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Honda also produced the Dax for the European
market. This took longer because of differing laws and regulations
for road vehicles in different countries. The First European
Daxes were sold in 1970 and carried the K1 designation.
In Europe, the Dax sold in two versions. Besides the ST70, there
was also a model called the ST50 with a 50cc engine. This was because
in many European countries the ST50 is considered a moped and the
ST70 a motorcycle. One must be 18 years of age and licensed to
legally ride a motorcycle in most EU countries. There are a number
of small differences between the Daxes depending upon the market for
which they were intended. Tail lights, turn signals, headlights,
mirrors etc. are mostly the same, but the biggest differences
involve the German types ST50 and ST70. The German type
was equipped with the type one "ducktail" fenders but in combination
with an upswept muffler, larger headlight and a square shaped
speedometer. The turn signals on the ST70 version were placed
further away from the body and it was equipped with a chrome luggage
rack. The taillight was round and colored half orange/ half red. The
special 50cc version was marked as ST50G (Germany)
In addition to the normal production models
of the ST70, Honda also produced a special
edition called the White Dax. Also
known as Lady Dax. It was painted in ceramic white
and had white/black/green decals and a special
seat with green top with printed flower pattern. Today,
these are a rare find.
In 1972 Honda stopped selling the Type 1 and
only sold Daxes with an upswept muffler and chrome fenders except
for Germany where they kept the "ducktail” fenders. That same year
the K2
model was introduced. Due to new regulations, this
version was limited to a speed of 45km/h (28mph) it had a governed
flywheel, smaller carburetor, smaller intake and milder
cam.
A footnote in 1972 was the ST90, the big brother of the CT70 and ST70,
which was also called "Mighty Dax" The ST90 was equipped with
a 90cc engine similar to that found in the
CT90 model. It was a larger, heavier engine with a beefier transmission and
clutch. The frame was similar in design and construction to the CT70
and ST70 models but was larger. It had 14" wheels and was only sold
in the US. Sadly, it didn't last long and after 3 years Honda
produced the last ST90.
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