In the 1970s’, the Dax (aka the CT70/Trail 70) was one of our most popular models. And now it’s back, and more fun than ever. That’s thanks to its bigger engine (the same family as in our Grom, Monkey, and Trail125), fuel injection, disc brakes, and electric starting.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2025 Honda DAX 125: OFF THE LEASH FUN.
Introducing the 2025 Honda DAX 125…
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.
In the 1970s’, the Dax (aka the CT70/Trail 70) was one of our most popular models. And now it’s back, and more fun than ever. That’s thanks to its bigger engine (the same family as in our Grom, Monkey, and Trail125), fuel injection, disc brakes, and electric starting. And with room for two, you can share the fun!
2025 Honda DAX 125 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- 124cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine
- Fuel injection
- Semi-automatic transmission
- Retro-style backbone frame
- Front-wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
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.
2025 Honda DAX 125 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
124cc fuel-injected engine
The engine is the same basic design as in our super-popular Grom, and delivers outstanding performance and reliability.
Upswept exhaust
The high exhaust system pays homage to the original trailbike roots, but is super practical too and contributes to the wide powerband.
Standard ABS
Our standard front-wheel Anti-Lock Braking System helps you ride confidently in less-than-ideal conditions, such as wet pavement or compromised road surfaces.
Front suspension
One major upgrade from the original Dax is the inverted hydraulic front fork suspension, providing better control, confidence, and road feedback.
Twin rear shocks
Twin rear shocks keep the retro vibe strong. Along with the fat 12-inch tires, they give you a smooth ride too, even over gnarly pavement.
Wide tires
The oversized 12-inch tires not only help give you a smooth ride, they work better over choppy pavement.
12-inch wheels
Tough, durable cast wheels and wide tires are perfect for city riding.
Hydraulic disc brakes
Hydraulic disc brakes (220mm front and 190mm rear) give you superior stopping power.
Fuel capacity
All our miniMOTO bikes offer awesome fuel efficiency. You can just about fill up on pocket change, and even then you won’t have to do that often.
Semi-automatic transmission
The four-speed transmission has no clutch—all you do is push up or down on our heel-toe shift lever. It’s easy, fun, and gives you control over gear choice.
High-rise handlebar
The bike may be small, but the high-rise handlebar and long seat make it roomy enough for full-sized adults, no problem.
Round LED headlight
The round headlight may have a retro look, but it provides excellent visibility and illumination with its updated LED performance.
Pressed-steel frame
This is where the Dax gets its name. That long, round skinny frame on the original reminded people of a wiener dog—a dachshund—Dax for short!
Plush seat
Long, banana seats were the thing in 1970, and for good reason: the long, wide seat gives you a plush ride and room for a passenger too.
Flip-up seat
The seat flips up to reveal the fuel filler cap. A locking seat function uses the ignition key and keeps everything secure.
Low seat height
Whether flat-footing it into a parking space or just stopping at a traffic light, the low 30.6-inch seat and light weight are a big plus.
Easy to park
Because of its small size, parking in the city is easy and winter storage is simple. There is always space for a Dax 125!
Available Accessories
Make your Dax 125 even more fun with our available Honda accessories, including a saddlebag and mounting kit, our popular rear carrier, and even a convenient USB charging port.
LED lighting package
Retro styling is cool. Retro lighting technology—not so much. That’s why you get an all-LED lighting package here: headlight, taillight, turn signals, instruments—the works.
Multi-function digital instruments
The retro-style instrument cluster houses a modern display for the speedometer, odometer, trip meters, fuel gauge, and beam indicator.
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.
2025 Honda DAX 125 – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $4,199 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ NA CDN (includes Freight, PDI and Fees)
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ NA GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
| ENGINE | ||
| Type | 123.9cc air-cooled 80º single-cylinder four-stroke | |
| Valve Train | SOHC; two-valve | |
| Bore x Stroke | 50.0mm x 63.1mm | |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Induction | PGM-FI w/ 24mm bore, automatic enrichment | |
| Ignition | Full transistorized | |
| Starter | Electric | |
| Transmission | Semiautomatic; 4 speed | |
| Clutch | Multiplate wet | |
| Final Drive | Chain final drive; 15T/34T | |
| SUSPENSION | ||
| Front | 31mm hydraulic telescopic inverted fork; 4.3 in. stroke | |
| Rear | Twin shocks; 4.7 in. travel | |
| BRAKES | ||
| Front | Hydraulic; single 220mm disc w/ two-piston caliper | |
| Rear | Hydraulic; single 190mm disc w/ single-piston caliper | |
| TIRES | ||
| Front | 120/70-12 | |
| Rear | 130/70-12 | |
| MEASUREMENTS | ||
| Rake (Caster Angle) | 25º | |
| Trail | 84mm (3.3 in.) | |
| Length | 69.3 in. | |
| Width | 30.0 in. | |
| Height | 40.1 in. | |
| Ground Clearance | 7.0 in. | |
| Seat Height | 30.6 in. | |
| Wheelbase | 47.2 in. | |
| Fuel Capacity | 1.0 gal. | |
| Curb Weight* | 236 lbs. | |
| OTHER | ||
| Color | Pearl Glittering Blue; Pearl Gray | |
| *Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride | ||
| Meets current EPA standards | ||
| Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment | ||
2025 Honda DAX 125 – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
NA
2025 Honda DAX 125 – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details
NA
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
