Mini it was the buzz-word of the Swinging Sixties. It was the time of the revolutionary Austin Mini Seven, a motoring legend with a cute and cuddly name.

Virtually every one of us has had a happy association with a Mini. Even now, 40 years on, its unique concept lives on at the Cowley factory.

It was also the age of Mary Quant, The Beatles, Twiggy, Jean Shrimpton and, of course, the mini-skirt.

Some fashions never lose their charm, while other trends turn full circle and reappear.

One such blast from the past is the super little Honda M50 or Monkey Bike as it is fondly remembered To celebrate its rebirth, the tiny bike has reappeared with an all-chrome Millennium edition.

The machines are now made in China and are totally roadworthy even though they are just 28in high and weigh in at a lightweight 60kg.

Besides being simply a fun bike, the modern Monkeys conform to all UK moped regulations and can be ridden on the roads by anyone over 16, subject to licensing laws.

The fold-down handlebars make them an ideal machine to pop in the boot of the car. Modern Monkeys now have 12-volt electrics, decent lights and indicators, and run on unleaded fuel.

The 49cc four-stroke engine kicks out enough power to get a sensible 30mph cruising speed. The three forward gears are operated like an old Honda 50 no clutch, but a rocking gear-selector.

The brakes, drums all round, are operated by the handlebar lever and right foot-pedal. The ride is remarkably comfortable. A big soft seat is suspended on twin rear shocks that act on a swinging arm, and telescopic forks are at the front.

The basic model costs £939 and that includes warranty, a toolkit, a full tank of fuel, number plate, registration and pre-delivery inspection.

The gleaming 2001 Millennium model costs £1,049.

F2 Motorcycles, the dealer in Middleton Cheney, near Banbury, which stocks the new family of Monkey Bikes, can even supply a purpose-built carrying rack that bolts to a standard car's tow bar, as well as tuning and customising parts.

*Test machine loaned by F2 Motorcycles, of Burgess Farm, Middleton Cheney, near Banbury. Telephone: 01295 712900