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The Honda Monkey: a compact 125cc motorcycle in retro style

The Honda Monkey is a small motorcycle with an unmistakable shape: 12-inch wheels with knobbly tyres and a peanut-shaped tank. Beneath the retro bodywork sits current technology with fuel injection, ABS and LED lighting. It is made for city traffic and for anyone looking for uncomplicated riding fun on short journeys.

Honda Monkey as a 125cc motorcycle in retro style
  • Air-cooled 124 cc engine, 6.9 kW
  • Five-speed gearbox with clutch lever
  • Upside-down fork, single-channel ABS with IMU
  • 12-inch wheels, full LED lighting
  • Seat height 775 mm, tank 5.6 l
  • Top speed 91 km/h

Character and use of the Monkey

The Monkey is compact enough to travel on holiday on the back of a motorhome, and in town it slips through narrow gaps. The seat height is 775 mm, which makes getting on easier for shorter riders too.

The focus is on riding without much effort. The soft seat made of high-density urethane is designed for comfort, and the top speed of 91 km/h is enough for town and for country roads.

Monkey 125 by Honda with 12-inch wheels and peanut tank
Honda Monkey Z125 – compact mini bike with LED lighting

Engine and technology of the Honda Monkey

The air-cooled 124 cc engine produces 6.9 kW and meets the EURO 5+ emissions standard. It is combined with PGM-FI fuel injection and low-friction technologies. You change gear via a five-speed gearbox with a clutch lever, just as on larger motorcycles.

The chassis consists of a steel backbone frame with an oval-section swingarm, an upside-down fork and two two-stage rear shock absorbers with 104 mm of travel. A 220 mm disc slows the front wheel, a 190 mm disc the rear. The single-channel ABS is controlled by an IMU, an inertial measurement unit.

Equipment for everyday riding

All the lighting is LED, including the indicators. The round LCD instrument shows speed, total distance, two trip meters and a six-segment fuel gauge. The tank holds 5.6 litres.

The answer-back function of the key is practical: at the push of a button the lights flash, so you can quickly find your Monkey in a full car park.

Driving licence: who is the Monkey for?

For the Monkey, a driving licence for subcategory A1 (up to 125 cc and max. 11 kW) is sufficient. The model may also be ridden with restricted category A, which is known as A2 in the EU, as well as with unrestricted category A.

The Monkey suits beginners looking for a handy 125cc motorcycle with character, and experienced riders who want a second vehicle for the city or for holidays.

Monkey Z125 variants

VariantPowerModel year
Z125MA Monkey6.9 kW2025

Prices, colours and delivery times of the variants are available from Honda Monkey Z125 at Honda Motorrad Zürich.

Frequently asked questions about the Honda Monkey Z125

Which driving licence do you need for the Honda Monkey?

Subcategory A1 is sufficient, as the Monkey has a displacement of 124 cc and an output of 6.9 kW. Restricted category A and category A also allow you to ride the model.

Does the Monkey have a manual gearbox?

Yes. The Monkey has a five-speed gearbox and a clutch lever. This way you learn to change gear as on a larger motorcycle, but sit on a compact vehicle.

What brakes does the Honda Monkey have?

At the front there is a disc brake with 220 mm, at the rear one with a diameter of 190 mm. A single-channel ABS, controlled by an IMU, assists you when braking.

How fast is the Monkey and how big is the tank?

The top speed is 91 km/h. The tank, in the typical peanut shape, holds 5.6 litres.

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