More Than a Ride: HONDA MONKEY125 Custom

Webike's Opinion

Here is a "HONDA MONKEY125" custom by Webike community user "Monchy rider". The owner originally planned to keep the bike in its stock form, but over the past three years, he has ended up investing nearly as much as the cost of another Monkey. "The Monkey is just too addictive as a hobby, and I find myself pouring too much into customization—I wish someone would stop me," he laments, though he is prepared to take it as far as it can go. Among the qualities the owner enthusiastically praises about the Monkey are its fuel efficiency and looks. It easily averages over 60 km per liter, and he loves its playful, rounded design, which has him completely hooked.

For the exhaust, he chose the highly-rated YOSHIMURA Machine-Bent GP-MAGNUM Cyclone Full Exhaust System, popular among Monkey owners. Compared to the stock exhaust’s 5.0 kg, the GP-MAGNUM Cyclone weighs in at just 2.4 kg, achieving about a 50% reduction in weight. Combined with the low-mount exhaust pipe layout that helps lower the center of gravity, it greatly enhances the bike’s agile performance. The sound has the deep bass characteristic of a full exhaust system, and its specialized silencer structure reduces harsh exhaust noise, making for a pleasant sound that doesn’t tire the rider, even on long rides.

Aiming for a café racer style, the owner installed the HURRICANE Aluminum Clip-On Handlebar Kit. This lowers the handlebar position and gives a sleeker look. The riding posture is now more forward-leaning, achieving a sharper riding profile. He also replaced the mirrors with retro-modern round-style TANAX BAREN Neo Mirror C bar-end mirrors. The wide-angle mirror design makes it easy to check behind, with better visibility.

The engine has been big bored to 181cc with the SP Takegawa Hyper S Stage N-20 Kit. To address increased oil temperature after the big bore, the SP Takegawa Compact Cool Kit was added. According to the owner, he is very pleased with this setup, noting that oil temperatures now stay below 90 degrees.

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