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FRANKFURT AM MAIN – Happily and energetically, the ST125 Dax joins Monkey and MSX125 Grom after a long break in production to complete Honda's minibike range. Even as a light motorcycle, the now new Dax inspires with driving fun and special originality. The T-shaped frame is equipped with upside-down forks and 12-inch wheels, the air-cooled SOHC two-valve single-cylinder engine is fitted with a four-speed gearbox and automatic centrifugal clutch. LED lighting technology, an LCD display in the cockpit and a double seat complete the equipment. The charming appearance and magical attraction of the cheeky Dax design enchant all along the line.
Honda ST125 DAX
More than 50 years ago Honda introduced the Dax in Germany as a sympathizer on small wheels, first as a 50s moped, then as a 70cc motorcycle and finally until 1999 as a 40 km/h mokick (with insurance number plate). After that there was a break. The Dax continued to be produced from 1995 to 2003 only for the Japanese market. The new ST2023 Dax is now returning to Europe for the 125 model year. Honda's range of fun bikes has what it takes to appeal to riders of all generations. The Monkey 125 tugs at hearts reminiscent of the golden 1970s and shines as funky urban transportation for riders of all ages. The MSX125 Grom offers individual style for "Generation Y" and is also popular with mobile home owners and in the paddocks of car and motorcycle racing as a patent mobility solution.
The ST125 Dax exudes the authenticity of the original from 1969*, but convinces in terms of chassis, engine and ergonomics with contemporary 21st century technology. The recent success of the likeable sister models in Europe has accelerated the return; mischievous charm and carefree driving pleasure give the new ST125 Dax additional desirability. Certainly nostalgia also plays a role in the appeal of the Dax. This applies to drivers who already owned a Dax when they were young and are looking forward to returning. The honest retro aspect is also important for younger prospects. Small 12-inch wheels, space for two on the lavishly padded seat, far-reaching fork and handlebars, plus the invitingly simple operation, so that the fun knows no bounds. This is the new Honda Dax. A loyal old friend is back.
Model overview
The Honda ST125 Dax shines with its ingenious construction and the sympathy that results from it. The pressed steel frame offers stability and houses the fuel tank, while the upside-down forks, two rear shock absorbers and 12-inch wheels with wide tires ensure easy handling, safe road holding and convincing comfort. It is decelerated by hydraulically operated disc brakes at the front and rear. ABS is on board. The air-cooled 124cc SOHC single-cylinder engine delivers power linearly and with smooth torque, is robust and extremely efficient and fuel-efficient. The automatic centrifugal clutch makes starting easier, and operating the four-speed foot switch is child's play. Headlights, taillights and indicators are equipped with modern LED lighting technology, a round, attractive LCD display in the cockpit provides all the necessary information. A chrome-plated retaining bracket also offers a secure hold for the pillion passenger. The 2023 model year ST125 Dax is available in two colours:
- Pearl Nebula Red
- Pearl Cadet Grey
Styling & chassis
- T-shaped pressed steel frame, authentic and strong
- 31mm USD forks, dual rear shocks, 12" wheels
- Hydraulically operated disc brakes, ABS
- LED lighting technology all around, round LCD display
Although the ST125 Dax appears rather small with the shrunken stature, its proportions offer enough space and comfort for two adults. The design around the T-shaped frame is unique. All the required components are attached to it or can be found inside, which contributes to the unmistakable look. The seat height on the lavishly upholstered bench is only 775 mm. The high chrome handlebar supports a comfortable posture for an overview of the traffic situation, the raised silencer with chrome-plated heat shield enhances the visual appearance. The middle section of the frame is adorned with a black stripe along with the symbolized dachshund, Dax lettering and the Honda wing logo.
A chrome fender for the front wheel is mounted under the round headlight. To add charm to the light, the LEDs form a special signature and the front indicators/position lights are placed between the low and high beams. The cockpit is adorned with a handsome LCD round instrument, and the rear lights and turn signals use LED lighting technology. A chrome grab handle is provided for the front passenger. Rear carriers and heated grips are optionally available as special equipment. The distinctive stamped steel T-frame houses the fuel tank. The wheelbase is 1.020 mm, fork angle and trail measure 24,9° and 84 mm respectively. The weight ready to drive with a full tank is 107 kg.
The USD fork with a stanchion diameter of 31 mm impresses with the well-tuned response of the suspension. The raised handlebar allows precise steering and supports easy handling. Two shock absorbers cushion the rear wheel swing arm and enable pleasant comfort, even when riding in pairs. 12-inch rims (like the MSX125 Grom) wear fat, balloon-like tires; 120 mm wide at the front and 130 mm at the rear. The tires provide plenty of grip and nimble maneuverability. Disc brakes and an IMU-controlled single-channel ABS ensure safe deceleration. The front brake disc has a diameter of 220 mm and the rear one has a diameter of 190 mm. It is actuated hydraulically to ensure the best possible dosing.
Motor
- 124 cm3 Single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves, 9,4 hp power, 10,8 Nm torque
- Easy to use: automatic centrifugal clutch and 4-speed gearshift
- Gasoline consumption: 1,5 liters per 100 km (WMTC)
The air-cooled single-cylinder engine with 124 cm3 Displacement comes from the Super Cub C125. The construction with SOHC two-valve cylinder head is designed with long stroke and high compression. Bore is 50mm, stroke is 63,1mm and compression ratio is 10,0:1. The peak output is 9,4 hp (6,9 kW) at 7.000 rpm and the maximum torque is 10,8 Nm at 5.000 rpm. In practice, the pleasantly smooth-running engine has proven to be exemplary in terms of flexibility, efficiency and durability, which is typically Honda. The engine power enables dynamic and practical mobility. Thanks to the cleverly selected gear ratio, the acceleration also allows you to swim along quickly in an urban environment.
On the left side, an oval air box, the air filter and an intake manifold ensure the connection to the PGM-FI fuel injection system and the intake into the cylinder head. The efficient air flow guidance supports the perfectly adjustable throttle response and thus the excellent drivability. The raised muffler and heat shield are reminiscent of the golden days of the '70s, when scrambler machines were pranked for off-road use. Efficiently optimized combustion and a regulated catalytic converter mean that the ST125 also meets the environmentally friendly EURO5 standard. An automatic centrifugal clutch makes it easier to move off because there is no need to pull the clutch lever and release it in doses. A simple turn of the throttle grip is enough to set the ST125 Dax in motion. Changing gears with the left foot is also extremely easy. Simply turn off the gas and with the left
Kick in the next level of the 4-speed gearbox. The shift pattern is unusual, but is particularly easy to remember. Neutral down, gears 1-2-3-4 up. When the car is stationary, it is even possible to simply click through from fourth gear to neutral, while a lock prevents such "shifting through" when moving. Low-friction technologies such as offset cylinders and roller rocker arms in the cylinder head contribute to fuel economy. This is 4 km/l in WMTC mode, which corresponds to consumption of 63,7 liters per 1,5 kilometers. The 100 liter tank of the ST3,8 Dax enables a range of around 125 kilometers.
On the origins of the Honda Dax
In 1967, the Honda Monkey Z50M was introduced to the US and European markets as a leisure-oriented minibike. The two-wheeler, which is as small as it is funny, was well received by buyers. Also because of its compact dimensions and practical folding functions that made it possible to transport it in the trunk of a car. Finally, for 1969, American Honda wanted a slightly larger mini-bike for its customers, but one that still carried the spirit of the ape. After visiting the US to better understand the requirements, Honda engineers eventually developed the Dax with slightly increased proportions, allowing for a more relaxed adult riding position and suitable for two-person use. The design was inspired by the T-shaped frame of the Honda CS90, a patent light motorcycle, which is very popular in Japan. The fuel tank, wiring and other components are cleverly housed in the T-shaped frame. This is how the ingeniously simple, but uniquely practical and now iconic design of the Honda Dax came about.
Dax Milestones
1969 ST50/70 Dax Honda
Built for the export markets in Europe and the USA, the original Dax turned out to be a manoeuvrable, but refined and easy-to-drive machine in a fun shrink format. The new type of two-wheeler appealed not only to young beginners, but also to die-hard motorcyclists and people with little affinity for two-wheelers who simply wanted to ride it in their free time and have fun. In this way, a number of later wind faces were introduced to pleasure on two wheels in the saddle of the likeable Honda Dax before they finally switched to larger machines. The engine was based on the super easy-to-operate (thanks to the centrifugal clutch) single-cylinder four-stroke powerplant of the Honda Super Cub of the time, but with modified intake and exhaust systems to provide a bit more fat in the low-mid range. The foldable handlebars also proved to be particularly practical, allowing for much more compact dimensions and enabling it to be carried in the trunk.
In Germany, the ST50 Dax was available as a 4,5 hp moped (can be driven from the age of 16). This Honda, which soon gained a reputation as a heartthrob among youngsters and teenagers, featured an automatic 3-speed centrifugal clutch, telescopic front suspension and dual-shock rear suspension. The two-seater bench and roughly profiled wide tires also contributed to the fact that you could be seen with a Dax at every meeting place. At the same time, a 70 cc version with motorcycle registration (ST70) fit into the cheapest insurance class to enable enjoyable mobility for little money and save damage-free insurance years. When the 50s light motorcycles became less and less attractive due to rising insurance costs, Honda finally offered the ST50G as a 1999 km/h moped (with insurance license plate) until 40.
1972 ST90 Mighty Dax
- The ST90 Mighty Dax featured a stiffened T-frame, wider and taller mini-ape handlebars, a higher-mounted front fender, and a larger-capacity 90cc engine3 Displacement that allowed improved acceleration and more top speed. New, larger 14-inch wheels were fitted with semi-off-road tires to savor the driving performance and stability even on off-road excursions.
1973 CY50 Nauty Dax
- The Nauty Dax was aimed specifically at the leisure market and for mobile homes. The development goals were therefore better driving performance and stability on rough terrain. For example, changes to valve timing and gear ratio increased low-to-midrange torque delivery. In addition to the new exhaust, tank, side covers and square headlights, the Nauty Dax also received a stepped seat and funky paintwork. A new frame and Fat Balloon tires ensure easy rolling over dirt roads and rough camping terrain.
1995 ST50 Dax
- After 14 years, the Dax returned to the Japanese market. All of the signature design cues stayed in place: pressed steel backbone frame, telescopic suspension, folding handlebars, chrome fenders, raised muffler and block-tread tires. The only addition was a longer seat. The 50cc engine received an automatic camshaft chain tensioner to improve serviceability and magneto ignition for easier starting. After eight years of production, production of the ST50 Dax finally ended in 2003.
2022 ST125 Dax
- From an unforgotten glorious past, the new ST125 Dax returns to Honda's minibike fleet with a modern, economical and robust 125cc four-stroke single-cylinder heart complete with four-speed gearbox and centrifugal clutch and joins the Monkey and MSX125 Grom in a cheerful and enterprising manner.
Technical data
| MOTOR | |
| Type | Air-cooled 2-stroke single cylinder, SOHC, XNUMX valves |
| Capacity | 124 cm3 |
| Bore x stroke | 50,0 x 63,1 mm |
| compression | 10.0:1 |
| Maximum power | 9,4 hp (6,9 kW) at 7.000 rpm |
| Max. Torque | 10,8 Nm at 5.000 rpm |
| Standing noise | 79,2 dB (A) |
| Engine oil quantity | 1 liters |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| mixture preparation | PGM-FI fuel injection |
| Tankinhalt | 3,8 liters |
| Consumption (WMTC) | 63,7 km/l or 1,5 liters per 100 km/h |
| CO2 emissions | 35 g / km |
| ELECTRICS | |
| Battery | 12V / 3,5 Ah |
| DRIVE | |
| Clutch | Automatic centrifugal clutch |
| Transmission | 4 gears, foot shifted |
| LANDING GEAR | |
| frame | Pressed Steel Backbone |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 1.760 x 760 x 1.020 mm |
| wheelbase | 1.020 mm |
| Steering head angle | 24.9° |
| trailing | 84 mm |
| seat height | 775 mm |
| ground clearance | 180 mm |
| turning circle | 2 meters |
| Weight with a full tank | 107 kg |
| WHEEL SUSPENSION | |
| your Front Wheel. | 31mm USD telescopic fork, travel 100mm |
| behind | Two-sided swingarm, two shock absorbers, spring travel 120 mm |
| BIKES | |
| Rim in front | 5 spoke cast aluminum |
| Rim at the back | 5 spoke cast aluminum |
| Front tire | 120/70-12M/C 51L |
| Tire behind | 130/70-12M/C 56L |
| BRAKES | |
| your Front Wheel. | 220 mm Ø disc, double-piston caliper, hydraulically operated, ABS |
| behind | 190 mm Ø disc, single-piston caliper, hydraulically operated |
| ABS | Single channel ABS, IMU controlled |
| INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS | |
| Instruments | LCD |
| headlights | LED |
| Taillight | LED |
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Honda ST125 DAX - model year 2023
Photo credit: Honda
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