Honda Dax

The Honda Dax is a small moped/motorcycle produced by Honda. It was originally available in 50cc, 70cc, and 90cc versions. Over the years, many manufacturers have produced replica versions, ranging from 50cc to 125cc.

The name Dax comes from the small dog depicted on a Japanese Dax—this dog is a dachshund. When Honda introduced the Monkey, it was designed for a single rider. Honda wanted to develop another compact moped that could accommodate two passengers.

Development of the Dax began in late 1967, with the first prototype presented in 1968. The initial Dax had a high-mounted exhaust, a sharply angled front fork, and a swingarm made from engine mounts of the Honda N360—a small Honda car.

In 1969, the Dax was officially released. This production version featured a larger headlamp, a different exhaust, and a conventional swingarm. The front fork was removable for easier transport in a car.

Model Variants

ST50Z & ST70Z

Classic model with:

• Removable front fork

• Low exhaust

• Silver fenders

ST50EZ & ST70EZ

Sporty model with:

• Chrome fenders

• High exhaust

CT70 K0 (U.S. version)

• Protective plate

• High front fender

• No indicators and removable front fork

• 3-speed semi-automatic transmission

• Available in Candy Red, Candy Blue, and Candy Gold

CT70H

• Available in Candy Orange, Candy Green, and Candy Blue-Green

• 4-speed transmission

• Manual clutch

ST50K1 & ST70K1 (Europe)

ST50G & ST70G (Germany)

• High exhaust

• Classic fenders

• Indicators positioned differently

• Optional luggage rack

The Dax was never officially sold in the Netherlands as a moped due to the absence of a white fender and pedals, though some versions were imported as motorcycles.

ST50 & ST70 (Lady Dax / White Dax)

• Special edition originally from Honda

• White color with unique stickers

• Separate seat cover

ST50 & ST70 K2 (1972)

• Limited to 45 km/h due to lightweight flywheel, smaller carburetor, restricted intake, and mild camshaft

ST50 & ST70 K3 (1978)

New colors:

• Candy Red with White, Blue, or Black stickers

• Candy Blue with Yellow, White, or Black stickers

• Green with Yellow, White, or Black stickers

• Orange with Yellow, White, or Black stickers

England received an additional variant in Candy Smoke Brown.

The last Dax models were sold in Europe around 1980, after which the CY became its successor.

Later Models & Evolution

CT70 K1 & HK1

In 1972, the CT70 K0 was succeeded by the K1 and HK1 in the U.S.

• Available in Candy Red and Candy Yellow

• Optional 4-speed manual clutch, making it highly sought after

• Hydraulic front fork

• Speedometer separate from the headlamp

The ST series only received hydraulic forks much later.

ST90 (1972)

A distinct model in the Dax lineup

• 90cc engine

• Heavy-duty clutch

• 14-inch spoked wheels

Though it shared the Dax family name, its exhaust, seat, and handlebars with indicators were unique to this model.

CT70 K2 (1973)

• Rubber fork covers instead of metal protection

• Available in Blue and Orange

CT70 K3

Similar to the K2, but with indicators added.

CT70 K4

Due to inflation, parts were modified.

• Chrome spark plug cover

• Candy colors discontinued

In 1976, new regulations prohibited the K designation. Manufacturing continued until 1982, but more parts were replaced with plastic components. Each year, only one color was available, changing annually.

AB23 Series (1980s-1999)

In the 1980s, the Dax underwent a major update

• 12V CDI ignition replacing contact points

• Chrome fenders

• Bearing-supported camshaft

• Hydraulic front fork

• Larger indicators

Available in Candy Red, Candy Blue, and Silver, with various sticker options.

AB23 (1991)

• Black engine

• Black exhaust

• White wheels

• Colored fenders in Red, White, and Black

In 1999, Honda discontinued production of the Dax. The rights were sold to Jincheng, leading to a surge of replica models on the market. This also resulted in an abundance of replica parts and aftermarket tuning brands such as Takegawa, Kitaco, and G-Craft.