On September 27, 2022, Honda officially launched its 2023 Monkey 125 for the European market. Since the model just had its last major engine and transmission changes for the 2022 model year, it’s not surprising that there are no substantive technical changes for 2023. What we get is purely cosmetic—but even the most cynical, jaded moto enthusiast has to admit that these particular cosmetic changes look really good.
After the technical makeover last year, the styling team clearly went into overdrive on the outside for 2023. Much like a mid-’90s teen comedy involving the makeover of a supposed nerd, the Monkey already had a lot going for it. Now, though, the styling team apparently cranked that aesthetic knob up to 11 and then broke it all the way off so it can’t be messed with.
