Fresh from its reveal at Eicma in Milan, Italy, earlier this month, Suzuki has announced UK pricing of the new GSX-8R: the new middleweight sportsbike will come with an OTR price of £8,899 when it arrives in dealerships in February.

The GSX-8R uses Suzuki’s new 776cc parallel twin engine, with its 270° crankshaft providing a V-twin-esque feel and soundtrack. Thanks to its long stroke design it produces an abundance of torque throughout the rev range, peaking at 78 Nm at 6800rpm. Peak power is 82.9PS at 8,500rpm. 

While the main chassis is shared with the GSX-8S, suspension comes from Showa, and there are lower handlebars to provide a sportier riding position, with riders tucked behind the new, GSX-R-inspired full fairing. 

As standard there is a bi-directional quickshifter, three power modes and three selectable traction control modes, with all information displayed via a 5” colour TFT screen. 

A vibrant new colour for the Dax, and cosmetic updates and new colours for the CB125F round out Honda’s 24 year model line-up

• New Pearl Glittering Blue colour available on the Dax for 24YM
• New cosmetic updates for the perennially popular CB125F include two new colours: Imperial Red Metallic and Matt Marvel Blue Metallic

After an absence of 41yrs, the Honda Dax returned to Europe for 23YM, joining the Monkey and the MSX125 Grom in Honda’s unique mini-bike line-up. For 24YM, it gains a funky new Pearl Glittering Blue colour, joining Pearl Nebula Red and Pearl Cadet Grey, which carry over from last year.

With its iconic pressed steel T-shaped frame, no other motorcycle, big or small, cuts the same shape as the Dax. The frame, which extends from under the seat to the chrome handlebars, is reminiscent of a Dachshund with its short legs and long body, which led to the naming of the original ST50 Dax in 1969.

The 24YM Dax keeps the unmistakeable, iconic look of the original, with the frame (which also houses the fuel tank) providing plenty of strength for two up riding. Suspension is taken care of by 31mm USD forks matched to twin rear shocks. Completing the classic look, these are paired to blacked-out 12in mini-bike wheels with fat, balloon-like tyres which allow effortless around-town agility. Lighting is full LED and the Dax features a stylish negative LCD display, chrome handlebars and pillion grab rail.

The venerable Dax picked up a new accolade in 2023, with Portuguese artist Tamara Alves’s ‘Furiosa’ version winning Honda’s 4^th annual customisation competition based around the Wheels & Waves festival in Biarritz (www.hondacustoms.com).  

The perennially popular CB125F, has always been regarded as a tough, user-friendly entry-level motorcycle that offer the perfect first step into motorcycling. 21YM saw the CB125F receive a substantial makeover with a new engine, frame and new look including a LED headlight. Last year the CB125F was Europe’s second most popular 125cc motorcycle, with over 7,000 units sold.

For 24YM, the CB125F receives cosmetic updates including a new shorter muffler, longer chrome heat shield, a stronger aluminium pillion grab handle and two new contemporary colours – Imperial Red Metallic and Matt Marvel Blue Metallic – that join Black in the line-up. All three colours will also feature bright red detailing on the shock springs and spark plug cap for an added splash of colour.

The Dax will arrive in European dealers in December, to be followed in January 2024 by the CB125F.

Model updates: Refreshed for 2021, Honda’s perennially popular entry-level CB125F’s standard specification centres around its low friction eSP (‘enhanced Smart Power’) engine that delivers outstanding fuel economy while maintaining strong 125cc performance. The bodywork takes styling cues from bigger CB stablemates, and equipment includes an LED headlight, centre stand and digital dash with ECO meter.

For 24YM, the CB125F receives a new muffler, new rear pillion grab handle and two new exciting colours.

Contents:

1 Introduction

2 Model overview

3 Key features

4 Technical specifications

1. Introduction

An entry-level 125cc motorcycle has to be a multi-faceted machine. To some it represents the most economical way of getting from A to B, both in terms of initial affordability and running costs. To these riders it must be durable, easy to live with and economical: simple, trouble-free transport at its most fundamental.

But to many new riders a 125 is the start of their motorcycling adventure, their first ‘real’ bike. So, it must deliver all of the above, plus everything else that a motorcycle should – the excitement, freedom and instinctive pleasure that two wheels bring to everyday life. Yet it also has to be easy for a novice to manage as they learn, with a build quality and styling that instil tangible pride of ownership.

For any manufacturer, welcoming and introducing fresh entrants to their brand is important. The right initial experience can lead to a lifelong association, and the CB125F has long served this function for Honda – a tough, user-friendly entry-level motorcycle that offers the perfect first rung on the ladder. The CB125F was a new model name for Honda in 2015; it maintained the previous CBF125’s core strength of robust simplicity but built strongly on that strong foundation in terms of quality, ease of use and style.

For 2021 the CB125F was renewed again, with a complete refresh that made it even more desirable and cost effective. The CB125F is a great bike to simply get you where you need to be – or from where to begin the ride of a lifetime.

 2. Model Overview

The CB125F is a serious small machine, whose original development involved the filing of no fewer than 19 patent applications. It offers outstanding fuel economy from its air-cooled enhanced Smart Power (eSP) engine, while maintaining excellent 125cc performance.

The 21YM update saw the CB125F lose 11kg thanks to the new engine, a redesigned frame and an up-to-date, big-bike re-style that featured an LED headlight and revised digital dash.

The 24YM CB125F will be available in the following colour options:

**NEW** Imperial Red Metallic

**NEW** Matt Marvel Blue Metallic

Black

 3. Key Features

3.1 Engine

• Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) engine offers outstanding fuel economy, with no loss of performance
• Low friction technologies include offset cylinder, needle bearings for the roller/rocker arms and piston oil jet
• ACG starter generates electricity and contributes greatly to the engine’s 7kg weight loss over the previous model
• 5-speed gearbox and sealed final drive chain

The CB125F’s air-cooled, 124cc 2-valve SOHC single-cylinder eSP (‘enhanced Smart Power) EURO5-specification engine has been engineered from its inception to maintain optimum performance for busy urban streets but with extra, serious frugality and supreme reliability.

Peak power of 8kW is delivered @ 7,500rpm, with peak torque of 10.9Nm @ 6,000rpm.  Bore and stroke is set at 50 x 63.1mm, with compression ratio of 10.0:1. Standing start acceleration over 200m 12.4s, but more importantly, the fuel efficiency is 66.7km/l, giving a potential range of over 700km from the 11L fuel tank.

Honda has developed its eSP engines – and the engineering that goes into them – on a growing range of 125cc scooters over the last 8 years. The focus is around building in, from a clean sheet, low-friction technology to every facet of the engine.

And it starts with weight. The 2021 upgrade reduced the weight of the eSP engine by 7kg. Its cylinder is offset, reducing friction between the piston skirt and bore, while the piston itself is cooled by an oil jet from underneath, again reducing friction. Valve operation is via rocker-roller arms equipped with needle bearings.

An Alternating Current Generator (ACG) is also part of the eSP formula and combines electricity generation with starting duties, saving weight while simplifying layout. The effort needed to start the engine is reduced thanks to a swing-back system that returns the crank to its position before air intake – giving the engine a ‘running’ start – and a decompression mechanism that negates cranking resistance due to compression. In use the ACG starter is extremely quiet. The gearbox is 5-speed and final drive is via sealed chain.

3.2 Chassis, Styling & Equipment

• Lightweight tubular steel frame; twin rear shocks are preload adjustable
• Sharp style gives big-bike presence and CB family DNA
• The nose fairing houses an LED headlight and digital dash
• Wet weight of only 117kg
• New shorter muffler, with new stylish chrome protector
• New aluminium pillion grab handle

The CB125F’s tubular frame uses high-tensile steel in its construction. It suspends the engine from a sturdy central spine and features geometry that provides the best balance between ride comfort and straight-line stability, with a focus toward light steering input and sporty feel at all lean angles. Rake and trail are set at 26° and 92.4mm, with wheelbase of 1280mm and wet weight is only 117kg.

Dual rear shocks offer 5-step spring preload adjustment and complement the 30mm diameter telescopic fork’s compliance and ride quality; stylish 18-inch die-cast aluminium split-spoke front and rear wheels increase stability and ride quality over rough city streets. Tyres are sized 80/100 front and 100/80 rear. A 240mm front disc is worked by a single piston caliper, with back up from the 130mm rear drum. The Combined Braking System means that activation of the rear brake also applies some braking force to the front.

The CB125F wears aggressive styling, with echoes of larger bikes in the CB family. The broad-shouldered fuel tank and silver-finished shrouds in particular take their cues from the CB-R Neo Sports Café family, while the angular nose fairing and blacked-out fly screen provide some wind deflection, and a sharper attitude. It also houses a LED headlight and digital dash that displays the information that matters, including a gear position indicator as well as real-time and average fuel economy, distance to empty and ECO indicator, for when riding in the most efficient way. The start/stop button is an integrated switch as is the high beam/passing switch.

The engine, exhaust downpipe, fork lowers and wheels are blacked out, underlining the strong lines and bold paintwork. The muffler too, 45mm shorter for 24YM, is blacked out and finished in a new near full length chrome heat shield. Bright red detailing is to be found on the shock springs and spark plug HT cap. Other quality finishing touches include 3D Honda Wings on the shrouds and mirror/indicator shaping that emulates the design language of the whole machine.

With its intended use as an everyday commuter, gateway machine to the world of motorcycling – and riding school stalwart – the CB125F’s riding position is upright and relaxed, with forward-set footpegs and wide tubular handlebars giving optimum control, rider confidence and all-round visibility. Seat height is 15mm higher at 790mm and offers room for two adults comfortably; a passenger grab rail is also standard, now made of aluminium for 24YM for a premium look and feel, as is a centre stand.

 4. Technical Specifications

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice

Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.

Model updates: Sprinting joyfully out of the traps – and after a 41-year absence from Honda’s European line-up – the Dax joined the Monkey and MSX125 Grom in Honda’s mini-bike line-up for 23YM.

Authentic, robust and offering simple riding pleasure, it features a pressed steel frame, 31mm USD forks, 12-inch wheels and air-cooled SOHC two-valve engine with four-speed gearbox and centrifugal clutch. Full LED lighting, compact negative LCD display and pillion grab rail complete the full specification list, and the intangible and timeless appeal of the unmistakeable Dax styling is something no spec sheet can encapsulate.   

For 24YM a funky new Pearl Glittering Blue colour joins the line-up, as the Dax continues to raise smiles across Europe.

Contents:

1 Introduction

2 Model overview

3 Key features

4 Milestones

5 Technical specifications

1. Introduction

Honda’s pocketful of mini motorcycles has struck a chord with young and old riders alike. The re-imagined Monkey 125 tugs at heart strings that remember the golden 1970s while providing thoroughly modern, compact and funky urban transport for riders of any age. The MSX125 Grom serves up left-field, customisable style for ‘Generation Y’ but also as perfect paddock transport in the worlds of car and bike racing.

The ST125 Dax, reintroduced to Europe for 23YM, fully owns the genuine authenticity of the 1969 original* but brings thoroughly 21^st century performance from chassis, engine and ergonomics. The most recent previous version of the Dax was produced from 1995 to 2003 for the Japanese market. The more recent European success of its siblings hastened its return and its mischievous charm and easy-going riding proposition bless the ST125 Dax with an extra layer of desirability.

Of course, nostalgia plays a part in the Dax’s appeal to riders now in middle age – riders who may have owned a Dax in their youth and are pleased to see its return. Equally, ‘retro’ is important to younger owners; that’s real retro, not faux. 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. Which is also how the bike got its name: extending from under the seat to the handlebars, and sitting atop the small 12” wheels, the look is reminiscent of the universally-adored Dachshund. Or Sausage Dog, to give it its everyday English name…

Unique, easy, usable and great fun. That’s the Honda Dax – your faithful old friend.

*See Dax Milestones below.

 2. Model Overview

As it should, the Dax keeps it simple. A steel frame provides strength and houses the fuel tank while 31mm USD forks, twin rear shocks and 12-inch wheels with chunky tyres provide light steering and good suspension performance. Braking is via hydraulic discs front and rear with ABS control.

Robust and fuel efficient, the 124cc SOHC two-valve engine’s power is linear in delivery with smooth torque. A centrifugal clutch manages shifting between the four ratios so there’s no need for a handlebar-mounted clutch lever. It offers twist-and-go simplicity with the added entertainment of changes via a traditional left-foot gear lever.

All lighting is LED and a circular LCD display shows exactly what the rider needs to know. The pillion gets a chromed grab rail, too.

The 24YM Dax will be available in the following colour options:

**NEW** Pearl Glittering Blue

Pearl Nebula Red

Pearl Cadet Grey

3. Key Features

3.1 Styling & Chassis

• T-shaped pressed steel frame integral to handling and looks
• 31mm USD forks, twin rear shocks and 12-inch wheels provide a smooth ride
• Hydraulic disc braking front and rear with ABS
• Full LED lighting and LCD instrument display

While the Dax is small, its proportions provide enough room to be comfortable for two adults to ride.

The styling really is the frame; everything is attached to, or held within it, giving the Dax its unmistakeable retro look. As do all the other parts; the thick dual seat – seat height is just 775mm – chrome high-set handlebars and the 1970’s dirt bike-inspired upswept muffler with drilled, slotted and chromed heat shield. The frame’s mid-section wears a black stripe with ‘Dax’ picked out in 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 chromed mudguard leads and sits below the evocative, circular headlight. To add extra charm to the light, signature round LEDs are used and the front indicators/position lights sit snugly in between low and high beams. The compact instrument display is a round, negative LCD while the rear taillight and indicators 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 carrier and heated grips are available as optional extras.

The iconic T-shaped frame design houses the fuel tank, is authentic in aesthetic detail and constructed in pressed-steel with modern engineering know-how. Rake and trail are set at 24.9°/84mm with wheelbase of 1200mm. Wet weight is just 107kg.

31mm USD forks provide supple suspension response and, combined with the wide upswept handlebar, easy steering. Twin rear shocks are tuned for smooth compliance, even with a pillion. Blacked-out 12-inch rims (from the super-cool MSX125 Grom) wear fat, balloon-like tyres; a 120mm wide front and 130mm rear. They add sure-footed grip allied to nimble agility.

Single-channel ABS manages braking force. Hydraulic front and rear calipers grip 220/190mm diameter discs respectively.

3.2 Engine

• 124cc, air-cooled SOHC two-valve design produces 6.9kW and 10.8Nm
• Stress-free centrifugal clutch and four-speed gearbox
• Fuel economy of 63.7km/l (WMTC mode)

Drawn from the new Super Cub C125 – so flexible, efficient and durable – the Dax’s 124cc air-cooled engine features a SOHC two-valve cylinder head, with relatively long stroke and high compression; bore is set at 50mm, stroke at 63.1mm with compression ratio of 10.0:1. Peak power of 6.9kW arrives @ 7,000rpm, with peak torque of 10.8Nm @ 5,000rpm.

The engine’s strong performance means that even two-up a 90km/h 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 through the clean side, delivering crisp throttle response and driveability. The upswept muffler and heat shield is evocative of that golden motorcycling era of the ‘70s. A single catalyser is all that’s necessary; thanks to precise ECU settings and the engine’s combustion efficiency, EURO5 compliance is achieved.

In keeping with the laid-back, easy to ride feel the gearbox is a 4-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 required with the left-hand foot lever and, as the throttle is opened, the clutch operates automatically and does so 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 of 66.7km/l (WMTC mode). This gives the Dax a range of approx. 250km from the 3.8L fuel tank.

 4. Origins of the Dax

In 1967, The Monkey Z50M was introduced in response to the demand for a ‘leisure-oriented bike’ for the American and European markets. Although well received, especially in America, by adults and children alike, thanks to its adjustable seat height and foldable features which allowed it to be loaded into a car, for 1969 American Honda requested a larger bike for its customers, but one that was still filled with the spirit of Monkey.

After visiting the US to better understand the requirements, engineers, inspired by the T-shaped frame of the CS90, which was a very popular bike in Japan, developed the Dax to have lower and longer proportions (compared to the Monkey) that allowed adults to have a more relaxed riding position as well as ride two up. The fuel tank, wiring and other components were housed in the T-shaped frame to create a unique, but also simple – and now iconic – design.

 5. Dax Milestones

1969 ST50/70 Dax Honda

Built for the export markets of Europe and the USA the original Dax was nifty, nimble and easy to ride. It appealed to both die-hard motorcyclists and recreational users as it was just plain fun. This is the bike that launched many two-wheeled journeys.

The engine was based on the well-established Super Cub engine, but with the addition of modifications to both the intake and exhaust system to provide more torque at low-mid range.

Available in both 50cc and 70cc versions, the Dax featured a 3-speed automatic centrifugal clutch, telescopic front suspension, hydraulic rear suspension and wide tyres with a unique tread pattern for stability and handling even when off-road.

 1972 ST90 Mighty Dax

The ST90 Mighty Dax featured a more rigid T-shape frame, wider, more upright custom style ‘mini ape’ bars, high level front mudguard and a bigger engine that packed more speed and acceleration. The new larger 14in wheels came fitted with semi-off road pattern tyres to increase handling performance and stability, even when off-road.

 1973 CY50 Nauty Dax

Aimed squarely at the RV (Recreational Vehicle) leisure market, the Nauty Dax was developed to offer even better riding performance and stability over rough terrain. Changes to the valve timing and the final drive – now with 4 speeds – increased torque in the low to mid range. With a new exhaust, fuel tank, side covers and unique rectangular shaped headlight, the Nauty Dax also featured a stepped seat and funky paint scheme. The new light and rigid diamond frame and the new fat balloon tyres made for easy rolling over rough campsite terrain

 1995 ST50 Dax

After 14 years, the Dax returned to the Japanese market. All the iconic design cues remained in place – a pressed steel backbone frame, telescopic suspension, wide foldable bars, chrome mudguard, muffler and block tyres – and were joined by the addition of a longer seat. The 50cc engine featured an automatic cam chain tensioner and magneto ignition for easy starting. Enjoying an eight-year production run, the ST50 Dax finally went off sale in 2003.

 2023YM ST125 Dax

Straight out of the traps with a useful, usable 124cc engine, four speed gearbox and centrifugal clutch the Dax makes a welcome return to the Honda minibike fold, joining the Monkey and MSX125 Grom.

 6. Technical specification

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice

Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.