125 – Honda MSX 125 test: taking over from the Dax – Really useful or terribly fun?

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Honda MSX 125 test: taking over from the Dax

125 - Honda MSX 125 test: taking over from the Dax - Really useful or terribly fun?

The Parisians crossed during this test still cannot believe it: the Dax is resurrected! Like the Mini, Beetle, 500 or DS, the small Honda motorcycle is back in the guise of an attractive MSX125 which is easy, fun and practical.. Test.

Really useful or terribly fun ?

Equipped with 12-inch rims, the MSX seems small, even if alongside its illustrious ancestors it looks like a road giant! Be careful not to compare it with mini-motocross.

Because in addition to having the mouth, the little Honda is both approved and civilized! This MSX 125 has everything you need to blend in with traffic: two rear-view mirrors (with perfectible but sufficient vision), constant-light turn signals and a rather manly horn given the size of the monster.

In terms of the driving position, the little ones are obviously the best off: the saddle rises only 765 mm from the ground and its width remains correct to consider a seat of an hour or more. The pilot, depending on his size, will simply choose to move forward or back on the saddle to adjust the position of his knees in relation to the tank scoops.

Unsurprisingly, the controls are easily entered, both on the handlebars and on the footrests. Although it is approved and equipped to ride in duo, Site has not tested the rear seat: do not hesitate to post your experiences and send us your photos !

The most impressive is obviously its featherweight: all painted, the MSX125 weighs 101.7 kg! The engine alone weighs only 23.4 kg including 4-speed gearbox. With these rickety measurements (1760 x 755 x 1010 mm), the question of parking or traffic jams hardly arises. !

Barely heavier than a Velib ‘, this Honda can be lifted with only the strength of the arms to cross an urban obstacle such as a sidewalk that is too high. And the ground clearance is not ridiculous, since it measures 160 mm.

As thin as it is low, the MSX 125 can be placed behind – even "in"! – a motorhome, a 4×4 and even a station wagon on the condition of entering it at an angle. On the other hand, it is impossible to pass it as hand luggage at Orly … Too bad !

Despite this somewhat undersized size, the MSX remains a rewarding machine. During our test day, we could no longer count the number of passers-by, young and old, who flattered or questioned us about it. We must admit that there is something to be noticed because on his handlebars, we can do everything … or almost !

First – very – good point, its turning radius is incredible: 1.9 m! It’s simple: thanks to it and a wheelbase of 1.20 m, it is impossible to get stuck in traffic! In really extreme cases, we almost imagine going under the semi-trailers at a standstill as the motorcycle seems low. !

An economical engine

Renowned for its robustness, this 4-stroke single-cylinder has been used on the Innova since 2003. Honda also demonstrates the reliability of this unit by offering a 12-month warranty extension for € 239 including VAT (in addition to the manufacturer’s warranty of two years) which includes 24/24, 7/7 and 0 km assistance. Finally, on the maintenance side, the overhaul frequencies are spaced by 4,000 km.

The MSX gives off a certain feeling of freedom and its engine may only develop 9.8 hp, it is particularly voluntary, thanks to a well-balanced power / weight ratio..

Equally balanced, the chassis – the main structure of which is steel – seems as strong as it is light. Suddenly, the whole offers an exceptional agility which can surprise during the first turns of the wheels. Then the motorcycle is ridden like a bicycle.

The single-cylinder offers good flexibility which makes it possible to apply the throttle very early and to push the engaged gear beyond the red zone located at 8,300 rpm. You can easily reach 100 km / h, but it will take longer to reach 120 km / h in a straight line..

In urban areas, the gearbox is easy to handle despite a lack of precision probably linked to the very low mileage. On the other hand, we are surprised by the power and progressiveness of the front brake, while the rear seems lazier..

Side suspensions, nothing to report: the whole is well intended for road use and allows the tires to stick to the road. On the other hand, the lack of suspension travel will limit the height of jumps (from sidewalks!) For the craziest who, suddenly, already dream of a raised version Supermoto style !

Fortunately, the MSX125 lends itself perfectly to quieter driving. We then take advantage of its narrowness and featherweight to sneak around, its courageous single-cylinder to cross the city, or even to escape to the outskirts despite the obvious lack of protection..

Devoid of practical aspects – no room under the saddle, in particular – the Honda MSX125 has no practicality but its all-purpose side … and that’s already a lot! Today, what other machine can claim to do the same ?

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