Don’t Be Fooled by the Monkey’s Friendly Nature

There’s something about the Honda Monkey that makes people smile.

It’s small, unintimidating and often attracts attention wherever it’s parked. Because of that, some riders are tempted to treat it more like a scooter or bicycle than a fully-fledged motorcycle.

But physics doesn’t care what you’re riding.

Whether you come off at 30 mph on a Honda Monkey or a 1,000cc sports bike, the road surface is exactly the same.

Protective clothing remains just as important.

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Start with a Good Helmet

Your helmet is the single most important piece of riding equipment.

Choose one that:

• Meets the latest UK safety standards.
• Fits correctly.
• Feels comfortable.
• Provides a clear field of vision.
• Has effective ventilation.

A poorly fitting helmet offers less protection than one that fits properly.

Never buy a helmet based on looks alone.

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Wear a Proper Motorcycle Jacket

A quality motorcycle jacket provides protection against abrasion and impact.

Look for jackets with CE-approved armour in the shoulders and elbows, with provision for a back protector if one isn’t already fitted.

Textile jackets are often ideal for Monkey owners because they’re lightweight, practical and cope well with the UK’s unpredictable weather.

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Gloves Are Essential

Instinctively, we all put our hands out if we fall.

Motorcycle gloves protect against:

• Abrasion.
• Impact.
• Cold weather.
• Fatigue.

Even on a warm summer’s day, riding without gloves leaves your hands vulnerable.

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Don’t Forget Your Legs

Jeans might feel comfortable, but ordinary denim offers very limited protection in a slide.

Modern motorcycle jeans combine casual styling with abrasion-resistant materials and removable armour, making them an excellent option for Honda Monkey riders.

They’re comfortable enough for café stops while still providing far better protection than everyday clothing.

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Proper Footwear Matters

Strong motorcycle boots don’t just protect your feet.

They also provide ankle support, improve grip when stopping and help shield your feet from the gear lever and rear brake pedal.

Even short rides deserve proper footwear.

Trainers may be comfortable, but they offer little protection in an accident.

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Dress for the Weather

The Monkey encourages spontaneous rides, but British weather can change quickly.

Carry lightweight waterproofs if rain is forecast and remember that temperatures can drop surprisingly quickly once the sun goes down.

Being warm and dry also helps you stay focused on the road.

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Visibility Helps

While you don’t need to dress head-to-toe in fluorescent yellow, making yourself easier to see is always worthwhile.

Reflective detailing, bright helmet colours and sensible road positioning all help improve your visibility to other road users.

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ATGATT – A Useful Reminder

Many experienced riders follow the principle of ATGATT:

All The Gear, All The Time.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re riding five miles to the café or fifty miles through the countryside.

The risks are exactly the same.

Making protective clothing a habit means you never have to decide whether today’s ride is “worth bothering”.

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👍 Top Riding Tips

• Buy the best helmet you can comfortably afford.
• Choose motorcycle-specific clothing.
• Wear gloves on every ride.
• Protect your ankles with proper boots.
• Carry waterproofs when touring.
• Make wearing protective gear a routine.

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Motorhome Monkey Verdict

The Honda Monkey might be one of the friendliest motorcycles on the road, but it deserves the same respect as any other bike.

Wearing the right riding gear isn’t about looking like a racer—it’s about giving yourself the best possible protection should the unexpected happen.

The good news is that modern motorcycle clothing is more comfortable, stylish and practical than ever before.

Dress properly, ride sensibly and you’ll be able to enjoy everything the Honda Monkey does best—putting a smile on your face every time you head out.

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Motorhome Monkey Riding Tip

Before every ride, ask yourself one simple question:

“If I came off the bike at the next roundabout, would I be happy wearing what I’ve got on?”