Is this a Harley? No, it’s a Monkey. The love of Harley owners is condensed into this KIJIMA Mondavi! [17th Monkey Meeting in Tama]

A wide variety of custom parts have been released for the Honda Monkey since its 50cc era. Among these, exterior kits have been released by various companies as they can significantly change the image. Do you remember the Monkey Davidson released in 1979? These body parts, created by Norimonokan (ya), are modeled after the exterior of the Harley-Davidson FLH.

The Monkey Davidson, or Mondavi for short, could be purchased with the various cowlings individually, but was also sold as a complete bike with everything installed. Complete bikes cost over 340,000 yen and didn’t sell well, but the cowlings alone were around 120,000 yen, so a fair number were sold. However, since these are body parts from 46 years ago, it is very rare for them to survive.

I was able to find a Mondavi for the first time in a long time at the 2025 Monkey Meeting in Tama. When I spoke to the owner, Masaki Tayama, I learned that this Mondavi was not made by Norimonokan, but was a reproduction sold by the parts manufacturer Kijima in 2011. It almost completely reproduced the cowlings from Norimonokan, but was quite expensive. However, those who remember the Norimonokan era would have been desperate to get their hands on it.

But was that the case for Tayama as well? Well, that was a completely different story. Tayama, who is also a Harley owner, has been inducted into the “Driving Hall of Fame” through the Harley Owners Group’s mileage program. The “Driving Hall of Fame” is an honor only given to those who have driven 100,000 miles, or 160,000 kilometers. Harley dealers present commemorative gifts to those who have been inducted into the “Driving Hall of Fame,” and Tayama received a special gift: this Mondavi.

Apparently, this particular bike had been on display at a Harley dealer in Tokyo for a long time, and was assembled by the dealer’s manager himself using Kijima parts. It was a gift from something that had been a sort of mascot for the dealer. It must have been a wonderful present, but with all those cowls and guards attached, the weight increases considerably. A standard 50cc bike would likely not be enough.

However, Tayama continues to enjoy the 50cc without bore-up. On this day, he even managed to drive it from Ibaraki Prefecture to Tokyo Summerland, which was amazing. He’s ridden 160,000 kilometers on a Harley, so he must be used to long-distance touring, but on a 50cc, it’s a different story. Still, there’s a world that can only be experienced with a 50cc. And enjoying that is an appeal that a Harley doesn’t have.

However, the increased weight caused great dissatisfaction with the suspension. As the stock suspension was too weak, it was decided to strengthen both the front and rear suspension. A reinforced damper made by SP Takegawa was installed on the front, and a 265mm shock was also chosen for the rear shock, also made by SP Takegawa. This resulted in a suspension that can withstand touring.

Tayama’s own customizations included changing the lights and replacing the corroded Kijima fishtail muffler with a Capton muffler. He upgraded the taillights to a triple lamp arrangement to improve safety, but changing the muffler required some ingenuity, such as modifying the brackets. He enjoys riding his Harley and also enjoys long distances on his Mondavi. Both are enjoyable because they are completely different in terms of engine displacement and riding feel.

More than 550 vehicles participated, the highest number ever! The Honda Monkey remains as popular as ever! [17th Monkey Meeting in Tama]

The “Monkey Meeting” was held at Tokyo Summerland again in 2025. When it comes to 4MINI, the Super Cub is popular, but the Monkey is still going strong. The number of participants reached a record high. Many noteworthy custom machines were on display, and this time we will report on the scene at the venue. REPORT: Masuda Mitsuru PHOTO: Yamada Shunsuke

https://motor-fan.jp/bikes/article/145387