2023 Honda ST125 Dax Announced for Europe

Peon Maface · March 14, 2022

Fast Facts

T-shaped chassis
Tiny 1-gallon fuel tank
IMU-based ABS
No word on US availability

Honda announced a new 125cc Minimoto for Europe, reviving the Dax model name for a new generation of riders. The name was originally used in Europe in 1969 for Honda’s ST-series in 50 and 70cc models, and last produced from 1995 to 2003 in Japan. The name comes from “Dachshund”, as its distinctive T-shaped frame resembles the weiner dog breed, helping it stand out from Honda’s other minibikes like the Monkey and Cub.

Things get a little confusing in North America where the Dax was sold as the CT70 and, in 1973, when Honda offered the ST90 as the Trailsport. Today, Honda offers the Trail 125 in the U.S., but the new Dax is a very different vehicle.

The original 1969 Honda ST50 Dax.

The modern Dax brings back the original’s design with a T-shaped pressed steel frame, thick seat, and tall handlebars. The original Dax ran on 10-inch rims, but the new model shares its five-spoke 12-inch wheels with the Grom. The high muffler design was first introduced in the 1973 Nauty Dax and brought back in the 1995 Dax.

The 2023 Dax is powered by a 124cc air-cooled SOHC Single inherited from the Super Cub. Honda claims a peak output of 9.3 hp at 7,000 rpm and 8.0 lb-ft. at 5,000 rpm, which it says should be enough to reach 55 mph even with a passenger. The engine is mated to a four-speed transmission with an automatic centrifugal clutch.

The backbone frame pulls double duty, serving as the chassis and housing the 1.0 gallon fuel tank. That’s a tiny tank, and at a claimed curb weight of 240 pounds, the ST125 Dax is relatively porky compared to the Monkey which claims 231 pounds with a full 1.5 gallon tank. Still, Honda claims the Dax can reach nearly 150 miles on that single gallon of gas.

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A chromed oval-shaped airbox sits on the left side, opposite from the exhaust.

A 31mm inverted fork provides 3.9 inches of travel, while twin shocks provide 4.7-inches of rear axle travel. The braking system is comprised of a single two-piston caliper and 220mm disc up front with a single-piston caliper and 190mm disc equipped on the rear wheel. An IMU-based anti-lock braking system comes standard.

Other features include a 30.5-inch seat height, round instrument cluster with a negative LCD display, LED lighting, chrome fender, and chrome passenger grabrail.

The 2023 Honda ST125 Dax will be offered Pearl Nebula Red or Pearl Cadet Grey. We await word on U.S. availability.

2023 Honda ST125 Dax 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	9.3 hp at 7,000 rpm (claimed)
Max. Torque	8.0 lb-ft. at 5,000 rpm (claimed)
Oil Capacity	0.3 gallons
Carburation	PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Fuel Tank Capacity	1 gallon
Fuel Consumption	149.8 mpg (claimed)
Battery	12V 3.5Ah
Clutch Type	Wet Multiplate and Automatic Centrifugal Clutch
Transmission Type	4 speed rotary
Type	Press backbone frame
Length	69.3 inches
Width	29.9 inches
Height	40.2 inches
Wheelbase	40.2 inches
Rake	24.9°
Trail	3.3 inches
Seat Height	30.5 inches
Ground Clearance	7.1 inches
Turning radius	6.7 feet
Curb Weight	240.3 pounds (claimed)
Front Suspension	Telescopic 31mm USD fork, 3.9 inches of axle travel
Rear Suspension	Twin shock, 4.7 inches of axle travel
Front Wheel	5-spoke cast aluminum
Rear Wheel	5-spoke cast aluminum
Front Tire	120/70-12M/C 51L
Rear Tire	130/70-12M/C 56L
Front Brake	Single 220mm hydraulic disc with IMU-based ABS
Rear Brake	Single 190mm hydraulic disc
ABS Type	Single Channel ABS
Instruments	LCD
Headlight	LED
Taillight	LED