2022 Honda Monkey 125 Review / Specs + NEW Changes Explained! | USA Sneak Peek…

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– New 2022 Honda Monkey 125 Changes Explained, Specs Review, Features and more! | 125cc Monkey mini bike Buyer’s Guide –

2022 Honda Monkey 125 Review, Specs, New Changes Explained + USA Information | 125cc Motorcycle / Mini Bike | miniMOTO Vintage / Retro Bike

Well, guys… the day has finally came! It’s finally official, we have a new 2022 Honda Monkey 125 with a 5-speed transmission among other new changes for this vintage / retro styled miniMOTO 125cc motorcycle!

If you follow the blog though, or follow me on social media then you already knew these 2022 Honda Monkey changes were coming as we talked about it here and also in the YouTube video below. So in other words, cough cough haha, give me a follow to keep an eye out for what’s coming in the future. But, keep in mind before we dive into a lot of information below, what you see below is not the “official” USA spec 2022 Honda Monkey 125. I mean, it is the 2022 Monkey 125 USA spec bike but it’s not “official” yet as American Honda hasn’t made their official announcement just yet. We’ll find out exactly what our pricing is for the USA and what colors we’ll be getting then, which isn’t too far away… Update, it’s July 30th and American Honda just made it official and everything has been updated below on the 2022 Monkey with USA information.

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New 2022 Honda Monkey 125 Changes… What did Honda change on the Monkey 125?

The Monkey has a brand-new air-cooled engine that meets EURO5 regulations, it’s hard to get super excited about it because we didn’t see a real performance increase but we’ll get more into that shortly as the big news is that we now have a 5-speed transmission compared to the previous generation that was packing a 4-speed. The dual rear shocks now feature two-stage springs and revised damper rubbers, for improved ride quality on bumpy surfaces and to reduce bottoming out. You also have new color options and little aesthetic details around the bike were changed up. We’ll dive more into these changes and more on the Monkey below…

2022 Honda Monkey 125 Review, Specs, New Changes Explained + USA Information | 125cc Motorcycle / Mini Bike | miniMOTO Vintage / Retro Bike

  • Key 2022 Honda Monkey 125 Quick Specs:
    • 2022 Monkey 125 USA Price / MSRP – The non ABS model has been dropped for 2022 in the USA
      • 2022 Monkey 125 ABS USA Price / MSRP – $4,199
    • 2022 Monkey 125 Release Date (USA) – October 2021
    • 2022 Monkey 125 USA Colors – Pearl Black, Banana Yellow
    • 2022 Monkey 125 Colors – Pearl Glittering Blue, Pearl Nebula Red, Banana Yellow
    • 2022 Monkey 125 Miles Per Gallon – 156 MPG (est)
    • 2022 Monkey 125 Horsepower – 9.3 HP @ 6,750 RPM 
    • 2022 Monkey 125 Torque – 8.1 ft/lb torque @ 5,500 RPM 
    • 2022 Monkey 125 Fuel Tank Capacity – 1.5 gal.
    • 2022 Monkey 125 Weight – 231 lbs
    • 2022 Monkey 125 Seat Height – 30.5 in.
    • 2022 Monkey 125 Changes – Yes, explained above and below

2022 Honda Monkey 125 Review / Specs + New Changes Explained

 

  • 2022 Monkey 125 Review Contents:
    • 1. | 2022 Honda Monkey 125 Introduction
    • 2. | 2022 Honda Monkey 125 Model Overview
    • 3. | 2022 Honda Monkey 125 Key Features
      • 3.1 | 2022 Honda Monkey 125 Chassis & Styling
      • 3.2 | 2022 Honda Monkey 125 Electronics
      • 3.3 | 2022 Honda Monkey 125 Engine
    • 4. | 2022 Honda Monkey History & Milestones
    • 5. | 2022 Honda Monkey 125 Videos
    • 6. | 2022 Honda Monkey 125 Pictures
    • 7. | 2022 Honda Monkey 125 Specs

2022 Honda Super Cub 125 Review / Specs + NEW Changes Explained | USA Release Info plus more on this 125cc Vintage / Retro styled Mini Bike Automatic Motorcycle, Scooter


2022 Honda Monkey 125 Ride - Review, Specs, New Changes Explained + USA Information | 125cc Motorcycle / Mini Bike | miniMOTO Vintage / Retro Bike

1. | 2022 Honda Monkey Introduction

The Honda Monkey bike is perhaps most widely known as a groovy icon of the 1970s, but it first saw the light of day in 1961. Originally developed as a 49cc child’s plaything for Tama Tech, an amusement park in Tokyo, it proved so popular that a road-going version was developed, which was initially exported to America and Europe in 1963, with a distinctive chrome tank, folding handlebars and 5-inch diameter rigidly-mounted wheels.

Its popularity was based on a cute, instantly-likable design, tiny dimensions and ultra-light weight – which made it a whole load of fun around town. By 1969 its wheels had increased to 8-inch in diameter and from 1970 it gained even greater popularity, when the addition of quick-detach forks meant it would fit into the trunk of a small car.

2022 Honda Monkey 125 Review, Specs, New Changes Explained + USA Information | 125cc Motorcycle / Mini Bike | miniMOTO Vintage / Retro Bike

By 1978 – a point that marked the start of real prime time for the Monkey – the bike had been re-styled with a teardrop style fuel tank, and became hugely popular with legions of RV (Recreational Vehicle) drivers in need of convenient transport to use once they were parked up. And this is where and when the cheeky Monkey really cemented its place in millions of hearts; with its 3-speed gearbox and centrifugal clutch (which needed no ‘traditional’ motorcycle skill to operate) it gave thousands of riders their first experience of twisting the throttle on a powered two wheeler.

Because it was so much fun, and so easy to ride, it did more to sell the concept of motorcycles to a wider public than perhaps any other machine. With its chunky tires, mini-‘ape’ style handlebars, miniscule fuel tank and big, squashy seat the Monkey look is unmistakably of its time, but – just like the affection in which it is held – also timeless.

2. | 2022 Honda Monkey Overview

2022 Honda Monkey 125 Review, Specs, New Changes Explained + USA Information | 125cc Motorcycle / Mini Bike | miniMOTO Vintage / Retro Bike

In 2018, but 2019 for the USA, the Monkey’s time came around once again. Inspired by the original (but also as a usefully fun 125cc motorcycle fit for the 21st century) a brand-new Monkey cheered up the roads. Now, for 2022, the Monkey gets an engine upgrade, a larger gearbox,  refinements to the suspension, a brand new color and detail improvements, further widening its ‘smile’ factor and building-in extra day-to-day usability.

3. | 2022 Honda Monkey Key Features

2022 Honda Monkey 125 Review, Specs, New Changes Explained + USA Information | 125cc Motorcycle / Mini Bike | miniMOTO Vintage / Retro Bike

3.1 | 2022 Honda Monkey Chassis & Styling

  • Steel frame, inverted forks and 12-inch diameter tires
  • Twin rear shocks feature two-stage springs to deal with rough surfaces
  • Curb weight of 229 lbs with ABS, with wheelbase of 45.1 in. and 30.5 inch seat height
  • Classic Monkey style continues – a timeless statement of individuality
  • Rear carrier available as an official accessory

The Monkey’s steel backbone frame is tuned for a suitable balance between rigidity and supple feel – perfect for the wide variety of conditions the machine is designed to be ridden in. Oval in cross-section, the swingarm echoes the circular design theme that runs through the bike.

USD front forks employ 3.94 inches of travel (100mm) and wear a premium Alumite finish. The dual rear shocks now feature two-stage springs and revised damper rubbers, for improved ride quality on bumper roads and reduced bottoming. They have 4.02 inches of axle travel (102mm); maximum ground clearance is 6.9 inches (175mm).


 

2022 Honda Monkey 125 Review, Specs, New Changes Explained + USA Information | 125cc Motorcycle / Mini Bike | miniMOTO Vintage / Retro Bike

A single 220mm front disc and 190mm rear provide secure stopping performance, managed by the IMU-based ABS. I haven’t been able to confirm yet as to whether or not the 2022 Monkey for the USA will come standard with ABS like it does in Europe and other misc countries around the world. Even though Honda has been dropping that as an option on many new models, we have hope on still having that as an option because Honda kept it around for the 2022 Grom 125. I’ll be updating this page as soon as I have something concrete on that front. Fat, block pattern tires make for a smooth ride and are sized 120/80-12 65J front and 130/80-12 69J rear.

2022 Honda Monkey 125 Review, Specs, New Changes Explained + USA Information | 125cc Motorcycle / Mini Bike | miniMOTO Vintage / Retro Bike

Wheelbase is set at 45.1 in. (1,145mm) with rake and trail of 25°/3.2 in. (82mm) and a minimum turning radius of just 6.2 feet (1.9m). Curb weight is 229 lbs (104kg) for the ABS model, with a seat height of 30.5 inches (775mm). The plush seat is made of high-density urethane for maximum comfort.

Classic Monkey style (mini-ape handlebars, chromed mudguards, upswept exhaust with stamped heat shield, chunky tires, padded seat and ‘peanut’ tank) pays loyal homage to the original and provides all the cues required to chime both with those of a certain age, and a much younger generation.

2022 Honda Monkey 125 Review, Specs, New Changes Explained + USA Information | 125cc Motorcycle / Mini Bike | miniMOTO Vintage / Retro Bike

Older riders connect to a certain ‘70s irreverence – maybe matched to a memory of their first feel of motorcycling freedom – innate in the design while newer riders, already turned on to all things retro, get both that and something undeniably funky to set them apart from their friends. One thing that unites everybody, whether riding a Monkey or simply passing one by, is the ‘smile’ factor. It’s that sort of bike.

For 2022 a fittingly stylish tubular steel rear carrier is available as an official accessory – usefully suitable for heavier loads of up to 6.6 lbs (3.0kg). The glossy 1.5 gallon fuel tank (5.6L), finished in the same paint color as the frame, swing arm and rear shocks, proudly wears a historical 3-D Classic Wing design Honda logo.

The 2022 Monkey 125 will be available in three color schemes:

  • Pearl Glittering Blue
  • Banana Yellow
  • Pearl Nebula Red
    • * USA 2022 Monkey 125 colors: Banana Yellow, Pearl Glittering Blue

3.2 | 2022 Honda Monkey Electronics

2022 Honda Monkey 125 Review, Specs, New Changes Explained + USA Information | 125cc Motorcycle / Mini Bike | miniMOTO Vintage / Retro Bike

  • Digital circular LCD gauge display
  • Full LED lighting
  • IMU control reduces rear lift under braking
  • ‘Answer back’ system for easy identification

Modern technology is fully present amongst the classic looks: a digital full-LCD circular meter features speedometer (which winks playfully when the ignition is turned on), odometer with two trip meters and six-segment fuel level indicator; all lighting is LED; the ‘wave’ pattern key (which also wears the Classic Wing motif) features an ‘answer back’ system that makes the lights flash at the push of a button to allow easy location in crowded parking lots; the single channel ABS system operates with an IMU to mitigate rear ‘lift’ under strong braking.

2022 Honda Monkey 125 Review, Specs, New Changes Explained + USA Information | 125cc Motorcycle / Mini Bike | miniMOTO Vintage / Retro Bike


2022 Honda Grom 125 Review / Specs + New Changes Explained! Release Date, Price, Colors + More on the NEW 2022 Honda Grom MSX125!


3.3 | 2022 Honda Monkey Engine

  • New 124cc air-cooled engine delivers 9.3 horsepower and 8.1 ft/lb torque
  • Addition of 5-speed gearbox improves cruising speed
  • EURO5 compliance

The Monkey has a new 124cc SOHC two-valve air-cooled engine (drawn from the MSX / Grom but tuned differently, with different HP & TQ numbers) with a 50mm bore, 63.1mm stroke and compression ratio of 10:0:1. Peak horsepower for the 2022 Monkey comes in at 9.3 HP @ 6,750 RPM (6.9kW) and 8.1 ft/lbs of torque @ 5,500 RPM (11Nm).

How do those 2022 Monkey 125 performance numbers compare against the 2021 Monkey? Pretty much neck and neck! The previous generation had the same ratings from Honda for both horsepower and torque but it’ll feel different as the power comes on differently. Granted, it’s not a massive difference but still. The new 2022 Monkey makes its peak horsepower at 6,750 RPM whereas the old Monkey came in at 7,000 RPM. However, you can flip that when it comes to their torque numbers on the Monkey. The new 2022 Monkey’s peak torque comes in at 5,500 RPM whereas the old Monkey was at 5,250 RPM. It’s not massive, but still a difference nonetheless. 

2022 Honda Monkey 125 Review, Specs, New Changes Explained + USA Information | 125cc Motorcycle / Mini Bike | miniMOTO Vintage / Retro Bike

And it’s an even easier Monkey to ride and have fun on. A new correcting plate manages the path of fresh air drawn in and feeds an intake duct inlet and connecting tube redesigned to smooth airflow. The shape of the airbox has also been revised to further support smooth airflow, promote torque output and improve drivability. For EURO5 compliance the revised catalyzer, while smaller, deals with spent gasses efficiently. The downpipe length has been altered to match the intake changes, while the muffler goes from a three-chamber to one-chamber design to improve performance and create a characterful exhaust note.

The new 5-speed gearbox, replacing the older 4-speed, spreads the gear ratios further apart to improve longer journey performance and provide a more relaxed cruising ability. Honda claims the 2022 Monkey 125 top speed is 56.5 MPH (91km/h). Manual clutch operation imparts a full-sized motorcycle experience while 12-inch wheels deliver agile around-town response. Naturally, the Monkey’s small stature and assured low-speed balance allow it an easy passage through jammed traffic.

2022 Honda Monkey 125 Review, Specs, New Changes Explained + USA Information | 125cc Motorcycle / Mini Bike | miniMOTO Vintage / Retro Bike

It’s also an economical engine, returning 156 miles per gallon (1.5 liters/100km WMTC mode) by using low-friction technologies, such as an offset cylinder and roller-rocker arm for the valve gear. Sophisticated PGM-FI guarantees highly efficient combustion.

4. | 2022 Honda Monkey History & Milestones

1961 Honda Z100

Vintage Honda 50 Motorcycles

First model – made for use at amusement parks, with 5 inch wheels, rigid suspension, foldable handlebars and Super Cub (C50) 3.1kW OHV 49cc engine.  Backbone frame, triangular tank.

1963 Honda CZ100

Vintage Honda 50 Motorcycles

First road-going model – exported to North America and Europe.

1967 Honda Z50M

Vintage Honda 50 Motorcycles

First model sold in Japan – with ‘fold-down’ seat, handlebars and pegs to fit in the back of the car (the new fuel cap also added to prevent leaks when stored on its side during transport). Centrifugal clutch.

1969 Honda Z50A

Vintage Honda 50 Motorcycles

Telescopic front fork, 8” front wheels, low slung exhaust and indicators for the first time.

1970 Honda Z50Z

Vintage Honda 50 Motorcycles

Quick-detach front suspension to make it fold down even smaller to fit in the trunk of a small car. Centre stand to support the bike during the removal of forks

1974 Honda Z50J

Vintage Honda 50 Motorcycles

Rear suspension and independent swing arm. First trapezium fuel tank and block tires

1978 Honda Z50J-I

Vintage Honda 50 Motorcycles

First model with custom bike style ‘tear drop’ fuel tank with increased capacity of 5L

1979 Honda Z50J-I

Vintage Honda 50 Motorcycles

Chrome plated edition

1984 Honda Z50J-I

Vintage Honda 50 Motorcycles

Limited edition ‘Gold’ model

1985 Honda A-Z50J

Vintage Honda 50 Motorcycles

First appearance of hand operated clutch

1987 Honda A-AB22

Vintage Honda 50 Motorcycles

‘R’ model with twin tube frame, single shock rear suspension and hydraulic front brake disc. 10in Comstar wheels with box section swingarm

1988 Honda A-Z50J

Vintage Honda 50 Motorcycles

Dual mirrors for the first time

1991 Honda A-Z50J

Vintage Honda 50 Motorcycles

Off-road styled ‘Baja’ model with twin headlights 

2000

Vintage Honda 50 Motorcycles

Millennium model 

2004 Honda Freddie Spencer Special

Vintage Honda 50 Motorcycles

In colors based on the CB750F ridden to victory in the Daytona 100 by Freddie Spencer 

2006

Vintage Honda 50 Motorcycles

40th Anniversary  

2009 Honda Monkey Limited Edition JBH-AB27

Vintage Honda 50 Motorcycles

First fuel-injected version, with roller rocker arm and off-set cylinder. Trapezium shaped fuel tank    

2017 Honda 50th Anniversary Edition 

Vintage Honda 50 Motorcycles

New version commemorates 50th anniversary of sales in Japan 

2018 Honda Monkey 125

An all-new Monkey 125, re-imagined for the 21st century.

Vintage Honda 50 Motorcycles

5. | 2022 Honda Monkey 125 Videos

 

6. | 2022 Honda Monkey 125 Pictures

7. | 2022 Honda Monkey 125 Specs

ENGINE  
Type Air-cooled SOHC 4-stroke 2-valve
Displacement 124cc
Bore x Stroke 50 x 63.1mm
Compression Ratio 10.0:1
Max. Power Output 9 horsepower at 6,750 RPM (6.9Kw)
Max. Torque 8.1 ft/lbs @ 5,500 RPM (11Nm)
Oil Capacity 1.16 quarts (1.1 liters)
FUEL SYSTEM  
Carburation PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Fuel Tank Capacity 1.5 gallons (5.6 liters)
Fuel Consumption 156 MPG (1.5 liters/100km)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM  
Starter Electric
Battery  12V 3.5Ah
DRIVETRAIN  
Clutch Type Wet multi plate clutch
Transmission Type 5 speed
FRAME  
Type Steel backbone frame
CHASSIS  
Dimensions (LxWxH) 67.3 x 29.7 x 40.6 in. (1,710 x 755 x 1,030mm)
Wheelbase 45.1 in. (1,145mm)
Caster Angle 25°
Trail 3.2 in. (82mm)
Seat Height 30.5 in. (775mm)
Ground Clearance 6.9 in. (175mm)
Turning radius 6.2 ft (1.9m)
Curb Weight 229 lbs (104kg)
SUSPENSION  
Type Front USD fork, 3.94 in. travel (100mm)
Type Rear Twin shock, 4.02 in. travel (102mm)
WHEELS  
Type Front 10-spoke cast aluminum
Type Rear 10-spoke cast aluminum
tires Front 120/80-12M/C 65J
tires Rear 130/80-12M/C 69J
BRAKES  
Type Front Single 220 mm hydraulic disc with IMU-based ABS
Type Rear Single 190mm hydraulic disc 
LIGHTING  
Headlight LED
Taillight LED

* All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice. Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardized testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.

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