2025 Honda Dax 125 Preview

Honda expands its US family of miniMOTO machines in 2025, bringing its Dax 125 to the States this October. The bike will start at $4,199 and be available in either Pearl Glittering Blue or Pearl Gray.

Editor’s note: We have reviewed the entire line of Honda’s miniMOTO segment during the 2022 Honda Grom ABS MC Commute Review, 2021 Honda Trail 125 ABS MC Commute Review, 2021 Honda Trail 125 ABS First Ride Review, 2019 Honda Monkey First Ride Review, and 2019 Honda Super Cub C125 MC Commute Review and videos.

The current iteration of the Dax 125 has been in the hands of European riders since 2023, but its roots stretch back to 1969 as much of its style is drawn from the popular CT70, better known as the Trail 70. That model, and larger CT family, turned out to be hugely popular in the following decades, with more than 725,000 models sold in the US alone.

In recent years, Honda has capitalized on both the nostalgia for its bygone machines and the appetite for approachable, easy-to-operate around-town bikes at an affordable price. Its miniMOTO segment is now up to six models, four of which have a direct line to bikes of the past.

“In the ‘70s, the Trail 70 was ubiquitous in the US, where its unique look—highlighted by a ‘T-bone’ frame, chunky tires, and folding handlebar—made it easily recognizable strapped to motorhome bumpers and tooling around campgrounds,” said Colin Miller, manager of public relations at American Honda, in a company press release. “The model holds a warm spot in the hearts of many American customers, so it’s appropriate that it makes a return in the form of the Dax 125, which honors the original while introducing modern technology, performance, and reliability. We’re excited to see its reception among US customers.”

The clearest homage to the Trail 70 is the aforementioned T-bone frame, but the exhaust placement and slotted chrome shield, thick dual seat, fender, and headlight shape all place this machine squarely in the retro-modern category.

Its 124cc single engine, however, is the bread and butter of the contemporary line of Honda minibikes. You’ll find this mill serving as the basis for the modern Monkey, Grom, and Super Cub, though Honda specifically tweaked the intake and exhaust design of the Super Cub’s configuration for the Dax. It provides up to 55 mph cruising speed, and decent pep on surface streets. It utilizes a four-speed transmission and comes suspended on a 31mm fork and dual shocks out back. Hydraulic brakes with ABS provide the stopping power. It weighs a slight 236 pounds ready-to-ride, and offers a highly approachable 30.6-inch seat height. In other words, the Dax 125, as with all the miniMOTO machines in Honda’s stable, is infinitely approachable to a broad variety of riders.