5 Reasons You Should Buy a Honda Monkey
If you’re looking for a compact and easy way to get around town, a mini-bike is a great way to do it. If you’re not sure which one to pick, then the Honda Ruckus is a popular way to go. But if you’re looking for something a little more unique, then the 2021 Honda Monkey won’t let you down. Here are five reasons you should buy one.
1. The Honda Monkey’s retro styling is second-to-none
The Honda Monkey was originally conceived back in 1961. According to Web Bike World, the original Monkey was powered by a small 50cc motor and had no front or rear suspension. Fast forward 60 years and the 2021 Honda Monkey carries the same retro styling as the original but with a lot more upgrades. If you’re not into the sportbike aesthetics that the Honda Grom has and prefer something more sedate, then the Monkey could be a better choice for you.
2. The Monkey is small and lightweight
With a 231-pound curb weight, the Honda Monkey is lightweight and easy to maneuver at slower speeds. Additionally, the Monkey has four inches of front and rear suspension travel, so it’s comfortable when riding. Plus, with a 45-inch wheelbase, you know it’s easy to ride around in tight situations.
3. Its fuel economy is impressive
The Honda Monkey has a 1.5-gallon fuel tank, which means that it costs only a few dollars to fill up. On top of that, its fuel efficiency is top-notch. Honda doesn’t have a specific fuel economy number attached to the Monkey, but Ride Apart estimates that it should get around 188 mpg or around 200 miles for a full tank. Try doing that with a Honda Civic.
4. It has enough power for most roads
The 2021 Honda Monkey is powered by a small 125cc engine that produces around 9 hp and 8.1 lb-ft of torque. That might not sound like much, but considering how light and small the Monkey is, it’s plenty of power to get you going up to around 45 mph. You might be able to get up 55 mph on a downhill stretch.
“In stock form, the Monkey can eventually hit 55 mph on a flat road, but it might only hit the high 40s if you encounter a hill,” noted Car and Driver. “On the Monkey, what’s behind you is important, because you’re probably not outrunning it.”
5. It’s cheap to buy and own
The MSRP for the 2021 Honda Monkey currently sits at $3,999 (plus a $200 destination charge). Sure, you can buy a cheap used car for that kind of money, but if you buy a Monkey, you won’t need to worry about any existing or near-future repairs like you would with a used car. Also, it’s probably going to be a lot more fun to ride around town.
The 2022 Honda Monkey has a few updates
If you would rather have something newer, then Honda recently released the 2022 Monkey. The engine size on it is the same, however, the 2022 model does have a slightly higher compression ratio, which could mean a little more power. There’s even an extra gear as the Monkey now comes with a five-speed manual transmission as opposed to a four-speed.
Additionally, you can order a 2022 Monkey in either Banana Yellow or Pearl Black. No matter which model year of the Monkey you choose, you’ll still have a fun and reliable way to get around town without having to break the bank. Also, it’s a great alternative to a Ruckus.
RELATED: The 2022 Honda Grom: Faster but Just as Cheap and Cheerful
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