What is a Monkey Bike And What is Their Appeal?
A monkey bike is a type of motorbike that first became popular in the 1960s when Honda released their iconic Honda Z series. What makes monkey bikes distinctive from other motorbikes is mostly down to their appearance. They are usually small in size, with a small engine and have chunky tyres and a retro feel. If you have a monkey bike or plan to get one then you’ll need to get monkey bike insurance to make it legal to ride in the UK.
Key points
What Is The Appeal Of A Monkey Bike?
- Fun factor: The fun factor of owning a monkey bike is a big part of their appeal. Not only do they look great but they’re also fun to ride and are great for short journeys and commutes.
- Great for customisation: There are also plenty of customisation options for monkey bikes and a big part of what they’re known for.
- Style: The retro style of monkey bikes is one of the key attractions for many owners.
- Great community: Another part of the appeal of owning a monkey bike is that there’s a great community for them full of passionate enthusiasts.
- Practical: Although there’s a lot of emphasis on style with monkey bikes, they’re also incredibly practical due to their small size, which makes them easy to park and store.

Are all monkey bikes the same?
No there are different models available with unique looks and features. However they mostly tend to be small bikes with a retro look.
How can I get insurance for a monkey bike?
You can click the green button on this page to get quotes from specialist providers in just minutes.
What is the best type of cover to get for a monkey bike?
A fully comprehensive policy will provide the most protection for your bike but you can also get a third party only policy if you only want enough cover to make your bike road legal.
In Summary
- Monkey bikes are known for their distinctive style, small frame and small engine size.
- They first become popular in the 1960s with Honda’s Z series.
- Because monkey bikes are a type of motorbike, you’ll need to get insurance if you have one to make it road legal.
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