2022 Honda Monkey ABS Guide

2022 Honda Monkey ABS: START MONKEYING AROUND.

Introducing the 2022 Honda Monkey ABS…

When it comes to miniMOTO models, Honda is the undisputed leader, and there’s no better example of that than the legendary Monkey, which gets a new, five-speed engine for 2022. A hit with both nostalgic riders seeking a trip down memory lane, and the new generation of enthusiasts, the model was originally produced in 1961 for a Honda-owned Japanese amusement park called Tama Tech. Its latest generation honors that history and tradition with looks and spirit that are faithful to the Monkey’s earliest concept, but it touts modern features that help it perform well and run reliably—a combination that has proven to be extremely popular with customers.

Here’s a lesson in primate evolution: Back in the caveman days (the 1960s) the first Honda Monkey showed the world how much fun Homo Sapiens could have on a motorcycle. Then a couple years back, we introduced the new Monkey, and the riding world went ape again. Now it’s getting even better, because for 2022 the Honda Monkey gets a new engine (the same as our newest Grom), with a higher 10:1 compression ratio that increases power and adds to the bike’s zippy performance. Plus, an extra gear in the transmission (it’s a five-speed now) means it’s even more versatile. It’s the perfect way to get around town, or just have some fun monkeying around. Complete with ABS and available in Pearl Black and Banana Yellow, it’s more fun than, well, you know the rest.

A hit with both the new generation of enthusiasts and nostalgic riders seeking a trip down memory lane (its heritage extends back to 1961, when the original version was used in a Honda-owned Japanese amusement park called Tama Tech), the Monkey oozes fun and charm in a pintsize package. Now, for the first time, the Monkey has a fifth gear for more comfortable cruising, thanks to a new, modern engine with a wider spread of gear ratios and a 37-tooth final-drive sprocket (previously 34). The changes provide not only peppy acceleration from low speeds, but increased top speed as well. The 124cc two-valve, overhead-cam, air-cooled engine has an undersquare design, with a narrower bore and longer stroke.

2022 Honda Monkey ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN

For the first time, the Monkey has a fifth gear for more comfortable cruising, thanks to a new, modern engine with a wider spread of gear ratios and a 37-tooth final-drive sprocket (previously 34). The changes not only provide peppy acceleration from low speeds, but increase top speed as well. The 124cc two-valve, overhead-cam, air-cooled engine has an undersquare design, with a narrower bore and longer stroke.

• True to its origins, the Monkey’s horizontal SOHC 124cc single-cylinder engine is simple, robust, and tuned to deliver useful around-town performance.
• Air-cooled, with bore and stroke of 50.0 mm x 63.1 mm (previously 52.4 x 57.9 mm) and compression ratio of 10.0:1 (previously 9.3:1), fed by PGM-FI, it produces strong, enjoyable power all the way through the rev range.
• Simplifying maintenance, a replaceable oil filter is used for 2022, a practical upgrade from cleaning the previous model’s oil spinner and screen.

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

The Monkey’s steel backbone frame has been tuned for a suitable balance between rigidity and supple feel—perfect for the wide variety of conditions the machine is sure to be ridden in. Oval in cross-section, the swingarm echoes the circular design theme that runs through the bike.

• Wheelbase is 45.0 in., while rake and trail are 25°/82 mm for confidence-inspiring handling.
• Wet weight is a mere 231 pounds, with a seat height of 30.5 inches.
• High-density urethane seat with 70 mm cushion contributes to comfortable ride and iconic looks.
• The inverted fork is matched by dual shocks for a compliant-yet-sporty ride.
• A single 220 mm front disc and a 190 mm rear provide secure stopping performance and can be managed by the available IMU-based ABS.
• Fat, 12-inch block-pattern tires make for a smooth ride and are sized 120/80-12 65J front and 130/80-12 69J rear.
• Head pipe, main frame, and engine hanger plate offer optimal strength for stable handling.

STYLING

Classic Monkey styling, including curved surfaces and a trapezoid silhouette highlighting the compact length, harken back to the loveable design of the original Monkey models, putting enthusiastic smiles on the faces of riders and bystanders alike.

• Glossy 1.5-gallon fuel tank, finished in the same paint color as the frame, swingarm, and shocks, crowns the machine, and proudly wears a historic 3-D Old Wing design Honda logo.
• Chrome steel high-mount front and rear fenders—plus the evocatively stamped exhaust shield, circular mirrors, and high-rise handlebar—all pay homage to the original.
• Modern technology is fully present within the reincarnation of the classic look: a digital full-LCD circular meter features speedometer, odometer with two trip meters, and six-segment fuel-level indicator.
• The “wave” pattern key wears the Old Wing motif.
• LED lighting adds modern touch, durability, and energy efficiency to a classic design.

Transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a HondaCare Protection Plan

2022 Honda Monkey ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

PERFORMANCE

125cc FUEL-INJECTED ENGINE

For 2022, the Monkey ABS gets a new engine with higher compression, the same as in our 2022 Grom. Nobody can match Honda’s reputation for engines, and even though the Monkey may be compact, it’s a giant in terms of performance and reliability.

EASY TO PARK

Because of the Monkey’s miniature stature, it’s easy to park in the city, and to store when you’re not riding. There’s always room for a Monkey!

FUEL CAPACITY

Got a small fuel budget? The Monkey will make it look gigantic. With a 1.5-gallon tank and incredible fuel efficiency, every fill-up will take you farther than you ever thought possible.

HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES

The Monkey features 220mm front and 190mm rear single disc brakes for excellent stopping power.

TECHNOLOGY

FIVE-SPEED TRANSMISSION

Sure, the Monkey is cute, but its new five-speed transmission gives you all the durability, control and efficiency of a conventional motorcycle. Plus, the extra gear this year increases top speed for highway cruising.

LED TAILLIGHT

Forget about big, bulky taillights—the Monkey’s LED lamp is bright and clear.

HANDLING

STANDARD ABS

The Monkey ABS gives you an Anti-Lock-Braking System designed to help with controlled stops in less-than-ideal conditions. Whether it’s on wet pavement that’s slipperier than a banana peel, or compromised road surfaces, the Monkey ABS helps you ride with confidence.

INVERTED FORK SUSPENSION

Here’s a huge improvement over the original Monkey bike: Like a top-of-the-line sportbike, the 2022 Monkey features an inverted hydraulic fork front suspension for control and road feel.

TWIN REAR SHOCKS

The Monkey has twin rear shocks. Combined with the fat tires and cushy seat, they smooth out the roughest pavement in the urban jungle.

DURABILITY

12-INCH WHEELS

Tough and strong, these cast wheels and wide tires are just what the urban rider needs.

STYLE

CHUNKY TIRES

The Monkey’s high-aspect-ratio tires do more than just look cool. They’re extraordinarily practical too, giving you tons of grip and absorbing bumps or rough road surfaces.

HIGH-RISE HANDLEBAR

Sure, the Monkey may be small, but we sized it to fit adult riders. Case in point—check out the high-rise handlebar, so you can sit up and check out the world as you ride.

LOW SEAT HEIGHT

Whether you’re flat-footing it into a parking space or just stopped for a long light, the Monkey’s super-low 30.5-inch seat makes it easy to maneuver and ride.

MULTI-FUNCTION DIGITAL INSTRUMENTS

Retro meets modern in the Monkey’s instrument cluster. The round housing is totally 1960s, while the display features speedometer, odometer, A&B trip meters, fuel gauge, and indicator for low/high beam. It even greets you when you first start the bike!

ROUND CHROMED LED HEADLIGHT

The Monkey’s round headlight looks retro, but its performance is totally up to date and provides superior illumination and visibility.

2022 Honda Monkey ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: from $4199 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $5299 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £  GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

2022 Honda Monkey ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

Engine & Drivetrain

Engine type

Air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke

Displacement

124 cc

Bore & stroke

50 mm x 63.1 mm

Compression ratio

10.0:1

Valve train

SOHC; two valves per cylinder

Fuel delivery

PGM-FI with automatic enrichment

Transmission

Five-speed

Final drive

#420 O-ring-sealed chain (37T /14T)

Chassis & Suspension

Front suspension

31mm inverted fork; 100 mm (3.9 in) travel

Rear suspension

Twin shock; 102 mm (4.0 in.) travel

Dimensions & Additional Information

Tires

Front: 120/80-12 Rear: 130/80-12

Brakes

Front: Single 220mm hydraulic disc Rear: Single 190mm hydraulic disc

Ground clearance

175 mm (6.9 in.)

Seat height

775 mm (30.5 in)

Wheelbase

1143 mm (45.0 in)

Curb weight

105 kg (231 lb) including required fluids and full tank of gas – ready to ride

Fuel capacity

5.6 litres

Colour

Pearl Nebula Red / Knight Silver Metallic

Warranty

12 months, unlimited mileage

2022 Honda Monkey ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details

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Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).