Honda finally releases Dax 125. Originally, the scheduled release was July 21, but Honda announced the postponement of the launch due to the uncertain outlook for production and overseas shipments. In August, it was finally decided to release the model last September 22.
With the Dax 125 finally released here, I have taken the liberty of picking out the next candidate.
This time, I would like to introduce a Motra that was on display at Honda's headquarters.
Now that the outdoors is booming, the oddly shaped Motra will be widely accepted.
After the Dax 125, the previous one also exists, but it started out as the Monkey 125, which was released in 2017.
In 2018, the Super Cub C125, a reissue of the original Super Cub C100, and the CT125 Hunter Cub were released in 2020. The Dax 125 is the fourth model in the series.
Honda Motorcycle Japan, the distributor of this series, has grouped this series as the Classic Wing Series, and all models have the old design of the emblem wings. Will there really be a fifth model of this series? At present, it is not known at all.
The next candidate is MOTRA, which is not at all similar to the previous four models. MOTRA boasts of its load capacity, as its name derives from the combination of a motorcycle and a truck. The center stand is placed in front of the engine to stabilize the vehicle when loading and unloading cargo, and it is equipped with a lock function to prevent the stand from coming off.
It also has a low-gear secondary transmission to reach any site, and despite being a 50cc model, it has a hill-climbing capacity of 23 degrees. It also features wide block tires to handle rough terrain.
Equipped with a rear shock that adjusts to the weight of luggage, the Mottola was used not only for leisure activities but also for business, such as delivering liquor stores, but it was overshadowed by the motorcycle boom and did not sell well. However, it was overshadowed by the motorcycle boom and did not sell well. Nevertheless, because of its one-of-a-kind concept, it still enjoys enthusiasts' enthusiastic support.
HONDA MOTRA. Launched in 1982 with the aim of enjoying outdoor life. The engine was an EconoPower engine from the Super Cub 50, set up for low and medium speeds.
The catalog of the time shows a photo of the motorcycle with its front and rear carriers fully loaded with luggage to show its intended use. Honda's leisure motorcycles often used animal names, and a character that appears to be a wildebeest bison is depicted in the lower right corner.
The weapon of choice for the monstrous Play motorcycle is a 6-speed transmission with 3 speeds + 3 secondary transmissions
The secondary gearbox, which added three low gears to the regular three gears used by Mottola, was the mechanism used in the CT (Hunter Cub) series. By switching between high and low gears, a total of six gears could be used, and since switching between high and low gears could be done with a single touch, it was widely favored.
It was hoped that the CT125 Hunter Cub would also be equipped with this secondary transmission when it is revived in 2020, but unfortunately, it was not, and if there is a Motra 125, then that would be the time to bring the secondary transmission back into the modern age! Of course, even without the transmission, just reviving the style of the monstrous play motorcycle would be exciting.
The secondary transmission, located in the sprocket cover section, is proudly stamped 3×2 SPEEDS.
It is easy to operate, as all you have to do is switch between H and L with the lever on the upper right.
The photo shows the mechanism of the secondary gearbox on a 1968 CT50 Hunter Cub.
In the case of the Mottola, the low-speed gear is 1.459 compared to the high-speed gear ratio of 1.000, which is about 50% lower.
The exhaust system is a down type. The cover is also painted in the same color as the body, enhancing the pop appearance.
Huge rear carrier on a pipe frame. The maximum load capacity of 50cc is up to 30kg, but it seems strong enough to withstand more than that.
The front carrier is frame-mounted for stable handling even when loaded.
Equipped with a rear shock with a levelizer that makes it easy to grasp the adjustment position.
The hardness can be adjusted according to the weight of the load and the condition of the road surface.
The headlight and blinkers are square-shaped, which was popular in the 1980s. This image was carried over to the 2004 PS250.
The tail lamps also have an angular base. The fenders are also quite wide to match the wide tires.
The up handle has a fuel gauge in the tank area. The left lever is not a clutch but to release a locked center stand.
At that time, there was no 60km/h limiter on 50cc. At low gears, 40 km/h seemed to be the max.
1982 HONDA MOTRA Main Specifications
Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height: 1655 x 740 x 1125mm
Wheelbase: 1125mm
Seat height:720mm
Weight: 76 kg (dry)
Engine:Air-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder SOHC 2-valve 49cc
Maximum output: 4.5 PS at 7500 rpm
Max. torque: 0.46 kg-m/5500 rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 4.5 liters
Transmission: 3-stage rotary x 2 (with sub-transmission)
Brakes: F=drum, R=drum
Tire: F=5.40-10, R=5.40-10
Price at the time: (approx.) 1150 USD
