The Honda Monkey can do it all - The Commuter Edition
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- čas přidán 8. 04. 2023
- In this episode, Willie shows one more reason why he purchased his Honda Monkey, Commuting to and from work, it'll change the way you feel about going. Trust him!
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I own a 2022 Monkey. Little gem. Nimble, economical and attractive. My only complain is that I do not have a lot of time to drive it. Another disadvantage is that I am shy and people ask many questions, take pictures of the bike... I am embarrased 😊
Hello my friend!!
I also feel the same about the Monkey. But Unfortunately, where I live in Virginia, the weather has been very bad and I haven’t been able to ride the Monkey at all.
😄Don’t be embarrassed to talk about the Monkey!! You are now an official “spokesperson” for the most enjoyable two wheeled machine on earth. Everything you say, every picture you let people take, is what helps them understand what it is we love about the Monkey…they are living through your eyes my friend!! When you own a “Honda Monkey” you have to be prepared to talk about it at anytime!! 😄
Thank you for watching, get out and enjoy that Monkey!!
Willie
Great video, I bought a Monkey about 4 months ago to commute back and forth on my farm. I have a milk crate also attached and is the best!
Hey there!! Congratulations on your purchase🤠.
I would bet The Monkey is an excellent farm machine!
And don’t even get me started on the milk crate😂. It’s the Greatest cube ever invented..
thanks for watching and commenting!! I appreciate it!
Willie
When I got my Monkey I had no idea just how much fun riding it would be. I got the Monkey, ‘19 Non ABS, just for playing around on. It remains bone stock and I just passed 3700 miles on it. I’ll own it for five years in December 2023. My commute is about 10 miles of mostly rural back roads. I got a Grom for the commute and ride it to work at every opportunity. It really does make the day better riding a mini bike to work.
🤠Hey there!
I’ll start off by saying, out of all the motorcycles I’ve owned, the Monkey has been the best purchase I’ve ever made.
As far as a bike that you truly look forward to riding, it’s been an absolute pleasure to get on and just go..doesn’t matter where.
I bought a Royal Enfield Himalayan thinking that I’d need a bigger bike for longer trips. Something with More power and could carry heavier loads. Honestly, if I could find a dealership that would trade me for a newer Monkey, with the 5spd, I’d do it in a heartbeat.
I’m just finding out that I have so much fun riding the Monkey, I don’t need the bigger bike. For me, the Monkey literally does it all.
Commuting, exploring, camping, or just going to the grocery store, whatever… 😁
And there’s thousands of others out there like you and I that feel the same way… I think it’s pretty dang cool that Just a little mini bike can do that.
Thanks for watching and commenting!! I appreciate it!
Stay safe and Monkey on!!!
Willie
Awesome. I don’t own a big bike at this time but did spend many years on everything from sport bikes to HD. These mini’s really do provide all the fun of motorcycling except for high speed / highway / two up. The Monkey is what brought me to these little bikes. The fun challenge of getting around at slow speeds is keeping me in it.
My Grom has the five speed and I love the bike but it takes nothing away from the Monkey. The character of each power train is so different. One is not substantially faster or slower than the other. Just different power delivery.
Excellent videos. Thanks
Willie, I really enjoyed the Monkey commute to and from work, it gave a different perspective of the areas that I'm familiar with! One thing that really impressed me was your retriever cat, that was awesome! As always, take care and be safe!
Hey CJ!!
Yes, our area can be a little different at 5am, lol.
Boo the retriever cat is a funny little fella. He shakes hands as well but that’ll have to be another episode. 😉
Thanks for watching CJ!!
My ride to work is 203 miles taking the freeway. I promise one time this summer I’m taking the monkey! Side roads will probably be 240 ish. I normally go home most weekends. I do recommend the $120 rear shocks from the man in the box website. Glad I bought them and they’re adjustable. Thanks for sharing.
😳Wow!! That’s a Hek of a commute!!
Would be fun though😃.
So you’re comment #2 suggesting the $119 MNNTHEBX shocks. I’ve been looking at them, as well as the $165 version that TB makes but $119 is a lot easier for my wallet to handle… 😂
Thanks for watching and commenting!! Be careful on that commute!! Let me know how it goes!!
Thanks, Willie
Great video and awesome music!
Thanks so much!! Sometimes it’s harder to sit and pick through all the music than it is to actually make the video😂.
Thanks for watching and commenting!!
Willie
I think those little bikes are so cool. I've only seen a couple in town. Great video!
Hey there!
You know, it’s really hard to explain the experience this little machine can give you.
Because it’s not a “land rocket” it makes you see things that you normally would drive right past on a faster bike or in a car.
All I can say is, if you’re like I am, you don’t look at these types of things for fun, you look because your interested. I’m not gonna tell you that if you buy one it’ll be the greatest purchase you’ve ever made and you’re gonna be spending every waking moment thinking about riding it but I will tell you, if you’re a fan of being on two wheels, are ok with limitations, and enjoy taking a leisurely stroll through town, go on an adventure, like to tinker, or just want to commute to work… this little machine will make you smile constantly. You’ll open the garage just to look at it… lol but this just me. Lol 😉.
Thanks for watching and commenting!! I appreciate it!!
Willie
@@TheGraytOutdoors I'm glad you're enjoying it so much! Have fun!
That is sweet setup
Thanks!! I owe it all to the milk crate. It’s the “Lego block” of aftermarket add ons!😂
Thanks for watching!!
I appreciate it!
Willie
I bought TBParts rear shocks a couple years ago when they were $90. They are $102 now from the website. They have a set for the 125 monkey with adjustable rebound for $170, might be better, don't know. I'm 300+ and they work great for me. John5xr did a video on them and seemed to like them. I figured for $90 bucks it was worth a try, they are still on the bikes today, sure as hell beats $700+
Hey there!!
I did end up buying a set of shocks from MNNTHBX a week after I posted that video, they are from TB.
$119+shipping ($146)
At this point, I can definitely tell a difference. Unfortunately I’ve only ridden it twice since I installed them because the weather hasn’t been cooperating.
However, more to come!!
Thanks for watching and commenting!! I appreciate it!
Willie
My local dealer just got two used Monkeys in, one a 2022(black) and one a 2021(yellow) but their asking almost as much as what I can get a new one for so I think I may just go with a new one. The one did have shocks from man in the box, the inexpensive ones and you could definitely feel the difference.
Used Monkey?! Blasphemy!! What kind of evil Sad excuse for a person would get rid of a Monkey?! Lol 😂
I guess it happens…
I figured that they would ask a lot for them. Anything that the public like’s, or becomes popular, quickly gets over priced. Greed, it’s a terrible thing.
New shocks are gonna happen very soon. Let me know how your search goes!! 🏍️💨
Thanks for watching and commenting!!
Willie
@@TheGraytOutdoors I weigh about 210 lbs and the aftermarket shocks they had on the one were noticeably different so for the size you are I think you would be pleased for the money. I kinda had my heart set on the yellow but with the new paint schemes on the tanks I'm leaning towards the red now. As my dear old mother told me a few years ago before her passing, " whatever I was gonna do I better get busy doing it." Now I'm fifty-five with one replaced knee so I think a monkey would suit me well for this stage of my life.
@@samuelfink4799 I believe with all the comments and reviews, the $119 Mnnthbbx shocks are the ones for me… might order them tonight.
Your Mom was right. We weren’t put on this earth to last forever, gotta make dreams, goals.
The red and white was my second choice. The very first one I ever rode was the red/white. Picked the blue and white because of a movie my kids watched when they were kids. Long story🙄.
Please let me know how your search goes.
Willie
Just enjoying, your videos and was wondering what you feel about bike security when you leave such a small parked up for the day, unfortunately here in the uk it would probably end up in the back of a passing van. I'm 66 and looking into buying the Honda Dax as my first ever bike but worried about leaving it unintended.
Hey there!
Thanks so much for watching!
I understand your concern because it’s been one of mine as well.
I have a large cable style “motorcycle” cable lock that goes with me everywhere I go.
I try to run it between the back wheel, swing-arm, and shocks area. It’s the most inconvenient spot for someone who’s trying to steal it.
I can assume the Dax’s rear end is basically the same as the Monkey.
I never go in a store where I live and leave it in a parking lot. If I can’t see it from where I’m at, I don’t go.
The way I have mine set up, with the fishing gear, plus it just being a Monkey in general, causes it to get a lot attention. I’ve had nightmares about it getting stolen.
So, yes, I understand your fear and though the Monkey/Dax is an incredibly fun machine that you’ll want to ride all the time, leaving it parked somewhere unattended is scary. Buy a really good long, thick cable lock. It’s your best defense. I hope this helped. But I do understand your fear.
Oh, thanks for watching and commenting, I really appreciate it.
Willie
Good morning. Thank you for the video. I was wondering why your speedometer is blue. I just got my 2023 last week. I don't think my speedometer is colored.
Hey there!! 🤠 you are very welcome!!
I never really gave the speedometer any thought to be honest.
It’s the only Monkey I have so I’ve never compared mine to another… I actually had to watch the first part of the video to see what you were talking about😂.
What color is yours??
@@TheGraytOutdoors It's just grey and somewhat difficult to read to be honest. Maybe it's blue at night. I'll have to check that.
@@MarkDavidBlack Yes, it definitely can be a bit hard to read sometimes. The glare can be blinding when the sun hits it just right. I believe mine is grey as well during the day🤔.
But all in all, those little things are what makes the Monkey what it is.
What kind of gloves do you have? Look nice. My commute is also 6 miles on a monkey.
Honestly I got them off the “sale rack” at our local Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, dealership.
I tried them on, they fit “a little” snug but they’ll stretch.. made by EVS… not sure who that is…
It can do it all, cept ride safely at the bare minimum on interstate speeds.
What I wouldn't give for them to make a monkey that can maintain 80MPH uphill.
🤔yeah, maybe I should’ve had some “fine print” in that title…😃
I’ve had my Monkey up to 70mph (on totally flat paved road, knees tucked, head between the mirrors, and with the wind behind me😄) and can say, it’s a bit scary. Not the speed part of it but I noticed the “slightest wiggle” of the handle bars can be extremely sketchy.. that’s due to 12” tires.
I think the CT125 might actually handle the higher speeds better with the taller wheel and tire.
Of course you could do the “BIG BORE” kits and make it a 180 instead of a 125😃. I’ve thought about it but my stick engine is going to have to be totally worn out before I do that. 💰
Thanks for watching and commenting!!
Willie
I think the Honda trail is the better bike I put a big bore kit that thing runs
Hey there!
I have to say, I like all of the Honda mini motos. For me, The Monkey is really more for the nostalgia purposes than it’s functionality.
I think the CT125 is better in an “off road” scenario for sure. The taller wheels alone give it a better chance.
It just seems strange to me that they put a manual clutch on the Monkey instead of the CT.
Why one but not the other?
Better yet, why a manual clutch at all, neither came with it back in the day… The Grom, I understand.
I’d like to see a Dax over here in the States, but it’s just a Monkey without a clutch…😂… weird.
But if I were going for a more off road than on, the CT125 would be a better choice for sure. You sit up higher, better tire choices (taller and more dirt bike oriented) bigger luggage rack.
But I had a Monkey as a kid, so it’s the direction I went in.
Thanks for watching and commenting, I appreciate it!!
Willie
Going to sit here on my lunch break and watch this. Love your videos man
Well I truly thank you and I hope it’s a “lunch worthy” episode!!😂
Got another coming soon, spoiler alert, but I bought new rear shocks and they should be here by the weekend!!
I’m looking forward to that one myself!!😃
Thanks so much for watching!!
I appreciate it!
Willie
Don’t bother messing with the mirrors … they are a left handed thread, good luck finding anything that goes with that
I believe there’s a few different brands out there made just for that reason. Little aluminum extenders.. If I’m not mistaken. I’ll have to look further into it.
@@TheGraytOutdoors I ordered a set off of Revzilla that they swear were compatible but were right handed threads. Had to return them. Buyer beware.
Pod coffee? ...you lost me.
Lol 😂 , Don’t hold my coffee drinking against me. I’m honestly not much of a coffee drinker.
Coffee and I have a love/hate relationship.
I love it when it doesn’t taste like coffee and people hate me for it!! Lol
My wife is the coffee connoisseur in the family.
Monkey has a low fuel tank, so the cold morning air goes direct to the crotch, and this is not healthy. I am thinking about buying a small windshield.
I can definitely see the dilemma 🥶.
I’ve looked a couple times at the matching fearing (blue/wht) from Man in the box… I’ve talked myself out of each time.
I think it looks great but it’s $119 I just don’t need to spend on looks. I need shocks!! Lol
You're kiddin' with the title of this video right? It won't even do 54 mph. I'm selling mine.
Lol, I’ll admit it’s no land rocket and if you’re going uphill or the wind is against you it’s hard to “maintain” faster speeds but I run 55mph on open roads pretty well.
I’m also only 5’8” and 165lbs.
Mine is a 2020 so it’s only a 4spd.
Again, 9hp is only gonna do so much but I went into it with even less expectation and actually got more from the machine than I thought. Maybe mine is just a fluke.
I recently rode to Nags Head, NC from my home in Va. (took all the back roads) and had a great experience. Even hit 60mph a few times. Had the throttle pegged but it still did it😂.
I guess it’s just like anything else, or like “ice cream” for example. There’s all those flavors because not everyone likes chocolate. 😄
I’m truly sorry you’re experience with the Monkey isn’t a good one and I mean that.
I’ve ridden all my life, had all kinds of bikes, but this little thing brought the “fun” back in my riding experience. I know it’s got limitations, speed being the main one, but I tuck my knees against the tank and duck my head down to the handle bars when necessary to get the higher speed.
Honda did however just come out with the XR150. It’s a bigger bike physically and power wise. Maybe that might be more what you’re after, Hek, it’s even less money which really surprised me.
It’s not as fancy mechanically speaking, with it’s analog speedometer and carburetor but it’s definitely going to go faster and be a little more off road friendly and honestly looks pretty cool.
Again, sorry the Monkey didn’t work out for you but I truly appreciate you watching and commenting.
Willie
Hey just watched it.. another good monkey video.. I wanted to say I have the mirror extenders and it made a lot of difference, I also run the same peli case as you but just one single as my main top box. What line of work are you in Willie?
I also saw a Himalayan out here in the Uk recently and thought of you.
Hello there🤠!! And thank you very much!
The mirror extensions are definitely going to happen as well. Thanks for the ray of hope!! 👍🏻😉
Already got the shocks and man what a difference that made😮.
I’ve been working for a public utility for 30 years (Natural Gas) It’s beat me up pretty good. Started out in the construction dept. and stayed there for 28 years. Been in a new dept. for 2 years now and will most likely retire from that one🤞🏻🤞🏻.
Thanks for asking!! And watching AND commenting!! I appreciate it!
Willie