Can You Ride a Honda Monkey on Dual Carriageways?
The Honda Monkey is perfectly at home on country lanes and city streets, but what happens when your journey includes a dual carriageway? Can you ride a Honda Monkey on dual carriageways safely and legally? The answer is yes—but there are some important considerations before joining faster traffic.
Is It Legal?
Let’s start with the law.
If you hold the appropriate motorcycle licence or have completed Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) and are riding within the conditions of your entitlement, the Honda Monkey can legally be ridden on UK dual carriageways.
However, if you’re riding on a CBT, you cannot use motorways. That’s a legal restriction that applies to all learner riders.
Dual carriageways, however, are a different matter and are perfectly legal provided your licence entitlement allows it.
Can the Honda Monkey Keep Up?
The Honda Monkey’s 125cc engine produces around 9.4 bhp (6.9 kW), making it ideal for urban riding and country roads.
On a level road in favourable conditions, many riders find the Monkey is comfortable cruising at 50–55 mph, with a little more available when conditions allow.
On roads where traffic is flowing at 70 mph, however, you’ll often be travelling more slowly than surrounding vehicles.
That doesn’t automatically make it unsafe, but it does require good planning and awareness.
Choose the Right Dual Carriageway
Not all dual carriageways are the same.
Some are relatively quiet with moderate traffic, while others carry large volumes of HGVs travelling at the national speed limit.
If you’re new to the Honda Monkey, begin with quieter routes before tackling busier roads.
Navigation apps often allow you to avoid major roads if you’d rather take a more relaxed scenic route.
Think Further Ahead
One of the biggest differences when riding a smaller-capacity motorcycle is planning.
You’ll need to think further ahead than you might on a larger bike.
Ask yourself:
- Is there enough distance to overtake?
- Is traffic joining from a slip road?
- Will I lose speed climbing this hill?
- Is there a safer opportunity to change lanes later?
Good observation and anticipation become even more important.
Give Yourself Space
Because the Monkey accelerates more gently than larger motorcycles, maintaining a safe following distance is essential.
Avoid sitting close behind large vehicles where your visibility is reduced.
Giving yourself extra space provides more time to react and helps other road users see you.
Be Visible
The Honda Monkey’s compact size is part of its charm, but it also means riders should make every effort to be seen.
Simple habits include:
- Wearing bright or reflective riding gear.
- Using dipped headlights.
- Avoiding lingering in blind spots.
- Positioning yourself clearly within your lane.
- Making positive, early observations before changing direction.
Being seen is just as important as seeing others.
Don’t Feel Pressured
One mistake inexperienced riders sometimes make is trying to keep up with faster traffic.
Ride at a speed that’s comfortable for both you and your motorcycle.
If another driver wants to overtake, allow them to do so safely.
Remember, arriving a few minutes later is always preferable to taking unnecessary risks.
When Are Country Roads Better?
Many Monkey owners eventually discover something interesting.
The roads where the Honda Monkey is most enjoyable are rarely the fastest.
Quiet A-roads, B-roads and scenic country lanes allow you to enjoy the bike’s lightweight handling without constantly worrying about speed differentials.
The Monkey rewards relaxed riding rather than rushing.
👍 Top Riding Tips
- Plan your route before setting off.
- Use quieter dual carriageways where possible.
- Keep a generous following distance.
- Make yourself as visible as possible.
- Stay in the left-hand lane unless overtaking.
- Don’t feel pressured into riding faster than you’re comfortable with.
- If a scenic alternative exists, consider taking it—you’ll probably enjoy the ride more.
Motorhome Monkey Verdict
The answer to “Can you ride a Honda Monkey on dual carriageways?” is yes—but whether you should depends on the type of road, the traffic conditions and your confidence as a rider.
The Monkey is capable of handling dual carriageways, particularly for shorter stretches, but it was designed to shine on quieter roads where its agility, charm and relaxed nature can be fully appreciated.
Rather than seeing dual carriageways as something to avoid completely, think of them as another tool in your route planning. Use them when they make sense, but don’t overlook the quieter roads where the Honda Monkey truly comes into its own.
Motorhome Monkey Riding Tip
One of the greatest joys of owning a Honda Monkey is discovering roads you would normally drive straight past in a car. Next time your sat nav suggests the fastest route, try selecting “Avoid Motorways” or “Scenic Route” instead. You might arrive a little later, but you’ll almost certainly enjoy the journey a lot more.
