[Mils]

I’d been looking at the Grom for a while. Then, I saw the monkey and liked the retro look. However, I am a new rider and I’m wondering if I should spend 4500 on a Monkey or buy something a little bigger. There seems to be a lot of turnover with groms. I have just seen a monkey for sale with about a hundred miles on it. Do people primarily use these as training bikes, then move up? Why did you buy a Monkey and how/where do you use or intend to use it?
Is it your only motorcycle?

 

[KBK0]

it is pretty and reminds me when I was young.
when I'm on the 765 RS, people in custom look at me and wonder why I ride on a bike that is made for the race.
when I'm on my Thruxton RS, the elders ask me why I bought a new old.
When I drove my Harley, the sports guys laughed at me because my silencers were touching the ground on the mountain roads in my area.
When I'm on my monkey, no one is able to put a face on who I really am. rich, poor, beginner, confirmed ....
we do not care. the thing gives people a smile.
and nowadays, to make people laugh ...
it's not that easy... :cool2:

 

[Getbusylivin]

I've always been into small engine powered vehicles. Growing up I have had several dirt bikes, mini bikes and go karts. Now that I'm a little older I still enjoy that scene. I own 5 golf carts in which I have completely redone myself. Four out of the five I've done " big block " engine conversions to them. I use these carts as transportation at our campground. I also have an offroad mini bike with an engine conversion on it. I bought the Monkey to add to my collection of toys. Last year when I found out it was coming to the U.S, I knew I had to get one. I get the question all the time " so are you ready for a Harley? " Absolutely not! I wanted a street legal minibike and that's exactly what I got.

 

[Sacalito]

It's the perfect city bike. No other motorcycle is smaller, narrower, frugal, resilient, cheap to insure and a blast to ride. You can also customize it a whole lot. Everyone likes the monkey, even people who don't ride. It's a really cute motorcycle. Need I say more ??

 

[3crows]

I doubt people are buying the Monkey as a "training bike" if they do so with the Grom either. I have always like small motorcycles and single cylinder bikes and was fascinated with the original Monkey when it came out. But, did not have the funds or parents willing to purchase one. Though to be fair to them, they let me buy a Yamaha CT-1, helped me purchase a CL350 and allowed me to race MX on a variety of dirt bikes (I purchased with my own funds).

I bought the Monkey for a garage toy and for practical purposes as a camp transportation bike and general runabout. It is pretty, it is cute, it is old time Honda quality, old time "You Meet the Nicest People on a Honda" and unlike the original Mini-Trail 50 this Monkey is not a trail bike but a street scrambler and it is big enough to actually ride.

Can a Monkey do for a single motorcycle, well, maybe? If you live in an urban area or ride only a short distance to your destinations and do not need to make freeway speeds or carry two-up, then yeah. It would not have hurt my feelings if they had made the Monkey a 175 with, oh, say, 18 horsepower, then it could make a short freeway sprint. But Honda did not build this little bike for that purpose and it is really perfect for its intended purpose, making smiles, not miles.



J

 

[Mils]

In looking at a lot of groms and one Monkey, I have noticed low mileage and people selling for bigger bikes. I know for certain that a significant number of people are buying mini bikes to learn on.
Regardless, my situation is this: ai am a new rider. I live in a suburban area. Speed limits range from 25-50. I would never think of taking it out on the highway. I have a car as primary transportation. I want a motorcycle ride for fun. There are some nice semi-rural roads nearby but you have to go through a lot of traffic initially to get to them. I’m trying to decide in a Monkey or a 250 or 300, like a TU250 or rebel 300. I live within an hour of the beach/shore. I think that would be an ideal place to ride a Monkey.
We do have some fairly steep roads in the immediate vicinity.
Never having ridden a small or big motorcycle, it’s difficult to think about what it would feel like in different types of traffic scenarios with a mini bike. I think part of it for me, is envisioning being at a red light , surrounded by cars and big trucks and being on a tiny motorcycle. It’s kind of irrational because the seat height isn’t really that low but are you any less visible on a small motorcycle?
What so you think about my situation? Monkey or standard size motorcycle?

 

[3crows]

In looking at a lot of groms and one Monkey, I have noticed low mileage and people selling for bigger bikes. I know for certain that a significant number of people are buying mini bikes to learn on.

This phenomena of trading motorcycles is not confined to what you are calling a mini-bike. I have been riding motorcycles since I was a child and am now 66. I might could consider a Monkey an end game save for the FACT I can destroy people half my age in MX on a "trail" bike that is only 144cc. Whatever. Some people go through motorcycles like a hot knife through butter. I have been guilty myself. Nothing, or few things at best, more compelling in life than a shiny new motorcycle that is not yours but could be yours sitting on a showroom floor regardless of displacement.

Grasshopper, you have much to learn. There is no one bike for everything, but a UJM might be close. A Monkey/Grom is not going to handle a freeway or fast traffic two lane highway either for that matter. I am going to suggest a Honda CB300 or the Kawasaki Z400 semi sport bikes or naked equivalent or on the (extreme) top end, a Yamaha MT-07. Fast enough to pace traffic on a freeway with power in reserve and yet not itching to kill you like a super sport 600cc replica race bike.

The seat height on a Monkey is six inches higher than some Harley "type" bikes. I pulled up beside a Fatboy on my Monkey and was looking down on the top of his do-rag! Of course he did not have a helmet, are you kidding, but I sure as hell did. ATGATT, all the gear, all the time, even on a Monkey.

J

 

[PacificoFlyr]

It is awesome to hop on a new machine that looks great while reminding me about the CT70 I grew up with that parks next to the Monkey. It's a nice break from the HP4 and the Husky 350 as well.

 

[Mils]

I’m not speed or power hungry. I’m also a female, so maybe a bit more cautious than a lot of riders, maybe not. I like the Monkey. As soon as I saw it, I wanted one. I just want to make sure that it suits my needs, as far as where I will be riding.

 

[50-50]

In looking at a lot of groms and one Monkey, I have noticed low mileage and people selling for bigger bikes. I know for certain that a significant number of people are buying mini bikes to learn on.
Regardless, my situation is this: ai am a new rider. I live in a suburban area. Speed limits range from 25-50. I would never think of taking it out on the highway. I have a car as primary transportation. I want a motorcycle ride for fun. There are some nice semi-rural roads nearby but you have to go through a lot of traffic initially to get to them. I’m trying to decide in a Monkey or a 250 or 300, like a TU250 or rebel 300. I live within an hour of the beach/shore. I think that would be an ideal place to ride a Monkey.
We do have some fairly steep roads in the immediate vicinity.
Never having ridden a small or big motorcycle, it’s difficult to think about what it would feel like in different types of traffic scenarios with a mini bike. I think part of it for me, is envisioning being at a red light , surrounded by cars and big trucks and being on a tiny motorcycle. It’s kind of irrational because the seat height isn’t really that low but are you any less visible on a small motorcycle?
What so you think about my situation? Monkey or standard size motorcycle?

Yes, a lot of people start on Groms and Monkeys. That means they experience newbie abuse - bad clutch modulation, sloppy shifting, sometimes being dropped, maintenance neglect, bad maintenance (stripped bolts, etc.), etc. That's why I refused to buy a used Grom. So be very careful when buying used. You can find good used bikes.

Unfortunately no motorycle will do it all. You have to decide what's most important to you.

A 250cc engine is too small for a full size motorcycle IMO unless it's a newer bike that has a more powerful engine and lighter weight. The old Ninja 250s were weak and heavy. That would get boring faster than any minibike. With that being said I'd love a Suzuki Van Van 200 or Yamaha TW200, but those are 3/4 size motorcycles. Either of those may fit your needs as well. Sadly, those bikes are way overpriced when new IMO. I'd look to the used market for those bikes. Going used for your first bike is a good idea if you can find a bike in good shape. That way it hurts less if you drop it and your wallet will take a smaller hit if you decide to sell it.

My Grom with exhaust and a tuner struggles with hills. Any small displacement motorcycle isn't going to love hills. It's just physics.

Groms are small, but not that low. The seat on my 1200cc Buell is lower. On a motorcycle you HAVE to ride like you're invisible of you want to survive. Car drivers don't always see other cars let alone motorcycles. But you can't ride scared or you won't have fun.

If you get a bike and fall in love with motorcycling you're eventually going to want a new bike or a second bike.

 

[Honda monkey]

I got a Monkey because I have had all the other types of street bikes, crotch rocket, dual sport, big V-twin, Gold Wing. The Monkey is just a BLAST to ride!! Sailors and motorcycle riders come back to simplicity. Full circle.

I would recommend a 4 stroke 125cc dirt bike as a beginner bike, tougher to get killed. AND you develop the skills that will keep you alive on the street. The Monkey would be good if money was no object, but I would recommend a $2000 Japanese 250 dual sport if you have to go street now. The CB300F would also be a good choice. They have good deals on them. Or any small used Japanese bike. Spend a $1000. You will be happy. Welcome to a little piece of freedom we have left.

 

[bluestreak614]

It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow
I personally couldn't help myself once I saw that Honda was releasing a street legal bike like this...

My 1976 Suzuki A100 "Gofer" (98cc 2-stroke)


2019 Honda Z125 Monkey

 

[Danny Linguini]

Haven’t gotten one yet, but I’m this close to pulling the trigger. I’m 61 now, and I sold a ‘14 Valkyrie back in April this year because it was costing me a loan payment plus insurance and just wasn’t getting ridden. I thought I’d just lost my desire to ride after over 30 years of it. I’ve had mostly big bikes over the years, and it had just been becoming more and more of a chore to get out and ride the last five or so.

But the more I see this thing and hear how much of a blast it is from everybody who’s ridden one, the more I’m getting the itch again. Could be a fun little work commuter and bop-around-towner and bring the fun back to riding for me. I thought the wife would think I’m nuts (well, she does), but she gave me the ol ‘get it if you want’ when I brought it up, so that potential obstacle is cleared. The local stealer has a red one in stock. Now I just need to decide if it’s really worth whipping out the credit card for.

All I’d need to find is a helmet with a propeller on top to complete the silliness. Now who’s up to pushing me off the fence?

 

[Chim Chim]

I knew I’d get one when I saw they were coming to the US. I rode mini bikes as a kid and am past my 30th year of riding all manner of street bikes. Currently, most of my riding is on country back roads so I can get away with going 35 - 45 mph. My commute is the same. I use my Kawi Z125 as a commuter and got the third Monkey to come to my MC shop. The Monkey is just for fun riding.

 

[3crows]

Haven’t gotten one yet, but I’m this close to pulling the trigger. I’m 61 now, and I sold a ‘14 Valkyrie back in April this year because it was costing me a loan payment plus insurance and just wasn’t getting ridden. I thought I’d just lost my desire to ride after over 30 years of it. I’ve had mostly big bikes over the years, and it had just been becoming more and more of a chore to get out and ride the last five or so.

But the more I see this thing and hear how much of a blast it is from everybody who’s ridden one, the more I’m getting the itch again. Could be a fun little work commuter and bop-around-towner and bring the fun back to riding for me. I thought the wife would think I’m nuts (well, she does), but she gave me the ol ‘get it if you want’ when I brought it up, so that potential obstacle is cleared. The local stealer has a red one in stock. Now I just need to decide if it’s really worth whipping out the credit card for.

All I’d need to find is a helmet with a propeller on top to complete the silliness. Now who’s up to pushing me off the fence?

Just go get it. But, I tell you this, while perhaps a few times when younger I did a note for a bike, I am a mostly pay cash sort of person when it comes to motorcycles.

 

[Swampass]

I have 4 other bikes. I ride the monkey the most. I've had bikes that make 175hp and go 190mph. That whole idea of motorcycling has run its course for me. I bought the mokey beause I've been getting back to my roots for the last several years. Mini bikes, small displacement bigger bikes. I still have a 125ish hp bike....but it's ridden the least. My other bikes are 68hp or less.

 

[Monkey Rider Ken]

I’m not speed or power hungry. I’m also a female, so maybe a bit more cautious than a lot of riders, maybe not. I like the Monkey. As soon as I saw it, I wanted one. I just want to make sure that it suits my needs, as far as where I will be riding.

I'd say buy one and keep it. Ride it and have fun and one day you may want larger but don't let your friends goad you into going larger if you enjoy what you're riding.

I've had super large, super fast, super powerful and super costly bikes over my near 13 years riding having started at age 45 and now at age 58 I'm wanting simple, cute, good fun and 55mph and under. I have owned many bikes, 45 to be exact and custom built a few Harley's. However, I never rode until I was 45.

I want to enjoy my riding and not be riding because someone else encouraged me to ride their ride.

Ride your own ride. Take lots of photos. Have lots of fun.

Smile while you're doing it or you're not having fun!

I am buying 2 Monkey's. A Yellow and a red. I want one a my house and one at my business and will ride a BMW G310GS from home to work. That's a small single cylinder adventure bike. I'm on a 1200 Adventure now with 125 horse power and tons of features and I'm bored with it.
I don't care to ride long distances or take trips any longer so I'm just going to trailer or truck my bikes to the North Carolina mountains and ride the Dragon and have some fun and most of the time while here in Illinois ride in the corn and beans on farm roads and enjoy.

 

[Monkey Rider Ken]

I agree. I'm now on bike number 45 over 13 years and wanting to enjoy just riding low and slow.

I have 4 other bikes. I ride the monkey the most. I've had bikes that make 175hp and go 190mph. That whole idea of motorcycling has run its course for me. I bought the mokey beause I've been getting back to my roots for the last several years. Mini bikes, small displacement bigger bikes. I still have a 125ish hp bike....but it's ridden the least. My other bikes are 68hp or less.

 

[Monkey Rider Ken]

Danny,
You are quite funny but we are the same. I too am wanting riding to be fun again so I'm buying two Monkey's one for the office and one for home and one is Yellow
so I can have that Crazy Yellow Banana bike around. Love it.

I test rode the red one, not that color matters, but it was smooth and nice. I'm 240lb's and while not bragging I can tell you it hauled me nicely.
I think 55mph is capable and that's fine. I just want fun.

You're wife may think your nuts but I've had 45 motorcycles over 13 years, how nuts is that?

Haven’t gotten one yet, but I’m this close to pulling the trigger. I’m 61 now, and I sold a ‘14 Valkyrie back in April this year because it was costing me a loan payment plus insurance and just wasn’t getting ridden. I thought I’d just lost my desire to ride after over 30 years of it. I’ve had mostly big bikes over the years, and it had just been becoming more and more of a chore to get out and ride the last five or so.

But the more I see this thing and hear how much of a blast it is from everybody who’s ridden one, the more I’m getting the itch again. Could be a fun little work commuter and bop-around-towner and bring the fun back to riding for me. I thought the wife would think I’m nuts (well, she does), but she gave me the ol ‘get it if you want’ when I brought it up, so that potential obstacle is cleared. The local stealer has a red one in stock. Now I just need to decide if it’s really worth whipping out the credit card for.

All I’d need to find is a helmet with a propeller on top to complete the silliness. Now who’s up to pushing me off the fence?

 

[Danny Linguini]

Danny,
You are quite funny but we are the same. I too am wanting riding to be fun again so I'm buying two Monkey's one for the office and one for home and one is Yellow
so I can have that Crazy Yellow Banana bike around. Love it.

I test rode the red one, not that color matters, but it was smooth and nice. I'm 240lb's and while not bragging I can tell you it hauled me nicely.
I think 55mph is capable and that's fine. I just want fun.

You're wife may think your nuts but I've had 45 motorcycles over 13 years, how nuts is that?

Yup, you take the nuts prize. At least between the two of us, anyway.

I didn't wait quite as long as you -- I started riding in my 20's, but didn't own my own bike until my 30's. And I've had everything from sport to tourers to big cruisers, the last being the Valkyrie, which was an awesome machine, but it was almost too much machine. It's been getting to be more a chore to ride these last several years, so it got sold a few months ago. I've only had 11 bikes in that time.

Oh, oops, make that 12. I just plunked down the coin on a red Monkey this afternoon.

Yes, I did it. Left work this afternoon and right up until the exit to the dealers I was on the fence. Something pushed me to that exit instead of going straight home. Got there, looked around where they keep the scooters outside, and there it was, the one last lonely red Monkey. Of course I sat on it, seat blistering hot from sitting in the sun all day, took a couple of squeezes of the clutch and brake, and started grinning without ever turning the key. Found a sales guy, he rattled off a number that sounded good, and without hesitation I was in the finance office filling out the paperwork.

I don't know if you've ever had that feeling of uncertainty when you're buying yet another bike -- I usually do, wondering if I really want to trade in what I'm trading in, if I really want/need this new bike, you know the usual questions one tends to ask oneself before spending a pile of money. Not this time. Told the cute finance girl I feel like being silly as I handed her the sales paper, which she immediately giggled at, seeing what I was buying; i signed the papers, plunked down the coin, and headed home to sort out the insurance business. Going back to pick it up Friday, 'cos that's the soonest I can get a ride. It was the last one the dealer has, last of the 2019's they'll be getting, and it's the color I wanted. The only explanation I can see is that's the universe telling me it is good and right to go forth and be silly.