The success of the Monkey has clearly left Honda wanting more. After 41 years of absence from the European market, Big Red has breathed new life into the Dax. The Dax is the third model of Honda’s minibike family, next to the Monkey and MSX125.
You don’t have to explain to us that Honda has struck a nerve with both young and motorcyclists with the Monkey and MSX125: they are great fun bikes to go with, where we prefer the Monkey because it is reminiscent of the golden 1970s of the last century.
The MSX125, on the other hand, mainly appeals to Generation Y, but is also widely used as a paddock means of transport in the world of car and motorsport.
A third model has now been added for 2023. According to Honda, the ST125 Dax, as the minimotor is officially called, resembles the 1969 original like two drops of water. That is to say: in terms of design, because under the skin the Dax is completely up to date.
As with the Monkey, nostalgia plays a part in the Dax’s appeal to middle-aged riders – those who may have owned one in their youth and are delighted to see its return. That retro factor is at least as important for younger drivers, according to Honda, because it is real retro.
Style makes all the difference and the Dax has it in abundance, thanks to the shape of the iconic T-shaped frame. That’s how the bike got its name: The frame, which extends from under the seat to the handlebars and sits on top of the small 12″ wheels, is reminiscent of the beloved Dachshund. Or Sausage Dog, for his everyday English name.
Simplicity trumps on the new Dax, as it should be. A steel frame provides strength and also houses the 3.8 liter fuel tank, while the 31mm upside down front fork, twin rear shocks and 12-inch wheels with fat balloon tires provide feather-light handling and excellent suspension. The hydraulic calipers bite into brake discs both front and rear, assisted by ABS, of course.
Robust and extremely economical, the 124cc SOHC two-valve engine delivers linear power with smooth torque. How extremely economical? Honda claims a consumption of 63.7 km/l, which still gives the Dax a range of almost 250 kilometers.
A centrifugal clutch controls shifting between the four gears, eliminating the need for a handlebar-mounted clutch lever. So turn and drive away, without losing the fun of the traditional shift pedal on your left foot. Unless you want to do that on the rear wheel, because a wheelie without a clutch is quite a challenge with 9.5 hp power and 10.8 Nm of torque.
All lighting is LED and a circular LCD display shows exactly what the rider needs to know. For the passenger, Honda provides a chrome handle.
The 2023 ST125 Dax will be available in Pearl Nebula Red and Pearl Cadet Grey, for the price of €5,099 in the Netherlands. The fact that Honda calls it a 2023 model has a logical reason: delivery is only planned after the summer.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.