Unless it is the venerated Honda Monkey, that is. American Honda confirmed today that the 2022 Monkey will be powered by a torquey new engine with a fifth gear! "While the Monkey has been a hit in the U.S. since we reintroduced it for the 2019 model year, customers have expressed a desire for more comfortable cruising and better acceleration," notes Brandon Wilson, Sports & Experiential Manager at American Honda.
"Now we're happy to offer that capability by equipping the Monkey with the same five-speed engine that has earned rave reviews in the all-new 2022 Grom,” he adds. “It's yet another example of Honda producing not only the most diverse lineup of mini MOTO models, but also the most capable."
A hit with both the new generation of enthusiasts and nostalgic riders seeking a trip down memory lane the Monkey is timeless. Its heritage extends back to 1961, when the original version was used in a Honda-owned Japanese amusement park called Tama Tech. In addition to the added cog in the gearbox and the undersquare (narrower bore and longer stroke) 124cc two-valve, overhead-cam, air-cooled engine, the 2022 model is listed as being ABS-equipped.
MSRP: $4,199
Color: Pearl Black; Banana Yellow