2023 Honda Monkey 1500 mile Review

Рет қаралды 24,740

Күн бұрын

2023 Honda Monkey 1500 mile Review, after owning this bike for the last 6 months and using it as a daily commuter I thought I would share my thoughts on what its like to own this bundle of fun.
Thanks to Dean ‪@monkeydixadventures‬ for the inspiration to buy this bike, non stop smiles since adding it to the stable, follow Dean on his adventures and for all things monkey by following his channel link below.
/ @monkeydixadventures
👊If you would like to buy me a beer or a Coffee it will be greatly appreciated:
www.buymeacoffee.com/simotofoto
My Main Helmet Cam - bit.ly/4aUlNBY
My Handlebar Camera - amzn.to/3S0C6nX
My Handlebar Mount - amzn.to/421T36o
My Helmet Mic -
My Main Camera - amzn.to/3RWV1Ak
My Main Mic - amzn.to/41YVtlY
My Drone - amzn.to/3vxjaFX
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @simotofoto

Пікірлер: 159

@Grumpy-Goblin 10 ай бұрын

How can you not love a Monkey? If I was in a position to have a 3rd bike I think a Monkey would be that bike just because it makes me smile.

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

Get it bought lol

@markr641 2 ай бұрын

I bought my Monkey last year, barely ride my adventure bike since… it’s up for sale because I like the monkey so much more. Takes me back to the days you can over ride the bike and wring its little neck, I love it!

@simotofoto 2 ай бұрын

That is awesome!🙌🏼

@R3DPR 10 ай бұрын

The most fun bike hands down, even the 50cc we had in my youth. My friend could pull wheelies with that thing as long as he wanted, even around the corners haha. Great memories.

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

Haha brilliant lol

@redlion001 10 ай бұрын

What a brilliant vid - loved it. I'm getting exactly same bike in a couple of weeks and I can't wait! Keep on having fun

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

Thanks dude your going to love it

@stevegriffin2302 6 ай бұрын

Great video! I have same red 23 model. Most fun I’ve had in many years was getting and riding this thing. You have a beautiful place to ride as well. Thanks for the video!

@simotofoto 6 ай бұрын

Thanks Steve its the best fun bike ive ever ridden, just puts a smile on your face every time you throw your leg over :)

@DalePatry 2 ай бұрын

I really enjoyed your video and laughed throughout it. I just purchased a 2024 one and looking forward to drive it. Great review and fun to watch. Thks from Quebec Canada

@simotofoto 2 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it, hope your Monkey arrives very soon :)

@rickylach 6 ай бұрын

I can't wait to pick up mine in a few days. You inspired me to pull the trigger, thank you ! Great content, I am from Canada, cheers.

@simotofoto 6 ай бұрын

Nice one Ricky you will love it, smiles for miles dude :)

@Ukuleleal 10 ай бұрын

Def the most smiles per mile you can have on a bike. Love my little monkey. :)

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

Awesome bikes

@eunhyuekpark6159 10 ай бұрын

I've always wanted a Honda Monkey as a commuter bike and I think you got me sold. Thanks for the great vid my dood.

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

Thanks dude there's always room for a monkey :)

@motobuddy19 10 ай бұрын

I have the same bike, Love It! I put an o Ring chain on it strait off, after 1000 miles I haven't had to adjust it yet. I also put a Takegawa same style exhaust on it. Love it, louder but not too loud Like the Yoshimira My favorite bike !

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

Defo need a chain upgrade, just about to bolt a Yoshi on but got the baffle or flame arrestor thingy for it, see how it goes lol

@motobuddy19 10 ай бұрын

Good Luck @@simotofoto

@Mike-rm1vw 10 ай бұрын

I totally agree with you, I had access to a similar bike when I was 13/14 and from the outset found it incredibly rideable. It does have the “aaaahhh, so cute” from observers. With a bike that’s so much fun, it is cool on a different level. You’ve inspired me to revisit my youth and to purchase one, great review thanks Si… 👍👍👍

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

Awesome Mike do it man you will love it ;0

@garyhulme3673 27 күн бұрын

Buying my second one soon with the extra gear , cannot wait . Great video mate and subscribed

@simotofoto 24 күн бұрын

Awesome! Thank you Gary :)

@liquidspirit5306 10 ай бұрын

Great review Done the NC500 on mine last year 8 bikes 1 monkey, was never far behind, what a laugh. I’ve got the Takegawa standard look exhaust, nice bark.

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

Good choice!

@charliegrinnall2172 9 ай бұрын

Totally agree with you, had a blast since going from a CB500X to a Monkey 15 months ago and over 3000 enjoyable miles. Regards from MR550. Viva!

@simotofoto 9 ай бұрын

Viva MR550 from MR825 :) that @monkeydixadventures has got a lot to answer to with these MR numbers lol

@zedcharlie 10 ай бұрын

I have 6 bikes. Done 5k in 16mth on monkey. Highest mileage of the lot. All fun. 6ft 4 too and it's comfy had a street twin 900. Had to sell after 4wk as so uncomfortable. BTW I just put a did chain on . Was adjusting original every 300 mile. It's junk. Noisy chain too

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

Thanks Charlie think I need to get a DID chain ordered your right the chain is toffee, cheers Si

@zedcharlie 10 ай бұрын

@@simotofoto I worried about the hissy noise for a year. Was tricked by it being constant pitch regardless of revs /speed. But when wear got silly put the did on and silence. You live and learn. You will see my post on monkey page last week doing off road on salter fell. Like Scotland. No one about . Brill

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

@@zedcharlie that’s great info Charlie the noise is a bit of a pain nice to know it’s fixable

@jimmiller1780 3 ай бұрын

Glad to hear that. I’m 6’3” and wondered what the comfort factor might be for us taller guys. 👍

@zedcharlie 3 ай бұрын

@@jimmiller1780 Also I rotated bars forward. Maybe 15degrees . Bit close otherwise. Loosen clamps and see what suits. 👍🏻

@normanfleming 10 ай бұрын

Great video. I use those roads all the time when I go for a wee spin. 😆👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

Thanks Norman hopefully see you out and about 😎Viva

@extremeshep 10 ай бұрын

I changed to a D.I.D NZ3 420 chain. best thing I ever did. Enjoy your monkey journey 🐒

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

Cheers will need to get that chain changed

@FarHanSolo 6 ай бұрын

Had my Glittering Blue Metallic since 2022 (thankfully without the Tartan seat..None intended!) Absolutely love it. I'll be taking it for the 8000 mile service in March 2024 If any of you folk are on the fence about this motorcycle, just get on one and you will love it. I may or may not have got up to 73 mph. Achievable for a 60Kg, 170cm slender framed rider like moi.

@jefft6731 6 ай бұрын

Good video, Just got a new 2024 red Monkey. Has 15 miles on already after a few hours home. 4th bike and this is FUN.

@simotofoto 6 ай бұрын

Best colour Jeff, welcome to the Monkey Revolution, best fun ever :)

@steveleigh587 7 ай бұрын

Done over 11000miles on mine on and off road it’s a beast off the beaten track, trust me I know!! Brilliant video keep them coming 👍

@simotofoto 7 ай бұрын

Thanks, will do!

@graemetaylor629 6 ай бұрын

Been toying with the idea of getting one of these for a bit of Sunday fun 😀 really enjoyed this now subscribed thank you

@simotofoto 6 ай бұрын

Welcome aboard! you would love it, how do you justify buying a Monkey?? you can't haha but its the best fun bike you'll ever own. Get it you won't regret it :)

@graemetaylor629 6 ай бұрын

@@simotofoto and the thing is if you decide to sell it on you lose very little 😀

@jimmymac9388 9 ай бұрын

Enjoyed that anyone considering one you have surely convinced them now.👍

@simotofoto 9 ай бұрын

Cheers Jimmy glad you enjoyed it fella :)

@waynesmith537 6 ай бұрын

Hi there really enjoyed your video I’ve got the same one got it in June 23 in red the only mode I’ve done is put a termgnoni decat exuast system on it keeps the same heat shield gives it a bit more power and not to noisy changed the back mud guard to a nice tail tidy looks great I might get a k&n filter to go on the stock box best little bike I’ve owned makes you smile every time I ride it.

@simotofoto 6 ай бұрын

Cheers Wayne it sounds like your smitten with your Monkey lol, brilliant same here dude :)

@mrforeman7443 10 ай бұрын

Great video and beautiful landscape, bit prettier than grey old London. Love your passion for the monkey too 👍

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@rowanblackwood1379 4 ай бұрын

Nice review. I’ve had mine a couple of years and love it. First thing I did was put a straight cyclone exhaust on it. Nice punchy sound when you’re giving it throttle, but not to loud when cruising. Did some pretty serious off roading at the weekend and it was a bit of a struggle without off road tyres, but she kept up with a husky and and KTM mostly 😅 Had 74mph top end but that was full tuck down hill with the wind behind me 😂

@simotofoto 4 ай бұрын

Hahaha love it man 74mph is flying on the Monkey lol

@benjamincruise7062 7 ай бұрын

I need one of these! I'm watching so many video's about this bike! You're convincing me!

@simotofoto 7 ай бұрын

Do it do it do it 🤣🤣🤣

@brucebabin4137 6 ай бұрын

Thank you for your beautifully honest informational review of the Honda Monkey. Very well done. Seems a lot of the reviews out there like to compare the Monkey with other bikes that are out of its range, which is useless. Thanks again. 😁Bought and paid for a 2024 of the same color but haven’t picked it up yet. 🙂Haven’t driven in 45 years but the nostalgia of the reintroduced Monkey brought me back in. 😂

@simotofoto 6 ай бұрын

My pleasure, thanks so much for your kind comment, you are going to absolutely love the Monkey, makes me smile every time I take it out :)

@JohnDoe-cv8iw 7 ай бұрын

i need to buy one of these come summer!!! i bought a little ssr140 pitbike and i spend more time riding that tiny thing in the street than my regular street legal bike.. and its a blast going 60mph such a tiny bike! u feel like ur flying!!

@simotofoto 6 ай бұрын

Go for it! you won't look back

@ozzyprogdomino8815 10 ай бұрын

I love my monkey, it's a blue 2012 model. I have another bike as well, but I love riding this one. You do not get in trouble and you can take it anywhere.

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

Totally agree :)

@debenhamdave4314 10 ай бұрын

Imagine they are great fun, and running costs sound fantastic, i have the same NXR 2 as yourself great bit of kit. Cheers Si

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

It really is! Cheers Dave

@armadilllo 8 ай бұрын

My most fun bike ever and I've been through a lot! I'm down to four bikes and this one is my go to. I rode it over a hundred miles yesterday. I thought it was high priced for what it was and refused to pay that much but finally broke down, the fun was worth it.

@simotofoto 8 ай бұрын

Couldn't agree more!

@jeff7201 6 ай бұрын

These are almost impossible to get in Canada and when a dealer many miles away got a 2024 in, I went down and bought it. I too thought that they were too expensive but after looking at it in person was impressed with the build quality and perfect paintwork. Can't wait till spring to test. Brings back many good memories of my Minitrail I had earlier in life but this one is driveable on the road. @@simotofoto

@twistandgo3414 9 ай бұрын

You know it! Everyone needs a Honda monkey in their life, just brings motorcycling back to its wholesome roots. Good, basic care free fun cruising about. Just clicked 2k miles on mine now since March 22'. It's been up to John O' Groats twice in that time already! They're great little bikes as long as you don't need to be anywhere quickly, but that's not what they're about. 😁😎👍

@simotofoto 9 ай бұрын

Love this comment thanks for sharing :)

@twistandgo3414 9 ай бұрын

@@simotofoto no problem buddy. Hopefully catch you down in Edinburgh or on your travels soon. Keep the content coming!

@ohwell2790 10 ай бұрын

Bought my 2023 Monkey in June and have 700 miles and find it really versatile. Been ridding since I was 16 and now 80 and have stepped down from the heavy bikes. Find it with 9 horse power and only 221 pounds to be just the thing so I can keep ridding. Mine is the same color and surprisingly get thumbs up from people ridding HD"s even. Having fun and did put a Chimera intake on it, though the intake noise is pretty loud accelerating. Put it on to make adjusting the valves easier, normal ridding and cruising it is not objectionable at all. It is a really tight fit.

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

Fantastic, glad you are enjoying the Monkey they are awesome fun and as you say nice and easy to move about. Cheers Si

@kervilou5905 Ай бұрын

bravo mon pote

@stephenbryson5618 10 ай бұрын

Same as mine I got it new 5 months a go 8500 miles so far brilliant little Bike I’m of out now Viva

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

Viva :)

@barrylove3618 3 ай бұрын

Good film on my way toward buying one no swearing excellent baz

@simotofoto 3 ай бұрын

Excellent Barry get it u won't regret it :)

@TobermoryCat 10 ай бұрын

Got a Monkey but ended up buying a Honda SH 125i. The weather protection, screen, storage box and under seat, bigger wheels on the SH125i won out for daily use......but kept the Monkey for giggles per mile.

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

Love it I couldn't part with my monkey either

@lindyloumonkeypixie1213 10 ай бұрын

Great video, I have just got the Banana Yellow 2023 Monkey (same model as yours), and interesting to hear your thoughts after 6 months.

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! VIVA

@imnotlostimexploring777 8 ай бұрын

I drilled a couple of holes in my backbox to "be seen" Love the bike, just wish chrome mudgards didnt rust so easily

@simotofoto 8 ай бұрын

Haha great idea lol

@grayman999 10 ай бұрын

Same here 1500 miles brilliant bike and people always come and say hello and ask about the bike I won’t part with her ❤run her along with an NT 1100 MR 901 viva

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

Viva✌🏻

@ThomassawkinsSawkins 2 ай бұрын

Tom lanzarote just in buying process of a monkey this review is a genuine top notch review thanks t

@simotofoto 2 ай бұрын

Thanks Tom that is very kind dude, hope you get your own Monkey soon :)

@t_rex8767 8 ай бұрын

nice sco`ish landscape, fun-looking bike and that accent is 10/10 👌

@simotofoto 8 ай бұрын

Cheers man :)

@davidbealing454 8 ай бұрын

I ride an Africa Twin and a Harley tourer but spend most of my time on my Monkey a great commuter and yep way more fun than the big stuff ...... 5500 miles and counting on my 22 plate.

@simotofoto 8 ай бұрын

Nice one David....VIVA

@anthonystorey2953 4 ай бұрын

Should be collecting my red Monkey soon Will let you know how I get on , cheers for now thanks for the videos,

@simotofoto 4 ай бұрын

Awesome man you are going to love it, best fun ever

@robertscarisbrick7245 9 ай бұрын

Iv got a 20plate 4speed monkey Iv done 5thou on and a 21plate 5speed Grom Iv done 6thou on !! Love them both 😊 Got a T7 and a ktm390adv so I have a good choice but just keep goin back to the mini bikes !! People think there a bit of a joke but honestly there very capable !! We often do over 200 mile trips !! The Grom is better but not as cool !! Both do a genuine 180mpg once there run in properly 👍👍💪

@simotofoto 9 ай бұрын

Very nice not sure if it will do 180mpg with my 18 stone on it hahaha!

@AwTheGears 3 ай бұрын

How have I not seen this before now?! 😂 I've wanted one for ages too... Maybe after the TT this year.... Nitrous... 😂😂😂😂

@simotofoto 3 ай бұрын

Get it bought lol

@KRAM-zb2vc 3 ай бұрын

I have a 2023 Honda Grom that I use for work, I also have a 2022 xadv 750 and the Grom is my goto bike, currently doing 141,7 mpg and basically full throttle everywhere, I put a Leo Vince LV10 exhaust on and a Tutoro chain oiler. 😊👍🏻

@simotofoto 3 ай бұрын

Sounds great :)

@KRAM-zb2vc 3 ай бұрын

As you say, there an absolutely hoot 😂👍🏻

@KRAM-zb2vc 3 ай бұрын

Pulled the trigger on mine because of rising costs for my car, got rid and bought the Grom, the LV10 gets the Grom to 71mph 😂👍🏻

@pujapete3665 9 ай бұрын

scorpion stytem is a good set up.not too loud.just enough

@johntheaccountant5594 10 ай бұрын

I live in Thailand and bought a new Honda Monkey (4 speed) in early 2020 for 97,000 baht = £2,425. I have several motorbike and the Honda Monkey brings the biggest smile to me when riding it.

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

Awesome John it does have that effect on you lol

@jimhedley7459 6 ай бұрын

Hi , the 5 speed be Honda monkey is awesome , you’ll never want to sell it once it gets under your skin and you fully understand what a little beast it is , I’ve 2 groms the 5 speed and 4 benelli tnt’s , the grom is the best road bike just , monkey bike is a riot and the seat is epic , the tnt are great too I actually bought one to compare to the Hondas and there amazing little bikes , yes I’ve big bikes but I love mini bikes too , I started the mini bike obsession when I bought a new 2019 monkeybike which was written off 15 months later when a jeep pulled out I front of me at 55 mph , I missed it so much I over compensated by buy 7 mini bikes , we’ll that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it !!!🏍🏍👍👍

@simotofoto 6 ай бұрын

Hahaha brilliant Jim, when are you adding another Monkey to the stable?

@jimhedley7459 6 ай бұрын

⁠@@simotofotoHi Si , don’t worry I waited for a blue 5 speed , which weren’t out , hence buying the 2 groms , until it arrived later in the year , there truly epic bikes , worth every penny , 🏍🏍👍👍

@superwag634 Ай бұрын

In Australia, you would fail the English pronunciation exam IELTS for migration with that mode of speech 😂

@anthonystorey2953 4 ай бұрын

Sold my Enfield 350 classic because although a lovely bike to look at it didn't quite cut it for me, have had lots of different bikes in the past , so what am I looking for and will I find it on a monkey? Enjoyed your video thanks, cheers for now 😊

@kervilou5905 Ай бұрын

nice vid & bike !!! what part of UK ???? mich in france

@simotofoto Ай бұрын

Cheers Mich, im in Scotland, Glasgow and this video ws just to the north of Glasgow in the Campsie fells :)

@seanpalmer4217 8 ай бұрын

I agree, i have a 2020 one. I will never sell it. Thanks

@simotofoto 8 ай бұрын

Nice one Sean its a keeper for sure

@KJ-nl4ei 21 күн бұрын

Beautiful country.

@simotofoto 15 күн бұрын

It really is!

@Chico-m9y 10 күн бұрын

I just wish'd Honda would give it an extra cylinder and turn it into a 250cc vtwin. Change nothing else about it but that, the bike looks like it would have the space to do that.

@damianmcnulty7663 4 ай бұрын

The Monkey bike isn't offensive until you start to spank it. Great vid, cheers.

@simotofoto 4 ай бұрын

Good point lol, cheers Si :)

@bennythomsen5974 10 ай бұрын

Hello sir! As the Monkey has a 5. Gear as an overdrive, I was thinking that maybe if you change the front sprocket to a couple of tooth less it would be able to still pull decently in 5 th gear and even go a bit faster .. considering your size. Would love to see if that would work for the bike.

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the tips Benny might just give that a go :)

@rodneysweetnam8653 2 ай бұрын

@@simotofoto - Big Rodders from Ireland here. I've done 11000 on my 2020 yellow 4 speed Monkey. I thought about changing it for the 5 speed so undertook a lot of research on the gearing of both models. I discovered that the two top gears in both models produce virtually identical speeds at their max power revs. I prefer the 4 speed for tarmac riding so kept my original model.

@davidberry2410 10 ай бұрын

Hey Si, Just waiting for delivery of mine, gone for red same as you. This will be my second monkey. Which model of Oxford grips did you order? were they easy to fit? Thanks mate

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

Awesome good choice :) not sure what model of grips they were I'm sure they were the cheapest ones lol, the guys at Triumph Glasgow fitted them for me

@davidberry2410 10 ай бұрын

Thanks mate, found ones for the Grom for £89 that should fit fine. But first job is to get the RS3 yoshi on 😂

@whatevenisthisfor 8 күн бұрын

The honda grom is honestly way more reliable but this is a little better ride. In all honesty though the honda grom doesn't need any kit or anything done to it so id say it's better off the lot.

@ocanaldovaza 2 ай бұрын

Top top

@simotofoto 2 ай бұрын

Cheers :)

@PANIC_media 10 ай бұрын

Can I ask your height and weight please? I have a Vespa GTS 300 which averages 23 kilometres per litre in Bangkok and the seat is a Bum Breaker. Thinking of having a Honda Monkey too just for fun. The Vespa is great for shopping etc with front and rear luggage rack but fancy a toy too. The price of a new Honda Monkey here in Thailand is just over £2,000.

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

£2000 that is superb value, im 6 foot tall and 18 stone

@PANIC_media 10 ай бұрын

@@simotofoto thanks for the reply. I’m 5’8” and about 16 stone. I was trying to get a comparison of what you looked like on a monkey and what I would look like. You look fine so should be ok for me.

@PANIC_media 10 ай бұрын

@@simotofoto new Honda Monkey starts at 97,000 Baht for stock like you have. Currently around 45 Baht to the £ which makes it just over £2,100 on the road. Honda dealers give free road tax and basic insurance. Used Honda Monkeys from around £1,400. Used Grom from around £700 from a Dealer.

@thepab3072 4 ай бұрын

Just bought a 2024 Monkey 125 this week, I have a question, will the seat change color with time or it stays perfect? I'm afraid the seat will turn pink 😂

@simotofoto 4 ай бұрын

I hope not :(

@thepab3072 4 ай бұрын

@@simotofoto so yours is still perfect after all that time?

@the.communist 6 ай бұрын

Should be good guality cause its quite expensive for a 125

@simotofoto 6 ай бұрын

Its fantastic quality for such a small bike

@johnbloggs5430 10 ай бұрын

#monthemonkeybikes Simon great video

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

Thanks John :)

@benmeldrum2619 3 ай бұрын

Anyone know if the older 4 speed ones are as good as the newer 5 speed?

@simotofoto 3 ай бұрын

Can't comment as ive never ridden the 4 speed but can confirm the 5 speed is awesome

@rodneysweetnam8653 2 ай бұрын

Hi - it's Big Rodders in Ireland. I've done 11000 miles on my 2020 yellow 4 speed Monkey. I was going to change to a 5 speed but am glad I didn't. First gear is high so is ideal on tarmac as you're in top gear quicker. However, green laning is difficult as clutch slipping in first is necessary so I don't take it off the tarmac anymore. It's important to realise that the two top gears in both versions produce virtually identical speeds at max power so the 5 speed isn't any faster.

@billwelch9431 27 күн бұрын

How tall are you and how much do you weigh?

@simotofoto 24 күн бұрын

Jeezo man thats a bit forward lol 6 foot 18 stone

@billwelch9431 23 күн бұрын

@@simotofoto LOL I'm just trying to gauge things as I'm getting ready to purchase one. I'm a little over 6' but I'm about 205lbs-ish, so should be good. Nice video. Thanks

@ianthurlby2788 10 ай бұрын

You're insurance can not be fully comp at £80' they charge me £400 for my fully com insurance dude.😢

@simotofoto 10 ай бұрын

It defo is mate ✌🏻

@FedorAntony 8 ай бұрын

You seem to live in the actual Harry Potter neighbourhood.

@simotofoto 8 ай бұрын

Haha true story lol

@ianthurlby2788 10 ай бұрын

Hi😂 just brought a brand new z125 monkey bike joke😅only 2miles on clock, and front tyre has come off rim of wheel aways check you're tyres when going out for a ride bike going back to Honda dealers to be repaired.😮it's a beautiful bike but when you buy a brand Monkey do a PHI inspection you're self because Honda mechanic are crap,