Motorcycle: Honda Dax ST125 – Tamiya 1/12

It has been quite some time since I have posted anything, mainly due to my recently modified build rhythm (for family reasons). Considering that, I have still been building fairly productively the last 9 months but just haven't taken the time to share. However, I will be sharing a few of 2024's completed builds in the next few weeks/months, and this is the first.

First off, this kit was something that I didn't expect to build, however when I saw it on the shelf at the LHS with it's affordable price, and recalled how much fun Tamiya's 1/12 Monkey was, I thought, “why not?” Along with the kit I purchased a spray can of Tamiya metallic red and went home, contented to begin it right away.

One of the reasons I didn't plan to build this kit originally was that the Honda Dax is not a motorcycle produced for – or marketed in – the US. It is similar to a number of models currently available here (such as the Trail 125 and Monkey), but also fairly unique in its design and feature set. The Dax utilizes much of the same “mini-moto” features as the Honda Monkey, such as a 125cc air cooled engine and similar suspension setup. Where that model differs is that the Dax offers a clutch-less transmission (similar to the Trail 125), and is setup for 2-seat riding if needed. The other obvious difference from the Money is that the Dax features an elongated frame that has an internal gas tank, which requires the rider to lift up the seat to refuel. The “stretched” frame, the Dax name, and in general all of the design elements are a retro carryover from the original ST50 from the 1970's. The Dax name in-fact, was meant to be a play on the name of the Dachshund dog breed, relating its own elongated frame and short stature to that of the ST series of motorcycles. Having realized this, and being a fan of Honda products in general, I was even more eager to begin the build.

The kit is marketed and sold as a Tamiya Special Edition kit, including Honda factory decals and setup options, as well as alternate decals and a few add-on's for a Dax painted in a custom blue color, and dressed up in Tamiya decals. There is no “standard edition” kit, but again, the special edition kit offers all the parts and decals needed to make a factory Honda bike. In general, the kit's pieces are molded in the colors needed to make the Tamiya version, with the body a metallic blue, black pieces black, silver pieces silver, and appropriate parts chromed or clear. This of course doesn't mean they don't recommend painting, but if someone were so inclined to build this without painting it, it could still look ok-ishly correct. Anyhow, I chose the red factory scheme, as it was the most striking to my eyes.

The build we very smoothly, and is typically Tamiya. There is much thought and care put into assembly order, sprue gate locations, and fit of parts. One such example from the first step, is that the aluminum colored portion of the cylinder is molded separately such that you can paint it separately from the engine case and head, which are themselves joined by a piece that looks like the piston and rod. Very cool…

The body itself was a breeze to assemble and then fully painted (Tamiya white primer, Tamiya TS-95, then Tamiya X-22 after decals) and decaled before adding the engine and swingarm, which were also built in subassemblies. Last of all in the assembly was the front fork. This did require some careful painting and masking, due to a variety of silvers needed, as well as a mix of gloss and satin blacks. I did not use the Tamiya recommended colors for the fenders and the forks, but instead tried to mix up some colors with the paints I had, to mimic photos of the real bike. Most this was Mr Color Metallics II, Vallejo, or Tamiya. 90% of the black seen on the bike is Mr 1500 primer, either with X22 gloss coat, without (for a satin look), or sprayed with flat varnish for an extra flat look. Vallejo was used in some areas for touch-ups or places that could be painted easily without the need for an airbrush.

Overall this build was started and finished in a matter of weeks, which is pretty quick considering how little time I can currently allot to building. I enjoyed the build a lot, and really like having another nice Tamiya motorcycle on the shelf.

14 additional images. Click to enlarge.