If you’ve ever ridden a Honda Monkey 125 and thought, “This bike is perfect,” you’re absolutely right.
If you’ve ever ridden a Honda Monkey 125 and thought, “Wait… am I in 3rd or 4th?” you’re also absolutely right. 😭
Because here’s the thing: the Monkey is charming, simple, and proudly old-school in the cutest way.
But sometimes you’re cruising—wind is vibing, mood is perfect—then you go for that one more upshift you swear exists…
…and the bike politely informs you, surprise: you’ve been in top gear for the last 10 minutes.
So yeah. I decided to give my little banana-on-wheels one tiny modern superpower:
A Gear Position Indicator (GPI).
Not because I need it.
Because I want my Monkey to be future-ready… but still polite. 😌
Why a Gear Indicator actually makes so much sense on the Monkey 125
Let’s be honest: the Monkey’s personality is minimalist happiness.
It’s not trying hard.
It’s not pretending to be a superbike.
It’s basically saying:
“Come on. Hop on. Let’s have fun.”
But my one wish—especially in city traffic and casual cruising—was having that quick confirmation of what gear I’m actually in.
A GPI is helpful for:
- Smoother stop-and-go traffic (less guessing, fewer awkward shifts)
- Better gear choice on hills (stop torturing the engine, babe)
- Cleaner cruising (no more counting shifts like it’s math homework)
- More confidence for new riders (because “I think it’s 3rd” is not comforting 😅)
Basically, it upgrades the Monkey from
“cute retro buddy” to “cute retro buddy who can count to five.”
What the installation feels like
It feels like you gave your pet a smart collar. 😆
The bike is just sitting there like:
“Hello?? I’m already cute. Why are you upgrading me?”
And you’re like:
“Because you deserve technology, anak.”
Depending on the kit, the process usually goes like this:
- Tap into the signal wires
(RPM / speed / ignition signals—depends on the model) - Route and tidy the cables
(because we’re classy, we don’t do chaotic wiring 😌) - Mount the display where you can actually see it
- Calibrate it — and this is the funniest part
Calibration is basically a tutoring session
Calibration feels like you’re teaching your Monkey like it’s a tiny student:
“Okay buddy… this is 1st. Memorize it.”
“Good. 2nd. Focus.”
“Now 3rd. Don’t get distracted.”
“4th. Stay with me.”
“5th… Congrats. You’re educated now.” 🎓
And the ECU is probably like:
“Oh… it’s school day today.”
The first ride after install
Honestly? Weirdly… luxurious.
Not “BMW touring bike luxury.”
More like:
“I added extra cheese to my ramen… I’m a rich girl now” luxury. 😂
You glance down and you see:
3
And suddenly your brain goes quiet.
No more guessing.
No more counting.
No more “Is this 4th or 5th?” every 30 seconds.
Just:
throttle
road
vibes
and a tiny number telling you the truth
It’s like my Monkey gained a tiny digital voice that whispers:
“You’re in 4th, king.” 👑