1988 Dax 50
- Thread starter jhct70
- Start date
Adam-NLV
Well-Known Member
Pretty cool, I like the front fender with mud flap. In 1988 CT70 trail bikes were not being made for the US from what I gather so it's interesting to see that year Dax. I'm thinking these ST50's have the 50cc motor on it...also has a foreign plate too, you got a great price on it.
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Adam-NLV
Well-Known Member
Here's a Dax link that shows some of the different Dax models. I like the Dax.
'X' out the jpeg and the Dax web site will appear,
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...fssUOfpHsbmygHU74CAAg&ved=0CEgQ9QEwAQ&dur=282
'X' out the jpeg and the Dax web site will appear,
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...fssUOfpHsbmygHU74CAAg&ved=0CEgQ9QEwAQ&dur=282
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The Dax was always more of a road-oriented version of the bike than the CT70, in response to market demands where they were originally sold. Suffice it to say that as it became tougher to register & legally ride in many countries outside of the US, a 49cc version was a practical way of getting around what can be onerous restrictions, that are strictly enforced.
It's always struck me as ironic that the CT started out as the better version, both mechanically & aesthetically. Yet, by the `80s, when the non-JDM Dax finally got hydraulic forks, they became mechanically equal, but took the lead in the aesthetics department. Between the continuation of candy colors and retention of what is, imo, the quintessential CT70 feature...folding handlebars, right to the end...arguably, they became more CT70-like than `79-later CT70s! The addition of an engine guard would make a later Dax, such as this example, more recognizable as updated versions of the "classic" CT70s than actual year-for-year models of the CT.
Nice score, especially for that price.
It's always struck me as ironic that the CT started out as the better version, both mechanically & aesthetically. Yet, by the `80s, when the non-JDM Dax finally got hydraulic forks, they became mechanically equal, but took the lead in the aesthetics department. Between the continuation of candy colors and retention of what is, imo, the quintessential CT70 feature...folding handlebars, right to the end...arguably, they became more CT70-like than `79-later CT70s! The addition of an engine guard would make a later Dax, such as this example, more recognizable as updated versions of the "classic" CT70s than actual year-for-year models of the CT.
Nice score, especially for that price.
You'll find out the voltage when you get the bike. Even if there's no battery, the bulbs will be marked with their nominal voltage. Honda started converting to 12V/CDI in `82. However, the North American-spec CT70s weren't 12v until the `90s, that includes the rare `83-`90 bikes.
Note that your new old Dax is an AB23 model, not an ST50, yet it has "ST" markings. I believe that is the original seat, for example. It's one of those persistent monikers that sometimes causes confusion.
Also notice the GVW spec on the VIN tag...255kg(!)...that's 561lbs, or ~400lbs capacity for rider & passenger (the bike, itself tips the scales at ~160lbs), almost double the stated value for the CT70. Since they both have the same frame, something else has to account for the grossly different values. I very much doubt that the bone-stock suspension can handle that. My point is that the basic structure of the bike can, if the shock & spring rates are increased. It's a non-issue for anyone after a 100% original bike and a minor issue of sourcing heavier duty shocks and using thicker oil in the forks, for owners over 150lbs who want to ride a stock, or nearly-stock bike without bottoming-out the suspension. However, for those contemplating a roadworthy bike capable of 50mph, or better, and carrying an average adult weight rider, plus the occasional passenger, which would place anywhere from 200 to 300lbs+ on the bike, this is more than mere opinion evidence that these bikes can be built into pretty serious little "real" bikes...if you have the motivation to do so.
Note that your new old Dax is an AB23 model, not an ST50, yet it has "ST" markings. I believe that is the original seat, for example. It's one of those persistent monikers that sometimes causes confusion.
Also notice the GVW spec on the VIN tag...255kg(!)...that's 561lbs, or ~400lbs capacity for rider & passenger (the bike, itself tips the scales at ~160lbs), almost double the stated value for the CT70. Since they both have the same frame, something else has to account for the grossly different values. I very much doubt that the bone-stock suspension can handle that. My point is that the basic structure of the bike can, if the shock & spring rates are increased. It's a non-issue for anyone after a 100% original bike and a minor issue of sourcing heavier duty shocks and using thicker oil in the forks, for owners over 150lbs who want to ride a stock, or nearly-stock bike without bottoming-out the suspension. However, for those contemplating a roadworthy bike capable of 50mph, or better, and carrying an average adult weight rider, plus the occasional passenger, which would place anywhere from 200 to 300lbs+ on the bike, this is more than mere opinion evidence that these bikes can be built into pretty serious little "real" bikes...if you have the motivation to do so.
