Tiny Bike, Huge Mountain: I Take The Honda Monkey Up A Colorado Mountain - What Could Go Wrong?

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[@smoothmove7566]

9374 miles on my 2020 Monkey zero problems and she still runs and rides just like the day I bought her. Absolutely love it.

[@yeboscrebo4451]

That’s what I like to hear!

[@smoothmove7566]

@@yeboscrebo4451 11,200 miles now, still runs like new. : )

[@ohwell2790]

So glad you bought the female version of the Monkey, there wasn't a female Monkey available when I bought mine.

[@UltimateGCX]

@@ohwell2790 how to tell if male or female? I was thinking of grabbing a 2023 Monkey for my upcoming birthday in a couple of months.

[@Moondoggy1941]

When I was a teenager back in the 70's I rode the 50 cc model, it could climb hills like a billy goat,

[@jeffreyharville1918]

I was thinking the same thing!! This little bike reminds me a lot of the "50's"

[@karl7feet]

I used to ride one of these Z50 cc bikes in the early 70s, and we put a 70 cc piston and barrel on it, and it would climb almost anything, slowly, but it would keep pulling!

[@dbx1233]

Enjoyed this video. I'm an old guy who retired a couple years ago. I bought a Monkey, mainly for nostalgia, but it has been a lot of fun.

[@mikemer79]

Still own??

[@dbx1233]

@@mikemer79 Yes. I just hit 4000 miles. It's been a blast.

[@wascalywabbit]

Would you call this a street legal mini bike.. I love my Coleman mini bike have a blast with it . But.. I can't Ride it from here to another place to ride without a truck . I don't ride fast.. but I like to slow tour the trails.. maybe even try Hatfield McCoy with it.. but if the monkey is capable... I might just throw the $2500 at the dealership and smile as I ride it away

[@dbx1233]

@@wascalywabbit With taxes and all the paperwork, my dealership made me pay $5,015. before I could ride away. So, yeah, if you can ride away for $2500. you should. A minibike is a lawnmower engine. The Monkey has fuel injection, anti lock brakes, led lights, 5 gears and Honda quality. And will go 60 mph. I love my honda. I've had several mini bikes and they all were not very good.

[@PlayingWithFireOutdoors]

@@dbx1233 I feel you. In my small bike collection, I own a 83 CT70 (90cc motor) 2 RV90's ones a project, and the topper a 73 Z50. All topped by a 22 XT250! I'm thinking of selling one or 2 as they don't really get used enough.

[@BarakaTheGreat]

My wife and I got one of these as our 2nd vehicle and I’m about to hit 200 miles on it, I’m loving every second of it

[@steveleigh587]

Done 7500 miles on and off road here in the uk and this has proved to be a little awesome bike👍👍👍

[@y.emrekeles3345]

Hi Steve, I'm planning to buy this one but I wonder if I could fit this into a campervan. Can you tell me what's the precise length of the motorcycle without mirrors? Thanks.

[@robertyoung8289]

I'm 6ft 225. I love my Monkey. Best bike I've ever had.

[@robertyoung8289]

@Korbon Dallas Nope silly man. Super all day comfort. My last bike was a Harley Roadking.

[@robertyoung8289]

@Korbon Dallas All three of my legs are more than ample.

[@robertyoung8289]

@Korbon Dallas A BLACK Jew.

[@jackvliet]

@Korbon Dallas guy in the vid said he was 6'1" and he looks fine

[@paulbunyun3663]

if you love your Monkey, why do you spank it?

[@sferg9582]

Every time I see this little bike, it makes me smile!

[@ernicruz3631]

your killin it Tommy, this is the perfect bike for this! reminds me of the On Two Wheels episode on monkies to Baja.

[@decoconstruction]

Good job, looks like a fun bike, really like all the new TFL ventures

[@jimmywallace2782]

For $10 you can do a 10 min front sprocket change (14 tooth) and eliminate that tall takeoff. It actually lets the Monkey rev higher in 4th as well so top speed is not effected.

[@joecamel6835]

No one does a GPS real world before and after so my guess is the only change is the speedo is thrown off and in peoples wishful thinking head.

[@jimmywallace2782]

@@joecamel6835 just turn on your smart phone and it can log gps speed. I'm 300 lbs and stock top speed on flat was right at 55mph. after going 14/37 it's now 54mph but reving more. If you are going to run 55 it would be easier on the motor to be at lower rpm but 90% of my riding is under 40 where the lower gearing pulls hills and into the wind far better.

[@rosscajayon8177]

I have the Grom with knobby tires and it has gone to gnarly places

[@paulbunyun3663]

sold mt Grom for a Monkey, the seat on the Grom sucks

[@mixflip]

I kept seeing a moneky or 2 at overland expo Colorado. I want one now.

[@gungfuriceboy]

2022...comes with a nice 5 speed tranny...plus Exhaust improvement!... i want 1 too!! cheers!

[@joecamel6835]

@@gungfuriceboy I love the exhaust on my 2021 already .

[@OwensGarage]

I have a 2020 monkey and love it!

[@raypetrocelli595]

I had a Z50 & it was great, think that's why Honda made the Monkey, the newest version they laced it up with a 5 speed transmission which helps it out excellent on both ends

[@jeffjohnon4223]

14 tooth front sprocket is the best cheap upgrade there is,the rear shocks have a non adjustable spring compression BUT you can take the spring off and put a adjuster on from a old CB shock,as long as it is 32mm body I believe the measurement is,then you will have adjustable spring compression on the cheap.

[@Hard_7_Iron]

I grew up on a Honda Trail 70… the Monkey reminds me of that bike. Be careful putting your foot down. Not a good habit as your bike size grows. Can I buy a version of this in Asia?… we have kids and a home there, and this would look nice in our garage. Thanks Tommy… enjoy

[@Olgi41]

I used a CT 70 daily back in the 70's in the Canadian Arctic, seems very similar to me, too. A real little workhorse and super reliable.

[@SARpinz]

They are surprisingly capable. We took them on a multi day trip through the Washington Back Country Discovery Route and was amazed at the abuse we threw at them without skipping a beat. I even crashed pretty hard and was still able to drive it home with very little damage to show for it. Amazing little bikes. Better smiles per hour then anything else I've ridden.. 😊

[@azmiraclegirl441]

Reminds me of my old Mini Trail that was 50cc!! Pretty amazing!

[@13Sala13]

It's a cool bike but a CRF300L is just $1050 more which is a huge upgrade from this, and a Grom is $800 cheaper which does everything this does.

[@jasonjulian1]

Or even a used crf230l or 250l... The Monkey looks cool and is Nostalgic.. That's about all it has over the other bikes. Granted, I'd still like it if I had one, but there are a few better choices if dual sporting is your thing.

[@geraldburmeister9637]

There's just something about the monkey. I ride an 18 1000rr, 03 750shadow spirit, an 18 crf250l and now have a 2021 monkey and more people comment or ask about my monkey then all the other bikes combined. Man its just a cool factor😎

[@jasonjulian1]

@@geraldburmeister9637 yeah I've got a 230 class dual sport, a Grom clone with a 190 swap and a Ninja 250 and yamaha 850 triple. Most people only comment about the Grom-type.bike.

[@geraldburmeister9637]

@@jasonjulian1 thats not been my experience. I get compliments all the time on my bikes. People just love the build quality on the monkey. True, non bike owners probably comment the most because small bikes are the most approachable but all sorts of riders compliment the monkey as well. Value is where you find it and yes the monkey is a little pricey but worth every penny to me.

[@Terry_1111]

Nice video! I'm retired and just purchased a Monkey like yours. I hope to take it off road one day and do some moto camping with it. Safe travels to you.

[@nightfury6836]

LiL Scrambler!!! Great video & scenery Tommy. I'm learning how to ride in the dirt too. Keep practicing ;-)

[@WW-wf8tu]

That light bezel coming off sucks! That is a true shame it was not more robust for a brand new product. Glad your single person ride was a safe one. Keep a CB with you in case you lose cell reception and an emergency should crop up. ;)

[@monkeyventures6871]

Awesome rear wheel camera placement :D great vid!

[@grey8940]

great video.. and the scenery in that are looks amazing. Thanks.

[@Kodibear111]

Nice shots from the drone. You have to get the new Monkey next year. The 5 speed (as in my 22 grom) is a nice thing to have.

[@joecamel6835]

why ?

[@spydie]

@@joecamel6835 You're kidding, right? You really can't figure out why? Think about it a little more.

[@monkeydixadventures]

Great video 👍, I’m still loving my 2019 Yellow Honda. It has had a 10ft inflatable kayak on the back and an accordion 🪗. You can have soooo much fun on these little bikes. Cheers Dix

[@nigelcox7477]

Haha! Having an Accordion on the back made laugh out loud! Sorry don’t know why. I had a Monkey back in 2003 - went all over UK. Even did John O’Groats to Lands End with 30 other friends all riding Monkeys, took us a week (1600kms) - now that was a blast!! Enjoy!!

[@monkeydixadventures]

@@nigelcox7477 Hi Nigel, watch the video then. It will have you in stitches. Cheers Dean aka MonkeyDixAdventures

[@aaronbehindbars]

Throw a 14 tooth front sprocket on and the gearing will work better for ya. Counter to intuition, this may increase top speed. These can't hit the rev limiter i 4th, so the lower gearing gets you closer to redline in top gear. I installed better rear shocks and fork springs on mine (fork springs are a PITA and requires a special tool to disassemble the forks). Fork springs may not be as necessary for you at 168 lbs. Great video and always fun to see people doing cool stuff with the Monkey. I sold mine a few months back and miss it.

[@tahoehiker]

+1 for gearing down. The acceleration and hill climbing are well worth the small drop in fuel economy and an increase in top speed is possible with this bike due to the motor being able to more easily get up in it's powerband.

[@andys4971]

Why’d you sell yours?

[@aaronbehindbars]

@@andys4971 I had my fun with it and wasn't really riding it much.

[@ElonMuskX]

My fist bike was a KV75 with the fold down handlebars.....Reminds me of those times

[@andyderby150]

I got a 22 model it’s got a lot of mods, since I bought it the Harley hasn’t moved, it’s way easier to jump on the Monkey 👍

[@dalegarrard9446]

Had one...loved it, currently have a Rebel 500se...love it too.

[@jaykay643]

I always wanted a 70's mini trail but couldn't find a good one...at least reasonable priced. They've always been a collectors item. Now it makes more sense to buy this.

[@donaldmiller9130]

I bought a new candy blue CT-70 in 1970 -- for $330(!) -- and still have it in the garage. It's awaiting some upgrades (tires and shocks), but I hope to get it back on- and off-road someday soon! Many fond adventures for a 6'5" guy on that little cutie since 1970!

[@hamrmark]

01:42 "...somewhere between 55 and 57 mph..." So...56mph then?

[@1972mercurycougar]

Yeah, the ancient architecture, horizontal single, is a torque motor!! Love your videos!! Get some OEM half doors for your Jeep 2door😊

[@Dollsteak69]

This is one of the better reviews. Thanks!

[@freequest]

Honda Trail 125 has been used for many, many years by Australia post as its postal motorbike of choice. In fact, I think you can only buy secondhand in Australia as new is not sold to the public.

[@PlayingWithFireOutdoors]

Nice, I came into a 83 CT70 with a Lifan 90. I enjoy the small fat tire bikes.

[@atvseatexchange2176]

Great job Tommy, do more solo stuff. You're developing your own style and rhythm over the last few years and who knows where it will take you?

[@charterd]

Well said.

[@CrustyBiker]

Love this video, the scenery is cool and its very informative and well described, you talk a bit fast to take in all the points for me, but that's what the pause button is for right!? 😅 I really want one, even if it means getting rid of my 900 ninja and not having a big bike for group rides anymore, thanks for posting this..

[@pleasedontwatchthese9593]

I admit that I just put offroad tires on my grom. Clearing was a problem but it worked well other than that.

[@adamdelarozza1985]

Duck tape the H light bucket before you hit hard bumps! Very beautiful scenery & trail riding! 👍

[@jessaphillips2846]

Tommy I would look into Kenda tires for some better off road tires

[@richardwilliams3152]

They need a monkey class for the King of Hammers!!!

[@timwaddell7499]

Like that it has an actual key unlike the Super Cub and the Trail Cub which have the key fob

[@jackvliet]

Trail cub also has a regular key

[@vinuezaer]

Fun for sure ! 2 wheels always reward with smiles.

[@CFHGARZA]

I just got a 22 Grom. Pretty excited for the weather to warm up so I can ride it

[@ricklarmer461]

These are cool. My buddy has one, but for the price, you can get much better. Even a light XT 250 or crf 230. Cmon Honda, way too expensive.

[@paulipuhakka8788]

I can't believe he or anyone else has mentioned the 50 or 70cc mini trail Honda's of the early 70's. Who didn't own one, or new someone who had one, and learned how to ride a bike for the first time!!! What a flashback!

[@pleasedontwatchthese9593]

I think the bikes and beards had a whole video series on them. Its how I learned about them.

[@glenhawman7440]

New st125 next year

[@mrvv8337]

Someone born in the 90's. That's why.

[@thejubieexperience]

I already own a hunter cub and I'm really tempted to sell my bigger 650cc bike and buying a Monkey too. Minimotos are the most fun, even for longtime riders. I'd rather load up my CT125 and/or a Monkey and take em to the woods than wrestle a big bike up there. I should just get a dirt bike, but the styling on these pulls at my heartstrings in a way they don't.

[@joecamel6835]

A RE Himalayan has cool styling .

[@solosaga5091]

If I didn't have a TW, I think I'd be Monkeying around. 👍👍 Baffles me that Honda didn't put the dual range trans on the Monkey and Trail125 like they had on some models in the 70's. 🤷

[@bigmathrogers8657]

This is a great bike for fun and beginners… I had one in yellow and loved it !

[@hipskipne1984]

So u no longer have it? GET OUTTA HERE

[@hipskipne1984]

Only fools get rid of their monkey

[@johnnybgood7812]

Love my little Monkey but really need to swap out my rear shocks as they are the weak point. From what I hear you don’t need to spend a fortune to upgrade to something worthwhile. Great bike though.

[@bwnco]

You got a good voice.. and right to the point.. i like this..

[@lungmotocei1897]

Good Video. Ist's a pretty good lightwight small single bike with the nice oldschool-design but a little bit to much plastic.

[@joecamel6835]

More metal than most sport bikes and most dual sports .

[@billbates5475]

It is defintely of the 70's Z 50 lineage, style and engineering-wise.

[@robertedwards7430]

Really enjoyed this video

[@uncletom1971]

I was about to buy the Monkey last year when I was trying for my motorcycle endorsement, but ended up with the Kawasaki KLX230 instead. They're very similar in price, but the Kawa is more of an adventure/enduro bike, and I think it would take you further into the rough country. The TW200 is ofcoures also a popular choice, but being a tall guy with long legs the TW200 was never an option for me.

[@jeffreysquires1839]

How is the KLX230 on the road? I bought an older KLR250; but sold it because it was too loud and vibrated too much. I would have tingling in my hands after a 30 minute ride home.

[@uncletom1971]

@@jeffreysquires1839 The KLX230 feels great on the road, especially with my new tires (Dunlop Trailmax, front 90x90 and rear 120x90). The original tires weren't bad but the front tire thread made a whining sound when going fast on asphalt. I often ride at least half a day, sometimes more, on asphalt roads, on gravel or forest trails, over roots and rocks, it really is a versatile bike and I don't suffer from any vibration issues. At least none that I'm aware of. I commute to work on it, which is 25 mins away. However, on longer day trips I do need to rest every two hours, or so, as the seat is kind of stiff, which results in a slight butt ache.

[@jeffreysquires1839]

@@uncletom1971 thanks for the info! I might get one this spring if they have them in stock. Do you ever wish you had a wind shield?

[@uncletom1971]

@@jeffreysquires1839 well, I thought about installing a windshield, but then I wouldn't be able to monkey around on forest trails as the shield would get in the way of things. A windshield is good for faster bikes I think, the KLX230 never gets up to those speeds anyway. My fav road-speed is between 70-95 kmh, which is fast enough, I pushed it up to a 122 kmh once, a windshield then would help ofcourse but the strain on the motor wouldn't be nice.

[@tanall5959]

I'm curious if they do like the old Honda ATV's and put the air intake under the seat? Would be able to ford a decent bit of water if so.

[@MrStrollerisme]

The monkey reminds of my 1973 lil Honda 50. Looks like they just stretched it out a bit. Them things are blast and take a major beating.

[@ElonMuskX]

Why do my dealerships have no stock but I see plenty on line?

[@TheStenfelt]

Hi, I've been watching quite a few videos on the monkey going off road but so far I've hardly seen any one standing on. 🤔 Does it feel weird standing on it or is it uncortable standing? I haven't had the chance to try it for my self so would be glad to hear your thoughts. 😊 Thanks for the content you making! ^^

[@killerb5726]

I use to have a Yamaha champ 80 and took that thing through some crazy crap.

[@ericpiotrowski2148]

Ohlins suspension and tires make this a very fun bike. Great for even an experienced off road rider

[@61Slughi]

I got a set of Ohlins and it's way above the stock set.

[@abbaby555]

Now that's an adventure ride

[@captainkirk3757]

Can't wait to pick up the new updated 2022 model and go on adventures like this. Awesome!

[@jessaphillips2846]

That 5 speed will make for an all around much better bike

[@kmac720]

Anyone know what tires there are? The Pirellis dual purpose maybe?

[@dwalker2431]

Basically the same 1986 trx125 that I have sames motor basically it's still running no rebuilt

[@billdee9622]

My buddy bought on of these today. What mileage range do they have on that tiny tank of gas ?

[@bdp-racing]

I’m kind of wondering how those compare to the cheap clones like the Icebear Champion 125 🤔

[@joecamel6835]

Dude it's a Honda.

[@bdp-racing]

@@joecamel6835 Honda's aren't as good as they used to be...

[@rzu7120]

Good casual review.

[@PGOOO7]

Brilliant vid and bike thanxz The 9 dotz

[@fixitmyself]

Nice review

[@kerryrwac]

Reminds me of my Honda Mini Trail. It was my first bike.

[@paulipuhakka8788]

Absolute carbon copy of the 50 or 70cc mini trail! Don't you think so?

[@kerryrwac]

@@paulipuhakka8788 indeed. I had the 50cc hard tail.

[@paratrooperlane7022]

Reminds me of the Honda 50 back in the 70s

[@fatpapercat4434]

Trail 125 has a better off road capability, but , the transmission of that one is both the advantage and disadvantage, on the disadvantage side, you can not learn how to ride majority bike through trail 125. So, monkey maybe is the best one for 125cc level because this one actually is a mini scramble which are more mutli purpose

[@alainberthaux9439]

hello very nice video wonderful landscape thank you very much for this trip Alain pyrénées france

[@mikeherber8358]

are the blinkers LED also

[@othmane767]

the motor was hot weren't you afraid that cold water would damage it when you crossing?

[@tphvictims5101]

I’m going on 70. Honda changed riding forever.

[@weirdshibainu]

Honda did make it more popular. I miss the euro bikes of the 70s and 80s. Bultaco, Ossa, Montessa.

[@jeffsack8951]

Is there a reason your front tire and rear tire are on different?

[@jeffcameron3390]

Great video Tommy. This makes me wish I wasn't 6'6" and 280 lbs 😕😕😕

[@chrisronan]

I’m 6’7” and roughly the same weight. I’m gonna go for it!

[@carado1984]

Tw200 is an option

[@armadilllo]

at least you can ride a real adventure bike unlike little guys

[@ReverendNaughty]

Take this from someone who has one and is your size- just buy one.

[@outbackeddie]

I recently found out these Monkeys get up to 160 mpg. I was on the fence for a while but once I learned that I ordered one. I probably won't get it until next summer but it will be worth the wait.

[@shannondoherty4803]

I get a little over a hundred miles to the gallon

[@yeboscrebo4451]

where’d you get that jacket?

[@shawnkliewer9987]

Been there. A flat dirt road. Couple hills and bumps no.

[@jasonnguyen2801]

You and alex and case should take a off road trip together with the monkey, crf110f, and other offroad bikes

[@markjacobs3956]

Love Peru Creek! Local here...

[@noelleonard2498]

Huge price tag for a minibike, insane

[@SgtZen]

I totally want to buy a monkey or a trail 125, although in Ontario where we can only drive for 6 months a year the insurance company wants 2400 a year for coverage on one of these bikes.

[@carsacrossmissouri3250]

I think you would love a crf250l I ditched 4 wheels.

[@doanrademeyer3180]

I adore small displacement off road bikes like this one and the new trail 125, but I feel like its a waste since you cant really jump on them for a quick trip to the shop if there is a bit of motorway inbetween.

[@hazcat640]

It's called a TW200 ;)

[@andys4971]

@@hazcat640 I was just about to say that. TW200 is an amazing bike for people who don’t care about being fancy or noticed

[@uncletom1971]

I particularly notice the TW200, more than I do Harleys and the rest of mainstream two-wheeled products.

[@uncletom1971]

@@hazcat640 what about the recent KLX230?

[@hazcat640]

@@uncletom1971 Sorry I didn't see your reply before this. The KLX230 would be a great little run-a-bout for younger (I'm 67) more 'flexible' people. Seat is a bit tall and tires a bit skinny for novice trail riders (IMO) but I would kill for that engine and gearbox in a TW.

[@billwilliamson9842]

your front tire on backwards?

[@petersymons7817]

Thank you

[@zackde8795]

Maxxis off road tires work great for these.

[@coletrick8748]

Love this little bike until I found out the price... 🤔.. btw it’s very dangerous to submerge that engine in water if it’s fully warmed up... You can crack or warp the engine block.

[@spydie]

No you can't. The engine can be run underwater as long as the air intake and exhaust are above water.

[@pironi2405]

Super Cub don"t have clutch level, is the same on all four model.

[@bananaboy78member40]

Can 2 person ride on this?

[@c.morees9698]

Great little bike!

[@joehudson3072]

The rear shocks are usually adjustable

[@massimocamorani8066]

the version 2022 is adjustable

[@ramiretz]

one thing which is really a shame .. there is an digital cluster but it doesn't have a clock integrated... such a simple thing but no... no clock... and even on the new 2022 monkey the same... no clock OUCH the rest of the monkey is super nice... i had 2 of them..

[@pkanatas]

What about tyres comparison other knobby tyres?

[@hamood1234fool]

Any parts of it made in Japan?

[@1972mercurycougar]

New 5speed ''22 Monkey has different gearing, and should drive better up grades!