Background

For those unfamiliar, the Honda Dax narrative originated in 1969 with the inaugural ST50 and ST70 Dax models. The moniker is derived from the bike's slight resemblance to a Dachshund (sausage dog), with the model plate on the bike's side showcasing an image of the mentioned hound. This model kit in 2024 signifies Tamiya's debut of a new 1/12th scale tooling for the Honda Dax 125 Limited Edition.

Box

Measuring 11.5” x 7.5” x 2”, the box features a vibrant image of the Honda Dax 125, displaying its striking metallic blue, chrome, black, and metallic hues. Typical Tamiya graphics, showcasing three views of the motorcycle, adorn the sides of the box. Inside, you will find:

• Sprue A x 1 (Metallic Blue)
• Sprue B x 1 (Metallic Gray)
• Sprue C x 1 (Chrome)
• Sprue D x 1 (Black)
• Sprue E x 1 (Clear)
• 1 baggie containing the tires, springs, wiring, axles, and a small, magnetized screwdriver.
• 1 small decal sheet.
• 1 Tech Tips.
• 1 Background information sheet.
• 1 12-page portrait-style instruction booklet.

Upon opening any model kit, what I like to look for is the amount of work, such as mold relief tapers, flashing, ejector pin release points (recessed or elevated marks), mold shift points, sprue attachment/location points, and mold seams that need to be addressed during construction. The parts have crisp detail.

Instruction Manual

The instruction manual is printed in portrait orientation on 12 pages with 24 steps indicating Tamiya’s paint reference numbers and the three painting versions.

• Tamiya Limited Edition in metallic blue frame.
• Standard Dax 125 in either Pearl Nebula Red or
• Pearl Cadet Gray

Tamiya has divided the assembly of the bike into multiple stages, which include:

• Steps 1-5 Engine, Body
• Steps 6-13 Rear Assembly
• Steps 14-21 Front Assembly
• Step 22-24 Miscellaneous

The Build

Steps 1-2

These steps involve assembling the 124cc, air-cooled SOHC engine. Here, the two halves of the engine block are adhered together, followed by attaching the two-piece cylinder head. The seamless assembly of the two-piece engine block is truly remarkable. Sanding is not required for the assembly.

Additionally, components such as the spark plug, oil fill cap, starter motor, and oil filter are included. Seamless attachment is evident. The instructions call for the attachment of 18mm of vinyl tubing to the spark plug. The engine was coated with A.Mig Matte Black 046, while the bolt heads were detailed using Vallejo Model Color Silver 70.997. For the cylinder heads, Vallejo Metal Color White Aluminum 77.706 was applied.

Step 3

This step involves the assembly of the throttle assembly and attaching it to the engine. The throttle assembly was hand-painted before attaching to the body in step 5.

Step 4

In this step, the motorcycle’s body is assembled by affixing both sides (parts A1, A2, A3, A4, and A7)/ Considering that the throttle assembly is designated for attachment in step 5, I decided to paint the body using Tamiya’s Lacquer LP-41 Micha Blue, following the instructions provided. The paint was thinned with Mr. Color Leveling Thinner at a ratio of 2:1 paint to thinner.

Step 5

During this stage, the engine gets connected to the frame with the provided 10mm Phillips Head screw. I appreciated the magnetized screws and screwdriver, which eased the installation process. Following that, side chrome nameplates are affixed, and two 64 mm throttle cables are linked to the throttle body. Additionally, the 18mm viny tubing extending from the spark plug on the engine is secured to the ignition coil. The instructions indicate that the decals should be placed on the chrome nameplates, but this task will be conducted at a later point in the building process.

Step 6

In this step, the rear fender with taillight assembly and the chrome taillight assembly are constructed. Before gluing on parts D52 and D21, the fender was sprayed with Tamiya Lacquer LP-72 Mica Silver thinning with a ratio of 2:1 with Mr. Color Leveling Thinner. Regarding the chrome brake light, Tamiya has molded the attachment points onto the rear surfaces, which does not disrupt the chrome coating.

Steps 7-8

During this step, the swingarm assembly is built using parts D24, D25, and D26. Additionally, the pre-molded chain assembly, comprising the rear sprocket gear and main sprocket, is attached. The level of detail on the chain is impressive. Following that, the rear disc brake is affixed to the spoked wheel, after which the rubber tire is mounted onto the assembly. It is worth noting that the tire does not display any manufacturing imprints. Upon checking online for this tire size 130/70 12, it is typical for manufacturers to include an imprint on the sidewall. The absence of a sidewall imprint is not a significant concern for this modeler, as the intricate tire pattern detail compensates for it.

Step 9

Proceeding to this step is the attachment of the rear brake caliper to the rear disc brake, as well as connecting the swingarm assembly to the main body frame using the supplied 4mm screws. Also, the attachment of the side stand using a 4mm screw is added to the frame. Next up is attaching the 29mm rear brake line.

Steps 10-11

These steps entail assembling the two rear dampers, showcasing Tamiya’s excellent design work. Furthermore, there is the assembly of a 3-piece

exhaust muffler featuring chrome heat guards, exhibiting superb chrome molding detail. Part B9 was sprayed with a light coat of Tamiya’s Lacquer LP-72 Mica Silver.

Steps 12-13

During these stages, the rear shocks are installed, and the rear seat grip, along with the pedal/gear-change assembly, using the provided screws. Additionally, a short length of tubing, measuring 19mm, is connected along with the muffler and tubing. Pay attention to the sequence of assembly, as this part can be tricky. I used a small piece of Blue Tac to keep the dampers in place while adding the small, magnetized screws. Despite the complexity of this particular step, the assembly process was remarkable, particularly due to Tamiya’s provision of the screws. The attention to detail is also impressive, notably on the chrome muffler cover.

Steps 14-16

These steps entail working on the front forks, front 12 inch wheel, and tire, as well as attaching the front fender with a mudguard. While constructing the forks, the front brake caliper is also assembled. Once again, Tamiya has demonstrated its proficiency by molding the wheel and disc brake with exceptional detail. Lastly, the front wheel is affixed using the provided 18mm axle, and the fork bridge is then added.

Steps 17-20

These steps culminate in the final assembly. Firstly, the top bridge with the speedometer is constructed and inserted in the forks using a 16mm screw. Subsequently, the horn assembly is added. Following that, the handlebar with mirrors and hand grips is assembled. The handlebar assembly is then attached to the forks, along with the tubing for the throttle cables, and the wiring for the horn is also connected.

Steps 21-24

In step 21 the 3-piece headlight is assembled and snapped into place between the front forks. The foot pegs, shift lever along with the seat, and left chrome side cover are then glued on. Lastly, the 2-piece helmet is glued together.

Painting and Decals

Three painting guides are described:

• Tamiya Limited Edition in metallic blue frame.
• Standard Dax 125 in either Pearl Nebula Red
• Pearl Cadet Gray.

The painting was conducted concurrently with each assembly process as described in each step, using Tamiya’s Lacquer paints airbrushed on at a ratio of 2:1 with Mr. Color Leveling Thinner. The standard Tamiya Lacquer paints employed consist of LP-41 Mica Blue, LP-72 Mica Silver, LP-48 Sparkling Silver, and LP-1 Black.

The decals were applied using Micro Set, resulting in no silvering. Tamiya’s decals are consistently user-friendly and easy to apply.

In Conclusion

Those acquainted with assembling Tamiya model kits will recognize the kit’s ease of assembly, coupled with Tamiya’s astounding level of detail. My only drawback is that I wished Tamiya had opted for bolt heads instead of Phillips Head screws.

As a newcomer to this specific genre of model-making, I thoroughly enjoyed the construction process for several reasons. Additionally, I found the application of Tamiya’s lacquer paints to be truly astounding.

References used for this build and review include:

• https://hondanews.eu/eu/en/motorcycles/media/pressreleases/364424/23ym-honda-st125-dax
• User manual Honda Monkey 125 (2021) (English - 106 pages)

Thanks to IPMS/USA and Tamiya America for allowing me to review this kit.