Will there be 2023 Honda monkey?

Contents: Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

Contents: Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications

2023 Honda Monkey ABS: SET YOURSELF FREE.

Introducing the 2023 Honda Monkey ABS…

Honda’s pocket-sized grin machine is set and ready to cheer up 2023. Specification includes air-cooled 124cc engine, five-speed gearbox, steel frame, USD forks, 12-inch wheels and IMU-controlled ABS braking. Full LED lighting and neat LCD dash are the premium finishing touches.

For 2023 the Monkey will be available in the new Pearl Shining Black and updated Banana Yellow and Pearl Nebula Red that all feature colour-matched frame, forks, swingarm and rear springs, plus the classic tartan seat cover and stylish tank infills that reference the classic Monkey style from the late 1960s.

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.

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.

And in 2018 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 of Europe. For 2022 the Monkey got an engine upgrade, an extra gear for the transmission, suspension refinements and detail improvements, widening its ‘smile’ factor and building-in extra day-to-day usability.

Nothing changes mechanically for 2023 but three brand-new, ultra-retro paint options mean that pocket-sized Monkey fun has never looked so good.

Drawn from the MSX Grom the Monkey’s two-valve air-cooled engine produces 6.9kW power with 11Nm torque. It’s durable and easy to use while a 5-speed gearbox opens up longer rides. The steel frame, USD forks, twin rear shocks and 12-inch wheels roll smoothly; for extra safety the ABS braking is Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) controlled.

Then, of course, there’s the inimitable Monkey look, correct from the mini-ape ’bars to upswept exhaust. 2023 sees the Monkey pay proper homage to the 1967 version, with its chequered seat pattern and classic Honda style of the time. This is the first version of the Monkey ever sold in Japan

2023 Honda Monkey ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

Release the pure fun of motorcycling. It’s what the Monkey’s made for.

MAKE TIME
In the city. Be where you want to be, when you want to be. And enjoy every second.
When you first see a Monkey with its shimmering new blue paint, you smile. When you first ride a Monkey, you’re guaranteed to be wearing the biggest grin, especially with its brand-new engine. Sure, it’s small enough to pack away behind a camper van, and wriggle through gaps in city traffic nothing else will get through. But what the Monkey is really all about is the sheer, basic joy of riding. And that’s the beauty of it.

SMALL BIKE BIG HEART
Ready to ride something completely different?
There’s nothing else quite like a Monkey. It has style all of its own. And character like nothing else. Chromed high-rise handlebars, plus frame, swingarm and shock absorbers painted the same colour as the peanut fuel tank – and the high-level mudguards – all draw attention, as do the chunky block-section tires. But underneath it has a brand-new, fuel-efficient air-cooled 125cc engine and 5-speed gearbox bolted into a sturdy chassis that features IMU-controlled ABS braking. It’s also small and light, just 104kg, with a comfy seat set just 775mm from the ground. A small bike with a big heart, built to put the fun in your function. That’s Monkey.

An Icon Reimagined
The original Monkey was a ‘60s icon. It was the two-wheeled machine to be seen on, and nothing’s changed. The 2023 model pays homage to the original with a new check seat and two-tone silver metallic fuel tank, the final touch is the colour-matched pearl nebula red to give you a true nostalgic feeling.

CHECK OUT THE MONKEY
Find out what makes a small bike such big fun.

Efficient new engine and 5-speed gearbox
The Monkey’s brand-new air-cooled, EURO5-compliant 125cc power unit is tuned to deliver enjoyable and flexible around-town performance. It’s economical too, thanks to low-friction technologies and PGM-FI fuel injection. The five-speed gearbox is managed by clutch, just like a big bike and the extra gear makes longer runs even more enjoyable.

Sturdy chassis
Who knows where the Monkey will take you. So we’ve built it tough just in case. Its steel backbone frame provides strength and stability, along with the oval-section swingarm. Up Side Down (USD) front forks wear a premium Alumite finish and are matched by dual rear shocks – now with 2-stage springs for extra comfort – and 104mm axle travel. Fat, 12-inch block pattern tires make for a smooth ride and the seat is made of plush, high-density urethane.

Funky style and new colours
Our 21st century Monkey’s style, with its chromed steel high-level front and rear mudguards – plus the evocatively-stamped exhaust shield and high-rise handlebars – is reminiscent of the original. To give it the perfect modern touch, we have introduced three new colour options to personalise your ride.

Full LED lighting
Just to make sure the Monkey stands out from the crowd even more, it’s got full LED lighting – even the indicators. And the key features an ‘answer back’ system that makes the lights flash at the push of a button, so you’ll never lose your Monkey in a car park.

Modern instruments
The looks are retro but the circular instrument cluster is full LCD and features a speedometer (which winks cheekily as the ignition is turned on), odometer with twin trip meters and six-segment fuel level indicator.

IMU-controlled ABS braking
The Monkey’s not just funky, it’s clever. The single-channel ABS is controlled by an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) so the rear of the bike won’t lift under heavy braking. A single 220mm front disc and 190mm rear provide the stopping power.

New 2023 colours for CB1000R, CMX500 Rebel and Monkey

• The CB1000R Black Edition is now also available in Mat Jeans Blue Metallic
• New Bordeaux Red Metallic for CB1000R itself
• The CMX500 Rebel line-up features a new Titanium Metallic ‘SE’ Edition and three new colours
• New colours for the Monkey pay homage to the classic original of the 1960s

Three of Honda’s most visually distinctive models receive updates for their 2023 year model iterations. A new CB1000R Black Edition joins the Neo Sports Café family line up; the CMX500 Rebel, Europe’s most popular model in the custom category for the last two years, receives a complete new range of contemporary colours and the ‘SE’ Edition is available in a new dynamic colour. The delightful Monkey receives colour updates that pay homage to the classic designs of the 1960s.

A new Mat Jeans Blue Metallic CB1000R ‘Black Edition’ joins the existing Black Edition version at the head of Honda’s Neo Sports Café family. Both colours feature a new silver accent on the tank to match the carefully selected machined aluminium details on the wheel spokes, swingarm plates, engine covers and handlebar clamps. The sleek and aggressive final look is completed with the colour matched pillion seat cover. The standard CB1000R also features a new look for 2023, available in a classy new Bordeaux Red Metallic paint scheme.

The CMX500 Rebel, Honda’s A2 licence-friendly 500cc parallel twin-cylinder compact cruiser, has been Europe’s best-selling model in the custom category for two years. Accessible, easy to ride and easy to live with, the Rebel features an attractive standard specification that includes assist/slipper clutch, LED lighting and gear position indicator.

For 2023 the CMX500 Rebel receives three brand new contemporary paint options: Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic, Pearl Smoky Gray and Candy Diesel Red.  The CMX500 Rebel ‘S’ version, which features a range of practical and attractive factory-fitted accessories including a headlight cowl, all-black fork covers and gaiters plus diamond-stitch style seat, is now available in dynamic new Titanium Metallic.

The Honda Monkey has been continuing to cheer up roads across Europe since its reintroduction last year. For 2023 the Monkey will be available in new Pearl Shining Black and updated Banana Yellow and Pearl Nebula Red. All three feature colour-matched frame, forks, swingarm and rear suspension, plus tartan seat cover and stylish tank infills that reference the classic Monkey style from the late 1960s.

2023 Honda Monkey ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Engine

* 124cc air-cooled engine delivers 6.9kW power and 11Nm torque
* 5-speed gearbox for easy cruising speed
* EURO5 compliance

The Monkey is equipped with an engine designed to ride and have fun on; 124cc, SOHC with 50mm bore, 63.1mm stroke and compression ratio of 10:0:1. It produces peak power of 6.9kW @ 6,750rpm with peak torque of 11Nm @ 5,500rpm.

A correcting plate manages the path of fresh air drawn in and feeds an intake duct inlet and connecting tube designed to smooth airflow. The shape of the airbox also promotes smooth airflow, smooth torque output and flexible drivability. For EURO5 compliance a compact catalyser deals with spent gasses efficiently; the exhaust downpipe length is optimised to the intake side, while the muffler uses a one-chamber design for efficient performance and characterful exhaust note.

The 5-speed gearbox spreads its ratios apart for longer journey ease and provides a more relaxed cruising ability. Top speed is 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.

It’s also an economical engine, returning 1.5 litres/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.

Chassis & Styling

* Steel frame, USD forks and 12-inch diameter tires
* Twin rear shocks feature two-stage springs to deal with rough surfaces
* Easy-to-manage 775mm seat height

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.

Wheelbase is set at 1,145mm with rake and trail of 25°/82mm and a minimum turning radius of just 1.9m. Wet weight is 104kg, with a seat height of 775mm. The plush seat is made of high-density urethane for maximum comfort.

USD front forks employ 100mm travel and wear a premium Alumite finish. The dual rear shocks feature two-stage colour matched springs to maintain ride quality on bumper roads and reduced bottoming. They have 102mm of axle travel; maximum ground clearance is 175mm.

A single 220mm front disc and 190mm rear provide secure stopping performance, managed by the IMU-based ABS. Fat, block pattern tires make for a smooth ride and are sized 120/80-12 65J front and 130/80-12 69J rear.

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.

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.

A stylish tubular steel rear carrier is available as an official accessory – usefully suitable for heavier loads of up to 3.0kg. The glossy 5.6L fuel tank proudly wears a historical 3-D Classic Wing design Honda logo.

For 2023 the Monkey is available in the following paint options:

Banana Yellow with new yellow frame, swingarm, rear fork springs, black/white tartan seat and white tank infill
Pearl Nebula Red with new red frame, swingarm rear fork springs, black/white/red tartan seat and silver tank infill
**NEW** Pearl Shining Black with black frame, swingarm, rear fork springs, black/white tartan seat and white tank infill

Electronics

* Circular LCD display and full LED lighting
* Wave pattern key with answer back
* Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) controlled ABS braking

Modern technology is fully present amongst the classic looks: a digital full-LCD circular display 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.

A ‘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 car parks. The single channel ABS system operates with an IMU to mitigate rear ‘lift’ under strong braking.

Monkey milestones

1961 Z100
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 CZ100
First road-going model – exported to North America and Europe.

1967 Z50M
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  Z50A
Telescopic front fork, 8” front wheels, low slung exhaust and indicators for the first time.

1970 Z50Z
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 Z50J
Rear suspension and independent swing arm. First trapezium fuel tank and block tires

1978 (Z50J-I)
First model with custom bike style ‘tear drop’ fuel tank with increased capacity of 5L

1979 (Z50J-I)
Chrome plated edition

1984 (Z50J-I)
Limited edition ‘Gold’ model

1985 A-Z50J
First appearance of hand operated clutch

1987 A-AB22
‘R’ model with twin tube frame, single shock rear suspension and hydraulic front brake disc. 10in Comstar wheels with box section swingarm

1988 A-Z50J
Dual mirrors for the first time

1991 A-Z50J
Off-road styled ‘Baja’ model with twin headlights

2000
Millennium model

2004 Freddie Spencer Special
In colours based on the CB750F ridden to victory in the Daytona 100 by Freddie Spencer

2006
40th Anniversary

2009 Monkey Limited Edition JBH-AB27
First fuel-injected version, with roller rocker arm and off-set cylinder. Trapezium shaped fuel tank

2017 50th Anniversary Edition
New version commemorates 50th anniversary of sales in Japan

2018 Monkey 125
An all-new Monkey 125, re-imagined for the 21st century, takes to the roads of Europe

2023 Honda Monkey ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical DetailsUS MSRP Price: $ TBA USDCanada MSRP Price: $ TBA CDNEurope/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

TBA

2023 Honda Monkey ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

TBA

2023 Honda Monkey ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details

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 6.9Kw / 6,750rpm
Max. Torque 11Nm/5,500rpm
Oil Capacity 1.1 litres
Noise Level (dB) XXXXXX
FUEL SYSTEM
Carburation PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Fuel Tank Capacity 5.6 litres
Fuel Consumption 1.5 litres/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) 1,710 x 755 x 1,030mm
Wheelbase 1,145mm
Caster Angle 25°
Trail 82mm
Seat Height 775mm
Ground Clearance 175mm
Turning radius 1.9m
Kerb Weight 104kg
SUSPENSION
Type Front USD fork, 100mm axle travel
Type Rear Twin shock, 102mm axle travel
WHEELS
Type Front 10-spoke cast aluminium
Type Rear 10-spoke cast aluminium
Tyres Front 120/80-12M/C 65J
Tyres 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 standardised 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.

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).

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