Original Z50 Monkey (1969-1999)
30 years of original
The original Honda Z50 Monkey was on continuous sale from 1969 to 1999 — 30 years. 50cc air-cooled engine, 41-60kg depending on era, 4-speed gearbox. Folding handlebars on the earliest models meant it could fit in a car boot. Designed originally as a children's amusement-park ride at Tama Tech in Tokyo (1961). Production paused after 1999.
19-year nameplate gap
1999 → 2018
Monkey nameplate disappeared from Honda's range in 1999 (UK), 2017 (Japan). Honda made the Grom (MSX125) starting 2014 as a similar mini-bike — but the Monkey nameplate stayed dormant for 19 years. Re-launched as Monkey 125 (2018-on) with modern 125cc engine and styling that explicitly references the original Z50.
Why the Monkey came back
Retro mini-bike trend
Honda Grom (2014-on) had proven that the mini-bike segment could sell to adult buyers — riders who wanted small, fun, eccentric bikes that weren't first-bikes. Honda capitalised by reviving the Monkey nameplate. Both Grom and Monkey now exist side-by-side: Grom is the modern-styled mini, Monkey is the retro-styled mini. Same chassis underneath.
Engine identical to Grom
125cc shared platform
Monkey 125 shares its 125cc air-cooled engine with the Honda Grom MSX125, Honda CT125 Hunter Cub, and Honda Trail 125. Same fuel injection, same gearbox (5-speed since 2022), same bhp output. Different bikes by chassis and styling, same fundamental engine. Smart commercial reuse.
5-speed for 2022+
Original was 4-speed
The 2018-2021 Monkey 125 had a 4-speed gearbox (matching the original Z50). 2022 update introduced a 5-speed gearbox — gives more relaxed cruising speeds, better motorway capability. Marginal but real improvement. UK Monkey 125s are all 5-speed; US 2017-onwards Z125 was 4-speed.
Adult buyer demographic
Second/third bike
Honda's Monkey 125 buyer is overwhelmingly NOT a first-bike rider. Most are 35-55 year-olds with full A licences, a primary 'real' motorcycle (CBR1000RR, Africa Twin, Goldwing), and a Monkey as a 'fun bike' for short trips, summer rides, country pub runs. CBT/A1 learners typically pick CB125F (£2,899) or PCX125 (£3,499) for value.
Real cost of ownership
~£500/year
Insurance group 5 (low). 130-150mpg real-world. Service intervals 5,000 miles. Total annual cost ~£500-£600 — same as CB125F. The Monkey costs more to buy (£1,600 premium) but no more to run. Used Monkey 125s 5 years old hold ~60% of original price (vs CB125F ~45%) — premium recovers at sale.
Why you'd pick the Monkey
Personality, not utility
On every measurable spec (top speed, range, comfort, seat height, fuel economy), the £2,899 CB125F is the rational pick over the £4,499 Monkey 125. The Monkey wins on one axis: it makes you smile every time you ride it. £1,600 of personality. For some buyers that's a fair trade; for others it's nonsense. Both reactions are valid.
