Dismantling the bike

A brief history in 'Honda Dax' time

Honda began producing the Dax in 1969 and production stopped in 1981. There were 3 engine sizes, 50cc, 70cc and 90cc. In the USA the model was the CT and in Europe it was the ST. Gearboxes were either a 3 speed auto or a 4 speed manual, depending on model. As with the Z50 model, you could fold the handlebars down to load it into the back of a car or truck. In the UK all models were able to be ridden on the roads, but in some countries they were off road only. In the USA the ST90 was called the Trailsport. As Honda's patents expired in the late 1990's, the Chinese have been quick to produce copies of these bikes at much cheaper prices, however quality issues are common.

In the beginning

I had been looking for a Lady Dax for a while but wanted one that was still fitted with all its standard parts, even if tatty. It makes for a much nicer restoration if you can use all the original parts and restore than rather than buying NOS, new and pattern in that order. This bike came up on eBay a few months ago and after confirming it was still original, and more importantly had the original flower seat UNDAMAGED, I was in and determined to win it. I put in my max bid, £1,000, and waited nervously. As you know, last minute bids tend to scupper your plan, but in this case I had priced it right and got it for £999. A 3 hour trip to Manchester and it was mine. It is the ST70 (England) model with serial numbers ranging from 137314 - 152908 and first registered here in the UK in 1975.