Photo: TMCblog
Honda put out the MSX125 (or Grom) more as a curious experiment, but people went crazy about it, and the tiny pit bike sold like crazy in most markets. It went so well, other manufacturers like Kawasaki had to throw in a similar model. And, as these images show, the fun won’t stop here, as we might get a retro-styled version too reminding of the old Monkey model.
A bunch of patent application renderings have been posted on Indonesian motorcycle website TMCblog recently, and they seem to point at a future model that will bring back the Honda Monkey.
Although the old 50cc Honda Monkey can still be purchased on some Asian markets, Japan included, the model is unsuited for the markets where the Grom made a hit since launch. Emissions and low power being the major reasons.
That’s where the MSX125 platform steps in to sweeten the pot. The new configuration will offer the Monkey a bigger frame, larger wheels and almost three times the engine size.
Looking at these renderings you can observe the Monkey successor will retain the engine, wheels, front suspension and part of the chassis. The rear subframe is specially designed to hold a classic double-shock suspension bolted to a standard double-sided swingarm. The tank, headlight, seat, and rear fender are all styled in the classic Monkey manner.
Speaking of the engine, the 125cc air-cooled single-cylinder unit comes with a raised side exhaust, and you can see there’s even a catalytic converter shielded by a belly pan to make it into the emissions regulation - a dead giveaway the model is intended for other markets than Asia.
As expected, Honda Motorcycles didn’t pass any other info on the new project, but now that these images spread through the Internet, it might leak something new soon.
Our bet is the new model will be unveiled later this year, with the bike ready to sell next year. Stay with us for more on this and don’t forget to check on the EICMA show this year. Something tells us the new Monkey could be there.
Although the old 50cc Honda Monkey can still be purchased on some Asian markets, Japan included, the model is unsuited for the markets where the Grom made a hit since launch. Emissions and low power being the major reasons.
That’s where the MSX125 platform steps in to sweeten the pot. The new configuration will offer the Monkey a bigger frame, larger wheels and almost three times the engine size.
Looking at these renderings you can observe the Monkey successor will retain the engine, wheels, front suspension and part of the chassis. The rear subframe is specially designed to hold a classic double-shock suspension bolted to a standard double-sided swingarm. The tank, headlight, seat, and rear fender are all styled in the classic Monkey manner.
Speaking of the engine, the 125cc air-cooled single-cylinder unit comes with a raised side exhaust, and you can see there’s even a catalytic converter shielded by a belly pan to make it into the emissions regulation - a dead giveaway the model is intended for other markets than Asia.
As expected, Honda Motorcycles didn’t pass any other info on the new project, but now that these images spread through the Internet, it might leak something new soon.
Our bet is the new model will be unveiled later this year, with the bike ready to sell next year. Stay with us for more on this and don’t forget to check on the EICMA show this year. Something tells us the new Monkey could be there.
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