Tamiya 16032 - 1:6 Honda Monkey 40th Anniversary

Honda Monkey 40th Anniversary 1:6 scale plastic model kit

The Honda Monkey is the forefather of the leisure motorcycle – a tiny machine whose folding handlebar allowed it to be carried in the boot of a car. Tamiya 16032 reproduces its limited 40th Anniversary version, put on sale in December 2006 to mark four decades of the model. The finished model measures 224 × 100 × 175 mm.

The anniversary machine stood out with its black fuel tank, red frame and red wheels, chequered seat and "40th" emblems on the side covers – all of which are captured in the kit through separate tank and side cover parts and a sticker reproducing the chequered seat pattern. The release, from around 2007, uses new parts developed on 1980 tooling.

For such a small motorcycle, the model offers plenty of mechanical interest: working front and rear suspension with coil springs, a reproduced folding handlebar mechanism, and a 49 cc SOHC engine with reproduced wiring. The instrument housings, handlebar and muffler shield have a metallic finish. The box also contains parts for popular accessories fitted to real machines, including a muffler and shock absorbers, while the decal sheet allows the model to be finished in either the anniversary or the standard version.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues
• Metallic-finished parts: instrument housings, handlebar, muffler shield
• Separate fuel tank and side cover parts
• Working front and rear suspension with coil springs
• Reproduced folding handlebar mechanism
• 49 cc SOHC engine with reproduced wiring
• Sticker reproducing the chequered seat pattern
• Decals for two versions: anniversary and standard
• Parts for popular accessories (including muffler and shock absorbers)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:6
• Catalogue number: 16032
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Model size: 224 × 100 × 175 mm
• Release: around 2007 (new parts on 1980 tooling)
• Skill level: beginner

Note: The kit does not include cement, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Assembly:

A compact but mechanically rewarding kit that works well as a first motorcycle model. The large 1:6 scale makes the parts comfortable to handle, and Tamiya's parts fit lets you focus on painting and detail rather than on filling and adjusting. It is worth considering painting and finishing the tank, side covers and frame before joining them – on the anniversary version it is the contrast between the black tank and the red frame and wheels that defines the look. Paint codes are given in the instructions, and a wash on the engine and suspension helps to bring out the fins and recesses.

The metallic-finished parts (instrument housings, handlebar, muffler shield) can be left as supplied – simply cut them carefully from the sprue and clean up the gate marks. Modellers after a more realistic chrome effect may airbrush them with chrome-like paints (e.g. Alclad, AK Xtreme Metal). Both approaches are valid. The drive chain is reproduced as a moulded part; a movable link-by-link chain set, Tamiya 12674, is available separately as an aftermarket addition.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up sprue gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to accentuate engine detail
• Optional: chrome-like paints for airbrushing

About the motorcycle – Honda Monkey 40th Anniversary:

The Honda Monkey has been with us since 1967 and is regarded as the forefather of the leisure motorcycle. Its trademark feature was the folding handlebar, which allowed the miniature machine to fit in a car boot and travel along on holidays and weekend trips.

The 40th Anniversary version went on sale in December 2006 to celebrate four decades of the model. It was distinguished by a black fuel tank, red frame and red wheels, a chequered seat and "40th" emblems on the side covers. Power came from an air-cooled 49 cc four-stroke single with OHC valvetrain, producing 3.1 hp at 7,500 rpm and driving through a four-speed gearbox. At 63 kg and with a 4.5-litre fuel tank, the Monkey remained what it had always been: a motorcycle built purely for fun.

Original specifications (Honda Monkey 40th Anniversary):

• On sale: from December 2006 (limited anniversary version)
• Engine: air-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder, OHC
• Displacement: 49 cc
• Power: 3.1 hp at 7,500 rpm
• Gearbox: 4-speed
• Weight: 63 kg
• Fuel tank: 4.5 l
• Monkey in production since 1967

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of the Japanese model industry. The company originally traded in timber and produced wooden models, releasing its first plastic model kit in 1960. The brand is known for exceptionally precise injection moulds and outstanding parts fit, which is why its kits are chosen by beginners and experienced modellers alike. The large 1:6 motorcycle kits are among the most spectacular entries in the catalogue, combining detailed mechanicals, metal parts and working assemblies. Beyond plastic kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling supplies: paints, cements, tools and brushes. Today the company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.