PreRide Checklist for a 2020 Honda Monkey Motorcycle

Shop Parts for a 2020 Honda Monkey Motorcycle.

Introduction

A brief, consistent pre-ride inspection preserves safety and the spirited character of the PreRide Checklist for a 2020 Honda Monkey Motorcycle. A compact bike like the Monkey benefits from a quick, focused check that protects you and keeps its nimble performance on city streets and neighborhood runs.

Quick 60-Second Pre-Ride Checklist for the PreRide Checklist for a 2020 Honda Monkey Motorcycle

  • Tires & wheels – visual check and quick squeeze for correct pressure feel.
  • Brakes – lever feel, rear pedal travel, and brake light operation.
  • Chain & sprockets – tension, lubrication, and free-play check.
  • Fluids – oil level, visible coolant, and brake fluid reservoir top-up.
  • Controls & lights – throttle snap-back, clutch engagement, and all lamps working.
  • Suspension & frame – fork seals dry, shock secure, no loose fasteners.
  • Final checks – mirrors adjusted, kickstand up-and-lock test, gear on.

Tires and Wheels

The PreRide Checklist for a 2020 Honda Monkey Motorcycle should start at the ground. This bike is built for street and urban riding, so tire condition and pressure directly affect handling and braking.

  • Visual inspection – look for cuts, embedded objects, or sidewall bulges on both front and rear tires.
  • Tread depth – ensure grooves are visible across the contact patch; irregular wear can signal alignment or suspension issues.
  • Pressure feel – if you don't have a gauge, press the tire with your thumb to sense gross low pressure; for accuracy, use a gauge periodically.
  • Wheel integrity – spin each wheel to check for wobble, loose spokes (if applicable), or rubbing against the fender or caliper.

Brakes

Stopping power is critical on a small, lively motorcycle like the PreRide Checklist for a 2020 Honda Monkey Motorcycle. Don't ride if brakes feel soft or inconsistent.

  • Lever and pedal feel – pull the front lever and press the rear pedal; both should feel firm with predictable travel.
  • Pad wear – peek through the caliper for pad thickness; thin pads mean replacement is imminent.
  • Brake fluid visibility – reservoirs should show fluid at or near the marked level; discoloration or low level requires attention.
  • Brake lights – have a partner or use a reflective surface to confirm brake light activation when levers or pedal are applied.

Chain and Drivetrain

The 2020 Honda Monkey uses a chain drive that responds well to consistent attention. A well-tended chain preserves smooth power delivery during quick urban bursts.

  • Tension check – with the bike on its center or paddock stand, measure chain slack at the midpoint; look for even play across the span.
  • Lubrication – a light, even coat of chain lube on the inner link plates reduces wear and noise; avoid over-spraying onto tires or brakes.
  • Sprocket condition – visually inspect for hooked or excessively worn teeth; replace if teeth are sharp or misshapen.
  • Mounting security – ensure rear axle nuts and chain adjuster bolts are tight and properly aligned.

Fluids

Fluids keep the Monkey's tiny engine and systems running predictably. Quick visual checks catch common issues before they become ride-stoppers.

  • Engine oil – check the sight glass or dipstick with the bike level; confirm oil is within the recommended band and not overly dark or gritty looking.
  • Coolant – if equipped with a visible reservoir, ensure level is between the low and full marks and hoses show no fresh drips.
  • Brake fluid – reservoir level should be stable; low fluid after short riding can indicate pad wear or a leak.
  • Fuel – glance at the gauge or recall last fill-up; a low tank on a Monkey means frequent stops in town but avoid running too low mid-ride.

Controls and Lights

Responsive controls and working lights are cornerstones of safe riding on the PreRide Checklist for a 2020 Honda Monkey Motorcycle. These items are fast to test and critical to visibility.

  • Throttle – twist smoothly and verify snap-back; a sticky throttle needs immediate attention.
  • Clutch – check free play at the lever and confirm engagement is consistent when pulling away.
  • Cables & switches – feel for roughness in cables and ensure horn, kill switch, and starter function normally.
  • Lighting – turn on headlight, high beam, indicators, and hazard (if fitted) to confirm all bulbs and wiring are operational.

Suspension and General Condition

Even a small machine benefits from a quick suspension and frame scan. The Monkey's short wheelbase exaggerates any looseness or leaking components.

  • Fork seals – inspect around the fork tubes for oil weeping which signals seal wear.
  • Shock – check the rear shock for leaks and ensure mounting bolts are secure.
  • Fasteners – run a quick hand over visible bolts on handlebars, footpegs, and exhaust to detect looseness.
  • Body – confirm mirrors are secure and not cracked; make sure the seat and side covers are latched properly.

Final Safety Check Before Riding

Finish with a short sequence to confirm readiness. These last steps make sure nothing was missed and gear is set for a safe departure.

  • Kickstand operation – fold the stand up and down to confirm the switch (if fitted) and mechanical action are free.
  • Mirrors – set both mirrors to provide a clear view of traffic; small adjustments before moving off save seconds later.
  • Gear and apparel – helmet locked, gloves on, jacket zipped, and boots secured.
  • Engine idle – start and listen for unusual noises; allow a brief warm-up if the engine feels rough at cold idle.

Conclusion

Make the PreRide Checklist for a 2020 Honda Monkey Motorcycle a short, repeatable routine. Regularly performing these targeted checks keeps the bike reliable and reduces surprises on the road. Tighten the habit into every start-up and you'll preserve the fun, nimble nature of the Monkey while prioritizing safety.

Related Shopping Categories

Shop Tires for a 2020 Honda Monkey Motorcycle.

Shop Brakes for a 2020 Honda Monkey Motorcycle.

Shop Chain and Sprockets for a 2020 Honda Monkey Motorcycle.

Shop Oil and Fluids for a 2020 Honda Monkey Motorcycle.

Shop Suspension Parts for a 2020 Honda Monkey Motorcycle.

Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace your motorcycle's official owner's manual. Always refer to your manufacturer's documentation for model-specific instructions, torque specifications, safety procedures, and maintenance requirements. If you are unsure or inexperienced, consider seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic or technician.