Honda unveil a raft of big updates for their smaller fun-machines
Monkey and Cub both get new engine and other nifty updates
Honda have updated their ‘little big bikes’, the Monkey and Super Cub 125, with revised engines and a whole host of changes to make them more practical little runarounds.
Revived in 2018, the Monkey, Honda’s retro-style version of its hugely popular MSX125 (better known as the Grom) has been completely overhauled.
There’s a new engine with a narrower bore and longer stroke as well as a higher compression ratio. A new airbox and intake help to improve airflow into the motor, while a new exhaust helps keep it Euro5 friendly. The result of all these changes is the exact same peak power and torque (9.2 bhp and 8.1lb.ft) but the peak comes lower in the revs (6750rpm vs 7000) while peak torque is a little higher (5500rpm vs 5250rpm). The biggest change for most riders though will be the change to a five-speed gearbox, which not only increases the spread but also gives better gaps between gears.
Top speed now sits at a hairwhipping 56mph, while fuel consumption is a claimed 186mpg giving the new Monkey a theoretical range of 223 miles despite a dinky 5.6-litre tank. Given that they’ve improved the Monkey’s ability to get to places that bit further away, Honda have also made some improvements for longer distance travel including new ‘dual stage’ twinshocks, which the firm claim are more comfortable.
The Super Cub, meanwhile, gets the same engine as the new Monkey but keeps the four-speed gearbox and centrifugal clutch that pretty much turns it into an automatic. Interestingly, it’s more powerful than the Monkey albeit at the expense of torque (9.6bhp and 7.67lb.ft respectively). There’s also a new generator so more more electricity for plugging in stuff. In addition, a pillion pad and footpegs are now standard, so allowing a passenger, while new fork springs and beefier shocks should improve ride quality and account for the fact there’s now two of you buzzing around town.
Both bikes will be available from August with the Monkey starting at £3899 while the Super Cub will start from £3499.