Another bike that passed a milestone this year was the Honda Z50 Monkey, which hit its 50th anniversary. However, new emissions rules introduced into Japan in September – effectively equivalent to Euro 4 limits – meant that as soon as the Z50 had blown out the candles on its birthday cake in August, Honda bosses took it to the backyard and shot it. No more Monkeying around.
But there’s hope, because the new Monkey 125 concept at the Tokyo Show reveals how the iconic model is likely to be revived. Using an emissions-legal 125cc single, the bike still has the classic Monkey look. And unlike its predecessor, which has been sold only in Japan in recent years, it could become a worldwide model, cashing in on the success of the Grom.
