What material is the frame of the Honda AX1 made of?
2 Answers
The frame of the Honda AX1 is made of steel. Introduction to the frame material of the Honda AX1: High-strength steel plates are processed through stamping and bending, then welded together, with some key parts using boron steel materials. Domestically produced cars use steel products from Baosteel or Wuhan Iron and Steel. Introduction to the thickness of the frame material: European and American car brands use thicker steel, making the cars sturdy and durable, but the corresponding body is heavier, resulting in higher fuel consumption. Japanese and Korean car brands use thinner steel, making the overall vehicle lighter, thus consuming less fuel and having lower usage costs.
As a seasoned motorcycle mechanic, the Honda AX1 features a steel tube frame that's designed to be extremely sturdy, especially common on this classic off-road model from the 1980s. Having worked on countless AX1s, the advantages of steel frames lie in their low cost, simple manufacturing, and excellent impact resistance—they resist deformation or breakage even on rough terrain or minor accidents, ensuring safe and reliable riding. The downside is slightly heavier weight compared to aluminum frames, plus susceptibility to rust if maintenance is neglected, particularly after rainforest rides or water crossings where corrosion accelerates aging. I recommend owners regularly inspect the chassis, clean off mud, and apply anti-rust paint to extend its lifespan by over a decade. Though outdated next to modern lightweight materials, steel frames offer unbeatable cost-performance for riders who love retro style paired with durability.
