The Evolution of the Honda Monkey Bike

Last week we announced details about the brand new 2018 Monkey Bike, which will be available from Honda Motorcycle Dealers by late summer 2018.

Nostalgia has gotten to us and we’re looking back on the evolution of the Monkey bike, from its first spin in the market in 1961 until now, 2018.

1961

First model – made for use at amusement parks, with 5 inch wheels, rigid suspension, foldable handlebars and 3.1kW 49cc engine.

1963

First road-going model – exported to North America and Europe.

1967

First model sold in Japan – with ‘fold-down’ seat

1970

Quick-detach front suspension made it possible to fit in the trunk of a small car

1978

First model with custom bike style ‘tear drop’ fuel tank

1984

Limited edition ‘Gold’ model

1987

‘R’ model with twin tube frame and hydraulic front brake disc

 

 

1991

Off-road styled ‘Baja’ model with twin headlights

 

 

2004 Special

In colours based on the CB750F ridden to victory in the Daytona 100 by Freddie Spencer

2009 Monkey Ltd

First fuel-injected version, with roller rocker arm and off-set cylinder

2017

New version commemorates 50th anniversary of sales in Japan

2018

Monkey name to return, reborn and ready for life in the 21st century city.