As long as I have had Monkey bikes, since 2013, I have adored the 1990 limited Benetton edition, the Tivoli Monkey. In 2020 after selling my e-bike Monkey I finally had the opportunity to build one for myself. I didn´t want a showroom piece but a functional replica I can ride without fear of destroying a classic.
I managed to find a 2009 Skyteam Monkey in rather poor condition, perfect candidate for complete disassembly and rebuild. The tank had a dent in it and got some body filler and fresh coat of paint. I purchased an 125cc engine tuned by the British company OORacing, producing 11bhp. The supplied Molkt brand carburettor was not the most reliable, so that was replaced with one from Mikuni. I also installed a new stainless steel and carbon exhaust.
All bearings and bushings were replaced, wiring overhauled with new CDI-unit with adjustable rev limiter, rust spots fixed. New mudguards and lots of small parts, everything painted to match the limited edition design and stickers applied.
I upgraded the tiny front brake with a 2-piston caliper from Brembo, and later switched to a steel braided brake line to add some responsiveness. To attach the license plate I designed and 3D-printed a mount in flexible TPU. Both head and tail light have been upgraded to LED:s.
For winter 2021 I’ve got a bunch of parts waiting to be installed and some basic maintenance planned.
26.3.2021
Quite an abrupt end to my journey with this bike – as I reached 24 years of age, enough for non-restricted motorcycle license, I decided to put the bike up for sale and within 24 hours I got an offer for the full asking price. The bike went to be a daily driver first bike for an 15-year-old, and I’m glad that it will be actually ridden instead of sitting in the back of a garage.