Honda has announced that the iconic Dax 125 will be launched on the American market as a 2025 model, marking the return of this legendary leisure bike to the United States after a two-decade absence.
The Dax, known in the US as the CT70 or Trail 70, has a rich history dating back to 1969. After its relaunch in Japan in 2023, Honda has decided to reintroduce this model to the American market, where mini-bikes continue to enjoy great popularity.
The new American Dax 125 retains the essence of the Japanese model, featuring a 124cc engine derived from the Super Cub, mounted on a pressed T-shaped frame. This makes for an agile ride and allows it to reach speeds of around 88 km/h, even with two occupants.
However, the American version has several notable differences from the Japanese model:
- Rear lights: While the Japanese Dax uses round LEDs, the American version opts for hexagonal LEDs, giving the rear of the bike a more modern look.
- Blinkers: The American version’s turn indicators have a more aggressive “bullet” design, contrasting with the more conventional style of the Japanese model.
- Side reflectors: To comply with US safety regulations, side reflectors have been added to the front forks and rear mudguards.
- Logo: The Japanese version features only “DAX” as a logo on the frame, while the American version includes “125” under the “DAX”, indicating the engine capacity.
- Side graphics: On the right side of the body, the Japanese model displays the “ST125” logo under the dachshund dog character, while the American version retains only the dog character.
- Side cover: Both versions have a right-hand side cover with the same shape, but the Japanese version includes the “125” logo, which is absent from the American version.
These changes, although subtle, demonstrate Honda’s care in adapting the Dax 125 to the aesthetic preferences and legal requirements of the American market, while maintaining the retro spirit that has made this model so popular.
The launch of the Dax 125 in the USA adds to Honda’s already diverse range of minibikes in the country, which includes popular models such as the Grom, Super Cub, Trail 125 and Monkey.
Honda has announced that the Dax 125 will be available in the USA in two colors: bright pearlescent blue and pearlescent grey. The launch is scheduled for October 2024, with a selling price of 4,199 dollars.
Here are some comparative images where you can see the different – on the left the US model, and on the right the Japanese one:
Source: Japan Webike