The Honda Monkey has survived six decades by refusing to take itself too seriously. Born in 1961 as a theme park novelty at Tokyo’s Tama Tech, this pint-sized motorcycle earned its name when a journalist watched adults folding themselves onto the tiny Z100 prototype — like circus monkeys, as he put it. What started as children’s entertainment morphed into something Honda kept refining year after year, until the Monkey became one of those bikes people just couldn’t quit.
Fast forward to today and the 2026 Monkey 125 shows up with the same 124cc air-cooled single, same five-speed gearbox, same blend of retro charm and modern convenience, but now wearing three fresh new paint schemes.
Three Fresh Takes
The 2026 model year brings an understated Mat Gun Powder Black Metallic colorway, a Knight Silver Metallic with Millennium Red that leans into Honda’s heritage, and, most significantly, a Pearl Himalayas White variant with Banana Yellow accents. That last combo acknowledges what everyone’s been thinking since the modern Monkey returned in 2018 — a bike named Monkey deserves banana-inspired livery. Beyond the paint, there’s a round LCD display that winks when you turn the ignition on and full LED lighting throughout.
Built for Smiles, Not Speed
Under that peanut tank sits Honda’s Euro 5+ compliant 124cc single putting out 9.25 hp at 6,750 rpm and 7.89 lb.ft of torque at 5,500 rpm. The manual clutch and five-speed transmission give you enough control to feel engaged, while the bike’s 231-pound curb weight and 30.55-inch seat height mean nearly anyone can swing a leg over and get comfortable immediately.
The steel mono-backbone frame pairs with USD forks up front (100mm travel) and twin rear shocks (102mm travel) that handle urban roads better than you’d expect from a bike this small. Twelve-inch cast aluminum wheels wrapped in chunky 120/80 and 130/80 tires look the part and provide enough grip for any type of riding.
IMU-controlled ABS on the front 220mm disc adds real-world safety, and with 6.89″ of ground clearance, the Monkey can handle more varied terrain than its dimensions suggest. Top speed hovers around 57mph.
Accessories to Boot
Honda’s accessory lineup for the Monkey includes practical additions like a chrome rear luggage carrier, left-side canvas pannier with waterproof inner bag, heated grips, USB charging socket, and an optional clock/gear position display. There’s also an immobilizer alarm if you’re parking somewhere sketchy.
Spec Sheet
Model: 2026 Honda Monkey 125
Engine: 124cc air-cooled single-cylinder, SOHC
Power: 9.25 hp
Torque: 7.89 lb.ft
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Fuel Capacity: 5.6L
Seat Height: 30.55″
Curb Weight: 231lbs
Brakes: 220mm front disc (IMU ABS), 190mm rear disc
Suspension: USD fork (100mm) / Twin shock (102mm)
Wheels: 12-inch cast aluminum
Pricing & Availability
The 2026 Honda Monkey 125 is available now in the UK for £4,199 (~$5,740). Based on Honda’s typical release patterns, the bike should reach U.S. dealerships later in 2026, with pricing likely landing just under $4,500.
Recap
2026 Honda Monkey
Honda’s 2026 Monkey 125 keeps the same fun 124cc setup but adds three new paint schemes — including a Pearl Himalayas White with Banana Yellow combo that finally leans into the bike’s name. It’s the same pocket-sized grin machine with updated looks, full LED lighting, and a cheeky LCD display that winks at you when you fire it up.
