ROAD NEWS
HONDA ’ S NEW PIP-SQUEAK
Honda Europe has announced a new roadlegal mini bike for small bike enthusiasts in the form of the new 2022 Honda Dax . While mini-bikes like the established Grom and Monkey from Honda aren ’ t huge sellers here in NZ , there is clearly enough demand around the world for Honda to add a third option into the mix . Like the Monkey , the Dax has its roots in the 1960s when Honda first debuted the simple little Dax as a beginner bike and was based around a Super Cub engine . Big Red now hopes to cash in on nostalgia with the funky little mini bike just like it ’ s done with the Monkey with a very similar recipe . Once again the Honda Super Cub provides the engine for the Dax , with a SOHC two-valve 124cc air-cooled single beating out 6.9kW ( 9.25hp ) at 7000rpm , with peak torque of 10.8Nm @ 5000rpm . Power makes its way to the rear wheel via a four-speed gearbox with centrifugal clutch , so no need to worry about clutching it at the next set of lights . An extra simple touch is neutral is located at the bottom of the shift pattern , so no searching for it between gears - just keep going down for neutral ( similar to bikes like Yamaha ’ s FS1E and others from the 60s / 70s ). Interestingly , despite its rather diminutive
size , with the bike tipping the scales at 107kg dripping wet and boasting a short wheelbase of just 1020mm , Honda claims the Dax can “ cruise ” at speeds up to 90km / h . Visually , the Dax is distinct from both the Monkey and Grom with its steel frame on display with the 3.8 litre fuel tank ( good for over 240km of range ) nestled within the classic T-shaped frame design . The Dax rolls into showrooms on a set of 12-inch wheels pinched from the Grom , while braking is a set of discs clamped by ABS backed Nissin calipers at both ends . Tech wise , the Dax uses LED lighting concealed in classic circular housings while the compact instrument display is a round , negative LCD showing the usual fuel , speed and odo readings with a smattering of idiot lights for good measure . While we ’ re yet to hear from local Honda distributor Blue Wing Honda as to whether the Dax will be imported to New Zealand , its fuel sipping and simple nature make it a good pick for a future where gas prices are only trending in one direction . If that ’ s not a good enough reason , it just looks like a silly fun little commuter to bomb about town on .
24 KIWI RIDER