Reviews/ Honda/ Monkey 125
Honda Monkey 125
8.0/10 Mini

Honda Monkey 125 Review

"The most fun you'll have for under four grand."

Commuters, collectors, and city dwellers wanting fun $2,800-$4,200 used 2018-2024
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Used Buyer Review

The Monkey 125 is genuinely one of those bikes that makes you grin every single time you swing a leg over it. Honda built this thing properly — fuel injection, proper brakes, USD forks on the later models — it's not a toy, even if it looks like one. Used examples hold value stubbornly, so don't expect bargain basement prices. Check the subframe for cracks if it's been dropped (and they get dropped, because new riders love these), and inspect the exhaust headers for rust since they sit low and collect road grime. On the road it's genuinely fun below 45mph, decent around town, and utterly useless on anything resembling a highway. That's not a criticism, that's just physics. The 125cc single does what it does and nothing more. Fuel economy is sensational and running costs are almost embarrassingly cheap. Parts availability through Honda dealers is solid. Buy a 2019 or newer for the USD forks and ABS option. Avoid anything that's clearly been thrashed by a learner who thought they were Casey Stoner.

Pros

+Rock-solid Honda reliability
+Dirt-cheap running costs
+Surprisingly capable suspension
+Huge fun factor

Cons

-Motorway completely out of question
-Holds value too well
-Tall riders look ridiculous
warning
Avoid if

You need to cover serious daily distances

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