Honda Monkey First Ride Review

[@taalibmuhammad7558]

"...the thing's under-braked, it's under-damped, it's under-sprung and there's not enough power...so I can tell you from riding it, I had a ball..." Great to see a review that is not narrow in its perspective. Most machines have their own audience. Ride whatever you like to ride...just so long as you are riding!

[@adamdelarozza1985]

Could it have performed better for a less robust rider? I'm thinkin maybe someday I will go check one out... I like the modernity and the fuel injection. I'm short and about a buck half weight wise.

[@XwpisONOMA]

I do not know the reviewer (and do no care who he is, really) but he has a lot of audacity to comment about how "under"- the monkey is. Of course you fat slob! With your 200+ lbs you have exceeded the weight limit of this bike. Poor thing, it must have suffered under you while doing this ...pathetic review. Big THUMBS DOWN for RevZilla with this one.

[@itsjohnny2159]

Perfect last bike.. lol. I’m going to be 57 in September. Started on mini trail when I was 8.. been through seven motorcycles including a Valkyrie and an FJR1300. Stopped riding two years ago because I bought a camper for the family. Three kids 10, 7, and three. Just bought a blue 21’ Monkey. This thing just called me! Talk about full circle!

[@16driver16]

Traded the van for it, strait up. I can get 70 miles per gallon on this hog.

[@alansmilealot]

What type of van?

[@rikkmode]

probably van van

[@LtTatro]

got room for one more if you still want to go to aspen

[@worthlessdollar1]

Lol 'Dumb and Dumber' was my first thought too.

[@anthonyrcoronaq]

16driver16 🛎 x 2

[@cwelliver1985]

I’m 35 years old and love my Honda Monkey. I’ve had a bunch of different bikes in my life and the Monkey is my favorite!

[@justusjanzen3780]

Rid this to a gaming convention in a wario costume and you are the life of the party

[@sanfayyaad]

Brilliant idea

[@RebelRides]

A Grom with style. I really want one, great for carving through the traffic of Nottingham.

[@MrMcbear]

For those on the fence especially larger dudes. There's an AWESOME aftermarket right now for these. $300 for stiffer springs on it or go all out with a set of Ohlins adjustable rears for $700. Not bad considering its two shocks.

[@jjames2162]

Adjustable Ohlins lol why??!!

[@jseden]

I feel like low power bikes teach you a lot that faster ones won’t.. mainly when it comes to defensive driving

[@packgrog]

I sat on on of these today for a minute, and spent that whole time just giggling. I didn't even test ride it. I just brought me joy with how tiny and silly it is. Love it! Also, I miss Lemmy.

[@AlmightyHilux]

I really love the retro styling. I've been wanting to get a first bike for a while for city cruising. Just wish this was a little bit bigger and a little less expensive..

[@soulis1000]

I like the size but i wish it had a 200cc or 250cc engine so it could keep up with traffic on a 60mph road.

[@johnlewis5731]

Bought one earlier this year I got a 2021 year model and I’ve already put almost 1500 miles on it and it’s so much fun, it’s crazy the amount of fun you can have with 7hp to the rear tire😂

[@da72ma]

I know what Honda needs to do... a major advertisement campaign... the one question for Honda is why? why do you charge a premium price from the Grom to justify this bike?... Honda made sure that it won't end up in everybody's garage... now I do want one just because of the history and the knowledge that my mechanic's dad was riding one from a to b... that ole' 50cc thing is still in my mechanics garage... long after his dad retired... testament to the renowned Honda reliability... I liked Lemmy on the bike... btw. I dont like the Grom... It never phased me... but this Monkey makes my heart rate go up... why? It is the same? Nope it is not... Seat feels different, it has history, and looks darn good besides some other miniscule differences... after all motorcycling is a thing of the heart... and not just transportation

[@JP1970]

Love this video and love Catalina Island--great video of this cool throwback and fun, novelty bike! Thanks Revzilla!

[@johnkolinoff8591]

super sweet their going to sell millions! reminds me of a Honda trail 70 back in the seventies I had that makes me feel old..

[@WRjockey]

I think that's actually the very first bike I ever rode... A neighbor had one down the street. Then I got my own machine - a Honda XR75! haha That's what started it all for me.

[@johnkolinoff8591]

@@WRjockey right on I think my first one was the Honda qa50

[@umakantgajjewar8898]

Love the classic style, chrome, round headlamp, so sweet and desirable.

[@afc-td8zo]

it just reminds me of the old Honda 50cc mini bike I had when I was a kid . Cool video.

[@mbcoll8154]

They really should take the cycle license exemption from 50cc to 125cc so we can get a more capable bike without all the hubbub.

[@jonathankirkpatrick289]

Its great seeing a fellow big dude reviewing bikes like this. I’m 6’ 300+ and couldn’t imagine what I would look like on a bike like this. But honestly you don’t look bad on it. I’m throwing around the idea of getting something like this or a navi or a grom because i don’t have a far commute to work and I would only have to spend like $5 every week or so in gas

[@eshaanreza832]

Fun fact: the Honda monkey was released first during the sixties! It's the perfect bike for a greaser!

[@abbaby555]

I was thinking more like circus bear on a mini bike (I'd lookthe same but I want one anyway) Fun review thanks for sharing

[@eliotsalandybrown]

Lemmy you’re a great presenter! Thanks 🙏

[@ripmax333]

now if they only make one with bigger wheels, slightly larger frame and similar seat height, they would make a great scrambler.

[@davida5379]

Now that was a GREAT review of this bike. MC Garage /Magazine was an awful one. Thanks Lem/Revzilla

[@MaryK4242]

Looking to get one to learn to ride. Im chonky so it's good to see a big guy ride one with no issues.

[@thedood2059]

Revzilla is my favorite place because they have a large guy (like me) review tiny bikes

[@Billy_Darley]

in a couple years when these things are all over craigslist the comments on other bikes will be "but i can get a used Honda Monkey so much cheaper and its pretty much the same thing." the price in my honda store is 3k and i would gladly pay that. its never been abused and totally unmodified which is going to be impossible to find in used condition. i would rather buy one new so i can keep it in pristine original condition rather than have to undo the goofy ass fuckery someone else did to theirs.

[@eagleheart2203]

Im gonna make mine into a chopper with a plasma disc for aesthetics

[@mikehoward8201]

The difference in the monkey and my ruckus is not so much the speed, but with my ruck at 39 cc and 37 mph top speed, I did not have to register it, no license, no insurance bs. My 2017 Ruck now has 7,300 mile on it, averaging 90 mpg. I weigh in at 220 lbs., but if I weighed 165, I would ne getting over 100 mpg, so I cannot complain. This is my last bike, having had many, from Honda 110 Trail, to Honda 750 four, to Honda 750 ACE, to 1800 Goldwing, so now I ride a scooter and it is so much fun!❤😊

[@mikehoward8201]

49 cc, not 39!

[@NorristownRoomofDoom]

It looks like the trail 70 I had when I was a kid.

[@keithreh9338]

enjoyed the light hearted review...

[@bili6885]

One of the best bike out there. Passed my MSF with a cute monkey.

[@seanpgrimm]

Dude, this bike looks so fun!

[@ellobo1326]

I really like the idea. But you couldn’t get out of sight of it. One reasonable strong person could have it in the bed of their pickup in 10 seconds.

[@ardalla535]

I would guess that Honda designed this for the Asian market. It seems perfect for cities like Bangkok, Saigon and Phnom Penh for solo riding/commuting. But you can't have a passenger, so it's not perfect. It has tremendous charisma though. It should sell well in Asia.

[@Shamuthewell]

Just add back pegs and you can have a passenger. Barely enough seat, but it works.

[@crocksontherocksify]

I'm a big ape Lemmy, suspension is a bit hard and probably do with some upgrade shocks but other than that this bike is fun fun fun!! Top review fella

[@yeboscrebo4451]

I friggin love this bike. The best feature to me is the insane gas mileage

[@spothra8862]

Looks like a slightly bigger version of the '74 Z50 I grew up riding on back in the 70's....

[@finnishturtle3059]

Its alot bigger when u see them side by side i have a 1996 z50j myself and its worked great and i cam get about 380 km on one tank 4.5liters

[@_d--]

I see Lemmy i press like

[@garthhowe297]

Good commentary about this bike ... spec's just don't matter, just a fun little retro.

[@johntheaccountant5594]

I would never buy a Grom but I would buy the Monkey.

[@nathanwagner7937]

So it’s a Grom if it was styled like an old UJM?

[@michaelarmstrong1745]

Thanks for the review. I am 6 ft 2 inches and weigh about 235 pounds. I've sat on a monkey and my legs seemed fine on it. I wanted to get a Yamaha xt250 or a tw200 but because of production issues they are not available. Those were the bikes I used when I took lessons and got my license. Do you think this would be a good first bike for me given my size and experience? Thank you

[@XwpisONOMA]

NO!!! You too tall and too heavy for this bike.

[@79_air-arms-shooter29]

Soon as you started being negative I was gone

[@jeffreymurillo3131]

Hey Lemmy, how much do you weigh? I'm thinking of getting the Monkey next year so I might have to lose some weight lol

[@jeffreymurillo3131]

Thanks. I'm not too far away 260 naked lol Did they give any indication of when they'll have the yellow with ABS?

[@jeffreymurillo3131]

I'll check the dealers then. Honda's website only has the ABS in red.

[@khawajadotd]

See, Motorclist? This is how you do a review based on just a press launch. Loved it. Gave us some context, pointed out some shortcomings, and described the advantages of the model and who would benefit from it. Some feedback though: With headphones on, I heard every single time Lem breathed in between sentences. Maybe space him back from the mic a bit? I'm sure he'd be willing to project his voice a bit

[@WindFireAllThatKindOfThing]

I used to think my '81 Z50 with an 88cc head was dope. Now it seems inadequate. Just kidding. It's still dope AF

[@akustaka]

I swear to god there was a common thread that featured the Monkey where they took 2 on a LONG adventure, and ended up getting caught in a muddy AF clearing in the valley of some mountains on some salt-flat looking spot. Where has this video gone? @revzilla

[@RevZilla]

That was a video Zack and Ari did before joining RevZilla, that's why you don't see it on our channel.

[@n2dabloo]

It needs a milk crate fer haulin beer

[@thinkdunson]

1:20 i beg to differ... the fuel economy is one spec i think a lot of people would be intersted in... upwards of 150 mpg (based on the grom).

[@jay13270]

Looks perfect for camping

[@lilldeimon6469]

the problem with this bike is that it cost a little bit too high for a 125cc. i really hope i can afford it one day and if it's available in my country

[@christmher5687]

Very great motorcycle. I love the design. Keep it up. New friend is here

[@andrewklinez7444]

Turn indicators for the USA are horrendous !

[@joebug55]

You aren't kidding... and they also really killed the look of the super cub with the horrendous front blinkers and rear taillight assembly... you have to really want one of these to cough up $4k for a toy... lemmy looked like magilla gorilla on it! better off with a Honda PCX 150... at least you have some storage ... this monkey is for kids... anyone else looks ridiculous on it...

[@jsboening]

I agree. We really got screwed. That taillight looks cheap as hell.

[@andrewsmith-195]

Great review. I'd love to see you take one in the dirt, just for funzies.

[@marvilltx9430]

This dude looks a real life donkey Kong on that bike from Mario kart 8

[@TsvetanVR]

Why would I want to ride a minibike? Maybe I should find one to ride and see but I really don't see the appeal of minibikes. Had a lot of fun watching Lemmy on it though lol

[@juangonzalez3034]

They're just fun to ride.not built for speed but they'll get you around on main roads, they dont take up much space in the garage and are extremely good on gas

[@MrCfox125]

But that price......

[@GriffDawg94]

Morons will still buy it

[@dualsportwannabe3708]

As with most other models available today, someone WILL buy this bike from the dealer. They'll keep them around for a few years, and likely won't put many miles on them. And whammo kazammo, you'll be able to buy one on the used market for a fraction of the original sticker price.

[@dualsportwannabe3708]

I'm definitely not saying Honda's sticker price is particularly kind to consumer's. But if I have any sort of advice on the subject, it's this: At the end of the day, if you don't want to spend $4000 on a 125... then don't. But if Honda ends up selling a metric ton of these things to consumers at the current price point, great. I like to see motorcycle manufacturer's succeed. Chances are in a few years you'd be able to buy one for a fraction of the original price from some old retiree that put maybe 1000 miles on the thing. Now let's say they don't sell well at all and dealers end up sitting on them. That's where that super low manufacturing cost not only benefits you, but Honda as well. It's a low-risk investment for Honda, and eventually prices will be slashed and the consumer will be able to pick one up for a far more reasonable price in the event that initial sales suck.

[@worthlessdollar1]

@@dualsportwannabe3708 These are effectively toys for summertime use only. The 4 grand price tag is wildly overpriced and virtually guarantees that sales will be tiny. The number of these that'll still be around in 10 years, having never been crashed or stolen, will be even fewer. If the price was around £2000 they'd sell like hot cakes in towns and cities. Personally I'll stick with my £600 Suzuki GN125. Bags of fun, 20 years old and runs like brand new.

[@cisium1184]

Yeah, because it's a re-iussue, they are charging top dollar for brand name and nostalgia. If you can deal with them not being a Honda, there are better bikes out there for less money.

[@7x898]

what is the price of Monkey tanks for Saudi riyals? Thank you

[@countrycitymedia]

I just got mine! Do you recommend putting premium gas or just regular?

[@RevZilla]

Just use the minimum recommended octane. Pretty sure that means regular for the Monkey. -DrewZilla

[@countrycitymedia]

@@RevZilla thanks! Will do.

[@RevZilla]

You're welcome!

[@kaolo9776]

i always do Premium in Motorcycles. the price difference is so minor when the tank is only 1.5 gallons.

[@keystonedaytrip238]

Non-ethanol gas if available in your area 👍🏼 Basically - the same gas you’d run in any small engine u want to last .

[@michaelsutton8783]

I live in Manhattan New York, do you think I should get a Grom or the Monkey? I do have a girlfriend so the two seater option of the Grom makes it more practical, BUT THE MONKEY IS SEXY AS HELL. What do you think?

[@killbill2208]

Neither in California grooms get snatched almost everyday they are too small and light try the crf250l it wr250r they are basically the same bike just different shape harder to steal

[@animedxd15]

Haven’t watched it yet but liked it

[@davidrespect6471]

Wich will fit better for a 6'4 rider this or the grom?

[@shadeshiest22]

Lolol you’re kidding right???

[@da72ma]

I like it alot... and really want one... but whether you like it or not... go to a store to buy one... there is no denying in the fact that the critics don't got a leg to stand on as fast as the Monkeys flying off the shelf... and you will have a hard time finding one... Lol

[@Absolute_Unit135]

So basically, I am monky

[@geofreyp91]

Way cooler then a grom

[@ianhausser4079]

Everything´s fun and games until you see the price... $4000 ??? really Honda?

[@brandonhinkley1106]

but the resale value will hold im sure. it's a novelty bike, desired more by collectors and enthusiasts. 4k isnt bad if you can ride it for a year and resell it at 3200

[@Jake-jf9ij]

@@brandonhinkley1106 y tf would I wanna sell it after a year??

[@brandonhinkley1106]

@@Jake-jf9ij to get the 2020 when it comes out?

[@calebinman2358]

Kaolo this is probably why u have a credit score of 540

[@keystonedaytrip238]

I’m glad it’s $4000 ! It means it’ll be cost prohibitive for most .

[@eemileklund248]

Is there anyway that they are makeing 50cc version

[@howlingwolf125y]

Nice bike... Here couple of improvements I wish Honda would make.. 1). the speedometer/guages are very small.. I wish this were larger .. and wish the speedometer was analog .. I highly prefer a analog speedometer (especially since this would fit into the retro theme better). 2). Also the colors are too bright.. Offered only in bright yellow trim, bright red trim and now bright blue trim (for 2020). Be nice if they came out with some non-gay colors (for us straight dudes) like dark blue trim, dark gray trim, or black trim (not all black) for us who like to ride in a bit more of a stealth (low profile) mode... Oh while I am at it, the mirrors are too small and need to be larger and need to have some extend-ability so we can see behind better.

[@andrewdreyer7765]

is this capable of riding with a passenger?

[@paulmassingill]

“Swing a leg over a monkey” needs to be coined as a term for enjoying yourself on a ridiculously small motorcycle.

[@Gherbert1348]

What does Honda need to do so that it ends up in everyones garage???? Maybe sell it everywhere! We are not getting it in Canada... We have the Grom but not this or the new SuperCub, very stupid Honda

[@bludmakesgrassgrow]

Maybe sell it for half price?

[@garthhowe297]

Yeah... we get a very limited subset of the bikes offered elsewhere. On the bright side... we get a better selection of snow machines. lol

[@joebug55]

Dont worry... it's just a passing phase, everyone will be selling them after the novelty has worn off....

[@CoronaJoe]

As much as I like Lemmy, I’m a little surprised that he was the one to test this bike... Just sayin’. Lol

[@ryang1591]

Nah he's EXACLTY the guy from RevZilla that should test this.

[@finnishturtle3059]

Why did they remove the "wheelie bar"

[@keratubes]

Lemmy is crossing fingers for the red shell.

[@omert9681]

I been riding for 35 years , when I see someone putting the foot down while turning. , mmmmmm is he afraid to fall ? 🤔

[@flippy9133]

very cool bike, but you look really funny on it :D

[@joshuamorin2762]

I'm waiting for the predator 212 swaps to start lol.

[@stevemichaels4416]

Yeah...because people are gonna trade honda reliability for harbor freight junk.

[@bobbysworld3730]

How does this compare to the grom

[@bobbysworld3730]

Lol nvm

[@boomerhgt]

Benelli TNT 125 mini bike is just as much fun at nearly half the price

[@northerniltree]

How is it for transcontinental touring?

[@RevZilla]

Not great. Think more transURBAN touring. -DrewZilla

[@northerniltree]

OK, around town then. But you do realize you could ride this thing from Key West to Seattle, down to San Diego and then right up to Portland Maine, for around $200.00? And be taken to dinner by a different gorgeous cougar you'd meet at every stop light. I hope.

[@RevZilla]

We wish you the best of luck!

[@JR-ic4hl]

Love the retro styling, But the price on these are bullshit. There is no reason that bikes this size that are probably built on a assembly line, can't be sold for less than half than what they cost. People wait for old styles to come back, and when they do, the average person can't afford them. WTF!

[@SureShot_2]

throw some cupholders in and it would be a great starbucks-getter.

[@shaunc5749]

Long awited

[@tomsreviews238]

Looks like one of those mini clown bikes with him riding it!

[@daynmitchell7543]

I dont like how there's a black gas tank under the fake gas tank.

[@bigsolidboss781]

0:34 Is that the remaining firefly camp in the last of us 2？

[@jasonkim11]

Id buy one if it was $2000.

[@tsmith235]

The monkey needs a big brother say one 10th to maybe two tenths bigger and about a 250 so can fly on the highway

[@RevZilla]

Honda...Gorilla?

[@jajupa78]

@@RevZilla honda 'ape'?

[@zommerzoomer6527]

how tall is the rider?

[@RevZilla]

Lemmy is 6 feet tall. -DrewZilla

[@NicolasGomez-dn3oy]

Perfect laast bike!!!! What are you talking about😱😱

[@shadeshiest22]

Lol like when you’re pushing 75 80yrso....

[@Dizmantel]

Soooo another mini bike not as good as the Kymco Spade? Copy.

[@epbrown01]

Or a lightly used TU250X, or a Sym Wolf Classic, or...

[@HandleName_CB]

well, this fun cost a brand new 2020 390 duke at 2021

[@eddierags720]

157 mpg!

[@dadtrap]

I want one

[@GhettoSuguru]

Big guy on a lil bike

[@jasonwhitehurst7576]

All you need is a Darth Vader helmet!

[@alansmilealot]

My nighthawk 750 starter went out recent, its my first motorcycle. I purchased it last year and restored it, but couldn't find the proper starter repair kit to replace some bikes. I just ordered a aftermarket one and I may sell it for nothing soon. I may consider getting a 250 or 300 for a daily.

[@nathanc777]

Ok....... No one cares lol

[@alansmilealot]

@@nathanc777 could you plz try, I need somebody to care 😢

[@AamirK11]

Its like Honda navi

[@Cognitiveleaper]

This review...……… told me nothing.

[@DrVagax]

Check FortNine on KZbin with the title "Motorcycle Companies Buy Positive Reviews (and it sucks)". What that video says reflects a ton in this video. In a nutshell these guys get pampered by Honda, stay in fancy hotels and have nice diners to basically buy a positive review, the reviewer can't say too much negative things about it or otherwise they risk of not being invited again for the next motorcycle event of the company. Sad to see this happening, but at the very least these videos give a idea of how it is sort of like to ride a bike like that.

[@yubtypin]

kissing cousins, lol Funny but then a second later I realized kissing cousins make imbred critters.

[@jamesshedd752]

A great bike