Honda’s announced the return of the Monkey and Super Cub 125 to the European market for 2022. (Honda/)
Honda recently announced updates to its Monkey 125and Super Cub 125models for the European market for 2022, which bodes well for those of us in the States looking for revisions to those same miniMotos when/if they appear in Honda’s lineup here. With new air-cooled—and cleaner—engines along with minor chassis tweaks to boost comfort and a few new colorways (of course), two of Honda’s most accessible—and fun—bikes are set to return for 2022. Many of those changes were reflected in the new 2022 Grom we just rode in the US (read it here) so it stands to reason we’ll be seeing some of the same updates on the US-spec Monkey as well, given that it shares the same platform.
New air-cooled engine is cleaner and more fuel efficient, while the five-speed gearbox is a welcome addition for 2022. (Honda/)
For instance, the European-market 2022 Monkey now gets the same new air-cooled 124cc Euro 5-approved engine and five-speed gearbox the European Grom received, which we also just experienced on the new US Grom (sans emissions tweaks; it’s good for 9.7 hp and 7.7 pound-feet of torque). That new-ish 123.9cc motor features slightly different bore and longer stroke dimensions, with an airbox reshaped specifically for it, along with a new intake and revised catalyzer. That all adds up to an output of 9.25 bhp, says Honda, which is unchanged from last year, though fuel economy is said to be marginally improved. The rangier five-speed gearbox also has lower overall gearing, making for a less buzzy experience at higher speeds.
A pair of new two-stage shocks are added to improve ride quality. (Honda/)
Otherwise that funky Monkey style is left alone, with mini-ape handlebars, chromed
fenders, high-mounted muffler, and a fat padded seat riding on chunky 12-inch tires, for an instantly recognizable profile. A new blue colorway joins the now-classic red and yellow schemes. Bikes are supposed to be available in Europe sometime in August.
Mini-apes take center stage in the surprisingly well-appointed cockpit, which also features a digital full LCD meter. (Honda/)
The Super Cub also gets a new engine, though the transmission is unchanged. (Honda/)
As for the Honda Super Cub—the world’s bestselling motorcycle—it retains its familiar retro silhouette though you can clearly pick out the added passenger seat and matching footpegs, which are now standard. It too gets changes to the SOHC engine, though this one is effectively a new design, with a new bore and stroke (as on the Monkey), revised ECU settings, and just a wee bit more power (a claimed 9.7 hp). The four-speed transmission remains unchanged, with power put down via a centrifugal clutch. Fuel economy also remains the same, all while meeting new Euro 5 standards. To match the engine improvements, the Super Cub dials up the comfort level with new springs in the fork and shock to smooth out ride quality.
The Super Cub is the world’s bestselling motorcycle, having moved well over 100 million units. (Honda/)
A new pillion seat takes up the rear, done up in classic red as an homage to the original. (Honda/)
Modern touches include LED lighting, keyless ignition, and a proximity fob, while the classic red seat pays homage to the original model.
The Super Cub 125 motor may be all retro style on the outside, but the cockpit features some nice modern touches like keyless ignition and a proximity fob. (Honda/)
For 2022, the European-spec Honda Monkey features a new blue colorway option. (Honda/)
The Monkey manages to be modern yet totally retro from every angle. (Honda/)
With the new Grom now in the Honda’s US lineup for 2022, we’re assuming the same updates will carry over to the US Monkeys (Monkees?) later this year. [This cool riding video from Honda](https://youtu.be/Q42c1-kIW30) will have to hold you over in the meantime.
