Honda Dax 125 Specs, Horsepower & Performance Review
TL;DR
- The Honda Dax 125 makes 9.3 hp at 7,000 rpm and 10.8 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm from its air-cooled 124cc single.
- Curb weight is 236 lb and MSRP starts at $4,199 for the US market.
- It shares its engine architecture with the Grom and Monkey 125, tuned for low-rpm torque over top-end punch.
- Honda’s claimed top speed is 55 mph, and real-world testing found actual speeds running a few mph under that figure.
- It’s built for slow-speed fun and short hops around town, not highway commuting or touring.
Where the Dax 125 Sits in Honda’s miniMOTO Lineup
The Dax 125 is Honda’s retro-styled mini, reviving the wiener-dog-shaped Trail 70 look from 1969 with a modern fuel-injected drivetrain underneath. It sits alongside the Grom, Monkey 125, and Trail 125 in Honda’s miniMOTO family, all sharing the same basic 124cc single-cylinder engine. Where the Trail 125 leans toward light off-road use, the Dax is strictly a pavement bike built for neighborhood cruising, coffee runs, and campus commuting.
The name comes from “dachshund,” a nod to the bike’s long, low, wiener-dog-shaped frame. It’s new to the US market as of the 2025 model year, and the 2026 version carries the same core spec sheet forward with updated color options.
Unlike the original Trail 70 it references, the modern Dax 125 gets fuel injection, ABS, and LED lighting throughout, so the retro shape hides genuinely current running gear underneath.
Engine & Horsepower: What’s Actually Under the Seat
The Dax 125 runs a 124cc air-cooled single making 9.3 hp at 7,000 rpm and 10.8 Nm (8 lb-ft) of torque at 5,000 rpm, per Honda’s UK spec sheet (Honda UK, 2026). That’s the same basic engine architecture found in the Grom and Monkey 125, with a long-stroke 50.0mm x 63.1mm bore and stroke and a 10.0:1 compression ratio.
Fueling is handled by Honda’s PGM-FI system through a 24mm throttle body. It’s not a fast engine by any measure, and it’s not trying to be. The tuning favors smooth, predictable low-rpm response over a rush of top-end power, which fits a bike built around stoplight-to-stoplight riding rather than open-road passing.
Transmission & What It’s Like to Actually Ride
The Dax uses a 4-speed semi-automatic transmission with an automatic centrifugal clutch, meaning there’s no clutch lever at all. You still work a heel-toe shifter to change gears, but the bike handles clutch engagement on its own.
That setup is the biggest adjustment for riders used to a standard manual gearbox. A Rider Magazine tester found the timing takes some getting used to (Rider Magazine, 2025): roll off the throttle before upshifting and bring the revs up before downshifting, since there’s no clutch lever to buy you a beat to match engine speed. Once that rhythm clicks, shifting becomes second nature, and the lack of a clutch lever actually simplifies stop-and-go city riding.
Top Speed & Real-World Performance
Honda’s claimed top speed for the Dax 125 is 55 mph. Independent riding found actual speeds running a few mph short of that figure without a downhill assist, and the little single gets noticeably buzzy as it approaches its ceiling. This is a bike built for surface streets and neighborhood backroads, not sustained highway speed.
Suspension, Brakes & Handling in the Real World
Suspension consists of a 31mm inverted fork with 4.3 inches of travel up front and dual shocks offering 4.7 inches out back, mounted to a T-shaped pressed-steel frame. Braking comes from a 220mm front disc with a Nissin 2-piston caliper and a 190mm rear disc with a Nissin 1-piston caliper, both backed by standard ABS.
Real-world testing found the suspension adequate for backroad shortcuts and low-speed city riding, with the front brake feeling underpowered at first, an issue that faded once the rider got comfortable leaning on engine braking through the semi-automatic gearbox. The 12-inch wheels, wrapped in wide 120/70 front and 130/70 rear tires, help smooth out rough pavement despite the bike’s small stature.
Seat, Ergonomics & Everyday Livability
The riding position on the Dax 125 is straight upright, with a wide, flat bench seat that gives room to shift around during a ride. Seat height sits at 30.6 inches, low enough for most riders to plant both feet flat at a stop.
The fuel tank is tucked under the seat rather than up front, which keeps the frame narrow and easy to stand over at intersections. Fuel capacity is a modest 1.0 gallon, which pairs with the small engine’s low consumption to still deliver solid range between fill-ups.
The round LCD dash is basic by design, showing only speed, a fuel gauge, and a trip meter, and it can be tough to read in direct sunlight. None of that gets in the way of what the Dax is built for: short, easy rides where comfort and personality matter more than a loaded instrument cluster.
Price & Who the Dax 125 Actually Fits
US pricing starts at $4,199 MSRP, putting it within $650 of Honda’s own Rebel 300, a full-size 286cc cruiser with a 6-speed manual transmission. That comparison matters for anyone cross-shopping: the Dax trades highway capability and displacement for retro looks, light weight, and low-speed charm.
It’s the right call for riders who want a fun, low-stakes second bike for short trips, campus commuting, or campground riding, and who value personality over performance. It’s the wrong call for anyone who needs a single bike that can also handle highway on-ramps.
Dax 125 Spec Sheet
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 124cc air-cooled single, SOHC, 2 valves |
| Horsepower | 9.3 hp @ 7,000 rpm |
| Torque | 10.8 Nm (8 lb-ft) @ 5,000 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke | 50.0mm x 63.1mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Transmission | 4-speed semi-automatic, centrifugal clutch |
| Final Drive | #420 chain |
| Front Suspension | 31mm inverted fork, 4.3 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension | Dual shocks, 4.7 in. travel |
| Front Brake | 220mm disc, ABS |
| Rear Brake | 190mm disc |
| Seat Height | 30.6 in. |
| Wet Weight | 236 lb |
| Fuel Capacity | 1.0 gal |
| Claimed Top Speed | 55 mph |
| MSRP | $4,199 |
Source: Honda Powersports (2026), Honda UK (2026), Rider Magazine (2025)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does the Honda Dax 125 have?
The Dax 125 makes 9.3 hp at 7,000 rpm, with 10.8 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm, from its air-cooled 124cc single-cylinder engine.
What is the top speed of the Honda Dax 125?
Honda’s claimed top speed is 55 mph. Independent testing found real-world speeds running a few mph under that without help from a downhill grade.
How much does the Honda Dax 125 weigh?
Curb weight is 236 lb, including all standard equipment, required fluids, and a full 1.0-gallon fuel tank.
Does the Honda Dax 125 have a clutch lever?
No. It runs a 4-speed semi-automatic transmission with an automatic centrifugal clutch, so there’s a foot shifter but no hand clutch lever.
Is the Honda Dax 125 good for highway riding?
No. It’s built for surface streets, neighborhood riding, and short hops. Its 124cc engine and 55 mph claimed top speed make it a poor fit for sustained highway speeds.
