What is a Monkey Bike And What is Their Appeal?

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.

Susan Difford

Insurance Expert & Co-founder of Clean Green Cars

Updated 19 October 2026 2 Min Read

On This Page

Are All Monkey Bikes the Same?
How Can I Get Insurance for a Monkey Bike?
What Is the Best Type of Cover to Get for a Monkey Bike?

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. You can compare the same cover levels for standard motorbike insurance too.

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.