HONDA The Power of Dreams

In 2017, the 50cc Monkey came to the end of its 50-year history, much to the disappointment of its many fans.

Over the years, successive Monkey models had become beloved leisure motorcycles, cultivating a unique motorcycle culture of their own. For Honda, the Monkey was also a model whose values deserved to be carried forward to the next generation.

With this in mind, the Monkey 125 development team set out to expand the Monkey—whose popularity had grown in Japan—to customers around the world by creating a new model that would appeal to a broader audience.

To gauge public reaction, Honda chose two of the world’s leading motor shows: the Tokyo Motor Show and EICMA.

In October 2017, Honda gave the Monkey 125 Concept its world premiere at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017. Shortly after the show closed, the same concept model was exhibited at EICMA 2017 in Milan.

The Monkey 125 Concept received an overwhelmingly positive response at both the Tokyo Motor Show and EICMA, with many visitors and fans expressing their desire to see the motorcycle enter production.

In April 2018, Honda introduced the eagerly anticipated Monkey 125 in Japan. The production model retained styling that was almost identical to the concept first shown at the previous year’s Tokyo Motor Show.

The development concept for the new Monkey 125 was to “Expand the Monkey’s fun-loving character and let riders express their individuality through the joy of play.”

Retaining the styling that had become synonymous with the Monkey, the new model adopted a 124cm³ air-cooled, four-stroke OHC single-cylinder engine, broadening the enjoyment of riding.

The design faithfully preserved the compact, charming character that had always defined the Monkey.

Its short, tall proportions and muscular stance created the instantly recognizable trapezoidal silhouette that had become the Monkey’s signature.

Each major component—including the fuel tank, seat, side covers and fenders—was designed as a distinct element while coming together as a cohesive whole.

The rounded trapezoidal fuel tank and thick, wide seat further emphasized the unmistakable Monkey styling.

Two body colors were offered in Japan: Pearl Nebula Red and Banana Yellow.

To create a premium appearance despite its compact dimensions, the frame, swingarm and front and rear suspension components were finished in matching body colors.

In Europe, the 2018 model was offered in three body colors.

Replacing the 49cm³ engine used in previous Monkey models through 2017, the Monkey 125 adopted a 124cm³ engine, allowing riders to enjoy safer, more capable performance in urban environments around the world.

The air-cooled, four-stroke OHC single-cylinder engine was tuned to deliver strong performance in the low- to mid-range, while a four-speed manual transmission preserved the engaging riding experience that had always been part of the Monkey’s appeal.

To deliver stronger power and torque in the 4,500–6,000rpm range most frequently used in city riding, Honda developed a dedicated air cleaner, connecting tube and muffler, creating a more satisfying and responsive power delivery.

The backbone frame was based on that of the 125cc Grom but was optimized throughout so that riders of all sizes could enjoy light, agile handling.

A specially designed swingarm with an oval cross-section provided excellent vertical rigidity while complementing the motorcycle’s signature rounded styling.

The suspension featured an inverted telescopic front fork and a conventional twin-shock swingarm rear suspension.

Both front and rear wheels were fitted with 12-inch tires featuring an 80-percent aspect ratio, combining a robust appearance created by their generous air volume with a block-pattern tread befitting a leisure motorcycle.

Disc brakes were fitted at both the front and rear, providing controllable braking performance.

In Japan, an ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) version was offered with front-wheel ABS, while ABS was standard equipment on European models.

As a global model, the Monkey 125 was introduced in Japan, Europe, Thailand and the United States, earning widespread popularity among riders who enjoyed personalizing their motorcycles as well as many other enthusiasts.

In doing so, the development team’s goal of expanding the Monkey—a model that had evolved in Japan—to customers around the world became a reality.

In September 2021, a redesigned Monkey 125 was introduced in Japan.

The updated engine adopted a longer stroke, delivering stronger performance in the low and mid-range while also improving emissions performance.

The transmission was upgraded from four speeds to five, enhancing both riding enjoyment and comfort from city streets to longer touring rides.

A similarly updated model was introduced in Europe as the 2022 model.

The Monkey 125 has continued to evolve through new color variations while further enhancing its appeal as a leisure motorcycle enjoyed by riders around the world.