie]

That's interesting and disheartening about the very poor FI. I've had several modern bikes with very poorly designed FI. The Royal Enfield Himalayan was the worst. It just would not keep running unless you held the throttle at 2000 rpm for 45 seconds before letting go of it. My 2021Kawasaki W800 is terrible cold and surges a lot until it warms up. My 2021Moto Guzzi V7 is almost as bad. As is my 2018 Vespa GTS300 Touring model. What's wrong with today's motorcycles that they can't get the FI correct? FI is 60+ years old and everything has it, but motorcycles can't seem to get it right!

[@roywane354]

I have a 2020 W800 and you are right, when the bike is cold the fuel injection makes it run like crap.

[@spydie]

@@roywane354 So far the two best FI bikes I've owned in the last few years are the Yamaha XT250, Honda Monkey 2021 and 2022 Kawasaki Versys X 300. Absolutely perfect from cold start. All the rest of my FI bikes have to warm up before riding them, just like a carb bike.

[@nickn7939]

you can't let the bike warm up for even a minute? just start your bike then put your gear on, the oil will be thinner and everything runs better.@@spydie

[@spydie]

@@nickn7939 I always let them warm up while putting on my gear, but it takes half a mile or more of riding before they run correctly.

[@MotoTvWoodsFarm]

🐒🐒💖👍😊

[@JQUICK21]

That chrome piece on the exhaust is ugly AF! That has got to go when I pick one up this summer......

[@minitrail70]

That announcer in the white shirt never let the other guy say much. That sucked.

[@Frip36]

One guy is coming in at 30 decibels. The other guy at 110 decibels. Really great on the nerves. Thanks guys.

[@usernameisusername]

Poor Tommy he thought he had a sweet gig at tfl. Then Roman told him you need to get a motorcycle so that we can make 8,000 videos including Tommy replaces his right rear turn signal and compares it to the old turn signal. Tommy protested but Roman yelled at him angrily and Yiddish. So Tommy was a good boy and agreed. Rip Tommy when that texting 17 year old girl runs him over. Great job Roman

[@dennismau9103]

I rode a Monkey. It is SLOW as a pregnant tortoise. I can't see the point, except for riding around the neighborhood. I wouldn't take it on any major city street. You will get run over. Around my city if the speed limit is 40 mph everybody goes at least 55 mph, The Grom is the same.

[@humblegrumble1615]

It's no slower than any other 125. Actually somewhat faster than many when properly broken in. I've ridden mine for 3 years and 70,000 miles in the UK (much narrower roads and higher speed limits), in all weathers. Yeah you'll get overtaken by speeding impatient drivers, but you will on a big bike if you're sticking to the speed limits too. I'm still alive to tell the tale.

[@Kodibear111]

Why can't you set that Monkey free?

[@sabrinakeliestsa4125]

If you got it in 2019 and its 2022 wouldn't it be three years of ownership cause if it was two years of ownership you would of said that last year um yeah that's a bit strange your way off on the years and if you keep on owning that bike by next year 2023 it will be four years of ownership.

[@stinky_lizard]

2020 wasn't a real year

[@sabrinakeliestsa4125]

@@stinky_lizard Well if they got it in 2019 its still count as three years of ownership despite what you think. 2020 was a year where everything paused and since then today I still count 2020 as two years and 2019 as 3 years,. Even though you disagree with me.

[@sabrinakeliestsa4125]

@@KaleRussum Well he said they got it in 2019 he's saying its two years of ownership which doesn't make sense all I'm saying is he's off one year so if they got it in 2019 and its 2022 it would count as 3 years of ownership I don't know what's your problem all I"m saying is there off on the years of ownership!!! So don't tell me otherwise!!!!!!

[@jimgordon3468]

The monkey is a great little bike. Id rather have the Benelli 135. Cheaper by about 1500 bucks. More power.

[@kristopherbell7158]

Benelli= Chinese, not into it..

[@billwiley7216]

@@kristopherbell7158 That is exactly the same type of attitude towards the Japanese bikes back in the late 60's and early 70's here in the U.S.A.

[@humblegrumble1615]

​@@billwiley7216 True, but that attitude was born of prejudice following WWII, not a real assessment of their quality, whereas the bad rap Chinese bikes get is mostly justified. They cut major corners, suffer incredible electrical problems (FI ones, at least) when ridden in the wet, age very badly and rust like nobody's business. I say that as someone who also owns an (older) Chinese bike too. If you go Chinese, you either need very deep pockets or to be prepared to get your hands dirty (regularly) to maintain it.

[@billwiley7216]

@@humblegrumble1615 Believe what you want to believe but there is a reason all of these low mileage late 60's Monkey z50's and CT70's are showing up out of basements, sheds and garages to be restored, where they have sat untouched for 50 years and its not because most were parked because they did not have running issues. I grew up riding these bikes when they were "new" and they had their issues. Same with the early model Japanese cars in this country, they were not as reliable as their American competition and they rusted out a lot more quickly.

[@the_jarmel]

1st🤪

[@plusblood5101]

Here is my 5cents What in the hell is wrong here Why are overgrown kidz Ridding kidz bikes These z50z were made for teens growing up to ride Oh boy.

[@danielreid80]

I bought two Honda Monkey 🐒