Honda motorcycle & engine restoration · Potters Bar, Herts United KingdomPotters Bar, Herts United Kingdom · Call Cliff: 07903 939229
TWR – Two Wheel Restoration Services (Monkey Bike Repairs)
Services

Tuning for classic Monkeys & small Hondas

For Z50, Z50R, Z50M, ST70, SS50, CL50, Monkey 125 and similar models: more performance, without sacrificing reliability.

Tuning made simple

Tuning can be quite complex and, with so many kits and parts out there, a little daunting. You don't need to have it all worked out. Cliff is happy to walk you through the options and help you get the result you're after, whether that's a bit more pep around town or a proper big-bore build.

Every bike is different, so tuning starts with a conversation and an inspection. We'll talk through how you use the bike – road, shows, paddock or track – and recommend changes that make sense for it. A healthy, well set-up standard engine is the foundation, so any wear or faults are put right first.

We aim for a bike that is quicker, smoother and still dependable. We'll always be straight with you about what a change is likely to achieve, and about any trade-offs in reliability, fuel or road use.

Takegawa engine with Desmo 4-valve head
Takegawa engine with Desmo 4-valve head
Takegawa Desmo 4-valve cylinder head detail
Takegawa Desmo 4-valve cylinder head detail
Red and white Honda Monkey with Takegawa swingarm and upgrades
Red and white Honda Monkey with Takegawa swingarm and upgrades
Red Honda Dax ST50 with performance exhaust
Red Honda Dax ST50 with performance exhaust
Takegawa Baja-style Honda Monkey on a paddock stand
Takegawa Baja-style Honda Monkey on a paddock stand
Yellow Honda Monkey, studio side view
Yellow Honda Monkey, studio side view

What we can help with

The kits and parts below are just some examples of the common upgrades Cliff fits, mainly from Takegawa and Kitaco. If you've got something else in mind, just ask.

Engine tuning

Careful engine set-up and upgrades, including big-bore kits, cylinder head work and, where appropriate, porting or reboring. Every engine is assessed first so the work suits its condition.

Carburation

Carburettor cleaning, rebuilding, upgrades and jetting to match the engine, intake and exhaust – essential after any engine change.

Exhausts

Advice on and fitting of performance or period-style exhausts, set up together with carburation so the engine runs cleanly.

Gearing

Sprocket changes to suit how and where you ride – better acceleration or more relaxed cruising.

Suspension & handling

Fork and shock refurbishment or upgrades, plus wheel, tyre and brake checks, so the chassis keeps up with any extra performance.

Testing

Every tuned bike is checked and road tested where appropriate before it goes back to you.

Supply & fitting

Kitaco bore-up kits & matching parts

Genuine Kitaco kits Cliff can supply and fit, grouped by engine, with the camshafts, oil pumps and clutch that go with them. Not sure which suits your bike? Frame numbers matter – Cliff will check yours before ordering.

Monkey & Dax bore-up kits

Every bore-up kit for the classic horizontal-engine Monkey, Gorilla, Dax and Chaly (6V and 12V) in one place. Frame numbers matter – Cliff will check yours before ordering.

Early 6V Monkey, Gorilla, Dax 50 & Chaly 50 – Z50J up to frame 1510400, ST50, CF50, CD50

Kitaco 75cc LIGHT bore-up kit
212-1013480

75cc LIGHT bore-up kit

Ø48mm bore, standard 41.4mm stroke, steel cylinder. Uses your standard head – a low-cost first step.

Kitaco 88cc STD Type 2 bore-up kit
214-1013202

88cc STD Type 2 bore-up kit

Ø52mm bore, aluminium cylinder with cast-iron liner, and a ported big-valve head ready assembled. Power and torque everywhere.

Later Monkey, Gorilla & 12V – Z50J-1600008 on, AB27, Baja, 12V Dax 50

Kitaco 75cc LIGHT bore-up kit for later Monkeys
212-1123480

75cc LIGHT bore-up kit

Ø48mm bore, steel cylinder, standard stroke. Works with the standard head.

Kitaco 88cc LIGHT bore-up kit
214-1016420

88cc LIGHT bore-up kit

Ø52mm bore, aluminium cylinder with cast-iron liner. Keeps the standard head for a strong low and mid-range.

Kitaco 88cc NEW STD bore-up kit
214-1083102

88cc NEW STD bore-up kit

Ø52mm bore with Kitaco’s NEW STD big-valve head. Supplied without a cam – pair it with the SPL High Camshaft.

Dax 70 (ST70) & Chaly 70 – Japanese-market only

Kitaco LIGHT bore-up kit for Dax 70
214-1015420

88cc LIGHT bore-up kit for Dax 70

Ø52mm bore, aluminium cylinder with cast-iron liner, works with the standard ST70 head.

Supporting parts – camshafts, oil pumps & clutch

Kitaco High Camshaft
Camshaft300-1013000

High Camshaft

Revised valve timing for strong, usable power from low to high revs. Fits the standard 6V-era head and Dax 70.

Fits: 6V Monkey/Dax 50 · Dax 70

Kitaco SPL High Camshaft
Camshaft300-1083100

SPL High Camshaft

For 12V-era standard heads and Kitaco’s NEW STD head – pulls harder at higher revs.

Fits: 12V Monkey/Dax 50

Kitaco Super Oil Pump kit
Oil pump331-1013300

Super Oil Pump kit

About twice the standard oil flow for kits up to 100cc. Fits Z50J engines up to frame 1805927 – Cliff will confirm for 12V AB27 models.

Fits: All three

Kitaco Ultra Oil Pump kit
Oil pump331-1013400

Ultra Oil Pump kit

About 2.6× standard flow, for hotter builds with a performance head and oil cooler.

Fits: 6V Monkey/Dax 50 · Dax 70

Kitaco Manual Clutch kit
Clutch307-1123000

Manual Clutch kit

Converts the automatic centrifugal clutch to a three-plate manual clutch – ideal with an 88cc kit. Needs a clutch lever and cable set.

Fits: 6V & 12V Monkey/Dax 50

Monkey 125 (JB02) kits

The modern Monkey 125 – see the full fitting details further down this page.

Kitaco 181cc Power Pack LIGHT for Monkey 125
230-1300020

181cc Power Pack LIGHT

Ø63mm × 57.9mm, 11.1:1 compression, with high cam, I-MAP injection controller and O2 canceller. Needs a performance exhaust and Kitaco oil cooler. Race use only.

Kitaco billet clutch lifter set for Monkey 125
Clutch307-1444600

Billet Clutch Lifter Set

Hard-anodised duralumin clutch lifter with six reinforced springs (about 60% stiffer than stock) – less slip, more durable. Discontinued; Kitaco’s replacement is 307-1452600.

Fits: Monkey 125 (JB02) · Grom (JC61)

Kitaco 6-plate clutch disc kit for Monkey 125
Clutch307-1432500

Reinforced 6-plate Clutch Disc kit

Turns the standard 5-plate clutch into 6 plates for more clutch capacity, less slip and better durability.

Fits: Monkey 125 (JB02) · Grom (JC61/JC75)

Kitaco reinforced starter motor for Monkey 125
Starter758-1432110

Reinforced Starter Motor

Uprated starter for high-compression tuned engines that the standard motor struggles to turn over. Needs a healthy battery.

Fits: Monkey 125 (JB02) · Grom (JC61/JC75) · C125 · CT125 (JA55)

Kitaco UNI filter kit for Monkey 125
Air filter515-1300100

UNI Filter kit

Replaces the standard airbox to free up room for an oil cooler or catch tank. Includes intake-temp sensor nipple and extension harness.

Fits: Monkey 125 (JB02)

Supply and fitting available. Prices depend on the kit and what else your engine needs – call Cliff for a quote.

Call Cliff · 07903 939229Send a message

Specifications from Kitaco’s catalogue. Kits above standard capacity may affect road legality and insurance – please check DVLA and insurer requirements.

Monkey 125 JB02 (2018–2020)

Monkey 125 JB02 kit fitting

Have a modern Honda Monkey 125 JB02? Monkey Bike Repairs fits big-bore power kits such as the Kitaco 181cc Power Pack Light, with the same care and attention to detail that goes into our restorations. See the models we cover.

  • Fitting of the cylinder, piston and associated engine parts supplied with the kit
  • Installation of the electronics supplied with the kit (e.g. injection controller and O2 sensor feedback canceller)
  • Advice on any additional parts the kit requires before work starts

Prices & turnaround

Tuning and kit fitting are priced per job: POA / quote on inspection. Kit and any extra parts are bought separately. Turnaround depends on the work and parts availability – Cliff will give you an idea when he quotes.

Performance changes may affect road legality, insurance and MOT. Please check with your insurer and declare modifications. Some parts are intended for off-road or race use only.

Kitaco 181cc Power Pack Light kit contents
Kitaco 181cc Power Pack Light kit contents
The upgraded engine back in the Monkey – Kitaco 181cc, Takegawa 5-speed, heavy-duty clutch and starter
The upgraded engine back in the Monkey – Kitaco 181cc, Takegawa 5-speed, heavy-duty clutch and starter
The new Monkey 125 JB02 in the workshop with its Kitaco and Takegawa upgrade parts
The new Monkey 125 JB02 in the workshop with its Kitaco and Takegawa upgrade parts
Upgrade parts laid out – Kitaco 181cc kit and Takegawa components
Upgrade parts laid out – Kitaco 181cc kit and Takegawa components
Standard engine in the frame before strip-down
Standard engine in the frame before strip-down
Engine out of the frame and on the bench
Engine out of the frame and on the bench
Standard barrel and piston beside the Kitaco 181cc big-bore barrel and piston
Standard barrel and piston beside the Kitaco 181cc big-bore barrel and piston
Takegawa 5-speed gearbox fitted in the cases
Takegawa 5-speed gearbox fitted in the cases
Cam chain, sprocket and tensioner detail during the rebuild
Cam chain, sprocket and tensioner detail during the rebuild
Engine rebuilt with the Kitaco 181cc top end
Engine rebuilt with the Kitaco 181cc top end
Kitaco heavy-duty clutch cover fitted
Kitaco heavy-duty clutch cover fitted
Rebuilt engine, clutch side
Rebuilt engine, clutch side
Upgraded engine refitted in the frame
Upgraded engine refitted in the frame
Engine in, wiring and ancillaries going back on
Engine in, wiring and ancillaries going back on
Finished engine bay with the upgraded motor installed
Finished engine bay with the upgraded motor installed

Do you have a bike or engine that needs restoring?

For a bespoke quote, call Cliff on 07903 939229 or send an email.

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