Monkey Madness

MONKEY MADNESSO

Big-hore kit coupled to a long-stroke crank, twin-cam conversion, oversize brakes and wider wheels. Hey, sounds like the recipe for a hot-rod Harley! In fact, it’s a short list of modifications made to one of the world’s wildest Monkey bikes. Despite being only knee-high, this Honda mini has had $16,500 lavished upon it by Dave Blackwell. Turns out Blackwell has a special relationship with Monkeys, in that he runs England’s premier shop, Monkey Bike U.K. (www.monkeybike.co.uk), and imports scores of parts for the pint-sized machines. Among the dozens of changes made to Blackwell’s “Gorilla” are a 30mm fork, gas shock, extended swingarm and 10-inch aluminum wheels. The aforementioned engine updates give the 115cc bike, which weighs about the same as two bags of groceries, a top speed of more than 80 mph. Guess you could say it runs like a raped ape!

Gary Inman