Going back in time is one of those things we’d all like to do: how exciting it must be to see live the events we quote in school books today or, to stay within our own lifetime, to get our hands on the motorcycles our parents or grandparents rode. Well, in some cases it is possible: one such opportunity is provided by the Honda Dax 125, a mini motorcycle that has its origins in 1969 and has been revived by Honda almost – I repeat, almost – unchanged since then. In fact, the basic concepts of the Dax even predate the launch of the Led Zeppelin IV or, if you prefer, the explosion of the Honda CB750 Four phenomenon.
The Dax is still based on an exposed monocoque frame that serves as a fuel tank, with a 31 mm inverted fork (100 mm of travel) and a pair of rear shock absorbers (120 mm of travel). On the 12-inch wheels, there are alloy tires (120/70 and 1320/70) and two single-channel ABS disc brakes in sizes 220 mm at the front and 190 mm at the rear. The dimensions are small: 1,020 mm wheelbase and seat height just 775 mm from the ground, while the weight with a full tank of petrol (3.8 liters) is reportedly 107 kg.
Based on this, Cub House, a division of Honda Thailand that deals with lifestyle through Honda’s mini motorcycles, has created the Dax 1978 the Time Traveller, a special configuration that includes special graphics, a special side panel, a chrome rear rack and a chrome front mudguard with a set of Kitaco reflectors, which will make its debut at the 2024 Bangkok International Motor Show. Nothing extraordinary, but that’s precisely why the small 125’s appeal remains unchanged and, in fact, is reinforced by this special graphics.