We review the Honda MSX 125 from price to economy and all its features

MY mates at Bike World have been buzzing around on the cheap-as-chips MSX 125. Here’s how they got on.

In the Sixties, Honda launched the original, iconic monkey bike.

The idea was to help ease some of Japan’s congestion issues with a fun, compact bike that could be parked just about anywhere.

Honda waited half a decade to update it, with the Mini Street X-treme 125 (MSX 125). In the US, it’s know as a Grom, which is a nickname for a young surfer/skater kid.

The running costs are minimal

This bike is based on Honda’s bulletproof 125 two-valve air-cooled engine, throwing out 9bhp – which might not seem much but, on a bike that weighs only 222lb, it makes for a fun ride.

It’s fuelled by a 5.5-litre tank which Honda claims will see 160 miles, while the tyres will set you back around £50 a pair, so the running costs are minimal.

It might look like a twist-and-go, scooter-style bike, but it has a consensual four-speed gearbox and chain.

It also has 31mm upside-down forks and monoshock on the rear, and single-disc dual-piston caliper on the front and single piston on the rear. They might look a bit weedy but stopping is not an issue.

It will squeeze into the smallest of parking spaces

There’s a stylish LCD dash with a tacho, duel trip, a fuel gauge and a clock.

The MSX is made for the city. If you can’t filter your way to the front of the queue on this, you need to take the Tube, and you’ll beat most cars away from the lights with the surprisingly punchy engine.

It will squeeze into the smallest of parking spaces. Beware, though, because being so small and light makes it easy to steal.

We rode the 2015 model, which in 2016 was updated. Older models are still available so you could get something off the £2,899 asking price.

Honda has done a great job of updating the pocket-sized bike and this urban-looking street-fighter, supermoto-styled machine is perfect for a younger rider looking to stand out in a scooter crowd.

To see this bike being ridden, head to bikeworld.co.uk or search “bike world” on YouTube.