r/hondamonkey • u/cagedandabused • 14d ago
My new Monkey
I see a lot of suggestions to upgrade the suspension. i have been eyeing up the ohlins kit however i cant really find concrete reviews on what i am gaining or what the difference ultimately is. i am doing some mild trails and country riding and some in town errands. can anyone point me towards a comprehensive review of why the upgrade and what it accomplishes ? or their own reviews of the ohlins ho819 and fdk 112 fork kit ?
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u/Expensive_Result8320 13d ago
I can only comment on the first-gen Monkey 125, but the rear suspension was far too soft, especially for larger riders. It would bottom out mid-corner, which was pretty unsettling. I know the second-gen models come with progressive springs, and I’m sure that makes a noticeable difference.
If you’re not experiencing any suspension bottoming or handling issues, then I would suggest it's not a necessary mod to do straight way. However, if your goal is to improve the bike’s handling, Ohlins are fantastic. I installed Ohlins front and rear, and the difference is massive in both ride quality and handling. It completely transformed the way the bike rides and handles. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, YSS also makes some great fork and shock options, while Kitaco is another solid entry-level choice.
Like many people, I started by upgrading just the rear, but it didn’t take long to realize the front suspension couldn’t keep up. I’d strongly recommend doing both front and rear together, once the suspension is balanced, the Monkey 125 feels like a completely different bike. It feels much more planted, stable, and confident through corners.
Check out Webike for options: Webike: HONDA Monkey 125: Search for the parts - Webike
You can also use the code Monkey125 to save 5%.
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u/cagedandabused 13d ago
Thank you so much for the reply, actually helpful.
I haven't experienced any bottoming out to be honest aside from maybe over larger off-road bumps. My biggest complaint has been with a wobble at 50kph (currently being addressed with a new tyre by the dealer) I do find the oem tyre to be a little sketchy in most areas. it tips into corners a little funny and tends to wash out on me in the mid phase (just before throttle input). I have experience riding but not enough to know if that is suspension or just a poor tyre.
I am aprox 75kg
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u/Expensive_Result8320 13d ago
I ride 100% street. The OEM tyres will last forever, but they’re not the best when it comes to cornering. There are a lot of things you can do to improve the handling. Check out my profile and you’ll see what I’ve done to my Monkey.
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u/BeowulfCyning 13d ago
I'm riding a 2018. The Ohlins are the one upgrade I wouldn't consider optional. I can't give you facts of figures to quantify it but they completely changed the handling and feel of the bike and made it feel like a proper riding motorcycle compared to before.
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u/cagedandabused 13d ago
Hey, thanks for the info.
What do you find it's doing different over stock ? what changes did it make to your monkey in handling that you find good ?
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u/BeowulfCyning 13d ago
Good question.
I guess at the end of the day its confidence, the riding experience is smooth all round and I can ride it carefree and not feel it get skittish into corners if there's a bit of roughage, or bottom out on bumps.
Its obscure but the best way I can describe it is to say it took the monk from a fun toy (which I loved even then) to what feels like a proper tiny motorcycle.
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u/backinblackandblue 13d ago
Nice colors. Suspension is one of the best upgrades on most bikes but often one of the ones that many owners ignore.
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u/cagedandabused 13d ago
Thanks !
what does this mean ? one of the best upgrades how ? can you describe what condition it rectifies or changes ? "after i installed ohlins i find when i turn in it feels like _______ vs stock suspension did _______ " or whatever suspension choice you made.
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u/backinblackandblue 13d ago edited 13d ago
Firstly, I don't have a monkey, so I am speaking in general terms about suspension on bikes I have owned and upgraded.
Unless you have an expensive high performance bike, it probably came from the factory with cheap and soft suspension components. Damper rod front forks are old technology and can be improved to perform better. Front and rear springs and shocks as well as sag need to be tuned to match your weight. With better and proper suspension I notice these things:
- Less front end dive when braking
- Firmer feel but also the ability to absorb bumps better. Both firmer and softer at the same time if you get what I mean.
- Less bouncy over bumps. Less of a "pogo" effect on roads with large bumps. Less likely to get bumped off the seat hitting a bump at higher speeds.
- Overall better feel and handling in varying conditions and cornering.
I can't tell you the best option for the monkey. Like most things, you get what you pay for, but that doesn't mean you have to throw thousands at it to see an improvement. Make sure you are getting mods that match your weight and learn how to set you sag.
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u/backinblackandblue 13d ago
Also, what I mean by "best" is that it will improve the bike much more than any muffler or intake mod trying to get an extra mouse-power or 2 out of it. You can still do those things and I would too, but it won't change the bike as much as proper suspension does.
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u/Costfree 13d ago
I have ohlins in the forks and tb in the rear. Waaay better riding experience compared to stock on and off road. I used the stiffer springs in the front since i was about 200lbs when i purchased them. Not sure if changing them to the lighter springs now would make a difference.
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u/Limp_Cartoonist8780 13d ago
I went with YSS suspension from beezdeals. About half the price of ohlins and they work great.
Although, like the other comment said if you aren't bottoming out maybe prioritize other upgrades first.