The 100mph Honda Monkey bike

Laugh all you want, but this Monkey bike’s weird looks are part of the package that propels it to 100mph!

• Related: Honda Monkey Bike review on MCN

Soichiro Honda’s cuddly 30mph Monkey bike has received some serious surgery to achieve the frightening speed – most significantly is the fitment of a Takegawa 124cc, double-overhead camshaft, four-valve engine with a custom exhaust system and Keihin FCR33 flat-slide carburettor providing serious breathing.

The owner, Mr Houshi, hasn’t revealed it’s power (the bike is used in competition in Japan), but 20bhp is a possibility.

It’s a far cry from the 2bhp 49cc OHV lie-flat engine fitted originally. Takegawa also supplied the five-speed gearbox to make best use of the power

The fairing is the owner’s design, and perhaps unsurprisingly, unique. Ugly it may be, but the picture shows how effectively it protects the rider for better aerodynamics.

The fuel tank is from a Honda RS125 GP race bike, and suits the tucked in riding position better than stock.

The frame has been extended 1.5 inches, Hayashi forks fitted and rear suspension from an RS125 also fitted in the name of keeping the tiny bike stable at speed.

PICTURES: Auto-By magazine