Length 1760 mm / 69.2 in
Width 760 mm / 29.9 in
Height 1020 mm / 40.1 in
Wheelbase
1020 mm / 40.1 in
Seat Height
775 mm / 30.5 in
Ground Clearance
180 mm / 7.0 in
Wet Weight
107 kg / 235.8 lbs
Fuel Capacity
3.8 Litres / 1.0 US gal
.
From a press release issued by Honda:
Introduction
Honda’s pocketful of mini motorcycles has struck a chord with young and old
riders alike. The re-imagined Monkey 125 tugs at heart strings that remember the
golden 1970s while providing thoroughly modern, compact and funky urban
transport for riders of any age. The MSX125 Grom serves up left-field,
customisable style for ‘Generation Y’ but also as perfect paddock transport in
the worlds of car and bike racing.
For 23YM a new bike joins the fold. The ST125 Dax fully owns the genuine
authenticity of the 1969 original but brings thoroughly 21st century performance
from chassis, engine and ergonomics. The most recent version of the Dax was
produced from 1995 to 2003 for the Japanese market. The more recent European
success of its siblings has hastened its return and its mischievous charm and
easy-going riding proposition bless the ST125 Dax with an extra layer of
desirability.
Of course, nostalgia will play a part in the Dax’s appeal to riders now in
middle age – riders who may have owned a Dax in their youth and are pleased to
see it return. Equally, ‘retro’ is important to younger owners; that’s real
retro, not faux. A certain style sets some machines apart and the Dax has just
that in abundance thanks to the form of its iconic T-shaped frame. Which is also
how the bike got its name: extending from under the seat to the handlebars, and
sitting atop the small 12” wheels, the look is reminiscent of the
universally-adored Dachshund. Or Sausage Dog, to give it its everyday English
name…
Unique, easy, usable and great fun. That’s the new Honda Dax. A faithful old
friend is back.
Model Overview
As it should, the Dax keeps it simple. A steel frame provides strength and
houses the fuel tank while 31mm USD forks, twin rear shocks and 12-inch wheels
with chunky tyres provide light steering and good suspension performance.
Braking is via hydraulic discs front and rear with ABS control.
Robust and fuel efficient, the 124cc SOHC two-valve engine’s power is linear
in delivery with smooth torque. A centrifugal clutch manages shifting between
the four ratios so there’s no need for a handlebar-mounted clutch lever. It
offers twist-and-go simplicity with the added entertainment of changes via a
traditional left-foot gear lever.
All lighting is LED and a circular LCD display shows exactly what the rider
needs to know. The pillion gets a chromed grab rail, too.
The 23YM Dax will be available in the following colour options:
Pearl Nebula Red
Pearl Cadet Grey
Key Features
Styling & Chassis
- T-shaped pressed steel frame integral to handling and looks
- 31mm USD forks, twin rear shocks and 12-inch wheels provide a smooth ride
- Hydraulic disc braking front and rear with ABS
- Full LED lighting and LCD instrument display
- While the Dax is small, its proportions provide enough room to be comfortable
for two adults to ride.
The styling really is the frame; everything is attached to, or held within
it, giving the Dax its unmistakeable retro look. As do all the other parts; the
thick dual seat – seat height is just 775mm – chrome high-set handlebars and the
1970’s dirt bike-inspired upswept muffler with drilled, slotted and chromed heat
shield. The frame’s mid-section wears a black stripe with ‘Dax’ picked out in
quirky font, right next to the classic Honda Wing logo that marks its special
heritage. A unique finishing touch comes in the form of a cartoon image of a
Dachshund.
A chromed mudguard leads and sits below the evocative, circular headlight. To
add extra charm to the light, signature round LEDs are used and the front
indicators/position lights sit snugly in between low and high beams. The compact
instrument display is a round, negative LCD while the rear taillight and
indicators take their cues from the headlight and are also LED.
There’s a neat chrome grabrail for the passenger to hold while a cover seals
the drive chain away from weather and loose clothing. A rear carrier and heated
grips are available as optional extras.
The iconic T-shaped frame design houses the fuel tank, is authentic in
aesthetic detail and constructed in pressed-steel with modern engineering
know-how. Rake and trail are set at 24.9°/84mm with wheelbase of 1020mm. Wet
weight is just 107kg.
31mm USD forks provide supple suspension response and, combined with the wide
upswept handlebar, easy steering. Twin rear shocks are tuned for smooth
compliance, even with a pillion. Blacked-out 12-inch rims (from the super-cool
MSX125 Grom) wear fat, balloon-like tyres; a 120mm wide front and 130mm rear.
They add sure-footed grip allied to nimble agility.
Single-channel ABS manages braking force. Hydraulic front and rear calipers
grip 220/190mm diameter discs respectively.
Engine
- 124cc, air-cooled SOHC two-valve design produces 6.9kW and 10.8Nm
- Stress-free centrifugal clutch and four-speed gearbox
- Fuel economy of 63.7km/l (WMTC mode)
Drawn from the new Super Cub C125 – so flexible, efficient and durable – the
Dax’s 124cc air-cooled engine features a SOHC two-valve cylinder head,
with relatively long stroke and high compression; bore is set at 50mm, stroke at
63.1mm with compression ratio of 10.0:1. Peak power of 6.9kW arrives @ 7,000rpm,
with peak torque of 10.8Nm @ 5,000rpm.
The engine’s strong performance means that even two-up a 90km/h cruising
speed is achievable, with smart acceleration from low speed – just what’s needed
for lively around-town amusement.
On the left-hand side of the bike the distinctive oval air box, filter and
connecting tube ensure smooth, efficient airflow through the clean side,
delivering crisp throttle response and driveability. The upswept muffler and
heat shield is evocative of that golden motorcycling era of the ‘70s. A single
catalyser is all that’s necessary; thanks to precise ECU settings and the
engine’s combustion efficiency, EURO5 compliance is achieved.
In keeping with the laid-back, easy to ride feel the gearbox is a 4-speed
unit (with neutral at the bottom) operated via centrifugal clutch, without the
need for a clutch lever. At standstill the rider simply selects the gear
required with the left-hand foot lever and, as the throttle is opened, the
clutch operates automatically and does so through each ratio change, up or down.
Various low-friction technologies, like an offset cylinder and roller-rocker
arms in the head, ensure impressive fuel economy of 63.7km/l (WMTC mode). This
gives the Dax a range of approx. 240km from the 3.8L fuel tank.
Origins of the Dax
In 1967, The Monkey Z50M was introduced in response to the demand for a
‘leisure-oriented bike’ for the American and European markets. Although well
received, especially in America, by adults and children alike, thanks to its
adjustable seat height and foldable features which allowed it to be loaded into
a car, for 1969 American Honda requested a larger bike for its customers, but
one that was still filled with the spirit of Monkey.
After visiting the US to better understand the requirements, engineers,
inspired by the T-shaped frame of the CS90, which was a very popular bike in
Japan, developed the Dax to have lower and longer proportions (compared to the
Monkey) that allowed adults to have a more relaxed riding position as well as
ride two up. The fuel tank, wiring and other components were housed in the
T-shaped frame to create a unique, but also simple - and now iconic - design.
Dax Milestones
1969 ST50/70 Dax Honda
Built for the export markets of Europe and the USA the original Dax was
nifty, nimble and easy to ride. It appealed to both die-hard motorcyclists and
recreational users as it was just plain fun. This is the bike that launched many
two-wheeled journeys.
The engine was based on the well-established Super Cub engine, but with the
addition of modifications to both the intake and exhaust system to provide more
torque at low-mid range.
Available in both 50cc and 70cc versions, the Dax featured a 3-speed
automatic centrifugal clutch, telescopic front suspension, hydraulic rear
suspension and wide tyres with a unique tread pattern for stability and handling
even when off-road.
1972 ST90 Mighty Dax
The ST90 Mighty Dax featured a more rigid T-shape frame, wider, more upright
custom style ‘mini ape’ bars, high level front mudguard and a bigger engine that
packed more speed and acceleration. The new larger 14in wheels came fitted with
semi-off road pattern tyres to increase handling performance and stability, even
when off-road.
1973 CY50 Nauty Dax
Aimed squarely at the RV (Recreational Vehicle) leisure market, the Nauty Dax
was developed to offer even better riding performance and stability over rough
terrain. Changes to the valve timing and the final drive - now with 4 speeds -
increased torque in the low to mid range. With a new exhaust, fuel tank, side
covers and unique rectangular shaped headlight, the Nauty Dax also featured a
stepped seat and funky paint scheme. The new light and rigid diamond frame and
the new fat balloon tyres made for easy rolling over rough campsite terrain
1995 ST50 Dax
After 14 years, the Dax returned to the Japanese market. All the iconic
design cues remained in place – a pressed steel backbone frame, telescopic
suspension, wide foldable bars, chrome mudguard, muffler and block tyres - and
were joined by the addition of a longer seat. The 50cc engine featured an
automatic cam chain tensioner and magneto ignition for easy starting. Enjoying
an eight-year production run, the ST50 Dax finally went off sale in 2003.
2022 ST125 Dax
Straight out of the traps with a useful, usable 124cc engine, four speed
gearbox and centrifugal clutch the Dax makes a welcome return to the Honda
minibike fold, joining the Monkey and MSX125 Grom.
Any corrections or more information on these motorcycles will be kindly appreciated.