Funky Monkeys!
Only got a little shed? Then think small, think Monkey Bike!
Tiny in size, but big in attitude and fun. How can you not look at one without smiling? Or ride one without giggling?
Tiny in size, but big in attitude and fun. How can you not look at one without smiling? Or ride one without giggling?
Honda kicked off the monkey bike craze in 1960 with the CZ100, a 49cc, 4.3bhp monster. This was followed over the years by various models of Z50. An evolution of the monkey bike, the DAX, was introduced by Honda in 1969 with the ST50 and ST70, and the ST90 in 1973. Today the prices of the original Honda bikes are strong and rising. For those with smaller budgets, the Chinese manufacturers have entered the market with their own monkey bike variations. With a lower purchase price, they can provide a cost effective basis for a shed built special. There is also an array of tuning and aftermarket parts available. Google minibikecraze, ooracing, shire bikes and madmunk to see the type of bikes and parts available.
As you would expect, there are also facebook groups. Try ‘Monkey Bike World’ for a UK group. ‘Honda mini bike riders and owners’ for a more international flavour.
As you can imagine, other manufacturers were keen to capture a share of the monkey/mini bike market. Yamaha produced the Pocke 50.
Fantic had a try with the TX7, an example of which you may have seen on the oft repeated ‘Shed and Buried’ tv series.
Even Harley Davidson had their own version in the X90
Suzuki produced a small version of their sandbike with the RV50.
Examples of all of these can be found for sale online, the prices aren’t cheap though! So if you have one tucked away in your shed, best you get it out and clean it up.