Honda has ended production of the iconic Monkey minibike 50 years after it was first launched in 1967.
The manufacturer found it difficult to make the Monkey meet emission requirements. It also cited the declining market for small capacity bikes in Japan as a reason to stop production.
The Monkey uses a 49cc air-cooled single cylinder engine that was originally designed for use at an amusement park in 1961. The first road legal bike was launched in 1967. Features like foldable handlebars and a compact design soon made the mini bike one of Honda’s best-selling products.
Although, to commemorate the last of the Monkeys, Honda launched a 50th Anniversary edition last month, that was limited to 500 bikes. The bike had a red and white paintjob to replicate the first Monkey. The manufacturer set up a lucky draw for these bikes, in which 45,000 people entered. So, Honda announced another limited-run of bikes named the Monkey 50th Special. The bike gets a chrome theme with chromed tank, fenders, headlamp, and side covers. This is complemented by a grey seat and black wheels and a 50th Anniversary logo on the tank.
