Before iPhones, streaming services, and $7 lattes, neighbors’ yards were littered with fallen bicycles, open garages were a gathering place for kids, and the only rule followed was “Be home before the street lights are on.” That’s what riding the Honda Dax 125 reminds me of: a time when life was much simpler and our joys were much simpler.The ’90s motorcycle boom wasn’t as big or impactful as the 1970s motorcycle movement, but I am a product of both. The first one put my father on a motorcycle. The second put me on a motorcycle. And now, the electric bicycle craze has put many others on two wheels. And while not every ebike sale will lead to a future motorcyclist, it certainly will help our cause, and Honda’s minimoto line is one of the best entry points into the sport.For anyone who wants to experience the world of motorcycling but is hesitant to make the jump, the Honda Dax 125 is a great place to start.Related: Honda motorcycles news, reviews, and more

The Dax Started as a CubIn post-World War II Japan, the need for affordable transportation was undeniable. And while two-stroke motorbikes were being manufactured, Soichiro Honda saw flaws with the two-stroke engine (smell, smoke, noise) and knew he could offer something better: a four-stroke. More specifically, the 146cc Dream E-Type, Honda’s first four-stroke motorcycle, which sold from 1951 to 1953.

The Dream would be the catalyst to Honda’s success and the success of the Super Cub, but more specifically, the success of a revolutionary four-stroke air-cooled horizontally mounted engine and semi-automatic centrifugal clutch transmission. This is the story of the Honda Super Cub, the bestselling (100 million units!) and arguably most important and influential personal vehicle of all time. What started as the C50 became the C70, then the C90, before finally becoming the C125. Honda has produced many types of minibikes (Grom, Trail, Monkey, Dax); their engines can all be traced back to the original Super Cub 50.Related: How has Honda Sold MORE THAN 100 MILLION SUPER CUBS?!

Honda’s Current MinimotosHonda’s current minimoto line includes five models utilizing the same basic 124cc SOHC horizontally mounted air-cooled single-cylinder engine. This modern engine uses the same basic architecture as Honda’s original engine, but benefits from decades of refinement.Styling, seating position, and transmission type are the major separators between the Grom, Monkey, Trail, Super Cub, and Dax. The Grom and Monkey use a five-speed manual; the Trail, Super Cub, and Dax have a four-speed semi-automatic transmission. We’ve spent time on all of them, and while each bike delivers its own unique experience and charm, they are all fun to ride and easy to get along with.Related: 2025 Honda Grom First Ride Review and RACE

2025 Honda Dax 125 EquipmentThe Dax uses a 124cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine with a four-speed semi-automatic transmission. This same engine is used in the Grom, Trail, Monkey, and Super Cub, so it’s no surprise Honda’s line of 124cc minimotos all make similar horsepower. On the Cycle World Dynojet 250i dynamometer, the Dax produced 8.3 hp and 7.6 lb.-ft. of torque.Related: How Much Power Does the 2025 Honda Dax 125 Make?

The chassis shares many parts with the rest of Honda’s minimoto lineup, but what makes the Dax unique is the T-bone-style frame it is named after, due to its resemblance to a dachshund. Suspension components are identical to the Monkey with a 31mm inverted fork and twin shocks. A 220mm front disc with a dual-piston caliper and 190mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper are mounted to a set of 12-inch wheels fitted with Vee Rubber tires. Seat height is 30.6 inches, and the measured curb weight is 237 pounds.Related: 2025 Honda Monkey Buyer’s Guide

The 2025 Honda Dax 125 is available in Pearl Gray or Pearl Glittering Blue for $4199 and includes a one-year unlimited-mileage limited warranty.What Is the Honda Dax 125 Like to Ride?Despite producing low power, the engine’s steep torque curve, short gearing, and lively top-end allow it to quickly reach top speed (55–60 mph) and pull away from traffic at the lights. On fast surface streets in Southern California saddled with my 5-foot-8-inch 125-pound frame, the Dax manages to keep up with cars at full throttle and still achieve impressive fuel mileage. Riding wide open most of the time, we recorded just over 80 mpg. And due to its low 10:1 compression ratio, we opted for 87 octane most of the time.

A 24mm throttle body provides clean fueling, easy starting, and precise throttle inputs. Shifting the semi-auto transmission is easy but engaging. Riders do not have a clutch to modulate, but still get the satisfaction of operating the shift lever and controlling rpm and gear selection.Suspension is soft, plush, and comfortable but still provides plenty of bottoming resistance. Fast corners will expose the suspension’s low-cost damping control as the bike wallows, putting you on notice that this is not a sportbike. “Take it easy, bro.” The brakes are modern yet unremarkable, but will slow the bike down in a predictable manner with a firm squeeze of the lever.

The Dax handles like a pitbike. Its short 47.2-inch wheelbase, 12-inch wheels, and 25-degree headtube angle provide immediate steering response. And although the seat height is not particularly low and the curb weight is not especially light, the bike is easy to maneuver and park; backing out of a spot or repositioning it in the garage feels effortless.Aside from the looks and semi-auto transmission, the Dax is my favorite Honda minimoto due to its ergonomics. The banana-style seat is not only stylish but also roomy and supportive. The high-rise handlebar provides a comfortable reach to the controls and, in combination with the long seat, allows riders to stretch out.

Why You Should Buy a Honda MinimotoWith the Honda Dax, not only do you own a motorcycle, you also own a piece of history. Its roots connect it to the original Honda Super Cub 50, a bike that revolutionized transportation, with over 100 million units sold.The Dax engine doesn’t just represent the powerplant that will get you there; it represents the engineering mastery that built Honda’s early success, ultimately leading to the development of many more motorcycles, including the MotoGP championship-winning RC211V.The Honda Dax will turn more heads than any exotic superbike, cost less than most ebikes, and will run virtually forever with minimal maintenance. With a Honda minimoto, you’ll never regret owning it; you’ll only regret selling it.

2025 Honda Dax 125 Specs