Honda’s new ST125 Dax mini-bike will join the existing Monkey and MSX125 Groom in the 2023 lineup, bringing the total number of Honda mini-bikes to three. It has a pressed steel frame, 31mm USD forks, 12″ wheels, an air-cooled SOHC two-valve engine with a four-speed gearbox and a centrifugal clutch, and provides a straightforward riding experience. The specification list includes full LED lighting, a tiny negative LCD, and a pillion grab rail. Yet, no technical description can capture the intangible and enduring allure of the distinctive Dax design.
Honda’s lineup of compact motorbikes has proven popular with riders of all ages. The redesigned Monkey 125 appeals to nostalgia for the halcyon days of the 1970s while still serving as a contemporary, small, and quirky method of urban transportation for riders of any age. The MSX125 Grom not only provides ‘Generation Y’ with a unique and personal mode of transport, but it is also ideal for paddock transportation in auto and motorcycle racing.
A new motorcycle, the 2023 Honda ST125 Dax, will be available. The ST125 Dax’s genuine authenticity is identical to the original from 1969*, yet its chassis, engine, and ergonomics are modern. From 1995 to 2003, the Dax was manufactured for the Japanese market. The ST125 Dax’s recent success in Europe has accelerated its comeback, and the bike’s naughty good looks and relaxed riding posture only add to its appeal.
Riders in their mid-30s, who may have grown up with the Dax and be happy to see it come back, will be a crucial demographic for the Dax. For younger consumers, ‘retro’ is as essential. However, they value authentic vintage styles. The Dax, with its distinctive T-shaped frame, stands out among other machines for its unique design. The bike’s name comes from the Dachshund likeness it evokes with its extended, low profile (from beneath the seat to the handlebars) perched on the relatively tiny 12″ wheels. Or, to use its more common English moniker, “Sausage Dog.”
2023 Honda ST125 Dax Urban Motorcycle – Features and Specs
Riding Is Fun
Because of this, the 2023 Honda ST125 Dax Urban Motorcycle has returned. All the characteristics that made it great when it was first released in the late 1960s are still there and improve upon the already excellent experience. Even with the increased speed and enhanced frame, suspension, and brakes, the basic message remains: take it easy and enjoy the ride.
Wide Tires Wide Tires for Superior Grip and Handling
To match its rugged build, this bike has fat tires: 120 millimeters in the front and 130 millimeters in the back.
Hydraulic Disc Brakes with ABS Control
The brakes are powerful enough for riders of all skill levels, and the added safety of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) makes them reliable in all weather.
Full LED Lighting
Having a circle of LEDs in the center of the headlight is a nice touch. The front turn signals double as position lights, making the vehicle more noticeable to other drivers.
Authentic to Every Last Nut and Bolt
The Dax is a true icon of 1970s design, revived for the present day with all the power Riders would expect from a much larger motorcycle. The experience of riding has never been more enjoyable.
Straightforward Riding Enjoyment for Everybody
Light handling and excellent balance, particularly at low speeds, resulting from a soft seat and broad, upswept handlebars. Plenty of space is available for a passenger as well.
Engine
The engine is enjoyable to use because it is both quiet and economical. The centrifugal clutch allows for easy gear changes with only a wrist twist. Just move and enjoy.
Full LED Lighting
Having a circle of LEDs in the center of the headlight is a nice touch. The front turn signals double as position lights, making the vehicle more noticeable to other drivers.
Authentic to Every Last Nut and Bolt
The Dax is a genuine classic of 1970s design, revived for the present day with all the power Riders would expect from a much larger motorcycle. The experience of riding has never been more enjoyable.
Straightforward Riding Enjoyment for Everybody
Light handling and excellent balance, particularly at low speeds, resulting from a soft seat and broad, upswept handlebars. Plenty of space is available for a passenger as well.
Motorcycles Make Memories
Even magical ones! That initial turn of the throttle, the sensation of forward momentum and personal agency. I mean freedom. The Dax operates in this fashion. It welcomes everybody and everyone with genuine, cheeky charm into the motorbike scene. A loyal old buddy has returned to Europe after an absence of 40 years.
Engine
The 124cc air-cooled engine in the Dax is derived from the new Super Cub C125, which is highly adaptable, efficient, and long-lasting. It features a SOHC two-valve cylinder head, a relatively long stroke, and a high compression ratio (50mm bore, 63.1mm stroke, and 10.0:1 compression). A maximum output of 6.9kW is available at 7,000rpm, while a maximum torque of 10.8Nm is available at 5,000rpm.
The engine’s robust performance allows for a 90 km/h cruising speed even when carrying two passengers, with nimble acceleration from low rates, perfect for energetic in-town entertainment.
The bike’s distinctive oval air box, filter, and connecting tube are all located on the bike’s left side, allowing for unimpeded airflow through the bike’s clean side and resulting in responsive throttle and easy handling. The heat shield and upswept muffler are reminiscent of classic motorcycles from the 1970s. Only one catalytic converter is required to meet EURO5 standards; this is made possible by the engine’s efficient combustion and finely tuned electronic control unit.
A centrifugal clutch operates the 4-speed gearbox (with neutral at the bottom), so there is no need for a clutch lever, adding to the laid-back, easy-riding vibe. The rider selects the desired gear with the left foot lever while stationary; once the throttle is applied, the clutch engages automatically and remains involved throughout the range of available gear ratios.
The remarkable fuel economy of 63.7km/l (WMTC mode) results from several low-friction technologies, including an offset cylinder and brand-new roller-rocker arms in the head. The Dax can travel about 240 kilometers on a single fill-up of its 3.8-liter fuel tank.
Origins of the Dax
The need for a ‘leisure-oriented bike’ in the United States and Europe prompted the introduction of the Monkey Z50M in 1967. American Honda requested a giant bike for its customers in 1969. However, one that was still filled with the spirit of Monkey due to its popularity with both adults and children thanks to its adjustable seat height and foldable features that allowed it to be loaded into a vehicle.
Engineers took a trip to the United States to understand the needs better, and then, drawing inspiration from the T-shaped frame of the CS90, a trendy bike in Japan, created the Dax, which is lower and longer than the Monkey and thus allows adults a more comfortable riding position and allows for two-up riding. The wiring, fuel tank, and other components were all contained within the T-shaped frame, making for a novel yet straightforward and now iconic design.
2023 Honda ST125 Dax Urban Motorcycle – Price
The new 2023 Honda ST125 Dax Urban Motorcycle is available for $3,799 only.
2023 Honda ST125 Dax Urban Motorcycle – Technical Specifications
Engine
| Type | Air-cooled SOHC 4-stroke 2-valve |
| Displacement | 124cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 50.0 x 63.1mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Max. Power Output | 6.9kW @ 7,000rpm |
| Max. Torque | 10.8Nm @ 5,000rpm |
| Noise Level (dB) | 79.2dB |
| Oil Capacity | 1 litre |
Fuel System
| Carburation | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 3.8 litres |
| Fuel Consumption | 63.7km/l |
| CO2 Emissions WMTC | 35 g/km |
Electrical System
| Battery | 12V 3.5Ah |
Drivetrain
| Clutch Type | Wet Multiplate and Automatic Centrifugal Clutch |
| Transmission Type | Four-speed rotary |
Frame
| Type | Press backbone frame |
Chassis
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 1,760 x 760 x 1,020mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,020mm |
| Caster Angle | 24.9° |
| Trail | 84mm |
| Seat Height | 775mm |
| Ground Clearance | 180mm |
| Turning radius | 2m |
| Kerb Weight | 107kg |
Suspension
| Type Front | Telescopic 31mm USD fork, 100mm axle travel |
| Type Rear | Twin shock, 120mm axle travel |
Wheels
| Type Front | 5-spoke cast aluminium |
| Type Rear | 5-spoke cast aluminium |
| Tyres Front | 120/70-12M/C 51L |
| Tires Rear | 130/70-12M/C 56L |
Brakes
| Type Front | Single 220mm hydraulic disc with IMU-based ABS |
| Type Rear | Single 190mm hydraulic disc |
| ABS Type | Single Channel ABS |
Instruments & Electrics
| Instruments | LCD |
| Headlight | LED |
| Taillight | LED |
