Three of Honda’s most visually distinctive and iconic models receive new visual options for their 2026-year model iterations.
Since its reintroduction in 2023, the ST125 Dax has won over thousands of customers with its sympathetic update of the 60’s original. The preservation of the Dax’s spirit continues into 26YM, with the iconic T-shaped frame, tall handlebars and the small yet chunky 12-inch wheels and is freshened up with two new colour choices. Pearl Horizon White and Candy Energy Orange join Pearl Shining Black in the line-up.
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Its 125cc pocket-sized sibling, the Monkey 125, also sees similar revisions for 25YM, with an all-new colour line-up. Three new colour combinations adorn the iconic pocket bike. Powder Black Metallic over a Mat Gun Powder Black Metallic frame is joined by a striking Knight Silver Metallic over Millennium Red combination. Rounding out the new lineup is a Pearl Himalayas White over a Banana Yellow frame arrangement which injects an even more playful character into the bike.
Despite their diminutive sizes, the returning Dax and Monkey icons have resonated strongly with Europe customers, with the two accumulating over 16,000 sales in Europe since the reintroduction of the Dax in 2023. The Monkey, since its reintroduction to the European market in 2018, has reached a cumulative sales total of almost 25,000 units.
Building on its legacy as the most produced motor vehicle in history, the Super Cub C125 rolls in to 2026 with an all-new colour – a chic combination of Premium Silver Metallic over Pearl Sugarcane Beige finished with a two-tone brown and cream leather seat.
In Depth coverage on each model to come later today:
2026 Honda ST125 Dax
2026 Honda Monkey 125
2026 Honda Super Cub C125
Did you know?
Monkey
- The Monkey first appeared as the Z100 in 1961, a purpose-built model for use at Japanese amusement parks, using the Super Cub C50’s 3.1kW OHV 49cc engine
- The first mass production model for export was built by just five Honda associates, who could produce 20 units a day – its production line was just 7 metres in length
- The third-generation model that made its debut in 1974 became the template for the modern Monkey: Its frame design remained unchanged for over three decades
- In 2018 the Monkey underwent its largest overhaul to date. The iconic 50cc engine was updated to 125cc, the styling was updated and the specification brought right up to date
Dax
- The ST125 Dax began life in 1969 as the ST50 Dax, built for export to Europe and the US and built around the same Super Cub C50 engine as the Monkey
- The ST50 was a spin off of the 1967 Monkey Z50M – a ‘leisure-oriented’ bike for America and Europe, designed to offer more comfort but still retain the playful spirit of the Monkey
- The Dax is named after the Dachshund, or Sausage Dog, thanks to its long and low silhouette – built around the unique T-shape frame
- The Nauty Dax Honda CY50 from 1973 was a toughened version of the Dax, which was equipped with extra-thick tires to provide stable manoeuvrability on all surfaces
Super Cub
- Continuously produced since 1958, the Super Cub is the most produced motorised vehicle ever.
- The original Super Cub was never sketched or drawn out before development; it was sculpted as a clay model from Soichiro Honda’s own ideas and vision
- Since its introduction in 1958, the Super Cub has only ever used a four-stroke engine
- The Super Cub has been produced in 16 factories across 15 different countries, and has been sold in 160 different countries
- The Japanese Patent Office awarded the Super Cub a 3D trademark registration in 2014, recognising its shape and design as an iconic Honda product, and making it the first vehicle to achieve this status.
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About Honda Motorcycles
Honda is the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company is known for producing reliable, high-quality motorcycles and is the world’s largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines. Honda’s early focus on reliable four-stroke engines and innovative designs, like the highly successful Super Cub, helped it become a global leader in the industry.
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Original post on modernclassicbikes.co.uk and published by Frank Duggan. Frank is the Founder and Editor of Modern Classic Motorcycle News, an independent motorcycle publication covering modern classic motorcycles, roadsters, scramblers, cruisers, electric motorcycles and the wider motorcycle industry.
