All Your Honda Monkey Long-Range Riding Dreams Can Now Come True...Ish

When you look at a Honda Monkey, that tiny, lovable chunk of motorcycling fun, most people don’t think “global adventure machine.” They think cute commuter, maybe a fun bike around town, maybe the motorcycle you want, simply because it makes you smile. And that’s fair. It’s not a GS, it’s not an Africa Twin, and it’s definitely not pretending to be one.

But riders have always been strange in the best way.

There’s a dedicated group of people who look at small motorcycles and see opportunity rather than limitation. Honda Monkeys and minibikes have been used in long group rides, remote excursions, and even organized events built around the idea that small bikes can still do big things. There’s even an event in Mongolia where riders take Honda Monkeys across parts of the Gobi Desert, proving that displacement doesn’t dictate ambition. It’s the same mindset that produced that wild custom Moto Guzzi Monkey-inspired racer, a reminder that unlikely machines often make the most memorable experiences.

G+Note isn’t claiming the Monkey 125 is a globe-trotting adventure bike, but it is quietly acknowledging that owners might want to go further than the nearest coffee shop. While Honda keeps the stock machine simple, a massive aftermarket ecosystem is making it clear that the Monkey can be more than a novelty. At the very least, it can be a legitimate weekend escape vehicle.

One of the most significant upgrades is the G+Note Gorilla Tank and Seat Set for the Monkey 125. Priced around ¥138,000 JPY (roughly $1,000 USD before shipping and taxes), it’s not a casual purchase, but it’s also not just cosmetic. The kit replaces the stock tank with a larger Monkey-style unit holding roughly 12 liters of fuel, paired with a matching seat that feels more substantial and supportive than the original Monkey setup. More fuel means more range, and the seat change alone can make a noticeable difference once the ride stretches beyond a quick loop around town.

Other accessory options help turn the Monkey into a more usable long-distance companion, or at least a more intentional one. Omega Racer, for example, offers aluminum fuel tanks like the “Godzilla” tank, priced around $425 USD, which add durability, visual heft, and a bit of peace of mind thanks to leak testing and lockable caps. These tanks don’t radically change the bike’s mission, but they do reinforce the idea that the Monkey can be taken seriously as a tool, not just a toy.

Comfort and practicality upgrades are also easy to find. Replacement seats range from budget-friendly options under $100 to more stylized pieces that lean vintage or minimalist. Smaller accessories like tank pads, grips, and lighting upgrades may seem minor, but they add up quickly when you’re spending more time in the saddle. A tank pad or a set of better grips won’t extend your range, but they can absolutely make longer rides more enjoyable.

The pros of this approach are obvious. You get more range, better comfort, and a motorcycle that feels purpose-built rather than novelty-driven. The cons are equally real. Once you start stacking accessories, costs add up fast, and not every part is truly plug-and-play. Some pieces require patience, tools, or a willingness to problem-solve. That said, if you’re the kind of rider who enjoys tinkering as much as riding, that’s part of the appeal.

This setup isn’t meant to replace a full-size adventure bike or even a dual-sport, and it’s not pretending to. But if your idea of adventure is getting out of town, chasing back roads, or deliberately choosing the least logical motorcycle for the job just to see what happens, these accessories make that idea far more realistic.

I’m fully on board with adventures on unusual machines. There’s something deeply satisfying about choosing the hard way on purpose, if only for the experience. So if someone at Honda and/or G+Note is feeling generous, I’d be happy to test just how far these long-range dreams can go. Gear optional, Monkey mandatory. Punishment accepted.