TRAVERSE 105
NEWS
Never Been This Serious
Honda’ s Monkey has always been the motorcycle equivalent of a grin on two wheels, and for 2026 the tiny icon returns with fresh paint, subtle refinements and the same cheeky personality that has kept it relevant for more than six decades. What began life in 1961 as a 49cc amusement-park novelty at Honda’ s Tama Tech in Tokyo quickly became something far bigger, its toy-like proportions, chrome details and foldable handlebars charming visitors so thoroughly that Honda turned it into a road-going model for export just two years later, planting the seeds for one of motorcycling’ s most enduring cult bikes
Over the years the Monkey steadily evolved while staying true to its playful roots. Wheel sizes grew, suspension improved and, by the late 1970s, the nowfamiliar teardrop tank and chunky-tyre stance helped cement its place with RV owners and beachgoers who wanted simple, packable transport once the caravan was parked. For many riders it was a first taste of motorcycling, thanks to its friendly ergonomics and unintimidating controls, and that easy accessibility arguably did as much as any machine to bring new people into the sport. The modern Monkey 125 carries that same philosophy into the present day, pairing retro styling with contemporary engineering and emissions compliance. The 2026 model continues with Honda’ s EURO5 + compliant 124cc air-cooled single producing 6.9kW and 11Nm, now matched to a five-speed gearbox that makes longer stints less frantic than earlier four-speed versions. A steel backbone frame, USD forks, twin rear shocks and fat 12-inch tyres promise stability over rough city streets, while an IMU-controlled ABS system adds a layer of safety rarely seen on bikes this small. At just over 100kg wet with a low 776mm seat height, the Monkey remains unintimidatingly compact and perfectly suited to darting through traffic or being wheeled into the back of a van or camper. Honda’ s signature details remain intact too, from the mini-ape handlebars and upswept exhaust to the chrome mudguards and peanut tank, now offered in new colours including Mat Gun Powder Black Metallic, Knight Silver with Millennium Red, and Pearl Himalayas White with Banana Yellow. Practical accessories such as a rear carrier, side bag support, USB socket, heated grips and an immobiliser underline that this is a machine built to be used, not just admired.
Yet what’ s most interesting about the Monkey today is how far owners have stretched its intended brief. While Honda pitches it as an urban runabout and fun retro commuter, riders around the world have discovered that its light weight, tractor-like torque and stubby wheelbase make it unexpectedly capable off the bitumen.
Monkeys are now being fitted with knobbly tyres and hustled along forest tracks and dirt trails, happily clambering over terrain that would look more at home under a dual-sport. Others have gone further still, undertaking long-distance journeys with luggage racks and camping gear strapped to the back, proving that adventure isn’ t about engine size but attitude, with at least one rider completing extensive touring on a heavily loaded Monkey
That grassroots spirit has grown into organised events as well, with owners building“ adventure spec” Monkeys complete with racks, skid plates and soft luggage to tackle multi-day backcountry rides and thousand-kilometre rallies, transforming what looks like a novelty bike into a miniature overlander. Custom builders have even leaned into the idea with Dakar-inspired tribute machines, visually linking the pint-sized Honda to the company’ s big-bore desert racers
All of which makes the Monkey’ s continued existence feel quietly subversive in a market obsessed with horsepower figures and electronic rider aids. It doesn’ t chase outright performance or long-range touring credentials, yet it consistently encourages people to ride more, explore further and have fun doing it. In 2026, as ever, the Monkey proves that sometimes the smallest motorcycles create the biggest adventures, and that a little bit of nostalgia mixed with genuine usability can still swing its way straight into riders’ hearts. TRAVERSE
TRAVERSE 105