Size isn’t everything

˃˃ Do you really need 1000cc and 200bhp to have fun on two wheels?

Bigger is better. We all know that, right? From the earliest days of internal combustion, manufacturers have been finding new and different ways to eek out even more power from their engines. But over the last few years, there’s been a noticeable change of priorities. Of course, manufacturers are still pushing the capacities of their top-of-the-line flagship machines, but in amongst the behemoth adventure bikes and supersized sport bikes, there’s an increasingly eclectic mix of smaller capacity machines to suit every type of rider.

In the oft-male dominated world of motorcycling anything with less than 600cc is generally considered small and insignificant. And I get it; a bigger engine means higher speeds. But how fast do you really need to ride to make good, solid progress on the road, while having a bit of fun at the same time?

I’ve spent the last six months hooning around on Honda’s new 125cc Monkey, and while I admit there have been times when I’ve wished for more cc, I still smile every time I settle into its big, squishy saddle. As impractical as it might look, the little Monkey is a surprisingly versatile machine. Together we’ve commuted, toured, camped, raced – and even done a bit of trail riding.

Now, I recognise Honda’s newest undersized commuters are probably not going to tick the right boxes for everyone, nor am I suggesting that you head out and get your hands on a 125cc machine. But there is a lot of joy to be found pushing a little bike to its limits, attempting to hold on to every ounce of speed and maintain momentum. On some seriously twisty stretches of tarmac, I’ve managed to stay hot on the heels of riders on big cruisers, adventure bikes and even the odd sports bike. Getting closer and closer with each bend as the Monkey screams beneath me, there’s no place I’d rather be and no bike I’d rather be riding…

It might just be me, though. I can have fun on pretty much anything with two wheels and an engine. But what do you think? Does size matter?