Honda Z125M Monkey

Honda Monkey 125 ABS
Manufacturer	Honda
Production	2018 - 19
Engine	Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valve
Compression ratio	9.3:1
Ignition	Electronic CDI
Spark Plug	NGK `19
Battery	YTZ5S
Transmission	4 Speed
Frame	Steel mono-backbone frame
Suspension	Front: Upside down telescopic forks Rear: Dual shocks
Brakes	Front: Single 220 mm hydraulic disc with IMU-based ABS Rear: Single 190 mm hydraulic disc
Front Tire	120/80-12 65J
Rear Tire	130/80-12 69J
Wheelbase	1155 mm / 45.4 in
Seat Height	776 mm / 30.5 in
Weight	107 kg / 235.8 lbs (wet)
Oil Capacity	Upper 1.1 Liters; lower 0.9 Liters
Recommended Oil	Honda GN4 10W-40
Fuel Capacity	5.6 Liters / 1.45 US gal
Manuals	Service Manual

Engine

The engine was a Aircooled cooled Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valve. The engine featured a 9.3:1 compression ratio.

Drive

Power was moderated via the Wet multiplate.

Chassis

It came with a 120/80-12 65J front tire and a 130/80-12 69J rear tire. Stopping was achieved via Single 220 mm hydraulic disc with IMU-based ABS in the front and a Single 190 mm hydraulic disc in the rear. The front suspension was a Upside down telescopic forks while the rear was equipped with a Dual shocks. The Monkey 125 ABS was fitted with a 5.6 Liters / 1.45 US gal fuel tank. The wheelbase was 1155 mm / 45.4 in long.

Photos

Overview

Honda Monkey 125 ABS

Honda’s genuinely iconic mini-bike is re-imagined for the present day, with styling that draws heavily on the original, complemented by modern, premium touches such as USD forks, twin rear shocks, LCD instruments, IMU-based ABS and full LED lighting. Its 125cc air-cooled engine delivers 6.9kW power, and fuel efficiency of 67km/litre; wet weight is a mere 107kg.

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 machine 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.

Styling, paint and chromed parts draw heavily on the original 125cc air-cooled engine delivers 6.9kW power, 11Nm torque and 67km/l Steel frame, USD forks, twin rear shocks and 12-inch diameter tires Wet weight of 107kg, with wheelbase of 1155mm and 775mm seat height

All lighting is premium LED

After the modern-day success of the sharp-suited MSX125, which proved the desire for a funky, pocket-sized town run-around, it was time for the Monkey name to return, reborn and ready for life in the 21st century city.

Naturally the classic Monkey style had to provide the cues for the new model. A trapezoid silhouette highlights the compact length, while adding depth and substance to its stance. Simple, curved surfaces are designed independently of each other and feature throughout.

The glossy 5.6L fuel tank, finished in the same paint color as the frame, swing arm and rear shocks, crowns the machine, and proudly wears a historical 3-D Old Wing design Honda logo. Chromed steel high-level front and rear mudguards – plus the evocatively-stamped exhaust shield, circular mirrors and high-rise handlebars – all pay homage to the original.

Modern technology is fully present within the evocative reincarnation of the classic look: 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 Old 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.

As for the power unit, true to its origins, the Monkey’s horizontal SOHC 125cc single-cylinder engine is simple, robust and tuned to deliver useful about-town performance. Air-cooled, with bore and stroke of 52.4 x 57.9mm and compression ratio of 9.3:1, fed by PGM-FI, it produces 6.9kW @ 7,000rpm and 11Nm @ 5,250rpm. The gearbox is 4-speed and the engine returns fuel economy of 67km/l (WMTC mode).

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

Wheelbase is set at 1155mm, with rake and trail of 25°/82mm and a minimum turning radius of just 1.9m. Wet weight is a mere 107kg, with a seat height of 775mm. The plush seat is made of high-density urethane for maximum comfort.

USD front forks wear a premium Alumite finish and are matched by dual rear shocks with 104mm of axle travel. Maximum ground clearance is 160mm. A single 220mm front disc and 190mm rear provide secure stopping performance, managed by the IMU-based ABS. Fat 12-inch block pattern tires make for a smooth ride and are sized 120/80-12 65J front and 130/80-12 69J rear.

The 2018 Monkey 125 will be available in three color schemes:

Banana Yellow/Ross White

Pearl Nebula Red/Ross White

Pearl Shining Black/Ross White

Source Honda

Make Model	Honda Monkey 125 ABS
Year	2018 - 19
Engine Type	Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valve
Displacement	124.9 cc / 7.62 cu-in
Bore X Stroke	52.4 x 57.9 mm
Compression	9.3:1
Cooling System	Aircooled
Oil Capacity	Upper 1.1 Liters; lower 0.9 Liters
Induction	PGMFI electronic fuel injection
Ignition	Electronic CDI
Starting	Electric
Battery	YTZ5S
Max Power	9.2 hp / 6.9 kW @ 7000 rpm
Max Torque	11 Nm / 8.1 ft.lbs @ 5250 rpm
Clutch	Wet multiplate
Transmission	4 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Frame	Steel mono-backbone frame
Front Suspension	Upside down telescopic forks
Front Wheel Travel	100 mm / 3.9 in
Rear Suspension	Dual shocks
Rear Wheel Travel	104 mm / 4.1 in
Front Brakes	Single 220 mm hydraulic disc with IMU-based ABS
Rear Brakes	Single 190 mm hydraulic disc
Front Wheel	10 Spoke cast aluminum
Rear Wheel	10 Spoke cast aluminum
Front Tire	120/80-12 65J
Rear Tire	130/80-12 69J
Rake	25.0°
Trail	82 mm / 3.2 in
Dimensions	Length 1710 mm / 67.3 in Width 755 mm / 29.7 in Height 1029 mm / 40.5 in
Wheelbase	1155 mm / 45.4 in
Seat Height	776 mm / 30.5 in
Ground Clearance	160 mm / 6.3 in
Wet Weight	107 kg / 235.8 lbs
Fuel Capacity	5.6 Liters / 1.45 US gal