2026 Honda Monkey First Ride
The Honda Monkey proves that affordable mobility doesn’t have to be boring. It also doesn’t need to be overly elaborate or complicated. This retro-styled mini motorcycle blends classic charm with modern reliability for urban commuting, exploring local areas beyond a campsite, or efficiently getting around pit lane on race weekends.
A Brief History
The Monkey’s story goes all the way back to 1961 when Honda built a prototype called the Z100 for a Japanese amusement park. It was adapted into the CZ100 and made available to consumers. This led to the development and production of the roadgoing Z50M. Its playful personality, small tires and folding handlebars instantly made it a cult classic.
Honda revived the Monkey in 2018 with an air-cooled, fuel-injected 124 cc motor, occasionally updating it with newer technology and different color combinations.
What’s New for 2026
Mechanically, the Monkey carries over its engine and five-speed gearbox introduced in 2022 to improve efficiency and comfort over the previous four-speed unit. The most significant addition for the 2026 model year is the IMU-controlled front-wheel-only ABS.
The U.S market exclusively gets Matte Black Metallic with a tartan-patterned seat, but other parts of the world get new, more vibrant retro-inspired colorways to choose from. The digital LCD instrument cluster receives clearer graphics and a negative display for improved visibility.
Features and Specifications
Power comes from an air-cooled fuel-injected 124 cc single cylinder, good for 9.25 hp and 7.89 lb-ft of torque, delivered through a five-speed manual transmission via chain drive.
The steel frame pairs with 31 mm inverted front forks and dual rear shocks to provide 3.9 in of travel up front and 4 in at the rear. The Monkey rides on 12 in cast aluminum wheels. Braking is handled by a single 220 mm front disc and a 190 mm rear disc. It tips the scales at 231 lb in running order, topped up with fluids and a full tank of gas.
Riding Impressions
On the road, the 2026 Monkey feels as light and nimble as its weight and name would suggest. The low 30.5 in seat height and wide handlebars make it incredibly approachable regardless of inseam. You sit above the bike, rather than in it. The upright riding position and plush seat are comfortable for the short journeys the bike will likely be taking, while the suspension feels surprisingly compliant over road imperfections like speed bumps and pot holes.
The air-cooled 124 cc engine is surprisingly uninspiring at low to mid speeds. Making peak horsepower and torque at 6,750 rpm and 5,500 rpm respectively, it takes time to wind your way through the short gears and up to speed. Given the bike’s name, weight, and general persona, I was admittedly expecting it to be an enthusiastic little wheelie machine, but this is very much not the case. Throttle response is sedate and gradual. It’s capable of reaching highway speeds, with some coaxing, reaching 60 mph in certain conditions with the throttle pinned.
The 45 in wheelbase and tiny 12 in wheels make the Monkey impressively agile, allowing you to dart through traffic and carve tight turns effortlessly. The Vee Rubber tires are versatile in tread and compound, measuring 120/80-12 in the front and 130/80-12 in the rear.
The gear selector, brake lever and clutch actuation are all light and effective but lack weight, precision, and a sense of quality. Finding neutral and first gear could occasionally be a chore, while the brake and clutch lever feel better suited to a bicycle than a motorcycle. An IMU-controlled ABS system is featured on the front wheel only, allowing the rear end the flexibility and fun to lock up and slide.
Given the 1.5 gal fuel tank and Honda’s impressive fuel economy estimate of 162.6 MPG, a rider can expect a theoretical range of approximately 240 miles. My own experience mirrored that reality as the fuel gauge didn’t move during my time with it.
As expected, amenities and features are limited. The handlebar mounted functions include the electric starter button, turn indicators and high beam lighting. Information on the digital dash includes a fuel gauge, speedometer, odometer, and a trip meter. Simple and uncomplicated.
Competition and Comparisons
The Monkey’s closest rival is likely its sibling the Honda Grom. Differentiated by their styling and riding position, they share the same 124 cc engine and five-speed gearbox. The Grom also offers the ability to ride two-up, while the Monkey is strictly a solo seater. That alone could be the deciding factor on which to buy. Beyond Big Red, there’s the Kawasaki Z125 Pro and Suzuki recently announced that the GSX-S125 could be coming to the U.S. market. None of the other options match the Monkey’s distinctive retro styling and personality. CFMoto offers the Papio SS and Papio CL in the U.S. market, both within the same segment and size. The retro-inspired mini street bikes each boast an air-cooled 126 cc. single-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed transmission for an MSRP of only $3,299.
If someone was inclined to cross-shop gas and electric models, the LiveWire S4 Honcho may be aligned with what they’re looking for. Offering a more futuristic interpretation of the Monkey, the Street version has the same size wheels, as well as a very similar seat height and top speed. It may have a higher MSRP of $5,499, but you also won’t need to worry about ever buying gas for it.
Color and Pricing
Matte Black Metallic is the exclusive option for 2026 in the North American market, while international markets receive additional schemes such as Pearl Cadet Gray, Pearl Himalayas White with a Banana Yellow frame and a classic Honda Red with a matching frame. The camo/tartan-patterned seat is another new visual touch.
With an MSRP of $4,399, the 2026 Honda Monkey delivers an inexpensive transportation solution. It’s not the fastest or most feature-rich model on the market, but its price is reflected in its offering.
Final Thoughts
The Monkey remains a compelling option for those seeking a fun transportation alternative that boasts Honda reliability. For those who aren’t loyal to a single brand, there are other newer, compelling options — some of which that are even less expensive and offer more features.
It isn’t trying to be the fastest or most advanced mini motorcycle on the market, but the Monkey is just trying to be whimsical and fun like an amusement park ride. And on that front, it succeeds.
Marketplace Inventory
Dustin Woods
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