What 2 owners told NHTSA about the 2023 Honda Monkey125

The contact owns a 2023 Honda Monkey 125 Motorcycle. The contact stated while riding at approximately 45 MPH, the contact heard a grinding sound coming from the engine. The contact rode the motorcycle back to the residence. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the motorcycle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The motorcycle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.

NHTSA ODI 11612204

The 5 speed transmissions have a very well known defect among the community of owners. A general post from the thousands that have this same issue. I finally took my 22 in to the dealership to fix the transmission noise (warranty expires next month). They sent my video in to Honda, tore the transmission down and ended *Update 3 6/27/2024* I received the call from the dealer today saying the bike was ready to go! They say they replaced a gear that was faulty. The paperwork shows 23441-K26-G00 :GEAR (32T) among several other gaskets and a washer and bushing. I will update once I’ve had a chance to go for a longer ride. *Update 2 6/24/2024* I’ve been without the Monkey since 6/5 and I’m jonesing. I spoke with the dealership today, they are awaiting parts from Honda. What parts? The person didn’t know. What they found? The person didn’t know. When do they expect the parts? “We’re at the mercy of Honda Motorcycles & ATVs” I’m attempting to wait patiently, and yes I intend to get the answers to these questions when we finish up the repair. *Update 1 6/11/2024* Test drive completed over the weekend. Tech didn’t hear anything. They called and accepted my offer to share links via email to a couple YouTube videos that showed and captured the noise. I received a call today, they’d spoken with Honda and got the OK to open her up, warranty work pending, the call was just to get my verbal ok. Original Post 6/5/2024: I took the Monkey to the dealership to have them assess the infamous transmission noise. This is the first bike I’ve owned, heard the noise fairly early on but really wasn’t sure what it was or if it was something wrong. Thank you to this group for the collective feedback from those that had the same situation. The dealer is towing the company line thus far although they did say they had heard of the issue. I’m hopeful they just make it right. 2023 banana yellow with around 1500ish miles on it. I welcome any talking points for those who’ve gone before me.

NHTSA ODI 11605707