Check out the Honda DN-01

[RoadKill]

http://powersports.honda.com/2009/dn-01.aspx

 

This has rather interesting styling. Might be a great ride for my better half. FI, ABS, Automatic Trans. I really like that combo of sport bike style and cruiser fit.

 

What do you all think?

[Condor]

http://powersports.honda.com/2009/dn-01.aspx

 

This has rather interesting styling. Might be a great ride for my better half. FI, ABS, Automatic Trans. I really like that combo of sport bike style and cruiser fit.

 

What do you all think?

 

I donno?? Definately a 'nitch' bike.... At least Honda's doing something, unlike another brand I could mention...Ahem.....

[Venturous Randy]

Looks like a very interesting bike. Just think of having the integral braking system like the 1st gens with ABS. That would be good.

RandyA

[loehring]

I agree, it's a niche bike at best. Maybe even a "proof of concept" bike now that so many people are getting into bikes. Possibly testing the waters to see how many people are out there that would buy an automatic that wouldn't try a traditional bike. They say it merges the best of Sport/ST/Cruiser but it just misses on all three. Traditional cruisers won't like the styling, sport riders won't like the seating and there's nothing that says "tour" anywhere. I would never own an automatic unless I couldn't pull the clutch and if that were the case I probably shouldn't be riding anymore on 2 wheels. Then maybe an automatic trike. We'll see if it sells but I think most will see it as a glorified scooter.

 

It does look pretty cool though.

[Redneck]

It looks like some one dropped some thing on the faring and mashed it flat.

[CrazyHorse]

I donno?? Definately a 'nitch' bike.... At least Honda's doing something, unlike another brand I could mention...Ahem.....

 

Agreed at least they are doing something. I kinda like it to small for me though notice the 680 cc motor I guess thats selling now with gas at one time being high. Now if they made a bigger version with all the bells and no vtwin Id take a look at it.

[Ivan]

I read about this in a magazine, and I am pretty sure the article said it wasn't intended to be in the American market, but I could be wrong. I do remember the author saying it isn't really comfortable, being that your caught in a sitting position somewhere between a crotch rocket and a cruiser.

 

I think it looks like a drag bike and should have 700 hp and a long wheelie bar.

[V7Goose]

That's an interesting bike - too bad it is made for midgets. I really like the styling.

 

Personally I think it will be much more than a niche bike - looks to me like it has a MUCH better chance of survival and going main-steam than either their 750cc or 400cc automatics of years past. If it is a mechanically sound design and if gas prices go back up, I suspect we'll start seeing a lot of them before long.

Goose

[RoadKill]

I think it would be a great bike for my better half. She definetely would like not having to shift. Even I can recall a few times in Branson where an automatic would have been greatly appreciated.

 

If this thing was slight bigger HP, with bags and a trunk I would be giving it a test drive.

[Snarley Bill]

jay, you know i ain't conservative when it comes to engineering. i really like it and i like the automatic. i have automatic on my majesty and there are times when i like just not having to worry about shifting, loud pipes, and just being able to enjoy a peaceful, relaxing, ride. i would like to see more weather protection on it. it will go over big. i would consider one if it had wet weather protection. since i have only my ranger truck, my bike is my second car and gets ridden all year round. bill:)

[kevin-vic-b.c.]

Canadian Biker Mag did a write-up on it last month.... they are kinda saying what the F*&^# are they doing? It has no storage or opitional bags... the do not want to offer any dress up toys incase that influences people to change it. MY wife had a honda-matic 400 back in 198? But it is a big bike and looks kinda wow!

[wasabe58]

Like everyone said it is without a doubt a "niche" bike. The problem I am seeing is they are wanting $14000 plus for a small bike. I understand they want the automatic trans but they are still a bit high priced in my humble opinion. I would definitely add a few grand and get something more towards one level or the other.

 

Wasabe

[RedRider]

I read about this in a magazine, and I am pretty sure the article said it wasn't intended to be in the American market, but I could be wrong. I do remember the author saying it isn't really comfortable, being that your caught in a sitting position somewhere between a crotch rocket and a cruiser.

 

I think it looks like a drag bike and should have 700 hp and a long wheelie bar.

 

It was written up in Rider magazine. They panned it pretty badly. They were not very impressed.

 

RR

[Squidley]

Personally I really like the style of it and would LOVE to ride one. The motor is small, but Honda has always had excellent performance out of it's smaller engines.....My buddy owns a Honda shop, wonder if he'll try to get one

[Sleeperhawk]

The January 2009 for Cycle World has a couple page article on the bike.

This bike was strictly sold in Japan and Europe during the past year, but is selling in the US for 2009. Supposedly the transmission has no scheduled maintenance and they're saying the HFT transmission is a very real possibility of being incorporated into the Wing.

 

Kind of neat looking though, but I don't see this for the long haul.

[autopilot]

Now, why the heck couldn't they have used that foot position on the Goldwing???? 680cc? ?? Why? And that windscreen-wanabee...what the heck is that? Looks like it would force the bugs into your face! Spiffy enough for around town, I suppose, but it doesn't even look comfortable.

[bongobobny]

Nice, but not my cup of tea...

[ahoutzer]

Now, why the heck couldn't they have used that foot position on the Goldwing????

 

Ummm... because the Goldwing has six (in earlier years, four) cylinders sticking straight out the sides, down low. You can't get to that foot position with the Goldwing's engine. If you're going to put your feet in front of you on a 'Wing, then you have to put them high (knees all curled up) or spread 'em wide.

[GeorgeS]

Engine to small, lack of power.

 

595lb. bike, to heavy for a 650cc engine. Lack of power !!!!!

 

Looks like no wind protection, to speak of ( Same problem I been fighting on my Busa ) ie. I'm down to fabricateing a Windshild that gives some wind protection.

Have you ever ridden a bike at 70 MPH for a couple hours with no windshield?? Its cool for about 45 minutes.

 

I walked away from 2 cylinder bikes a long time ago.

 

Auto transmission-- Hmmm ? I can do without it.

 

Its cool for running around town, but for 14K I can get a real bike, new.

 

For, about 5K I can find a real good used, traveling bike, with twice the power.

( Used, Metric cruizers are a dime a dozen with under 10K on them )

 

However, if its your cup of Tea, and you got 14K to lay down, go for it.

 

I can find any number of used " Busa's " for about 5 to 8K, and they got a REAL engine in them. ( ie; 175 HP, and only 495 lb. dry weight)

 

 

My 2 Cents Worth-- for whatever its worth.

[CrazyHorse]

14 grand is steep probably paying for that HVT which I wouldnt like but I love the advancement in technology I read somewhere the mid class 650 etc was the new big seller at least a manufacturer is out there thinking bout the future not living in the past. I would like it better bigger and more protected with more equipment. New GW should be out for 2010

[Toyman]

If you are interested in the DN-01, but would like maybe a bit more motor and some storage not to mention a far mor reasonable price, check this out http://www.aprilia.com/en-US/Model/640/MANA+850+abs/Overview.aspx and http://www.fullthrottlemotorsports.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?sid=01370508X12K9K2008J6I04I46JPMQ322R0&veh=100229&CatDesc=Motorcycles&ModelYear=2009

Hint: The gas tank ISN'T!!!!! Kinda Cool! ABS available this year, too!!

[padavidj]

It is a nice bike, but the $14k price tag concerns me a little bit. For that kind of money I would rather get the little Mrs the Can AM Spyder, at least I could some fun on it also!

 

Dave aka the Chubby Ape

[Freebird]

I think it's a sharp looking bike. It might develop a following.

[AmnChode]

To mean, it screams commuter bike...Easy to handle in traffic (especially with the HFT tranny), small engine (high milage), and relaxed seating position. Problem is, commuter bikes aren't $14k...

 

Don't get me wrong...I like the bike. I would love to take it out for a spin just to check it out. BUT...it needs a little bigger engine (that V-4 from the Honda Interceptor would probably work great), little more fairing/shield, and some bags (or at least the option to get them). They do that and drop the price at least a grand, they might have something....Just MHO, though

[rod]

I can see some of the beginner riders I have in class liking this bike. The drawback is the price. We get a lot of short/small students that would want a bike like this. I think it may find a niche if the price was a little better. Rod