ST125
Fully owning the genuine authenticity of the beloved 1969 CT70, but bringing thoroughly 21st century performance from the chassis, engine and ergonomics, the Dax 125 comes to U.S. customers for the 2025 model year. Nostalgia obviously plays a part in the Dax's appeal to riders now in middle age—enthusiasts whose families may have owned a CT70 in their youth. That said, the retro aesthetic is equally important to younger owners; 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. Unique, easy, usable and great fun, the Honda Dax is like a faithful old friend.
HISTORY
In 1960, Idaho dealer Herb Uhl began modifying Honda's popular step-through Super Cub and selling it for use in the area's rugged mountain terrain. American Honda learned of the concept and sent an example of the updated machine to Japan, and by March of 1961, the CA100T Trail 50 was offered in the U.S. The machine was a huge hit, and the platform evolved through numerous upgrades and revisions, eventually becoming the popular CT brand.
A number of CT models followed, including the 1964 CT200 Trail 90, and for 1969, the CT70 Trail 70 (known in Europe as the Dax) introduced a new, chunkier look—notable for the pressed-steel "T-bone" frame, fat tires and folding handlebar—that is easily recognizable in this modern Dax.
Nifty, nimble and easy to ride, the fun little model appealed to both diehard motorcyclists and recreational users, becoming the basis for countless fond two-wheeled memories. The engine was based on that of the well-established Super Cub, but with the addition of modifications to both the intake and exhaust system to provide more torque in the lower and middle ranges. It featured a three-speed automatic centrifugal clutch, telescopic fork and twin shocks.
A variety of CT models have been offered over the years—some reflecting the look of the original 1961 Trail 50 and others mimicking the updated style of the 1969 Trail 70—and well over 725,000 units from the CT series were sold in the U.S. over the course of nearly three decades. It disappeared from the U.S. for a lengthy stretch before the 2021 Honda Trail125 brought back the original CT styling, but with modern technology. Now, the Dax 125 reintroduces the chunkier CT design with updated features.
DESIGN / STYLING
While the Dax is small, its proportions provide enough room to be comfortable for two adults to ride. The styling really is the "T-bone" frame; everything is attached to it (or held within it), giving the Dax its unmistakable retro look. That said, the same is true of all the other parts: the thick dual seat (seat height is just 31.5 inches) chrome high-set handlebar and the 1970s dirt bike-inspired upswept muffler with drilled, slotted chrome heat shield. The frame's midsection wears a black stripe with "Dax" in a 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 chrome front fender sits below the evocative, circular headlight. To add extra charm to the light, signature round LEDs are used, and the front turn signals/position lights sit snugly on either side. The compact instrument display is a round, negative LCD while the rear taillight and turn signals 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 rack and heated grips are available as optional extras.
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
The iconic, T-shaped frame design houses the fuel tank, is authentic in aesthetic detail and constructed in pressed steel, with modern engineering knowhow. Rake and trail are 25°/84mm (3.3 inches), and wheelbase is 47.2 inches. Curb weight is just 236 pounds (including all standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank of fuel).
A 31mm inverted fork provides supple suspension response and (combined with the wide, upswept handlebar) easy steering. Twin shocks are tuned for smooth compliance, even with a passenger. Blacked-out 12-inch rims (from the super-cool Grom) wear fat, balloon-like tires—a 4.7-inch-wide front and 5.1-inch-wide rear. They add sure-footed grip and nimble agility.
Single-channel ABS manages braking force. Hydraulic front and rear calipers grip 220/190mm diameter discs, respectively.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
Drawn from the current adaptable, efficient and durable Super Cub, the Dax's 124cc air-cooled engine features a SOHC two-valve cylinder head, with relatively long stroke and high compression; bore and stroke are 50mm x 63.1mm, with compression ratio of 10.0:1.
The engine's strong performance means that even two-up, a 55 mph 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, delivering crisp throttle response and driveability. The upswept muffler and its heat shield are evocative of that golden motorcycling era of the '70s. A single catalyzer is all that's necessary, thanks to precise ECU settings and the engine's combustion efficiency.
In keeping with the laid-back, easy-to-ride feel, the gearbox is a four-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 with the left foot lever and, as the throttle is opened, the clutch operates automatically, as is the case 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 which, along with the 1.0-gallon tank, deliver impressive range.
