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Honda Monkey: My Top 5 Gripes Unfiltered

DumGal Rider

7,534 views

I love my Honda Monkey — it’s fun, tiny, hilarious, and somehow always makes the day better.
But alas… no bike is perfect. Not even this mini legend.

In this video, I break down the Top 5 things that annoy me the most about the Honda Monkey, starting from “no big deal” all the way to “WHY IS THIS LIKE THIS?!”

If you’re a Honda Monkey owner, shopping for one, or just enjoy small bikes with big personalities, this one’s for you.

🍌 Watch till the end to see which gripe drives me the craziest!

Let me know in the comments:
What’s your biggest complaint about the Monkey? Or are you convinced it's flawless?

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:42 #1– Mildly annoying
01:18 #2 – I can deal… but still annoying
03:06 #3 – Starting to question things
06:36 #2 – WHY?!
08:42 #1 – The biggest Monkey problem
11:02 Final thoughts & excuses for why I still love it

If you enjoy Monkey content, don’t forget to subscribe!
More mini bike rides, mods, reviews & nonsense coming soon.

20 Comments

@intentionaltom9447 2 months ago

A clock? The last thing I want to be reminded of when riding is what time it is and when I need to get home to listen to the wife complain about me riding rather than tackling the to do list!😂

@nupfe 5 months ago

To point 3, the top speed: Initially, I also had the problem that it would be nice to at least reach 60 mph, especially since that's our speed limit on rural roads in Germany. Then I installed a large windscreen because the wind was getting on my nerves on long journeys. And lo and behold, this thing gave me an extra 6 mph in top speed. Now I'm happy.

@tonyparker2953 3 months ago

Hahaha, I've got a Ducati Monster...it's got a clock. Made me chuckle.

@CkotBee 9 months ago

A Monkey needs modifications to be suited to one’s use case, driving style and ergonomics. That’s part of the beauty of this ‘expensive’ mini-moto … the extensive and affordable after-market parts.

@johanlars2024 5 months ago

I have a 2023 Monkey and i agree on everything! Especially the clock! 🤬😂

@racefaceec90 4 months ago (edited)

thank you for mentioning the cb125f as i am now thinking about saving up for one of them now (was thinking the supercub or grom).almost £1000 cheaper is a big incentive .
i am 51 and would like to get some motorized transport (i haven't had any motorized transport since i was 18). just a reliable cheap to run motorcycle or similar that i can go further on then my bike will take us (due to lack of fitness nowadays lol). i do want a honda as almost everyone highly rates them for quality and warranty plus this would be a treat to myself also (as my first brand new motorized transport).
did i mention motorized transport enough in my post well there's one more lol.

@rayhutch4703 6 months ago

I’m retired in va and pick mine up this Saturday. 2025 red/white with 200 miles. I’m like a school kid and can’t sleep 🤪. Also picking up with my 2025 white Ridgeline. Life is good. 😊

@ukadventures5660 5 months ago

Weird complaints there 😂 virtually all of them

@kitkats606 5 months ago

I still want one! 😫😂

@tarkadal 10 months ago

It is a very cool little beast. But like you say. You shouldn't have to spend loads on basic stuff. Good video. Cheers mate.

@MartyrDK 10 months ago

first mod i did to my monkey 1" mirrow extenders. its like 8-10 £.

@gmac8647 7 months ago

Hi great video
I purchased my Monkey for £3,800. I've made several upgrades, including a Yoshimura exhaust, bar end mirrors, a crossbar on the handlebars, and a side bracket for small panniers. I also added a cheap digital watch to the crossbar. I've scheduled a chain and sprocket upgrade for later this month.

@RollingShutterMoto 10 months ago

😂 Honda should just start selling the bike with this list of upgrades . It’s exactly my first gripes as well. But I never thought about the clock . I wanted the rpm to me visible in the gauge

@JeffB-yk3hc 7 months ago

Opmid (Multi Meter) do a plug & play clockset that will add most of the bells and whistles you need including the clock,

@twowheeltechdad 10 months ago

😂 great vid, yep I can relate. Got extenders ready to go too. Bought 2nd hand (because of the new price) and figured it was my weight that kept me under 60mph 😂

Tbh I treat mine like a toy, so maybe I'm more forgiving on your valid gripes 😁

@phil031066 9 months ago (edited)

Mirrors yes,.....clutch lever? The bite on mine is quite good. They seem to be quite expensivein the UK as in Ireland they are €4200 and we get hit with both Vat and vehicle registration tax.

@abyssadjacent 10 months ago

You forgot about the pogo sticks they call shocks.

@rogerbaker1773 11 days ago (edited)

Points noted. However my only complaint is the speedometer is difficult to see in normal light conditions, and if you have a tinted visor or shades even more challenging. The speedo on my 2026 reads a bit more than 10 % higher than the awareness boards indicate. Breaking the limit on a Monkey (what?) even if you're pushing it hard, has to be a straight forwardly defendable case if it comes to a prosecution. I have the cheapest ever Casio watch strapped to the handlebar brace to make certain I'm home for lunch in time.

@devonbikefilms 10 months ago (edited)

Bought mine today, don’t get it until next week. I’ll be running it alongside my Super Cub. My experience with the Super Cub is it’ll get a bit quicker after 3000 to 5000 miles. I’ve taken note of your gripes, all valid I reckon. Best colour by the way, just sayin’😂

Oxford clock. Silver with black dial, suits it well. My super Cub 125 has a clock and that’s 6 years old….😂