This article was originally published in Best Car Web on January 24, 2022.
●Written by Best Car Editorial Department ●CG/SHINGRAPHIC, Photo by: HONDA
The modern version of the DAX, the ST125 DAX, which has been frequently reported on this site, is finally expected to make its world debut at the Osaka Motorcycle Show.
While keeping its lovely form, it will probably come with a 4-speed automatic centrifugal clutch and a seat that can accommodate 2 passengers. Let's take a glimpse at the 2022 motorcycle show as we predict other Honda models to be on display.
Reiwa era DAX comes in a fan-favorite iron monaca frame?
The DAX, known for its cute, long-bodied form, has been revived in the modern age. In recent years, Honda has released a succession of 125cc models based on the motifs of famous motorcycles of the past, including the Monkey, Super Cub C125, and CT125 Hunter Cub. The ST125 DAX is the 4th of these models to be released.
The Honda DAX was a 50cc/72cc leisure bike that debuted in 1969 and was sold in Japan until 1983. It had an attractive, unique style with a steel-pressed backbone frame, and the modern version of the DAX appears to use the same frame as the original model. Naturally, a new design with a high level of quality has been pursued, and it is likely to satisfy DAX fans who know the bike from that era.
Furthermore, the name of the motorcycle also respects the original. The DAX used "ST" for its name from 1969 to 1981, and the modern version will also bear the name "ST".
The original DAX had both up and down exhaust systems, but the new model should be the up type. Will the body color be the same flashy red as the Super Cub C125? (The CG illustration was created by the editorial department.)
This is an example of a Super Cub C125 in gray coloring, painted Pearl Cadet Gray. It's a fresh new look not seen on any DAX up to now (CG illustration created by the editorial department).
There is also new information that the engine will have a 4-speed automatic centrifugal clutch. Honda's aforementioned two-class moped army is equipped with new engines with long-stroke settings in anticipation of the new emission regulations that will be fully applied in October 2022. The sporty Grom (MSX-125) and Monkey 125 will have a five-speed manual, while the commuter Super Cub C125 will have a four-speed automatic centrifugal clutch that allows the rider to shift gears by simply depressing the pedal.
This engine will be followed in the new DAX, but surprisingly, it will be a 4-speed automatic centrifugal clutch instead of a 5-speed MT. Since it is clutchless, it can be driven with an AT small-sized limited motorcycle license, making it both easy and sporty.
Unlike the Monkey 125 in the photo, the DAX is also sure to be a two-seater with its long front and rear seats. A new kind of leisure bike that can be easily pillion ridden with no clutch will be born.
As for the price, just as the new Super Cub C125, which uses the same new engine and has ABS, was priced at 440,000 yen (approx. PHP 195,193.00), the DAX 125 will probably have a similar price tag. The timing of the announcement is likely to be at the Osaka Motorcycle Show scheduled to be held from March 19, and the launch is expected to be in early summer.
Will Hawk 1100 become a Japan-exclusive model?
The Hawk 1100 and Super Cub 110/Cross Cub 110, which were recently scooped up by this site, are also expected to be displayed at the Tokyo and Osaka Motorcycle Shows.
The Hawk 1100 is a neo-classic naked bike powered by a parallel two-cylinder like the Rebel 1100. With its rocket cowl, 17-inch cast wheels, and radial tires, it will be a café racer model that is both stylish and sporty.
In addition, a DCT version of the semi-automatic transmission is sure to be available, just like its siblings. This is sure to be a new kind of sports motorcycle that is stylish and easy to operate.
According to new information, the mirrors will be of the bar-end type, which is rare to see on a Japanese model, and will give the bike a more cafe racer style. There is also a rumor that it will be a "Japan-exclusive" model.
The "Hawk" pet name was first introduced in the 1970s for the Japanese market with the 400 and 250 naked models. On the other hand, the CB72 took the Hawk name in the U.S., and the Super Hawk CB77 and NT650 Hawk GT (known as the Bros 650 in Japan) are also known overseas, but the Hawk 1100 seems to be available only in Japan.
Like the DAX, the Hawk 1100 is expected to have its world premiere at the Osaka MC show. This magazine expects the official announcement to be made around May. The NT1100, a tourer that uses the same engine, is also expected to make its debut at the show.
The Hawk 1100 is a café racer, and while its design is not similar to that of the old Hawk for the Japanese market (photo at back), it shares the same "parallel two-cylinder naked" concept (CG illustration created by the editorial department)
Is the Cub 110, which retains the essence of the Showa era, being reborn as "Young Generation Cub"?
The next Super Cub 110/Cross Cub 110 will be equipped with the long-stroke engine of the current Grom series, and will also be better equipped with the addition of ABS. The suspension will be significantly updated, with spoked wheels replaced by cast wheels front and rear, and the front drum brakes will be updated to discs.
The Thai-spec Super Cub 110 is already equipped with a new engine. The meter displays the clock and gear position, and it is possible that the Cub 110 series for the Japanese market will follow this pattern.
The previous Super Cub 110 had a "Showa era Cub" character that could be used for both business and pleasure, but it appears that the new model will be more of a hobby bike. In addition, according to our sources, the company will also focus on promoting the bike to the young generation.
Based on the new Super Cub 110, the Cross Cub 110, which is designed for outdoor use with a special cover that eliminates the leg shields and a long suspension, is also expected to undergo a similar model change.
The Super Cub 110 will be announced at the end of February, and we will be able to see it in person at the MC show.
The quality of both the Super Cub 110/Cross Cub 110 has been greatly improved. Approaching the position of the Super Cub C125 and Hunter Cub (CG illustrations created by the editorial department)
CBR1000RR-R and CB400: Same 30th anniversary, but different sides?
The CBR1000RR-R's 30th-anniversary color will be unveiled at the Milan show in the fall of 2021. The MC show will be the first time it will be shown in Japan.
In Japan, a dedicated website has been set up, but the details are still unclear, but it seems that the price will be about 50,000 yen (approx. 22,174 pesos) more than the STD price, and about 400 units will be sold in Japan for a limited time. Reservations will start in February, and the order period is expected to be about one month.
Recently, the CB1100EX/RS Final Edition was announced as a limited-time order, but the pre-orders were closed early because the planned sales volume of 1600 units was reached. This time, the RR-R will be sold in even smaller numbers, so those who want one should move quickly.
The 2022 RR-R maintains the strongest straight-four supersport power of 218 hp, while improving acceleration performance through electronic throttle control and other improvements.
Counting from the first generation CBR900RR (pictured right) in 1992, the Fireblade series is celebrating its 30th anniversary. A special commemorative color, inspired by the color of the first-generation model, is now available for the RR-R.
In addition, the CB400 Super Four/Super Bol D'or, which we scooped the rumor of the end of production, will also be displayed at the MC show; it will be produced from April to autumn 2022 and will be the last one, although it will not be named Final Edition.
In 2022, it will be exactly 30 years since the first generation debuted. I'd love to see the last of its bravery!
CB400SF, one of the last remaining 400cc inline 4-cylinder naked models, to be discontinued on its 30th anniversary? The photo shows the 2021 model.
Last but not least, the Osaka Motorcycle Show will be held from March 19 (Sat.) to 21 (Mon.), the Tokyo Motorcycle Show from March 25 (Fri.) to 27 (Sun.), and the first-ever Nagoya Motorcycle Show from April 8 (Fri.) to 10 (Sun.).
Tokyo and Osaka will be held for the first time in three years, since 2019. Advance tickets for both Tokyo and Osaka shows will be available from February 1. Although there are concerns about the spread of corona, we sincerely hope that the show will be held safely.
Original Source [ Best Car Web ]
