In the ever-evolving world of motorcycle enthusiasts, there’s a breed of riders who find joy in turning their two-wheeled companions into unique works of art. One such enthusiast, in his 40s and 50s, embarked on a journey back to his childhood with a Honda 2018 Monkey 125. What started as a nostalgia-fueled project turned into an all-consuming obsession, resulting in a collection of five distinct Monkey bikes and a haven of camaraderie known as “Gordos Custom Monkey Garage.”

From Childhood Memories to Custom Creations

Like many riders, this Monkey enthusiast’s journey began with a cherished memory – a childhood shared with a trusty Monkey Z50. Fast forward to the present day, and a chance encounter with an article in MCNews reignited that youthful passion. Honda was bringing back the iconic Monkey, but this time, it was bigger, more powerful, and packed with modern features while retaining its timeless Monkey charm.

For this enthusiast, nothing he owned ever remained stock for long. From cars to bicycles, jet skis to motorcycles, he had an irresistible urge to make them unique and pour his heart, soul, and countless hours into crafting something extraordinary. But the Monkey obsession took on a life of its own.

The Monkey Brotherhood Takes Shape

Soon, five Monkeys graced his collection, each with its distinctive character and countless hours and dollars invested. It wasn’t just about the bikes; it was the bond between friends who joined in on the Monkey madness. A large rented garage became “Gordos Custom Monkey Garage,” where mates gathered to share stories, support each other through life’s ups and downs, and, of course, work on their beloved Monkeys.

Amidst the banter and camaraderie, there was a catch – not everyone in this brotherhood possessed mechanical or technical skills. Most of his mates were better off keeping screwdrivers at bay. But this didn’t dampen their spirits. They had a safe place to connect, dealing with life’s challenges, over a few beers and the love of motorcycles.

The Birth of a Chopper Dream: Inspiration Strikes

The star of this story is a chopper – a chopper that once rolled off the factory floor as a 2018 Yellow Monkey. Inspired by Monkey Choppers from Thailand, this project spanned almost two years. It began as a vision, a blank canvas waiting to be transformed into a breathtaking custom masterpiece.

Meet Chopper Number 1: A Labor of Love and Collaboration

This Monkey chopper is the result of a collaboration, a testament to the power of friendship and complementary skills. A chance encounter with Neil Brown, a Pommy living in Australia and a skilled boilermaker, was the missing piece of the puzzle. With Neil’s welding and metalwork wizardry, they cut and reassembled two Monkey frames, creating the foundation for a unique chopper.

The Specs That Set It Apart:

• Frame: Custom shaved, custom rear end, powder-coated, custom front subframe for forward controls
• Engine: Factory 125cc 8 hp 4-speed transformed into a 186cc big valve race head, 5-speed powerhouse with 20 HP
• Brakes: Brembo calipers front and rear
• Suspension: Custom YSS rear suspension
• Swingarm: Custom aluminum extended by 4 cm
• Wheels: Custom 14-inch front and 12-inch rear with 36 spokes
• Fuel Tank: Custom recessed flush popup filler
• Paint: Porsche Underberg Green
• Seat: Biltwell
• Bars: Biltwell
• Grips: Motogadget mo.grip
• Mirrors: Motogadget mo.view blade
• Speedo: Motogadget Motoscope Mini with a custom mount
• Buttons: Motogadget mo.switch mini
• Lighting: Motogadget mo.blaze disc front indicators, Thunderbike custom rear indicators
• Battery: Antigravity Lithium mounted under the tank
• Electronics: Full custom harness, all wired internally under the tank
• Ignition: Hidden Motogadget mo.lock NFC

In the grand scheme of this chopper’s creation, it was not just the result of one man’s passion. It was a collective effort, a shared dream. Neil, Cam at Deus, Marcus from Hi Octane Performance Coating, Daniel from Carrington Products, Alex and Eleanor, and a long list of mates all contributed their skills, wisdom, and emotional support to this remarkable project. And last but not least, his daughter Neve, who lent a patient ear during countless hours of Monkey talk and is now ready to ride alongside her Monkey-obsessed dad.

As the Monkey Mania continues, with the promise of a second chopper on the horizon, it’s clear that this isn’t just about motorcycles. It’s about the bonds we forge, the passions we share, and the art we create on two wheels. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of customization and the joy of making something truly unique.