I Just Got My Motorcycle License - Here's Why The Honda Monkey Is A PERFECT First Bike!

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Tommy just got a brand new Honda Monkey as a gift, and in this video he goes through all the gizmos and features, explaining why it could be the perfect first bike for a new rider.
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#Honda #Monkey #FirstBike

[@MrBillsfishin]

The only time in his life he has ever heard Roman say "You can go play with your Monkey now Tommy".

[@ontheway4034]

Congrats Tommy! I'm a new rider as well and bought the same bike last year. I've been having a lot of fun commuting to work and exploring the back roads near my house. You don't need to go 100 mph to have fun. Enjoy!

[@RichieRich-ug2wr]

How’s it holding up ? Is it your daily ?

[@ontheway4034]

@@RichieRich-ug2wr I’ve put over 2000 miles on it with zero problems I get between 115 and 130mpg. Still love it.

[@mannyechaluce3814]

I wish I started on a small displacement bike like that, I rode a Hayabusa as my first bike, now I ride a motorized wheelchair , vrooooooom

[@jongrabbe3357]

I really appreciate what Tommy and Chase are doing with their videos. Taking the paths less traveled and exploring what others would dismiss as uninteresting or beneath them. Shows their youthful sense of adventure. Thanks for taking us along on your journey!

[@robertyoung8289]

Yea! I have one too. I've owned 56 motorcycles in my life. This is the most rewarding enjoyable bike I've ever purchased. Its here for life! Enjoy.

[@michaeldavis5775]

Exactly! I've had my motorcycle license since 1971, and have owned countless dirt bikes and street bikes in my life. I even used to race a nine second turbocharged Z1 Kawasaki in the past. I just bought a monkey to take camping with me. Probably one of the funnest bikes I've ever ridden. I'm 6' and 200 pounds, and the Monkey fit me better than the Grom.

[@michaeldavis5775]

@@jamesb.armstrong5433 The seat and the seating position were why I picked the Monkey Bike over the Grom. I got the red one, but I wish they still offered the yellow model.

[@18droc]

Nice job. Those Honda monkeys are awesome, I have one as well. I would like to get a blue one, followed by a yellow one.

[@miked2075]

It looks really cool, but I’m 6 ft tall even and I feel like it’ll be too small.

[@robertyoung8289]

@@miked2075 I'm 6" 225lbs and it feels like it was tailor made for me. Do your self a favor and check one out.

[@johntyson]

I love the Monkey. Don’t listen to the haters, man. I’ve had everything from a Zuma scooter, to CBR1000RR, to a HD Electra Glide. The most fun bike I’ve owned was a Yamaha TW200. You’ll have a blast on that Monkey.

[@danatkinson6698]

This is the most "Tommy" choice of a bike possible 😄

[@J.W.W.]

Harsh 😂

[@R.Nelson]

Hey Dan!!!

[@danatkinson6698]

@@R.Nelson hey Ron, how goes it

[@user-rb2lm1fs7z]

Lolololll

[@gothops154]

I’m not sure this is a good thing

[@CraigSmith568]

If you look in the manual it says to run the cable through the d-ring on your helmet and hook both ends of the cable in the helmet lock.

[@benda18]

Been riding for 20 years. Do not underestimate how much fun small bikes are. You may be tempted away by higher HP but you'll be back

[@andrewsmith9575]

Great start Tommy! Honda has brought back the fun factor. This sold a lot of motorcycles during the 70’s. I have been restoring z50’s, ct70’s and all the smaller bikes for 25 years now. Honda figured out adults have fun on mini bikes too! That sells motorcycles!

[@ericwilliams626]

The Monkey is the example of what you learned on back in the day. The Honda 50 was the smallest. Confidence building is the point of such a form factor and this is the only bike for those who are truly intimidated by motorcycles. This will be in the documentary I'm producing on promoting the idea to learn to ride.

[@aham3476]

I recently bought a blue 2021. Super fun to ride!

[@TheFremenChick]

I just got my license this week and this is one of the bikes I was looking at. Thanks!

[@Ukrainianification]

Don’t waste your money get a 650cc

[@richcampbell6808]

New grom

[@josiahortega9284]

1. I had no idea you gentlemen had started an additional channel revolving around bikes! I've been too busy digesting all the content you've been putting out about the Jeep Gladiator XD. I'm excited to start watching this channel as well! You've got another subscriber. 2. Congratulations on your first bike, Tommy! I just purchased my first one as well--pick it up next Saturday.

[@gwattsjr]

Congratulations Tommy on getting your license! It’s great to see another motorcyclist join the club. 👍P.S. You’ll quickly learn the issue with the mirrors isn’t unique to the Monkey; many other bikes have the same issue unfortunately.

[@sebbwebbo7557]

I would say most bikes :D

[@spydie]

I love your video so much that I keep going back to it and watching it over and over. I sold my Yamaha XT250 today to a newbie that just graduated his MSF class (he had to ride a small Suzuki because he's 5' 8". They let him sit on the XT, but wouldn't let him ride it) and I ordered my Monkey. Now I have to wait until fall to get it because it seems everyone is out of them within 500 miles of me. I've got a garage full of motorcycles, Kawasaki W800, Honda CT70, Moto Guzzi V7 Stone, Vespa GTS300) and have been riding for 55 years. I'm 71 and can't wait to get on the monkey. I had the new CT125 and didn't like the automatic clutch and the VERY HARD seat so I sold it. I think I'll love the Monkey.

[@EngineersHomestead]

Congrats on the license and bike! Getting a Jim Carrey Dumb and Dumber vibe seeing you ride that tiny bike.

[@danatkinson6698]

Just when I think you couldn't possibly be any dumber, you do this and totally redeem yourself!

[@WW-wf8tu]

@@danatkinson6698 "I can get 70 miles to the gallon on this hog."

[@joeyp4196]

Til i find my heaven.. til i find my heaaaaven.

[@Zetetic_Method]

I just got one of these for my 15yr old son so start riding to school. But we're in South Tampa Bay, so it's flat & relatively warm all the time. Perfect Moto Weather

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

One of the last things said to James Dean was "be careful, the Porsche Spyder is small and hard to see by other drivers". Just a few hours later a car made a left turn in front of him and RIP James Dean. Being safe on two wheels is about making yourself visible and assuming the worst from drivers around you, the ones you can and CAN'T see pulling out of blind alleys.

[@volvo09]

I'm thrilled that Honda is bringing back (bringing to the US) all these cool little bikes that were usually only available in India and asia. If you check out pictures of bikes in India there are so many cool little bikes! They're a blast to ride, and super convenient.

[@stoundingresults]

I'd buy one because I know this Little Honda will still work in 40-50 years.

[@kiplambel4052]

While riding in the redwoods by Santa Cruz, CA, I saw a large group of Monkey and Grom riders--prolly 40 bikes, hooning through the twisties thru the redwoods, and wheelieing thru the tiny towns. Looks like a lotta fun, but you will be on that CRF300 by summer, Tommy

[@silentshredr]

Perfect bike for an experienced rider also!

[@KindCreature1]

You meet the nicest people on a Honda. Campervan Kevin inspired me to look at the Monkey. Happy and safe trails to you. Great video too! Mike

[@patrickphippspa584]

Tommy and I are twins I think! We own the same vehicles many times from the W123 to the Honda Monkey. Although I like the yellow, I do love to watch Tommy's videos. Thanks buddy, so much fun to see you on two wheels.

[@josevanbeverhoudt6945]

My dad gave me a honda minitrial 50cc when I was 7 years old. Since then I have always had motorcycles, im 57. I have a kawasaki 650 er-6n and last year I bought a NIU Nqi-gts electric scooter. Cheers and enjoy your ride

[@MikeAlfaDelta]

Congrats Tommy! Welcome to the 2 wheel community!!! Great video. I've been looking at the Monkey for just around the town.

[@RobbieHerrera]

That bike is a lot of fun even for expert riders. Congrats! My brother got a 1969 Honda Mini-Trail (that's what they called them in the Philippines) when we were kids and it was so much fun especially on the beach. My first bike was a Honda CB360T.

[@joeyg283]

Tommy and Andre are my favorite personalities on TFL. Be safe out there on the bikes Tommy!

[@tomhinklejr.5055]

That same piece comes with the CT125 Trail. Under the seat of the Trail is a small metal bar that the tether slips through so the hooks hang out from under the seat to lock your helmet too.

[@davidgrisco1939]

"Take it easy Everybody's got something to hide Except for me and my monkey Woo!" - the beatles

[@ManuelMartinez-tp1gf]

Congrats on getting your license! For myself, $4000 for this bike seems steep. I would put it toward a bit bigger bike. As another commenter said, something more suitable for street use. However, you should ride what makes you happy. Welcome, fellow rider!

[@jarredl990]

Yeah they missed the mark on the price for this, should’ve been the original grom price.

[@Porsche996driver]

Great first bike, why not? Plus if you’ve got an RV it’s super easy to load up and quick local trips! You’ll own this many years, even though you’ll get another bike soon ha! ✊🏼🏁

[@alexzingo6952]

I got 2022 Monkey. It could be my last bike. I had about 15 bikes before it. Last one was 1200cc Harley, but you cannot compare it to Monkey. Different class. I like the baby very much. Cheap to run, easy handling. Great video thanks.

[@armadilllo]

I just got mine saturday, been riding for 55 years, there is no age or experience level for this bike, it's just fun, just like they were in '68 except faster and a little bigger. My mirrors were set up too close, I swiveled the stems out, adjusted them and they're fine now.

[@Bdub1952]

Congratulations on your choice, Tommy. I started out riding 50+ years ago on a 50cc Honda C110. I graduated to a 350 then a 750 with 20 or 30 bikes in between, and today I ride a V-Strom 1000 that I bought new in '02. I cringe when I see new riders on 100+ HP rockets.

[@badgerpa9]

I had a Honda 360 when I was teenager great bike for on and offroad, small but could still do ok. Be safe Tommy stay out from in front of trucks that will stop slower than you.

[@dahveed284]

I have a friend who "adventurized" her Grom. She got a skid plate and crash guards and knobby tires. What she found is the 12" wheels are not going to be good in an off-road situation. I would recommend you keep the Monkey street orientated and get a dual sport bike already set up for off-road. That's what she is doing. There are many options and learning to ride off road is great for learning good bike handling skills. But the Monkey is a great starter bike for a mid-sized or smaller person. Be safe out there.

[@1990-t1j]

Good video. Great little bike. Good luck with it, lad.

[@memsybabe]

Advice to you as a new rider, don't try 'zipping' thru traffic. It'll be tempting, but leave home a little early, and sit with the traffic, at least until you have a good few months under your belt. It's not your capability that'll be in question, it's getting used to everyone else not seeing you. Ride safe brother, welcome to the club 🙏

[@scootamayne610]

That's a clean looking bike, I'm actually getting ready to buy my first Honda ruckus in about a month then possibly upgrading to this bad boy in a few months. I'm in my mid 30s and don't really want anything too crazy. And new to the channel brother.

[@toofastnobrakes]

Congrats on your first bike! Will say you are gonna grow out of that 125cc real quick 😂

[@timbechtol3360]

2021 is going to be a good year for TFL bike 😎

[@Desertfox92308]

Tommy I started my riding career on a '71 Trail 70! Great little bike. I am surprised you didn't buy the Trail 125? But still a good introduction to riding! Be safe out there young man.😀👍

[@zbenkert]

Hard to get ahold of the Trail right now, plus that monkey has the most comfortable seat ever.

[@JDelta87]

Congrats on your first street bike. Stay safe and enjoy the ride!

[@1136tscc]

Welcome to the world of motorcycles! I will be watching.

[@eatcommies1375]

Congratulations on the first motorcycle! Now all is left to do is put Roman on the back and do a winter reliability test from Boulder to Aspen, just like Loyd Christmas &Harry Dunn;)

[@keithjohnson3993]

As an experienced dirt biker, save your money, leave it stock, tires match the capabilities of the bike as a whole. As your confidence and skills grow you will want a more capable bike. Spend your money on a bike where your spend will make a difference. Hope you have fun in growing your skills/confidence. I love dirt biking!

[@tedwitus]

whatever gets you on two wheels I'm all in ... great review, TFLbike! I'll be a sub

[@twotiretirade4624]

Colorado Represent!!!! Take that bike and hit the old mining dirt roads up in Idaho Springs!

[@mullman]

I’ve ridden bikes since the 70s and want one of these or the Trail 125! So fun.

[@richardbaier7335]

When I was a kid my parents got me a Honda Monkey clone. It’s was a 2000 Panda Fun Rider that was pretty identical to that monkey except it was a 50cc 3 speed. Like you plan to do I ended up modifying it to a dirt bike over the years and turned it into a 125cc four speed with upgraded suspension and exhaust. The bike will haul but I ran out of places to ride out here in jersey. I still have the bike though!

[@WW-wf8tu]

LMAO. Tommy, you do not disappoint with your uniqueness. Goes well with your manly Mini. 😂 It is a great choice to keep your feet flat on the ground. 👍. Made my morning. :)

[@LarsaXL]

It's got a real key. Underrated feature these days.

[@Thataussiebattler]

I like the bike, retro as hell, and great to get from A to B on a budget.

[@jarredl990]

Budget? You can buy a full size 250 for comparable price.

[@Txjsharp38]

I just bought a 2021 red monkey and love it for cruising around town and a little off-road.. Im waiting on new exhaust and other stuff it’s going to be fun putting new parts on it .

[@taylordavison6849]

Hey! I'm in Colorado, too! And, of course, I'm researching what would be a good first bike for me.

[@congerscott6064]

I've been riding for years and im thinking about getting one just to toy around on, it looks like it would be a lot of fun to ride, especially if you were with 3 or 4 more people that had them 👍.

[@hockeymann88]

I have had motorcycles for much of my life and I think this little thing is awesome. It looks great and it is a great size for a beginner. A much better choice then a scooter as it gets you comfortable with a manually shifted bike. Good choice. Did you consider a Yamaha TW200 at all?

[@IllTakeALook]

If only I know this existed. I just bought my first bike as well. I ended up on a Street Glide.

[@gorillaninja78]

Congrats! Welcome to the bike community! ✌🏻🇨🇦 Monkey looks like a blast!!

[@toobalicious]

Love the Monkey - that one is a keeper!

[@keithdainton6043]

In the uk you start on small motorcycles it's the best way to learn that's why I have gone 51 years without a accident.

[@dbx1233]

Excellent choice and being a Honda, it should be rock solid dependable!

[@05rollerman]

Congrats on the bike! It might not be the best beginners bike, but I hope you will enjoy it! Glad to see you were wearing safety gear! Purchase some riding jeans! Regular jeans won't hold up well, and 55 mph on a small bike are no different than 55 mph on a larger bike. Have fun & keep the shiny side up! You mentioned the MSRP, but what was your out the door price? For someone that never purchased a new motorcycle before they might be surprised to find that the actual purchase price, after misc dealer fees, setup & destination charges, and tax title & license fees is probably closer to $5200? Granted each dealer charges slightly different fees, but the MSRP is not the out the door price.

[@MDHenry4]

Congratulations

[@michaelsdestiny]

Luggage rack(not very large) that can be used for lifting the tail end of the monkey (.rear rack luggage carry chromium z125 all new monkey 125 on Amazon). I own a blue without ABS and a red one with ABS. You can add a basket (on Amazon) to the luggage rack which I did to one. Use it to make runs to mini-mart in summer.

[@aaronbehindbars]

Atta boy, Tommy! I love my 2019 Monkey and can attest to the fact that red ones are the fastest! If you want crash bars and a skid plate, check out T-Rex Racing. They also make a center-stand and a luggage rack. The mirrors being useless have more to do with how narrow the handlebars are. I swapped my bars and fixed that issue. Most Monkey owners install mirror extender brackets. I have exactly one video on my KZbin channel with my Monkey showing off an aftermarket exhaust I no longer have on the bike. Maybe I'll shoot another video showcasing the current configuration of my bike.

[@steveleigh587]

Had lots of bikes of all sizes but the monkey is by far the best ever 👍 enjoy your ride Tommy🙂

[@dommm111]

Congrats Tom, that bike is a lot of fun

[@adventureguy4119]

These little bikes and similar terrified me when I was a trucker

[@krvav1]

Having ridden some bikes, the monkey grom is god to learn the basics but its almost counter productive in some things it teaches you when you get on your next bike (turbobusaaaaa)

[@larryborn1082]

This is a cute but INCREDIBLY over priced toy bike. As a 36 year street rider, an MSF Rider Coach and graduate of several advanced street riding courses I will state that this is NOT what I would consider a good choice for a first time bike to be ridden on the street/as a commuter. The bike is way too small for you and the wheel/tire combo is very unstable. For the same price a Suzuki GW250 and for only about $500 more you could have something like a Kawaski KLX 230 ABS, Suzuki TU250, DR 200 S, VanVan 200, Yamaha TW 200 or V Star 250. Every one of those is approachable, more stable, more reasonable for a variety of uses and safer to ride.....and there is also a pretty wide selection of styles there. Kudos for getting your license to enjoy a bunch of fun, I just think that the Monkey is all mouth and no trousers.

[@larryborn1082]

BTW, I am not a "bigger is better" guy as my current bike is a Kawasaki Z400.

[@jas350]

Larry or you have no idea what your talking about

[@nicolasrodrigue529]

Congratulatiin on your new bike. The metal wire with rubber is a helmet lock i got the same on my nc750xa. You go trough your helmet d ring then trough the other round part of the thing. It should have a place for it on the bike. Read the freakinn owner's manual :p ..

[@BK-ju6rb]

Suggestion, take an MSF course and learn how to do U-turns without putting your foot down. Low speed maneuvers are the hardest to learn.

[@biker1581]

I hit like before watching the video, it's such a cool bike,,,,,congrats!!

[@gregferris9378]

If they're available for that handlebar system get some bar end mirrors

[@godfatherNYC]

OMG this is a *true nerd's* approach to becoming a motorcyclist.

[@gothops154]

Yea honestly this guy is the definition of dweeb and even when he gets a motorcycle he somehow becomes more of a dweeb

[@misstrunchbull3953]

@@gothops154 you say dweeb like its an insult

[@a-team65]

Total dork for sure but I support this lol

[@Theguyyouhatetolove]

You funny asl

[@mrbubetube]

no, it's for maggots with a capital F

[@armadilllo]

cable is for the helmet lock

[@mindspinn311]

Easy bike to learn on, but has downsides for a learner also, and I like small bikes. Some new riders who get used to riding something like this will still find normal size bikes intimidating, others will be able to translate their new skills easily.

[@scottimusgarrett15]

It just looks like I'd be smiling my face off the whole time I rode it.✌️❤️🙂🇨🇦

[@michaelflaherty1358]

That Honda engine has been around in some form or other since the ancient Egyptians. It's bomb proof.

[@mariodesmo]

Believe me, you'll be trying to pop wheelies soon, if not already! Enjoy your new found skill !

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Thumbs up for getting that license! Welcome to two wheels my friend :-)

[@jupiterchua]

Don't change it. Keep it stock.

[@CPUspeed]

Mmm I figured you more of a ‘Busa guy Tommy 😆

[@freddworacek72]

Congrats on the license and bike! There is a lot of Monkey haters here. They just don know what they are missing out on. I have had a banana yellow moneky and I miss it so much. My other bike is an BMW K1600GTL. For commuting the only choice was the monkey. I am planing to switch the K1600 GTL with an S1000XR and getting the new Grom. When lane splitting there is no better bike. I often honk at the bigger bikes to get them too move out of the way. Greatings From Norway!

[@Jivvi248]

im not just getting into driveing bikes but in ireland i have to get my first bikes on the road it has to be 125cc so its either this or the grom for fun

[@aaronnicholson8470]

lol hell, I've owned my Banana Yellow Monkey for two years and I've never opened the tool set.

[@aussie1461]

This bike actually looks so cool if it was bigger I would literally buy right now

[@adamdelarozza1985]

So revving an EFI bike isn't the same as the old carb bikes, its a different sound but i like them better and they are hassle free! Cool Bike, i think that strap is a security cable incase you have to leave the bike, you can lock its mobility so it can't be carried away.?!

[@sanjaym]

Thanks for the great review. Does one need a motorcycle license?

[@thomasrossi31]

Wow... that back seat rider will have a new nickname... “Thumbs” or “Stumps”... the way he’s holding on... hit a bump, and say goodbye to his fingers.

[@dinospumoni8860]

Cant decide between this or a ruckus to bring with then I go camping. Would prefer a golf cart but state parks are a holes about anything that isn’t plated.

[@Zetetic_Method]

I think I would choose the 125cc Honda lineup: Grom, Monkey, Super Cub, ADV125, & CT125 over ANY other single motorcycle. Yes, even THAT one you're thinking of "what about..." That one too.

[@BobDiaz123]

The Money remains me of the non-street legal Mimi bikes that were around when I was a kid. They were small and a lot of fun, just don't get caught by the police.

[@johntheaccountant5594]

I bought a Honda Monkey for my 5 foot tall Thai secretary to do the errands on. She thinks it is really cool but gets confused with what gear she is in when she stops and says it should have a gear indicator.

[@travisb9130]

Tommy strikes me as the kind of guy that thinks 8:30 is staying up "late".

[@ryangibson5496]

On two wheels Tommy, Congrats!

[@lanceripplinger8352]

What a cool little bike. Can't beat the Honda reliability either. 😀

[@uniqueanartist6792]

I'll def get this as my first bike