HONDA Monkey bike | NEW | Review | First impression

[@claudtalkz2194]

This could be the perfect 60th birthday present to myself.

[@ayosilva]

I think I should do the same thing!

[@jeffreyelliott622]

Yep I'm thinking of getting the 2022 model Monkey with the 5 speed tranny and I've never driven a motor bike in my entire life and at the young age of 59 why not !!!!

[@GrommyMcGromface]

did you buy it? @@jeffreyelliott622

[@hotsauce3700]

I picked a blue one up yesterday and within the first mile of my first ride and while stopped at a light an admiring car driver had to ask what it was. I love the bike and everyone else seems to as well. It’s super comfortable, super quiet, sips fuel and is a great little runabout. Beyond that, it runs less that $300.00 per year to insure and I financed part of it through Honda for 4.4% interest. Remember, life is short and we only get one.

[@Mrfish2015]

Fun has a lot of goodness in it

[@hipskipne1984]

You must have a bad driving record, i got quoted $99 for 12 months,

[@charlesfoster141]

I love the new Honda Monkey and may buy one in the aftermarket for $2000 or so. The 1969 Z50 Minitrail came out when I was 15 years old. The $235 price was impossible for a kid to pay. A new CB450 was $1,095 in 1970 and I got one for that price. A CB750 was $1,395 briefly but soon jumped.to $1,695, just $200 less than a new VW Bug that year. If you adjust the original Minitrail price for inflation today it would be $1,645, still insurmountable for a kid. So why $4,000 or more for this new Monkey bike. We are talking about 2.43 times the adjusted price for what many might say is the same machine. Not hardly. Here is the scoop. First you have a 125cc engine with a 4 speed manual clutch. Certainly 2.4 times better than a 49cc Minitrail. Second, you have fuel injection and disc brakes with ABS. You have rear shocks, you have LED lights and turn signals. You have the power and speed sufficient to ride legally on the streets at 40mph all day with more to spare. An adult fits comfortably. The oil capacity is 2 litters in the engine and upper tank. You have a wet clutch. There is a speedometer with many indicator lights. It has electric start. The list goes on. If this exact bike had been available in 1969 the price would have been $571.43 or $4,000 in today's money. $571.43 was a lot of money in 1969, but a new Honda CB350 was a mere $200 less than the 450 at $895.00 and a CB175 was $795. The CB125 was $725 so you can see that this new Monkey is fairly priced considering the past. Especially since it has features like fuel injection, ABS and dual disc brakes. Finally, and this is the grand issue. The Japanese no longer toil as a third world nation as they did in 1969. The Japanese economy has inflated far more than has the USA economy. So there you have it. The only issue to me is did Honda target the right bike to the market. There is two answers. In 1969 the little Z50 Minitrail was "state of the art, light years ahead" of Rupp or any other minibikeguy in the USA. This new Monkey likewise follows that tradition. My second thought is what if Honda had exactly copied the 1969 Z50-AK1 and offered it street legal as original for the $1,645 adjusted price? Which would sell more copies? Well, I for one would buy the replica at $1,645 brand new opposed to the 2019 Monkey, but would wish I had both lol. By the way, if you did the math I am almost 65 years old now and lived it all and owned them all over the years. I was founder of the International Mini-bike Association and communicated with Mini-bike enthusiasts from every corner of the earth in that capacity. 😊😊

[@Mrfish2015]

Good write up fella

[@brandonmurphy8837]

I got a z50r honda in 1984 I believe it's cost $350

[@BushmanDayZ]

Gl finding one for that price

[@homertalk]

I got a Rock!

[@Myndi78]

The entire review I was thinking "please stop talking I cant afford this, please stop talking I REALLY cant afford this - but I need this in my life"

[@jackneedham7210]

A phenomenal review. Honda should give you one of these bikes. I love your enthusiasm. Thanks for the tour.

[@Mrfish2015]

Jack Needham I keep asking 😆

[@robsylvia6546]

My brother and I had a blue Honda 50 back in the early ‘70’ and what fun memories I have of that bike. Honda had seat comfort down. Your bike looks like a larger version of that little beast. That bike has a special place in my riding history as it sparked my love for motorcycles. Congratulations.

[@Bannister99]

That was hilarious putting it in front of the Ducati stand. Great little bike :)

[@Sumpguard]

I may get one, looks like a lot of fun and it’s great Honda are making bikes purely to put a smile on your face. Bet this will have tons of custom options.

[@bakerXderek]

Love the look of it !

[@Mrfish2015]

Its really cool

[@DjVendetta]

Cheah!!!

[@ryontammy]

CHEAH!!!!

[@gixxersquid69]

BxD bro u getting this?

[@danieljakubowski5105]

I’m only twelve but I’m saving up

[@jimread6697]

Placed my order for a yellow one back in May and can't wait to get it! Sold my S1000RR recently as i was choosing my grom to ride when i opened the garage. Top fun these little bikes. If you haven't already go try one.

[@thenavigator5889]

Jim Read, yup, my xsr900, #142 off the production line will be leaving. just don't ride it as much as my small 50s and 70s. I've already had an order in for a monkey 125, about a month ago. hoping to get a low vin grom was 125

[@Erik-rp1hi]

I had the first year Z50 (1968) . Mine was candy red. I beat the shit out out it till 1977 when I was 17 years old. Cast a upper triple clamp in High School metal shop class and put my old original CZ 250 handlebars with the welded lever perches. Gearbox didn't like to shift the last few years and had to weld a 1/2 pipe section along the length of the main tube frame.

[@thelatelyshowwithjacklynco7505]

I'm 17 and this is gonna be my 1st bike perfect beautiful starter

[@philbuilds116]

I was set on the Grom. Then you made me rethink my plan. I don't care about wheelies. I like cushy 70s and 80s Japanese bikes. I don't care about the retro design, but I want to actually ride it. Thanks for complicating my choice. The Rebel is so close price wise.

[@philbuilds116]

Bunnyshooter 223 the only recall I see is the evap can and line. It's an emissions control device that has no effect specifically to engine performance. And it seems to be Cali models.

[@weljo2001]

My first bike when i was a kid was a 1973 Hawaiian Blue Honda Z50 Fantastic little bike....

[@beachside1]

I love the shade of blue they used. Great choice of bikes. Mine is a 1969 with candy red

[@weljo2001]

Very Nice....Seems lots of people liked that color. The bike was stolen 6 months after i got it. Sad thing it was our neighbors son that stole it to give to his son. The grandparents were really sweet people and told us their son did it. My dad didn't want to make an issue and get the cops involved so he bought me and my brother both new bikes. Really miss that little Z50 wish i still had it...

[@michaelcorl9646]

This freaking bike is awesome!! Thanks for your review, i only hope that they will release that bike in the states. Everybody here had a mini trail 50 when they were kids. Kawasaki has a really awesome little 125 here but dont know if you can get them there.

[@rogercrier]

Saw this video, and bought one! 2000 miles later still enjoying tooling down tiny country roads at ridiculous speeds Brakes are amazing finish and quality are show car level. Back shocks need upgrading unless you stick to smooth roads

[@Chris-kh2fm]

Getting off the bike at the lights and looking at it again was class.

[@jimmyw7530]

Epic video! Mine is on order. Due to arrive this month. Excitement intensifies!

[@ozzyprogdomino8815]

I bought a 2022 model in blue about 5 weeks ago, done 500 miles on it so far and love it. I Feel bad about ignoring my other bike, but this is so much fun and as you said you can't stop smiling while riding it. It looks so damn cool as well

[@ronboe6325]

Sat on one today. OMG, what an easy chair! Tempted to get one just for the seat! The pox on the CRF450L! I've got a 36" inseam, I have no business fitting the Monkey as well as I do. Amazing.

[@michaelpryor2981]

OMG I AM FLASHING BACK TO 1970 WHEN I GOT MY FIRST HONDA MINI TRAIL 50!!! FREEK'N FANTASTIC!! VERY NICE ..! ALL THE WAY FROM CALIFORNIA I NEED ONE OF THOSE ….THANKS FOR YOUR WONDERFUL VID.!!!

[@carlosdanger2586]

I think we called those Honda mini-trails back in the day

[@jamesshedd752]

Carlos Danger Carlos your right we called them mini trail in 77

[@dustinhinzman]

I had the red ct70 trail bike from the 70 s and its was so fun

[@deborahchesser7375]

Carlos Danger yep Z-50’s

[@xbpbat21x]

I think we called them "trail 70s"

[@marks6663]

this is twice the size of the mini trail bikes. this thing is 235 lbs. The mini trail z50 was 115 lbs. They made 1.9 HP. The monkey makes 9 HP.

[@paulsauntson2435]

I’ve been wanting a grom for commuting for a while until I heard about the monkey bike

[@SuperFebras]

Top notch video, ... again! Loved it when you park it in front of the Ducati show truck.

[@tonygeddes9558]

Just bought a red one! I live on the south cost in the U.K. and luckily my local dealer had one in stock. Picking it up next weekend. Can’t wait, looks like a right laugh.

[@Buck1954]

It looks like a giant version of the Mini-Trail 50 I had in the 60's and I just want one. We used them for riding trails, not racing down the roadways.

[@devilmaycry383]

I have an MT-07 and since that bike is paid off, I have decided to finally get the Honda Monkey i put a deposit 💰 down on a Red one after having sat on it the riding position is great plus that seat is very comfortable. Your review was fun to watch. 👍

[@jamdog30]

Popped down to Hunts and it is a thing of beauty. The seat was mega plush.

[@totallyskint5899]

With Honda quality a great little commuter . I totally get the thought behind the design.

[@UncleWally3]

Doesn’t the new Goldwing have an accessory rear-rack that allows you to carry the Monkey?

[@Mrfish2015]

lol

[@ayosilva]

Great video! Thanks for the inputs. The bike is not yet available here in the USA but I'm waiting for it!!

[@busdrivermike13]

One of the best reviews I’ve seen in a long time, good video work And fantastic gift for speaking, flow and pitch and humor was similar to Carnival barker, very well done.

[@Mrfish2015]

Thanks

[@richardshilling2958]

They look so cool!!!!! But saving myself for the new cub Great review. You sounded more excited about the monkey than anything else you've reviewed. We all should have one. Bring out the kid in us.

[@Mrfish2015]

Richard shill hopefully get the cub to review soon

[@richardshilling2958]

The chronicles of mr fish I'll look forward to that. I'm thinking it will have the same engine but with semi auto gearbox. I've promised all my mates one of these monkey bikes if I win the lotto. What fun

[@gardini100]

at the age 49 I spot this bike and just had to get it, last time I had a bike was at the age of 17 ...but that little thing ignited a new passion in me, next spring I'm going to upgrade my license to some more power maybe Honda Shadow 750 bobber style or a Harley Davidson not sure yet

[@etherjoe505]

Looking for my first bike as I get into riding. Love the enthusiasm of this video, I think it will be my first motorcycle :)

[@AdamNDJ]

The very first motorized bike I ever rode was a Z50, in that same marvelous yellow color. Oh the trouble I got in to on that thing. If I was a sentimental sort I'd snap one of these up in a second. I get a good feeling Honda won't be able to keep these guys on the show room long...

[@blancolirio]

Brilliant, enthusiastic review Mr. Fish!!! Now I want one...this bike could save the entire motorcycle industry . Market it to the general population....

[@kickinthegob]

As a kid in the 80's I had an original Honda Z50. I still miss that bike. I would love to have the new iteration.

[@ramiretz]

i'v had an 2017 grom... the bike was funny and i liked it alot but the seat was horrible .. i always had pains in my back.... the new monkey seems to have a super nice seat i want to try it

[@BatterseaBill]

I absolutely love the look of that. I want one. Who needs an MT 10?

[@767dag]

I like the yellow , it’s true to its heritage.... my 69 was yellow

[@davidhamilton506]

Great little bike in the country, but in the city around semi trailers and large vehicles, extra care is essential...

[@Ralf_F]

Thank you very much for this awesome and nice review! 🤗 In my opinion the monkey is a great addition for everyday use with a lot of fun. I want one! 😃👍

[@silviualbu2874]

I think he is referring to be used as a commuter inside a city or a town.

[@AridersLifeYT]

I WILL GET ONE!

[@3xplorercr2zy]

BikeStuff for $500 more you can get the Rebel 300 which is a full size motorcycle. You can't even legally take a 125cc motorbike on the freeway.

[@thetakenking7061]

I’m definitely getting a 2022 Monkey. Can’t wait to order.

[@DeepSouth13]

I'm 4 minutes in... you've made up my mind that I am waiting for this to be available instead of buying a grom..I'm gonna watch the rest , dont worry.. thanks for the input , brother..

[@andreaslode8783]

I already have got mine on last Thursday. I just can confirm the guy in the video! 😎

[@jamesbouissey4119]

Reminds me of my first bike when I was 8. A 69 Honda 50cc mini trail. I love it!

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

Why do I think of Lawrence of Arabia watching this? Thumbs up. Excellent video.

[@normanbuitta2171]

Reminds me of my first mini 50 in the 70s....COOL!

[@alangee2200]

Excellent work !! Thanks for your thoughts. Would this sit comfortably @ 50mph (ish). You didn't mention speed. I'm thinking it would probably have a similar top speed to the "Grom" (MSX) and I have no idea what that would be ??? Alan

[@Mrfish2015]

50 is ok

[@Whateva67]

I sure hope these get released in Canada,they’d sell like hot cakes. I want two of them

[@jonathanmellish4439]

Fantastic. 5.6 litre capacity. Top speed ? I am sure I saw 50 something on the speedo.

[@OffRoad-jh1do]

These bikes were out on the 80's had one same back in the day!

[@retiresoon5639]

Love it..It looks like an old Mini Trail 50 only grown up. I had a mini trail back in 1970.

[@johntheaccountant5594]

I really enjoy your reviews. Another great review! Great to hear you so happy. I had no intention of buying a Honda Monkey but now I would consider buying one as my third motorbike / toy.

[@boomerhgt]

They are toys

[@chivalrous_chevy1163]

Wow, England looks beautiful.

[@toobalicious]

GREAT video - thanks for posting it. This 125 Monkey (or 125 Mini Trail) is just about the perfect fun bike for zipping around town. If one were available now, I’d buy it today. I do have a question for Mr. Fish: How tall are you and how much do you weigh? I’m pretty tall (6’6”) and weigh about 250# and wonder if I’d fit on the Monkey and not crush the suspension. Thanks!

[@Mrfish2015]

im 6'2 224lb

[@debrisbit]

You happen to be wrong about the abs not being as sophisticated, it is the exact same module they put on their cbr1000rr. Bonkers!

[@grahamhigby4372]

Love the look of this bike I can't wait to try one. Great review.

[@SigGuy320]

This is the coolest thing I've seen in a while! I love it!

[@Stealthplate]

Great video! What's comfortable cruising speed and roughly top speed if you had to guess thanks

[@chillaxinmoto6185]

more smiles per miles for everyone and hilarious parking spot LOL

[@RiverCityBBQ]

I’m debating if I should get this or the grom. Would you say you have more room on this than the grom?

[@3xplorercr2zy]

I'd get a rebel 300 for $500 more. That's good around the city too but at least you can also take it on the freeway. You cant legally take a 125cc on the freeway

[@larjkok1184]

Just get a real bike.

[@RiverCityBBQ]

Oggy Oggy I have a 2016 M109R. But looking for something small like this to do other things

[@BenjiDWJ]

Awesome video & review mate! :) This bike is #2 on my short list of bikes to try out and ride once I've passed my CBT. I've just now subscribed to your channel and look forward to seeing more content from you in the foreseeable future.

[@Mrfish2015]

Thanks for the sub , welcome

[@re20bt]

Loved your review! I will definitely go out and test one now!

[@garywest3763]

I had a 1970' CT70 it was Red, as a kid about 10 years old. I received my first ticket from the Police on that bike for riding Under age I was 12 years old at the time. A friend of Mine had a Monkey bike z50, he was always trying to race me. I would get the Monkey 125, to ride out in my rural area and on my property I would get the Red one. I am so through with the Larger Heavy bikes, they have become so boring to me, I have had vstrom1000, GL1800, GL1500, countless cruiser bikes 1800cc & 1500cc sized. I am really interested in Light bikes in the 300 class of bikes like the, Not in any order, Kawasaki versys x300, Honda CB300R, and the Yamaha Xmax300, I may get one of each, and the Monkey125

[@walkerskii]

Gary West I have one in 1970, it was blue on top silver on the bottom of the tank was split color

[@KevinLam86]

I want to see some cafe racer customs with this bike.

[@jadams3427]

Very entertaining, informative report! Thanks.

[@crocksontherocksify]

Love the review bud! Have a skyteam t rex which is alot of fun but now think the Honda monkey is next on the list.. cheers

[@walkerskii]

Great video your sense of humor is fantastic! could two people ride on it is there a place to install rear foot pegs, if my girlfriend wanted to ride on the back? & when you say it's comfortable, can I ask how tall are you I'm 6 foot 1 inch (I'm not sure what that is in centimeters??) and concerned it will be too small for me to ride it around as a comfortable little street bike.

[@Mrfish2015]

I would sat single seat only

[@craigmonteforte1478]

I feel the excitement as well Its like reliving my youth ! Smart move on Honda I believe because of that bike in the 70s i got the motorcycle bug and went on to own 4 more Honda Motorcyles thru my life

[@manny75586]

I love this bike. It moves really well too for a little 125. I feel like I would be obligated to put some 12” apes on it though.

[@Kevinintheback]

You are moving pretty good on that thing!

[@Thegeordiemonkey]

Also comes with a tracker fitted as standard as do all hondas after July 02! I run the new honda monkey 125 group on facebook, feel free to join and see all the blinged up ones abroad!

[@Mrfish2015]

I didn't know that , thanks

[@davidj9804]

Is the group "new honda monkey 125"? Or do you have a link?

[@raymondchan9802]

I totally agree with you in every espect of the new Honda Monkey...it definately look sensational im liking it already its just love at first sight! And im buying it! Thank you so much for your wonderful video review.

[@N-Scale]

I love you brother. You are a blast to listen to.

[@Mrfish2015]

Thanks

[@kleinbottled79]

I want it to be $1000 cheaper. It's only $1200 less than the ninja 400, not that it is competing directly with that bike, but it doesn't seem nearly the value for money.

[@beachside1]

How could it not be comfortable? Its basically a grom that looks similar to a z50. Not sure why they didnt just make a replica of the orig instead of the 125cc. Ill take my 1969 z50 anyday. It may have a bunch of newer refinements but nothing like riding an older one.

[@edcary8420]

What's the top speed? How fast did you get it up to? Thinking about selling my 750 ACE and getting one of these.

[@moose5790]

Good review, I bought one late last year and love it ,It gets lots of thumbs up and is a great conversation piece :) regards from New Zealand

[@turnerlarson12]

Needs an attachable rear rack, big enough for a ratty old milk crate.

[@Travelbeatcreations.official]

Although I got one, it isn't a Honda, it is a Skyteam. But it rides just as good! I've put on 9000 km since I got mine in the start of july, and the time has come to get some new parts, I need new tires, brake pump, mirrors, chain, wires and maybe even more parts. I'm thinking of cross country eventually to Poland, and pick up a charming little car to take back home with me, it's gonna be loads of fun! ^_^

[@mrbubetube]

You just sold me. I'm getting one!!! EXCELLENT review!

[@exexpat11]

I take it you might like it... Perfect city commuter/bomber. How tall are you? Average height? Gov'nor got a new motor?

[@harriedpotter9039]

I'm smiling after watching your video! Wondering how the Monkey does on mountain trails (perhaps with the addition of a skid plate)? Husband and I are considering getting two Yamaha TW200s, but seeing this video has us reconsidering. Thanks for sharing this!

[@adamho8059]

What did you end up choosing ? I’m having the same dilemma

[@harriedpotter9039]

@@adamho8059 We chose both! Which allows me to say with certainty: the Monkey is NOT a trail bike… certainly not without a lot of modifications. Without modification, the TWs have better suspension, gearing, and traction for trail riding. We’re riding ATV trails and single tracks in a mountainous location. With that being said, the Monkey bike is sooooo much fun to ride. But we can’t bring ourselves to take it off road. I’ve dropped my TW more times than I’d like to admit on rutted trails or because of my lame skills. I’d HATE to drop the Monkey. It seems too nice or delicate to be beaten up like that. TW on the other hand can take the beating.

[@harriedpotter9039]

I’ll also add that the TWs, while a lot bigger, offer the benefit of being able to carry a passenger. This is handy for us in case one of our dubs were to break down on a trail. Or if I were to break down on a trail…

[@alsner73]

For running around locally and if I had the funds readily available I would, looks like a great laugh..

[@bigmartin]

Who’s disliking this? (Idiots). Brilliant clip, smiles from beginning to end. Fantastic review

[@Mrfish2015]

All contributes , they are actually helping the channel

[@bigmartin]

Well you've a great style, I've subscribed. Best of luck with the channel

[@TrkTklr4u]

Absolutely Awesome!! Have you had a chance to compair to the PBR? Just Curious.

[@Mrfish2015]

Whats a PBR ?

[@jeffshultz3883]

Nice little bike! I do believe ABS is an option though. I could be wrong about that and it's a little pricey for what it is. BMW G310 is priced just a few bucks higher and way more bike for the money.

[@Mrfish2015]

ABS is standard here , if you want the 310 you wouldn't even look at this , completely different thing

[@69FOSTER]

I love the looks also. Everytime I see this bike, it reminds me of my 1968 Honda Mini-Trail. Don't know if I could fit on the Monkey now.

[@richardguay3474]

Awesome bike. I'm getting one But 1st - can the speedo be converted from mph to kmh ?? If yes, how ?? thanks

[@tokinscottishguy9742]

how have you not got more subs!! great review, really enjoyed it

[@Mrfish2015]

Who knows lol

[@PsychoPaul13]

Dam 😳 now I want one 😂

[@サイケ-e8w]

Psycho Paul

[@OntarioAndrews415]

Great review. The USA will get this, but for some reason Canada will not. Oh well. Again, nice review. Cheers! :)

[@renegade1987]

super jealous - i have 4 honda's already and this would make a great addition to the fleet!

[@Kevinintheback]

DO THE SUPERCUB!

[@bradleyjohnson452]

and the CC110

[@florme6494]

I ended up buying the monkey but I was tempted by the supercub. Mainly because of how the gears work... just something different. Also the looks are crazy for a modern bike. Maybe down the track I will own one.

[@stefanschulthess5397]

Don't drink and drive... serious, saw the video twice because it's so funny, thanks!

[@Mrfish2015]

Thanks

[@edgufler1122]

Very nice video Mr. Fish . I loved it and you did a awesome review.