HONDA MONKEY 125
YOU CAN RIDE IT WITHOUT HAVING CUSTARD PIES THROWN AT YOU
ICON
£tba / honda.co.uk
Now that’s what you call a proper icon!
Isn’t it just? This is the 2018 incarnation of Honda’s legendary Monkey bike – and because it’s probably not completely clear from the picture, here’s a list of things it’s about the same size as: a pretty big dog, a large suitcase, or a standard wheelie bin. But do you know what it’s bigger than? The 1961 original, which had 5in wheels, foldable handlebars and no suspension. Anyway, both versions are small in stature but big on charm.
Why the embiggening?
Unless you were a child or an actual ape, riding the original Monkey made you look like you should be wearing a red nose and massive shoes. (In fact it was designed for getting around an amusement park at Suzuka, not commuting to your job at Clowns ’R’ Us.) This new one is supposed to be ridden on the road, hence the larger 12in wheels and 125cc engine. It’s still pretty titchy but at least you can ride it without having custard pies thrown at you.