What was once old is now new again.
Nostalgia sparks discussion. Consider this Honda Dax 125 as an illustration. We were taking a break for some food when a gentleman came up to me and Nic de Sena. He shared memories of riding on the back of a CT70 with his mother during his youth. As he grew into his teens, the CT70 eventually belonged to him, and he enjoyed it even more. Even though gray hair now adorns his scalp and time has passed since those carefree days, recounting these stories ignited enthusiasm in his voice—a passion reignited by nothing but a small Wiseova.
"Which year is this?" he questioned.
We responded, 'It’s completely new,'
2025 Honda Dax 125
Inspired by the CT70, the Dax 125 embodies classic charm with a thoroughly contemporary design. Whether you're looking to step out of your comfort zone or engage more with others, this bike serves as an ideal companion.
Highs
- Retro vibes, dude…
- Super easy to ride
- Instant conversation starter
Sighs
- The LCD display is difficult to read.
- Regular tires don't instill much faith.
- Instant conversation starter
He was incredulous. He believed we possessed an authentic CT70 model. It became necessary for us to highlight the distinctions between this newer Dax version and what he remembered of the old CT70. Afterward, he approached his companion seated at the adjacent table and proceeded to recount the exact tale once more.
This embodies the well-known slogan, “You meet the nicest people on a Honda.” While not everyone paused to share stories of their youth, during our ride on the Dax 125, we certainly received several looks, accompanied by friendly grins, perhaps even an approving nod or thumb’s up. One thing the Dax 125 surely isn’t, though, is daunting—which is precisely the idea.
Half a century ago, Honda CT70s began appearing nationwide, fostering a motorcycle following that reinforced Honda’s reputation for connecting riders with some of the friendliest individuals around. The newly introduced Dax aims to revive this kind of excitement. However, unlike in the '70s when mobility was often seen as a source of enjoyment, our current era tends to be less focused on transport as leisure. Nonetheless, it remains worthwhile to make the attempt.
Nowadays, there’s an abundance of two-wheelers designed for transportation. Many are electric, yet few can match the charm or legacy of the Dax. With its retro backbone frame, elongated saddle, and petite 12-inch wheels, the Dax 125 doesn’t come across as daunting. Although specifications indicate a seat height of 30.6 inches, this shouldn’t cause concern. Thanks to its slim profile and lightweight design—clocking in at just 236 lbs.—any apprehensions about maneuverability vanish upon climbing aboard.
Certainly, at the core of this machine lies the 124cc engine (interestingly, it’s actually one cubic centimeter less than advertised). This single-cylinder unit was initially introduced in the Grom model and positioned almost flat. In contrast to the Grom, where shifting happens manually; here, it operates similarly to an older design—no clutch required. To change gears, simply push the shifter fully into neutral before clicking upward through the four-speed transmission, ensuring you release the throttle after each gear engagement. The procedure reverses when descending: reduce throttle pressure, press downward (using either part of the shifter depending on preference), followed by twisting the handlebars once more. While this method isn’t quite as fluid or refined as traditional manual shifts due to the clutch action during gear changes, it does prevent stalls from occurring—a key advantage over conventional setups.
There’s no doubt that the air-cooled 124cc single-cylinder engine won’t blow anyone away with its power, and it certainly doesn’t meet highway standards. However, it’ll keep up with urban traffic as you head toward the shore for a laid-back atmosphere. This bike excels at leisurely rides, and should you decide to indulge, you’re bound to run into folks such as those mentioned earlier, ready to engage in conversation. Keep this in mind: If you prefer solitude over socializing, then perhaps the Dax 125 may not suit your personality. Alternatively, this could be just what you need to step outside your comfort zone. Ultimately, the decision rests with you!
Although the DAX might rely significantly on traditional designs, Honda has updated the aspects that truly count. The fuel-injected engine, which can be started with just a touch of a button, is essential, along with the contemporary inverted forks, dual rear shock absorbers, an LCD display, and disc brakes both upfront and at the back—complete with ABS functionality! At least for the front brake system.
Riding the Dax is unexpectedly comfortable and handles poorly maintained roads quite well in Southern California. The brakes also perform admirably. The distance to the brake lever seems suitable for various hand sizes, providing an adequate stopping force appropriate for a minimoto. My main issue lies with the 12-inch wheels equipped with Vee Rubber tires. These small wheels enhance the bike’s agility significantly, which is beneficial. However, these tires lack traction; they felt slippery whenever crossing painted lines during slow left turns at intersections, even when traveling between 15-20 mph.
When discussing issues, I should mention that the round LCD display was quite difficult for me to read as well. It’s designed to be compact to fit with the motorcycle’s dimensions, which makes sense; however, its placement is lower than eye level, requiring riders to look downward briefly just to view it. Adding to this challenge, the surface has a very reflective finish. Particularly under sunlight hitting the shiny chrome border, one must concentrate intensely on the screen to discern any information. This clearly isn’t ideal when your attention needs to remain focused primarily on the path forward.
Furthermore, the Dax is centered around enjoyment and creating lasting experiences rather than staring at a round display in front of you. Additionally, it’s aimed at bringing a fresh wave of enthusiasts into the world of motorcycles, and with a price tag of $4,199, one can easily envision these becoming common sights in seaside communities and university areas alike.
Scorecard
|
Engine |
14/20 |
Suspension |
10.5/15 |
Transmission |
7/10 |
|
Brakes |
8/10 |
Instruments |
3.5/5 |
Ergonomics |
8.5/10 |
|
Appearance |
10/10 |
Desirability |
7.5/10 |
Value |
8/10 |
Editors Score: 77.0% |
In Gear
In Gear
- Helmet: Arai Corsair-X MVK Oakley
- Jacket: Alpinestars MO.ST.EQ Hybrid
- Airbag: Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Plasma
- Pants: Alpinestars Cult-8 Riding Jeans
- Gloves: Alpinestars Halo Leather Gloves
- Boots: Alpinestars Superfaster Shoes
|
2025 Honda Dax 125 Features |
|
|---|---|
|
Engine Type |
123.9 cc air-cooled 80-degree single-cylinder four-stroke engine |
|
Valve Train |
SOHC; two-valve |
|
Bore x Stroke |
50.0mm x 63.1mm |
|
Compression Ratio |
10.0:1 |
|
Induction |
PGM-FI with 24mm throttle body, automatic enrichment |
|
Ignition |
Full transistorized |
|
Starter |
Electric |
|
Transmission |
Semiautomatic; 4 speed |
|
Clutch |
Multiplate wet |
|
Final Drive |
Chain final drive; 15T/34T |
|
Front Suspension |
31mm hydraulic adjustable inverted fork; 4.3 inches of travel |
|
Rear Suspension |
Dual shocks; 4.7 inches of travel |
|
Front Brake |
Hydraulic system with a single 220mm disc paired with a two-piston caliper. |
|
Rear Brake |
Hydraulic; features a single 190mm disc paired with a single-piston caliper |
|
Front |
120/70-12 |
|
Rear |
130/70-12 |
|
Rake / Trail |
25° / 3.3 inches |
|
Length |
69.3 inches |
|
Width |
30.0 inches |
|
Height |
40.1 inches |
|
Ground Clearance |
7.0 inches |
|
Seat Height |
30.6 inches |
|
Wheelbase |
47.2 inches |
|
Fuel Capacity |
1.0 gallons |
|
Curb Weight |
236 pounds (claimed) |
|
Color |
Blue Sparkling Pearl; Gray Pearl |
2025 Honda Dax 125 Photo Showcase
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