Honda has unveiled new 2026 colours for three of their most iconic bikes. The Dax, Cub, and Monkey are bikes synonymous with the fun we associate with two wheels.
ST125 Dax
This model was reintroduced in 2023; its reincarnation is very sympathetic to the 1960s original, albeit with a few modern updates. It has also gained many new fans, as well as lots of older ones who remember the original.
The backbone of the DAX is its pressed-steel T-shaped frame; this detail is why the bike got its ‘Dax’ name. The shape is said to be reminiscent of a Sausage Dog – or Dachshund to give it its German name.
4-speed
At its heart beats a 124cc Euro 5+ air-cooled engine; it features an SOHC two-valve cylinder head with a relatively long stroke and high compression. Bore is 50mm, stroke is 63.1, and it has a compression ratio of 10.0:1. Peak power is 9.25 bhp, and torque is a healthy 10.8 Nm @ 5,000rpm. Just like the Cub, it runs a semi-automatic 4-speed manual box with centrifugal clutch.
The modern engine gives a frugal fuel economy figure of 66.7km/l (WMTC mode) and a range of around 155 miles from the 3.8 litre tank.
You can read the full spec and find more details here.
New colours
For this year, there are two new colour options, Pearl Horizon White and Candy Energy Orange join the existing Pearl Shining Black.
Super Cub C125
This model needs no real introduction. Lots of our readers grew up with these, myself included. It provided cheap and dependable transport for the masses but became a cult classic. It also spawned the phrase “You meet the nicest people on a Honda” as part of its advertising campaign in America, helping to dispel the public perception of bike gangs.
Honda has built over 100 million of these, yes, you read that correctly!
After a few years away, the Cub was reintroduced to Europe in 2018. For old times’ sake, we took one scrambling for this road test.
Sharing the same semi-auto engine as the Dax but with slightly different characteristics and 17″ wheels, it makes the Cub an excellent commuter machine, but it looks so damn good that you can show off a bit on it as well.
It comes complete with a Honda Smart Key, LED lighting and an LCD speedo. For 2026, the Cub comes in a funky new two-colour paint scheme of Premium Silver Metallic over Pearl Sugarcane Beige. It’s finished with a two-tone brown-and-cream seat.
Full details for this model can be found here.
Honda Monkey 125
This pocket-sized bike is more than just a gimmick. Originally developed as a child’s plaything for an amusement park in Tokyo, it proved so popular that a road-going version was produced in 1961.
Surprisingly, it took until 1978 for it to really catch on. That was thanks to its popularity with RV owners in America; it’s small and light enough to stick on the back of a motor home. The Monkey captured the hearts of thousands of non-bike riders.
In 2018, the Monkey was reintroduced to Europe (we did a bit of Monkeying around on it in France). The new model gained an extra gear (4-speed), suspension refinements, modern equipment, and detail enhancements. It runs on 12-inch wheels, rides well and looks cooler than most bikes on the road.
In 2022, the Monkey was further enhanced with a power boost and a five-speed gearbox, making it even more usable.
Adding to the existing colours, the following have been added for 2026:
- **NEW** Mat Gun Powder Black Metallic
- **NEW** Knight Silver Metallic and Millennium Red
- **NEW** Pearl Himalayas White with Banana Yellow
Find out more here.
