Honda MSX125
Honda has unveiled a funky small-wheel mini 125 it says is built in the tradition of the classic Monkey Bike.
The Thai-built MSX125 is a compact fun bike sized somewhere between a mini-bike and a normal 125, and is aimed at the youth market primarily for urban riding. 
The engine is an air-cooled, fuel-injected 125 single with single overhead cam and horizontally laid out cylinder, mated to a four-speed gearbox with chain final drive. Inverted forks and monoshock rear suspension are used, fitted with 12 inch wheels, wide, low profile tyres and Nissin disc brakes front and rear. A steel spine frame is used.
It looks like a fun machine, it's just a shame considering Honda's previous minibikes were called Monkey, Dax and Ape that a more appealing name than MSX125 wasn't used. Any suggestions will be passed on to Honda!
No price has been announced but Honda says the bike will go on sale in late Spring 2013.
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Wed, 09/01/2013 - 18:53
#2
Ooooo yes, a worthy successor with only the merest hint of pastiche.
When do you get to test one Kevin?
We'll need to have a serious discussion of touring accessories & screens, aftermarket exhausts etc. etc. No need to worry about RBW, ETC, ABS or riding modes though!
I guess 'Orang' would invoke comparison with Katie-M, although Honda are nodding in that direction.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SUJGuxgIeY
Shuggs, I'm not sure I could let my Monkey go either but I may persuade Silverbrownie to forego the PCX for the altogether sexier MSX. A marker pen on the side panel should do the trick!
But you're right, it needs a simian moniker.
Thu, 10/01/2013 - 09:39
#3
Silvercub - I knew you would be a kindred soul on this one. Are we the only people here with taste?
Interesting that on the official video you linked to that they also state at the end it is born to custom or something and they mention Takegawa in the credits.
Mind you can't see it cutting the mustard at the Elefantentreffen
Thu, 10/01/2013 - 12:20
#4
When do you get to test one Kevin?
No idea yet but I'll ask Honda and let you know. Rather looking forward to riding that, though maybe I'll give the Elephant Rally a miss...
Thu, 10/01/2013 - 13:41
#5
No idea yet but I'll ask Honda and let you know. Rather looking forward to riding that, though maybe I'll give the Elephant Rally a miss...
What !!! How can it possibly be a comprehensive test then?
Thu, 10/01/2013 - 14:25
#6
I know, I know, I'm just a lightweight...
Thu, 10/01/2013 - 15:27
#7
How on earth are you going to fit on one of them, Kev :)
Thu, 10/01/2013 - 19:38
#8
That's a great promotional video, the bike looks good and handles like a city bike needs to in the mayhem of today's traffic. The fact you become a Disc whaller appeals as well....advertising is so subtle....
Regarding a name, well it has to be Funky Gibbon for the guys or cute Marmoset for the girls or....
It won't let me add photo's....
Thu, 10/01/2013 - 15:50
#9
Orangastrada?
Thu, 10/01/2013 - 16:28
#10
I'm sorry chaps, but these names you suggest are apes.
If you're looking for something from the monkey family, how about Macaque?
Slogan: "just get on macaque and ride".
Too close to the bone?
Thu, 10/01/2013 - 16:41
#11
i want one , when do these little brauties go on sale ? Just hope that they available in South Africa .
As far as names go .....Aapie is a monquey in our local afrikaans , and the Spanish name for a monkey is Mono (pronounced more like moh-noh) .....gives a new meaning to the Mono-shock rear suspension.....
Thu, 10/01/2013 - 18:58
#12
Hmm... Regarding the name, maybe stay within the animal opposable thumb class? (Excluding humans) Lemur perhaps or appeal to folks who embrace internet slang and name it Kitteh. Not all cats have them, Yet. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6CcxJQq1x8
Thu, 10/01/2013 - 19:35
#13
i want one , when do these little brauties go on sale ? Just hope that they available in South Africa .
I've been told April/May this year, but no pricing yet, and I can't help with the South Africa situation. I'll see if I can find out about that though.
Wed, 16/01/2013 - 13:10
#14
I live in Bangkok and the MSX has already arrived in the dealers here with a MRSP of 66000 baht or £1378. It looks like a well made little bike and is intended here as competition for the Kawasaki KSR 110.
Mon, 11/03/2013 - 10:06
#15
I just saw the 'Gibbon', I am sticking with my suggestion on the name front, at the Prague show yesterday. It is a nice looking little bike but it is just a little bit too big to really give it much of an essence of Monkey. The retail list price here is 69,900 Czech Korun which is about 2300 of your fine British pounds, 2700 of those not so fine Euros or 3550 of them there Yankee Dollahs.
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Now this is interesting to the likes of me. I am not convinced that it will have the raw appeal of the Monkey bike but then again I am somewhat biased in that direction.
It is a good move to use their 'NICE' engine and the after market people will be delighted as I would assume that so much of what is out there already will be compatible. The likes of TAKEGAWA and DAYTONA do some absolutely stomping stuff for this genre of bike and basic engine configuration.
The 12 inch wheels should give it better handling characteristics and ride quality than is often evident on the older/other bikes with 8 or 10 inch hoops. It will also give a better range of tyres to owners. I had to the change the wheels on The Monkeystrada to 10inch a couple of years back from the original eight as that was the smallest size I could snow tyres in.
I am pretty sure that it will attract most of its sales in its intended target group but I will not be surprised if it turns out that I am not the only one looking at it and wondering how it will be as a tourer.
As for a name, they should have called it The Gibbon. It maintains a theme and is just a great sounding word.