The instructions, full-color paint guide, and decals (you won’t use all of them on a single build) in the Tamiya 1/12 scale Honda DAX 125 Limited Edition plastic model kit can be used to build one of three versions: the Metallic Blue Tamiya Special Edition or one of two Standard Editions (Pearl Nebula Red and Pearl Cadet Gray). All listed colors are Tamiya, but the gray version requires mixing paints and, therefore, must be airbrushed. The two other color options can be shot from the spray can. I went with blue.
The parts fit well and only need minimal cleanup where the gates meet the runners. Some of the parts snap in place, which is great for items like the headlight. For most of the parts, the fit is so positive only a small amount of liquid cement was required. I used Tamiya paints as called out except for the piston sections of the front forks and the chrome center piece of the air cleaner; I used Bare-Metal Foil for those parts to better replicate the look of the real bike.
The most finicky part of the kit is attaching the four clear, turn-signal lenses to their chrome housings. The chrome parts also serve as a bezel for the lights so cementing them cleanly and uniformly is key. I used Microscale Micro Liquitape to thinly cover the entire inside of each lens.
A fun feature (although ultimately pointless) is how the engine, cylinder, and head are molded so that painting them in different colors requires no masking. I thought it was really cool how the piston and rod (with recessed details including the wristpin) are used as the spacer that connects the head to the engine. Both are gloss black, but the head is gloss aluminum and molded in multiple pieces. Once assembled, the internal details are fully hidden, but kudos to the engineers who took the time to add that Easter egg.
There are several small parts that should be painted in different colors, mostly by hand, and they should be fully dry before installation. I went all the way through the instructions to find these parts and painted them first, starting with the forks and all the gloss black parts. That saved a lot of waiting time as all those parts were dry by the time I was ready to use them. I also applied all the decals to the frame, swing arm, and wheels before assembly. I would highly recommend that approach.
The tires are very well done and a good sanding of the tread areas with 320-grit sandpaper brings them to life. The brake rotors even come fully drilled.
The kit also provides an open-face helmet with a separate bill-style visor and decals. There is no provision to attach it to the bike, so I did not use it. (I guess you could hang it on one of the mirrors, but they are a bit delicate for that.)
Nothing in this kit needs to be forced together; everything falls into place and the detail painting is not overly difficult. The mold lines are thoughtfully placed, especially on the chrome parts, so cleanup is not an issue — I only had to touch up the tops of the shocks. Overall, the Tamiya 1/12 scale Honda DAX 125 Limited Edition plastic model kit can be said to be pure Tamiya — good fits, good looks, and good detail.