Restoring a vintage motorcycle can be just as rewarding as customizing one—especially when the project has sentimental value. That was the case with a 1970s Honda Dax recently brought back to life by Purpose Built Moto, a custom workshop based on Australia’s Gold Coast.
Known for their custom builds, the team at Purpose Built Moto saw this restoration as a chance to do something special. The bike belonged to a local resident named Jake, who wanted to surprise his wife by restoring a Dax that had been in her family since childhood.
“Jake is a well-known local and a great guy,” said Tom Gilroy, head of Purpose Built Moto. “I often see him and his wife walking their dog. This bike has been part of her life for years, and Jake used it for short rides to the shop, the beach, or to grab a beer. Restoring it was his way of giving something back.”
Jake’s idea was to rebuild the bike not only to make it rideable again but to return it to pristine condition. That goal made the project more than just a mechanical task—it was a personal story. Even though Gilroy admits the Honda Dax wouldn’t normally be his top choice for a restoration, he didn’t hesitate.
“I knew Jake would want it done properly, with all the right upgrades. I couldn’t say no,” said Gilroy.
The Honda Dax, also known as the CT70, Trail 70, or Mini-Trail in different countries, is a beloved mini-bike. Its unique pressed steel frame, thick seat, and mini-ape handlebars give it a quirky charm that has lasted for decades. Honda even makes a modern version today.
But the original 70cc engine doesn’t offer much power. So the team started by upgrading the engine with a 140cc performance kit from Japan. Only the crankcases and transmission from the original motor were kept. The crank, piston, cylinder head, and ignition system were all replaced.
Before assembly, engine parts were vapor-blasted, polished, or resprayed as needed. The completed engine was then protected with the Dax’s original crash bars and sump guard.
A new stainless steel exhaust was also installed. The team modified the aftermarket part to follow the path of the original pipe, then smoothed the welds and chromed the entire unit to match the period look.
Restoring the frame and body parts took the most effort. Years of use—and likely some backyard stunts—left many components worn or damaged.
“This was a kid’s bike in the 80s,” said Gilroy. “I can picture the dads and uncles having a few beers, building ramps, and sending it flying around the yard. That’s how I grew up.”
The team repaired or restored the fenders, foot peg mounts, handlebars, and many other parts. They rebuilt the forks and triple clamps and gave special attention to the wheels. Due to corrosion and pitting, the three-piece wheels were taken apart. The hubs were polished, and the steel rim halves were chromed.
Purpose Built Moto also added custom touches. Their own Scrambler mirrors were fitted, along with a vintage-style headlight eyelid featuring a chrome Honda wing badge. Gilroy explained, “This isn’t a factory restoration—it’s about reviving memories. These little details really matter.”
Timeless Auto Trim created a new seat cover that closely resembles the original design. Meanwhile, Justin from Pop Bang Classics handled the paintwork, mixing colors by eye to match the teal shade that the Dax once wore. Most components were finished in chrome to complete the vintage feel.
“As we started assembling the bike, everyone in the workshop—and even visitors—got excited,” Gilroy said. “There’s just something fun and nostalgic about these bikes.”
The project ended with the team taking turns riding the completed Dax around the car park. The new engine roared to life through the polished stainless exhaust, and the bike drew smiles from everyone who saw it.
“Seeing Jake’s reaction during the build was great,” Gilroy said. “But the best part was watching his wife’s face when the bike was delivered. We weren’t just fixing a motorcycle—we were bringing a memory back to life.”
