Highlights

Modern reimagining of the classic 1970s Honda Z series
Only one owner and 68 miles from new
MoT with no advisories until 3rd August 2023

The Appeal

“It’s not a big motorcycle, just a groovy little motorbike. It’s more fun than a barrel of monkeys, that two-wheeled bike.”

So sang the Beach Boys in Little Honda, their tribute to a breed of motorcycle which hitherto hadn’t been much appreciated in America.

For a country which was used to home-grown V-twins from Harley-Davidson and Indian as well as big British thumpers, Honda’s tiny offerings were viewed at first with some doubts, but as time went on motorcyclists discovered just how tremendously enjoyable (not to mention economical) their little 125cc bikes, 50cc Super Cub mopeds and Z series minibikes could be.

Introduced in 1961, the Z series, popularly known as ‘monkey bikes’ on account of the slightly comical stance assumed by the rider, were originally conceived as one of the smallest possible forms of motorised transportation, with 50cc engines making for a machine which was economical and convenient like nothing else.

Popular for all kinds of purposes, especially as pit bikes, the Z series proved to be an enormously strong seller as it evolved over half a century until, sadly, production ended in 2017.

Aware that its demise would be widely mourned, by way of consolation Honda introduced the Monkey 125 in 2018, a road-legal minibike with modern capabilities and attractive retro styling borrowed from the 1970s Z series models.

The result is probably the coolest, funkiest method of urban transport since the original Lambrettas went out of production in 1972.

This very early Monkey 125, from the first year of production, is presented in almost as-new condition having only ever covered 68 miles in single ownership.

Short of buying a brand-new one, you couldn’t hope to find a better example, and as far as we’re concerned you’ll not find anything better or more enjoyable for all manner of diverse tasks, from urban commuting to running around a farm.

The History and Paperwork

Sold new into a private collection near Hastings, East Sussex
Paperwork includes the current V5 and MoT certificate valid until August 2023
Spare key included

The Condition

1970s-style paint scheme in superb condition
Excellent seat and wheels
Some very light pitting appearing on the chrome

Despite its ’70 appearance, this Monkey is still almost a brand-new bike, and that shows in its excellent condition.

Having only covered 68 miles from new, it really hasn’t had a chance to wear out and deteriorate in any way and, as a consequence, it still looks nearly factory-fresh.

We cannot find anything to fault in the upliftingly vibrant paint. If we had to guess, we would think it had only ever been used on the road, as there are no marks or any other signs of wear to suggest that it has had to contend with rougher terrain.

The wheels are immaculate and, like the paint, look as if they could be brand-new. We would almost say the same for the seat, except that it has picked up just a few very light, barely visible marks.

The only fault we can really find, and it is a very minor one, is that there is some very light pitting beginning to appear on the chrome, e.g. on the exhaust shield, the front mudguard and on the indicator housings.

If you inspect the photographs, you will see that this is by no means advanced and should not progress any further provided the bike is kept in good, dry storage.

The Mechanics

Starts on the button and runs extremely well
Only 68 miles covered, so still barely-used
MoT with no advisories until August 2023

What can we say about a bike which has only covered 68 miles, except that it’s virtually like buying a brand-new one?

Having received such light use, it is almost inconceivable that anything might have worn or started to go wrong, and from what we have seen of this Monkey, it really is in the best mechanical health. Due to its low mileage, it has not even required its first service.

The MoT tester confirmed its roadworthiness on 4th August. The Honda passed its test without a single advisory point, so everything looks to be in order from a safety perspective.

Moreover, we have seen the bike start on the button and be ridden. The engine sounds resoundingly healthy, and is quieter than one may expect – this isn’t the sort of bike which will annoy your neighbours.

It pulls away, steers and stops well, so it looks like it’s all ready to go.

Summary

The original Honda ‘monkey bike’ has become something of an icon, but it’s now out of production and, with a top speed of around 20mph, its uses were always somewhat limited.

The 2018 Monkey blends the Z series’ philosophy with scaled-up modern engineering to combine the best of both worlds, a small, retro-styled bike which can be used for all kinds of everyday functions but which remains especially economical and unspeakably fun.

You can, of course, go and buy a brand-new one, but it would make far more sense to pick up this nearly-new one which, apart from the most minor cosmetic blemishes on the chrome, still looks as good and rides as well as it would have done on the day it left the factory.

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