Dahon K9x 16inch(305) Folding Bike - Japan Version

The Dahon K9X (KAA693) is a 16-inch (305), 9-speed aluminium folding bike with disc brakes, an internally routed frame, a one-piece in-folding handlepost and MKS quick-release pedals straight from the factory. Dahon Hong Kong lists it at 9.5 kg with a folded size of 72 x 39 x 62 cm (L x W x H). The K9X won a Japanese GOOD DESIGN AWARD in 2024, and suits riders who want a 16-inch folder with a clean, uncluttered look.

Key facts

• Category: 16-inch (305) folding bike, 9-speed, mechanical disc brakes
• Brand: Dahon, model K9X, frame code KAA693; listed by Dahon Hong Kong as the "International Model" (外銷版)
• Standout features: internal cable routing, fixed-height one-piece in-folding handlepost, MKS UX-D OneSide Ezy quick-release pedals, Tektro MD-M300 disc brakes
• Key numbers: 9.5 kg (Dahon official); Shimano HG400 11–28T cassette; folded 72 x 39 x 62 cm (L x W x H)
• Award: 2024 GOOD DESIGN AWARD, Japan (announced by Dahon Japan)
• Best for: riders who want more stability than a 14-inch K3 and like cables hidden inside the frame. If you need to adjust handlebar height, look at the telescopic-post K3 Plus or K9 instead

Why is it called the "Japan Version"?

Dahon Hong Kong lists this bike as "K9X 305 (KAA693) International Model". In Jollymap's article What are the differences between the Japan-version Dahon K9X and the K3 Plus?, we call it the Japan version because the first K9X units to reach Hong Kong came in boxes addressed to Osaka and carry Japanese safety labels on the frame. The K9X is also a Dahon Japan model: it launched in November 2023 in Olive Black and Steel Grey Black, which correspond to our Black Green and Black Grey. Black Pink appears in Dahon Hong Kong's current colour options.

What problem does it solve?

A 14-inch folder is light, but the small wheels and few gears make hills and longer rides harder work. Dahon Japan describes the K9X as building on the K3 with 16-inch wheels, 9 speeds, disc brakes and a longer wheelbase for better stability, while still folding down to 72 x 39 x 62 cm.

Who is it for?

The K9X suits riders who want a 16-inch, 9-speed disc-brake folder for commuting or weekend rides and like a tidy frame. The MKS quick-release pedals come off quickly when you store the bike. Two things to note: first, the handlepost is fixed height and cannot be raised like the K3 Plus, so very tall or short riders should check their position before ordering; second, the official folded dimensions add up to about 173 cm, slightly over the MTR's 170 cm luggage limit. Dahon Hong Kong does not list a maximum load or rider height range for the K9X.

Internally routed frame

Dahon Hong Kong lists an internally routed frame. Jollymap's article 274 notes that the gear and brake cables enter the frame on the right-hand side and run along both rear stays, giving a neater look than the K3 Plus, whose cables run outside the frame.

One-piece in-folding handlepost

The handlepost is one piece and fixed height. Article 274 notes that this gives up height adjustment but leaves fewer gaps in the structure, so the bike feels more solid when you lift it; the handlebar angle can still be adjusted. Dahon Japan adds that the one-piece post is stiffer, folds inward more compactly and has an auto-locking safety hook on the hinge.

Deltec frame cable

Dahon Japan explains that a Deltec cable links the top tube and the bottom bracket area to form a triangle, reducing load around the hinge and improving strength and durability. Hong Kong riders often call this cable the "馬甲線".

MKS quick-release pedals and Tektro disc brakes

Dahon Hong Kong lists MKS UX-D OneSide Ezy quick-release pedals and Tektro MD-M300 cable-actuated disc brakes. Article 274 points out that MKS pedals are made in Japan and that the calipers switch from Dahon's own units to Tektro, while the brake levers remain Dahon's design. Dahon Japan notes that the front caliper sits on the right front of the fork so it does not clash with the folded handlepost.

55T chainring with 11–28T cassette

Dahon Hong Kong specifies a Shimano HG400 11–28T cassette. Dahon Japan and article 274 both give a 55T chainring for a useful top speed, with Dahon's own 9-speed shifter and rear derailleur.

Luggage socket and centre-stand mount

Dahon Japan says the K9X has a luggage socket on the head tube for a front basket or rack, plus a centre-stand mount. Article 274 notes that the socket bolts are covered by a plate with the Dahon logo, while the K3 Plus uses a rubber cap. A kickstand is not included.

How to choose a Dahon K-series model

This page is the K9X (305 wheels, internal routing, fixed-height handlepost). Compared with the rest of the range:

• Want a height-adjustable handlepost and 349 wheels: the Dahon K9 16 inch 349 Folding Bike with Deltec Cable (KAA693) - International version uses larger 349 wheels and weighs 10.4 kg (Dahon official); Jollymap's article 295 notes its handlepost height is adjustable.
• Want Shimano gearing and hydraulic brakes: the Dahon K9 16 inch 349 folding bike (KAA693) - Hong Kong Edition has a Shimano Sora 9-speed shifter and derailleur, an 11–32T cassette and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, at about 10.57 kg (Dahon official).
• Same 305 wheels with a telescopic handlepost: the Dahon K3 Plus 16-inch (305) Folding Bike KAA693 V2 has a telescopic in-folding handlepost and weighs 9.8 kg (Dahon official).
• Want a K3 Plus with 349 wheels: the Dahon K3 Plus 349 16-inch Folding Bike KAA693 weighs about 10.44 kg (Dahon official) and folds to 72 x 39 x 63 cm.
• Like the look of a smooth-welded frame: the Dahon K3 Plus 16-inch (349) Folding Bike KAA693 Flat Welding Version has the same official specs as the K3 Plus 349; Jollymap's article 314 says the flat-welded frame looks smoother.
• Want something lighter: the Dahon K3 14-inch 3-Speed Folding Bike KAA433 uses 14-inch wheels and 3 speeds, at 7.9 kg without pedals (Dahon official).

For the whole range, read Jollymap's articles Dahon K3 Plus family comparison and the Korean-version K9 (in Chinese) and 2026 Ultimate DAHON Folding Bike Collection. The table below compares wheel size, gearing, brakes, frame and weight across the Dahon K3, K3 Plus, K9 and K9X:

Comparison data: Dahon Hong Kong product pages for each model and Jollymap articles.

Jollymap's advice

The K9X handlepost is fixed height, so check that the riding position suits you before ordering; if you often need to raise the bar, the telescopic-post K3 Plus or K9 may suit you better. Not sure whether the K9X, K9 or K3 Plus is right for you? Please chat with us or message our Facebook page before ordering, and tell us your height, your usual route and whether you plan to take the bike on public transport.

Specifications

Dahon K9X (KAA693)
Brand	Dahon
Model	K9X (KAA693)
Wheel size	16 inch, 305 wheelset (ETRTO 305)
Gearing	9-speed, Dahon shifter and rear derailleur
Cassette	Shimano HG400 11–28T (CS-HG400-9)
Chainring	55T
Brakes	Tektro MD-M300 mechanical (cable) disc brakes, 140 mm rotors front and rear
Frame	Aluminium, internal cable routing, Deltec frame cable
Handlepost	One-piece in-folding, fixed height
Pedals	MKS UX-D OneSide Ezy quick-release pedals
Tyres	16 x 1.5
Seatpost	33.9 x 580 mm aluminium
Weight	9.5 kg (Dahon official); 10.18 kg recorded in Jollymap's article 274
Folded size	72 x 39 x 62 cm (L x W x H)
Colours	Black Grey, Black Green, Black Pink
Kickstand	Not included (frame has a centre-stand mount)

Specification source: Dahon Hong Kong K9X 305 (KAA693) product page; chainring, tyres, seatpost, Deltec cable and centre-stand mount from Dahon Japan's K9X introduction; rotor size from Jollymap's article 274. Measurements may vary slightly with different measuring tools; parts and accessories may differ between production batches; images are for reference only and the actual product prevails.

FAQ

How much does the Dahon K9X weigh?

Dahon Hong Kong and Dahon Japan both list 9.5 kg. Jollymap's article 274 records 10.18 kg without stating whether pedals were included, so the difference may come from how it was measured or what was fitted.

What is the difference between the K9X and the K3 Plus?

The main differences are the handlepost and cable routing. The K9X has a fixed-height one-piece handlepost with cables routed inside the frame; the K3 Plus 305 has a telescopic handlepost and its cables run outside the frame along the Deltec cable to the rear. The K9X also comes with MKS quick-release pedals and Tektro disc brakes; both use 16-inch 305 wheels, 9 speeds, a 55T chainring and an 11–28T cassette (Jollymap article 274).

What is the difference between the K9X and the K9?

The K9X uses 305 wheels, internal routing and a fixed-height handlepost, at 9.5 kg (Dahon official). The K9 International version uses larger 349 wheels, weighs 10.4 kg (Dahon official), and Jollymap's article 295 notes its handlepost height is adjustable. Both are 16-inch, 9-speed and disc-braked.

Does the Dahon K9X use 305 or 349 wheels?

305. Dahon Hong Kong lists the K9X as 16 inch (ETRTO 305) and the stock tyre size is 16 x 1.5; Dahon Japan says tyres of around 2.0 width can also be fitted. If you want a 16-inch Dahon with 349 wheels, look at the K9 or K3 Plus 349.

Can I take the folded K9X on the MTR?

By the official folded size, it is slightly over the MTR limit. MTR rules say the length, width and height of luggage must not add up to more than 170 cm, and the folded K9X measures 72 x 39 x 62 cm, about 173 cm in total. On franchised buses, Regulation 14 of the Public Bus Services Regulations (Cap. 230A) only allows free carriage of items up to 5 kg and 0.1 cubic metres, which a folding bike usually exceeds; minibuses also make no guarantee.

Does the K9X come with a kickstand?

No. Dahon Hong Kong states that a kickstand is not included; Dahon Japan notes the frame has a centre-stand mount so one can be added. If you want to check whether a particular kickstand fits, please contact us before ordering.

What colours does the Dahon K9X come in?

We list Black Grey, Black Green and Black Pink, matching Dahon Hong Kong's K9X colours. Dahon Japan launched the bike in 2023 in only Steel Grey Black and Olive Black, and Jollymap's article 274 (January 2025) also lists two colours.

Specifications and components follow the manufacturer's latest release and may change without notice. If in doubt, please contact us to confirm before ordering.

Last updated: October 2026