Honda Monkey Chrome Legacy, a limited-edition model based on the Monkey 125, was recently introduced to Vietnam by a specialized motorcycle importer. This model was launched in Thailand in late March 2025 to commemorate Honda’s 60th anniversary in the market and is characterized by its full-body chrome finish and exclusive anniversary branding.
While the Honda Monkey Chrome Legacy retains the tiny dimensions that the Monkey series is known for, what sets it apart is the replacement of traditional paint with a glossy chrome finish on the fuel tank, side panels, and various body parts.
Another distinguishing feature is the 60th-anniversary emblem exclusive to this edition, and each bike has its unique serial number. According to the importer, only 1,390 units of this model were produced.
The frame and basic specifications of the Honda Monkey Chrome Legacy are similar to the standard Monkey 125, with dimensions of 1,710 x 755 x 1,030 mm (DxRxC) and a seat height of approximately 776 mm. Modern features such as LED lights, a round instrument cluster with a small digital display, and front/rear disc brakes are retained.
The Monkey 125’s engine is a 125 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder SOHC unit with electronic fuel injection and a 5-speed gearbox. It delivers approximately 9.15 horsepower and a maximum torque of 11 Nm. For comparison, this outperforms the Wave models currently sold by Honda Vietnam but falls slightly short of the similarly-sized Future model.
Notably, the bike offers impressive fuel efficiency, consuming only about 1.5 liters of gasoline per 100 km of travel.
To understand the Chrome Legacy’s place in the Honda Monkey lineage, it’s essential to look back at the history of the series. The name is synonymous with Honda’s Z-series minibikes, which began with the Z100 prototype in the early 1960s, followed by the CZ100 sold in Europe and Asia in 1963, and the Z50M in 1967.
The moniker “Monkey” stems from the appearance of adults riding the tiny bike, which resembled monkeys—as described at the time. Over the decades, the Monkey gained popularity for its compact size, lightweight, ease of maintenance, and economical performance but ceased production in the late 1990s. It made a comeback in 2018 with the introduction of the modern Monkey 125.
The revival of the Monkey 125 brought updates to meet modern emissions standards, a 5-speed transmission, and a suite of minimalist electronic features while retaining the fun, basic, and easy-to-ride spirit of the original. Its low seat height, small fuel tank, and fuel-efficient engine support short-distance commuting and weekend leisure rides.
With the Chrome Legacy, this character is accentuated by a unique surface finish and 60th-anniversary commemoration. The differences lie primarily in aesthetics and collectability, while the engine, chassis, and performance remain consistent with the contemporary Monkey 125.
In Vietnam, the importer has brought in three units of the Chrome Legacy. The price has not been disclosed, but based on the pricing of other Monkey models, these special edition bikes are expected to cost upwards of VND 100 million each.
Photos: Cubhouse
