Honda is releasing the DN-01 to the U.S. motorcycle market. The new design features a 4-valve, 680cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine sending power through the HFT transmission, a continuously variable, hydromechanical automatic. It has 2 automatic modes, (D) drive and (S) sport plus a 6 speed push button manual mode. The HFT has a lock up mode for cruising to increase fuel economy. The DN-01 also has combined ABS, a front and rear linked system with ABS. It carries 4 gallons of fuel and weighs 595 pounds. It’s available in Candy Dark Red and Black. MSRP $14,599.
I have a hunch this one will go over pretty well, especially with those riders looking for an automatic but not a scooter, there’s been a lot of interest ever since it was first revealed and quite a few of you have written in wondering if it was coming to the U.S. It looks like the answer is yes. All of the details are below:
UPDATE:
Be sure to check out the overlay images at the end of this article created by Brian Case. Very interesting.
Honda press release:
Honda’s reputation for forging new categories in motorcycling takes its latest form in the radical DN-01. This futuristic machine combines true sporting performance with a fully-automatic transmission, a low seat height and exceptional style.
Unique Features
– Powerful 4-valve, 680cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine.
– HFT transmission is a continuously variable, hydromechanical design that automatically and seamlessly changes drive ratios to produce strong, smooth acceleration. Unlike conventional belt-drive designs, HFT is compact, quiet, no scheduled maintenance, and features two automatic modes and a six-speed manual mode with push-button shifting.
– Low 27.2-inch seat height assures flat-footed confidence when stopped.
– Large-diameter 41mm front fork and single-shock Pro Arm® Rear Suspension (see Technology Section) provide a sporting ride on low-profile Z-rated radial tires.
– Combined ABS (LBS-ABS, see Technology Section) triple-disc brake system for sure-footed braking in varying conditions.
—Combined Braking System (CBS) provides excellent braking power for added confidence in a wide range of operating conditions. CBS applies front braking force whenever the rear brake is operated. On the DN-01, equipped with dual front disc brakes with three-piston calipers and a twin-piston rear caliper, rider application of the front-brake lever activates all six brake pistons in the front calipers. Application of the rear-brake pedal activates the dual pistons of the rear caliper and the center piston of the front-left caliper.
—Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS w/CBS) utilizes modulators—one each on the front and rear wheels—driven directly by specially developed electric motors. In operation, an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) monitors wheel and vehicle speed. If one of both of the wheels approach a locking condition, the modulators, via a signal from the ECU, lower hydraulic pressure by acting directly on the brake piston(s). As wheel speed re-approaches motorcycle speed, the hydraulic pressure is increased. This entire process is repeated numerous times in just one second, resulting in optimal braking pressure and enhanced rider control.
– Beautiful aerodynamic design provides protection from the elements.
Engine/Drivetrain
– Compact 680cc, liquid-cooled SOHC 52-degree V-Twin provides substantial torque and power for everyday commuting and spirited backroad riding.
– Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI, see Technology Section) with twin 40mm throttle bodies and high-performance 12-hole injectors provide excellent throttle response and fuel economy while contributing to low emissions.
– Auto enrichment system is integrated into PGM-FI to optimize the air/fuel mixture on cold starts and eliminates the need for a choke.
– ECU-controlled, closed-loop emission control system with oxygen sensor manage the air/fuel mixture and reduce exhaust emissions.
– Front-mounted radiator receives ducted air from fairing shroud to maximize cooling.
– 2-into-1 stainless steel exhaust system with chrome-plated triangular shaped tailpipe is designed to centralize mass for improved handling.
– HFT offers two fully automatic, infinitely variable transmission modes —‘D’ (Drive) mode for ordinary riding, and ‘S’ (Sport) mode for sharper acceleration. In addition, a push-button-selectable, six-speed manual mode allows the rider to upshift/downshift with the simple operation of left thumb-activated buttons.
– The ECU-controlled HFT automatically ‘downshifts’ when climbing steep grades to maintain optimum power.
– HFT provides ‘lock-up’ in cruising mode for maximum fuel economy.
– HFT features button-activated mechanical neutral, permitting engine revving when stopped. Mechanical neutral is automatically engaged whenever the engine is turned off, allowing easy maneuverability.
Chassis/Suspension
– Sturdy double-cradle steel tube frame provides exceptional strength and bolt-on seat rail simplifies servicing.
– Stout 41mm front fork with 4.2 inches of supple travel and progressive damping.
– Relaxed 28.5-degree rake and 4.5 inches of trail contribute to comfortable, stretched-out riding position and provide excellent straight-line handling.
– Single shock, Pro Arm Rear Suspension (see Technology Section).
– Combined ABS (LBS-ABS, see Technology Section) with two lightweight 296mm floating front rotors and a single 276mm rear rotor.
– Handsome, lightweight 17-inch 5-spoke cast aluminum wheels with Z-rated 130/70 ZR17 (front) and 190/50 ZR17 (rear) radial tires offer sport-touring traction and comfort in wet and dry riding conditions.
Additional Features
– The DN-01’s sleek, aerodynamic bodywork is functional and beautiful.
– Low, polycarbonate windshield allows some air into the cockpit at lower speeds.
– Low 27.2-inch seat height with wide passenger seat provides all-day riding comfort and allows rider to put both feet down at stops or when parking motorcycle.
– Well-placed mirrors provide an excellent rear view.
– Spacious rider footboards enhance riding comfort without compromising cornering performance.
– Handy one-touch, cable-actuated parking brake.
– White LED-backlit, LCD instrument panel provides multi-segment tachometer and large digital speedometer displays with dual-trip calculator, clock, six-segment fuel gauge, plus large turn signal and ‘neutral’ indicators.
– Mass-centralized 4.0-gallon dual-compartment fuel tank with .8-gallon reserve.
– Dual-element headlights provide right-side low beam operation—just like Honda CBRs—while both beams illuminate in high-beam mode. A brilliant multi-segment LED taillight is integrated into the rear cowl.
– Widely spaced turn indicators are mounted on rearview mirrors for style and function.
– Detachable seat provides storage for a U-lock. (Lock not included.)
Specifications
Model: DN-01
Engine Type: 680cc liquid-cooled 52° V-Twin
Bore and Stroke: 81 x 66mm
Compression ratio: 10.0:1
Valve Train: SOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction: PGM-FI with automatic enrichment circuit, 40mm throttle bodies and 12-hole injectors
Ignition: Digital transistorized with electronic advance
Transmission: HFT continuously variable, hydromechanical two-mode automatic with six-speed manual mode.
Final Drive: Shaft
Suspension
Front: 41mm telescopic fork with 4.2 inches travel
Rear: Pro Arm single-side swingarm with single shock, seven-position spring preload adjustability; 4.7 inches travel
Brakes
Front: Combined ABS with dual full-floating 296mm discs and three-piston calipers
Rear: Combined ABS with single 276mm disc and three-piston caliper
Tires
Front: 130/70 ZR17 radial
Rear: 190/50 ZR17 radial
Wheelbase: 63.2 inches
Rake (Caster angle): 28.5°
Trail: 114mm (4.5 inches)
Seat Height: 27.2 inches
Fuel Capacity: 4.0 gallons, including 0.8-gallon reserve
Color: Candy Dark Red, Black
Curb Weight*: 595 pounds
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel–ready to ride.
Meets current California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA standards.
UPDATE: Brian Case mentions in a comment below, he did a little overlay of these images, a VTX1300 and DN-01. Good eye, Brian. Interesting.
Chris M. says
I think it will appeal to a lot of people until they see the $14,599 price. That will probably turn some of them off. Especially for a 680cc bike. I understand it has a good bit of new technology but the new rider who wants a commuter bike may not.
sohc says
Buy an aprilia mana for less with more features and CVT auto trans.
BigAl says
In Japan it is barely sold so far. Too expensive (you can get a CB1300 instead).
Furthermore, bikers of my size (186 cm) will have big trouble with theirs knees not fitting under the tank “wings”. Besides, I hate that it has a brake lever and pedal on the right side only and not 2 levers.
Matt in NC says
I love the concept, but really, the styling’s confused. I don’t think the HD types are going to like this, and the Sportbikers really aren’t going to want to ride along with someone on one of these. that really leaves it to the loners ( i.e. Helix riders) and scooterists. OK, maybe the cruiser guys who’s wives/girlfriends are tired of being on the back will put up with this for riding along with in pairs. The guy’s normal riding buddies aren’t waiting up for him and his ol’ lady when they fall behind though.
Mark says
Likes:
Feet-forward foot boards
Auto trans with select mode
Motorcycle wheels & brakes
Dislikes:
Price (twice too high)
Not designed for rider (wind) coverage
No storage options
I guess I want a smaller, light weight, touring bike (for 1 really). Maybe a PC800 with forward foot boards and auto trans.
Brakes should be 2 levers (no feet).
easyrider650 says
For me this bike is every thing I don’t like about motorcycles, linked ABS brakes, true slush-box tranny, engine that reminds me of a Silverwing, gigantic muffler similar to the Rune, and an huge price tag.
All wrapped up in an ugly over-sized scooter shell.
Good thing I’m not the target market.
jamesbowman says
Interesting styling I think it looks very similar to a Suzuki concept called the G-Strider some years back, but as noted way over priced and the timing could not be worse. Maybe Honda produced x amount and needed to open up other markets to rid themselves of inventory? They are a hugely sucessful company and this being a commercial flop will barely affect their bottom line.
I like the bikes that you sort of sit in rather than on Dan Gurney was ahead of his time with the Alligator perhaps?
Cal H says
This decades version of the Pacific Coast without the storage capacity. Does Honda really think they can sell these at nearly fifteen grand? Sochiro Honda really loved motorcycles and brought a passion to building word class, revolutionary machines. What happened to that?
Mayakovski says
$14,559.00
Cough, cough, ya gotta be kidding me.
Lower the price to $9000.00 and you’ll sell them as fast as you can build them.
Come on Honda get real.
New Honda Motto:
You meet the nicest wealthy people on a Honda.
Michael says
I agree with all the comments about the high price but I have to believe that Honda, especially Honda, has done their homework. My guess is that they’re aiming for a yet-unaddressed demo, one too wealthy and grown-up for scooters, but maybe to pansy for a real bike. 😉 Really, aside from a newbie with no previous frame of reference or someone with too much money for a toy, any seasoned biker is going to find too many great alternatives at that price.
The other thing that may not be in it’s favor (and don’t get me wrong, because I hope it sells well—the more the merrier!) is the timing. I’m sure Honda wishes the global economy weren’t imploding!
Jeff says
Not for me but I guess the white socks and black shoes crowd will love . 🙂
Phoebe says
“I agree with all the comments about the high price but I have to believe that Honda, especially Honda, has done their homework.”
Er, I don’t know about that…I can think of several Hondas that were spectacular failures in the US market, despite the fact that they were great bikes.
I agree with everyone else that the price is much too high, too. It’s almost the same price as a Honda Fit!
B.Case says
Kneeslider readers-
Thought I’d do a quick experiment, overlaying this DN-01 with Honda’s VTX1300. Notice anything? I have a tremendous amount of respect for Honda, but I suspect a wolf in sheep clothing…
Comparing the spec sheets, you’ll find striking similarities, with the only difference being slightly steeper rake on the DN-01 and 1″ shorter WB. Although I couldn’t find any reference, I’d be surprised if no one has made a similar observation.
Overlay #1:
http://picasaweb.google.com/casemoto/Kneeslider#5252638728731879586
Overlay #2:
http://picasaweb.google.com/casemoto/Kneeslider#5252638736834538962
Overlay #3:
http://picasaweb.google.com/casemoto/Kneeslider#5252638735827451122
Thoughts?
-brian
(I posted the images above for easy comparison – Paul)
PUSkunk says
I see someone above already beat me to saying this is the 2000’s version of the Pacific Coast. Not a bad bike, but riders will stay away in droves.
mark says
“I agree with all the comments about the high price but I have to believe that Honda, especially Honda, has done their homework.”
Yeah, that explains why their 2009 model lineup has left a lot of people very disappointed… why they refuse to bring the Transalp to North America to compete with the surprisingly successful V-Strom 650… why they haven’t updated the XR650L in eons… and why they haven’t taken advantage of the current interest in retro-styled bikes to bring a new CB750 to market (or to put into production the CB1100 concept from last year). I’ve begun to think that Honda just isn’t interested in the US motorcycle market anymore aside from Goldwings and dirtbikes.
As for the DN-01, the concept may be sound (maybe…), but the price is utterly laughable. I predict they’ll be trying to unload 2009 DN-01s for half price in three or four years. Even if they cut the price in half immediately, I still don’t think they’d sell many of these things.
greybeard says
What is it that Honda doesn’t understand about “CB 1100R” !?
THIS they send us but no 1100R?
Might as well call it the “DNQ” before they send it over and it “DNF’s”!
But that’s just me.
DEREK says
I wonder how tough that Honda Twin is?
BluVida says
I commute on a Honda Helix,but I don’t get the appeal of an automatic.I’d rather shift.
Also, we get this but not the Deauville or the Trans Alp. How many do you need to sell to justify importing a machine already in production?
Gerry says
My understanding has always been that a right-side foot pedal for rear brake operation is required for import to U.S.? I’m putting my deposit down tomorrow before they are all spoken for and maybe Honda decides to discontinue the bike next year?…been waiting three years for this…mainly because of the auto-shift…would pay any price not to have to shift. I’d rather enjoy the scenery than pay attention to gearing. Besides, the auto-trans is probably safer and did I mention I’m just plain lazy? Only down side I see is lack of storage options, but maybe some aftermarket products can fix that?
Tom says
Does absolutely nothing for me
Mark says
Looks good, kind of heavy for a 680cc, and pricey. Interesting concept.
B*A*M*F says
Mayakovski, I think you’re right. At 9 grand, I could see these selling like crazy. At 15 large, it’s hard to see. You can buy a Honda Fit for that (well, you could if they actually sold at MSRP).
Maybe there is an unaddressed demographic, but that would be an interesting development in the motorcycle market. Particularly at this point in time.
Aside from that, I think it’s an interesting bike with a fascinating set of features. I also like the styling. It’s like a sportbike, a standard, and a cruiser had a 3 way and something cool was produced. It looks comfortable, but like it might be useful in something other than a straight line.
GenWaylaid says
What worries me is that the high price and poor timing of the DN-01 that others have already noted might cause the automatic motorcycle to be prematurely declared a “failure.” That could discourage other companies from building simpler, lighter, cheaper auto motorcycles that could actually have a market in people looking to upgrade from scooters.
Rob Williams says
Isn’t that just an overweight overdressed 1990 Honda Hawk? Take away the best part of the Hawk ownership experience (tight twisty curves) and you’re left with…this.
Make sure you do a double-flush when your done with it.
(I’d like to get a set of those wheels for my Hawk, though!)
Tom says
“My understanding has always been that a right-side foot pedal for rear brake operation is required for import to U.S.?”
That is correct; that is a DOT requirement for “non-scooter motorcycles”. Interested parties can Google “571.123 Standard No. 123; Motorcycle controls and displays”.
Tom says
The hydraulic mechanical transmission used in this motorcycle is a feast for gearheads. Honda has a technology web page on it:
http://world.honda.com/motorcycle-technology/hondamatic/
Honda has been working on this design for some 50 years.
Note: while they call this a “Honda-matic”, it is a completely different design/technology from the Hondamatic motorcycles sold 1977-1984. Those bikes used a foot-shifted, two speed semi-automatic.
I don’t get the DN-01, though, and I note my local Honda dealer had still three brand new 2004 Runes on his showroom floor when I visited a few weeks ago. My advice to dealers who put a DN-01 in inventory: add Sta-Bil to the gas!
Honda has been using this hydraulic mechanical CVT in their $7500 Rubicon 4×4 500cc quad. Their down-market five-speed manual Foreman 4×4 475cc quad sells for just $900 less, so I don’t think the automatic transmission adds all that much to the price.
I don’t understand why Honda didn’t put this engine and transmission in a Shadow Aero for the American market. Priced at $7500 the dealers couldn’t keep them in stock.
Fraser says
Over here in the UK BIKE Magazine panned it
Tinker says
600 POUNDS? 600 hundred POUNDS! Makes the first model of the CB750 Look like a lightweight. I was thinking more on the order of 400 lbs, maybe even less. This is a barge, not a motorcycle.
At 400 lbs, I’d have bought it. At 600 lbs, I’ll keep my overweight underpowered CB400A, thanks all the same.
todd says
That’s like 100 pounds heavier than a BMW GS! Maybe you’re just paying for all the extra weight. Terribly ugly and Honda has much better bikes to import that would sell better over here.
-todd
noodles says
RE: “I love the concept”
What concept? It’s a Honda Shadow 700 with a modern sport-bike fairing and CVT transmission. It’s everything horrid about cruisers that I hate: anemic V-Twin engine, heavy bent-tube cradle frame, and ridiculously long wheelbase. What I don’t understand is why it costs an extra $7000 USD to add a plastic front-fairing and auto tranny to what is essentially a Shadow 700.
reddog says
Great, another bloated luxocruiser, that gets less gas mileage than my 30 year old car, this one for people to lazy or stupid to shift gears.
How ’bout selling us the Thai Sonic, the Indian Eterno or even the damn, 50 year old, Super Cub. What did we ever do to you, Honda, to make you hate us so much? Hell, they could ship cheap Brazilian made bikes into Galveston Bay for next to nothing and sell them for double what they do in Brazil.
Bruce says
I have been riding for about 38 years, started with Honda, and Honda has been the majority of the 35+ bikes I have owned. I currently own two Hondas a ’07 ST1300 and a ’05 919. There were a lot of rumors about Honda producing a great lineup since this was their 50th year in the US, but the current lineup is not impressive. I had great hopes for a Transalp or FMX1000, but we get a CRF230M as a adventure bike. Honda put an auto tranmission in the CB750A and it did not sell well. I am even considering a Ducati Monster or Super Motard 1100S. Even Harley is only sending the XR1200 to europe. Maybe this problem is of our own doing, the Rubbies (Rich Urban Bikers) and the general public are mostly buying cruisers. Honda, please give us some great standard bikes again, as the riding public ages, not everyone appreciates the ergonomics of a sport bike, or wants to walk an 800 pound bike (ST1300) out of a garage. Some of us loyal Honda riders question why the corporation wishes to continually grant market share to BMW, Ducati, and KTM.
QrazyQat says
How ’bout selling us the Thai Sonic, the Indian Eterno or even the damn, 50 year old, Super Cub.
Or as I said in the Cub post, the Honda AirBlade. Terrific bike. That brings me to something I’ve wondered about these bigger bikes with the HFT. One of the great features of the 100cc AirBlade is the CVT; it makes it a really fast bike in its class — it’s like you’re always in the perfect gear, because you are. Great accelleration even with two up. I’ve often thought since riding the AirBlade that a similar trans on a bigger bike would be fantastic, with one problem.
On the CVT in the AirBlade, if you’re going downhill for a bit with the throttle all off you freewheel, then when you twist the throttle it gives you a clunk as it finds the gear. Seems to me it ought to go first to the tallest possible gear and then down from there, but that doesn’t seem to be what happens. At least that’s not what it feels like. On the small bike this isn’t a huge riding problem (although I wonder how hard it is on the trans) but on a big displacement bike this could be hazardous.
Anyone ridden one of the bigger bikes with the HFT? Is this a problem with that unit?
QrazyQat says
How ’bout selling us the Thai Sonic, the Indian Eterno or even the damn, 50 year old, Super Cub.
Oh, BTW, the CBR 125 that Honda is now selling in the USA and Canada is a fancy Sonic. I agree they should also sell the barer bike too. I realy don’t see why they don’t bring over the Sonic, the AirBlade, and the CBR 150. All great bikes, all modern designs which should need minimal work to get allowed in. All would, I’d bet, be big sellers. Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha all have similar models too. Somebody’s missing a pretty sure bet.
@lan says
Happy and dissapointed at the same time…waited three years for this bike, however I’m not going to pay $15.000. Thought it was going to be priced at around $9,900 – $10,400
I’LL JUST KEEP MY DEPOSIT ON THE CAN-AM SPYDER.
maybe Honda will drop line after a few months.
If anyone from Honda reads this, bring to the states the CZi-100 and the Airblade.
Regards, I’ll BE BACK
reddog says
QrazyQat-
What CBR125 they are selling now in the US and Canada?
Am I living in some Bizarro World, through the looking glass, parallel Universe? Somebody please tell me how to access the dimension where I can buy this CBR125.
Phoebe says
Me too, not that I need *another* small bike…
bR1an says
The “unmotorcycle”
QrazyQat says
What CBR125 they are selling now in the US and Canada?
My mistake. I was sure I’d seen it on the Honda USA site, but that’s not so. You’ll just have to buy yours in Canada and bring it in. Mind you, Hondas in Canada are generally a lot more expensive that in the states, and way more than they are in SE Asia. If you want a look at the specs, just Google “Honda” and “Canada” and one on the first result (the web site of Honda Canada) there’s even a little subresult that takes you right to the CBR125 pages.
But for Americans a better move, IMO, would be to buy a CBR 150 in Asia (take a vacation to Thailand, or you can just buy one from a web site) and have it shipped over. It shouldn’t be the hassle to imprt to the states that it is to Canada (Canada pretty much won’t let you bring in bikes except from the states or those at least 15 years old.) The CBR150 has an aluminum frame, and bigger wheels and forks, etc., than the CBR125. However, the CBR125 is the same basic engine, and you can get the kit, from Thailand, to change the engine to CBR150 specs with genuine Honda parts (about the equivalent of $300 last I looked). There are also aftermarket kits to bring it up to 190cc or so, I’ve read, as well as loads of other goodies (exhausts, Bembo brakes, etc.) if you want. Only the rich boys in Thailand use those; most people have stock bikes there (and I think the authorities discourage non-stock exhausts).
If you Google for honda cbr 150 thailand (without the quotes) you’ll see a company which exports these bikes all over the world. I don’t know anything about them other than reading their site, so if you want to try it, do your homework. Typical bike, a used 2003 for 59,000 baht (about $2,000). Also, there’s a racing school in Bangkok which uses CBR150s. Google International Road Race School Thailand for that. Sounds like a nice deal if you’re doing a trip to Thailand (get your dental work and medical procedures done there while you’re at it) 🙂
Tom says
Not to drift too far from topic, but LEGAL importation of an out-of-market late model motor vehicle into the USA is typically very expensive and a huge hassle. See:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CARS/RULES/IMPORT/
Tom says
Honda has a problem: their Japanese factories’ cash cow for decades has been subassembles and knock-down kits for final assembly in the many other factories they have around the world (some operated by local partners). That business is way down (as Honda has described in their annual reports), due to ever more competent local efforts and the uncompetitive high cost of Japanese labor. So Honda has an expensive Japanese workforce they can’t lay off – sorry, nope, just not done in Japan. The necessary thing to do is try to find new ways for this workforce to earn their keep. Maybe that will be jet turbines and robots in the future, but for now that means redirecting them to build high labor content motorsports products for the one and only market that can absorb Japanese manufacturing costs: the USA.
What should Americans expect from Honda in the future? Forget anything market competitive, basic or low cost. We will see large & full featured quads & side-by-sides, ever more powerful personal watercraft, and segment leading cost/technology sport bikes, cruisers and scooters – all built in Japan.
Look at the DN-01; see the future of American Honda.
Jim says
Who stole the handle bars and replaced them with tillers? Reminds me of the BMW Light Truck. 600#, yikes! Boards, feet forward riding position, knuckle dragging riding position, my back hurts already.
Except for the CBRs, why does every Honda seem to be partly made of lead?
QrazyQat says
You know, the motorcycle manufacturers misreading of the American market (which I think is happening now) isn’t new. When I started riding and for a decade after, I wanted a cafe racer (what we’d now call a sportbike). I thought there was a good market for them. All the manufacturers disagreed. Americans only bought cruisers and would ever only buy cruisers. The proof, of course was that no one bought anything but vanilla bikes, dirt bikes, and cruisers. The fact that no one sold anything but vanilla bikes, dirt bikes, and cruisers apparently didn’t register with them.
Then Honda came up with the Interceptor. Major hit. Others came out with cafe racers, and made even more extreme cafe racers over the years, and they’re huge hits. Even in the midwest, where they’d said no one would ever buy anything but a vanilla bike, a dirt bike, or a cruiser, they go crazy for sportbikes. The big manufacturers were wrong, seriously dead wrong.
And I think they are again.
ROHORN says
You obviously weren’t around/paying attention/?? when the Kawasaki GPz 550/750/1100 was around – pre-dating the Interceptors by several years.
The Z1R predated that – and was sold in the USA. It was a poor seller here – and an even worse seller in Germany (very low 2 digit sales figure the first year or 2 there….)
QrazyQat says
Yes, the Z1R was slightly earlier than the Interceptor; not so sportbike looking, but it did have a tiny front fairing, which was pretty much the only difference in appearance from the regular Z1s. The GPz came out when the Interceptor did and had the same little fairing to start with. The Interceptor had a bit more. And BMW had their first bike in the states with an early sportbike look near that time. Point is that from when I first put my clipons and Ceriani forks and four shoe brake on my H1 in the very early 70s, it was conventional wisdom that bikes with a sportbike look were not going to sell at all in North America, especially in places like the midwest, and they were dead wrong, as you can see by all the sportbikes you see everywhere you go now.
I simply think they are similarly wrong about their decision to not bring in some of their great small bikes.
@lan says
Guy’s relax..back to the DN-01 thumbs up or down…I say strip of some fairing and give me a naked DN-0 yeah
QrazyQat says
It’s not so much whether it’s a thumbs down for me, it’s whether it’s always the same things. This is probably a good choice for some, but large numbers of riders, and potential riders, are being shut out. So thumbs up for those who like this sort of bike, and good that they have it; it’s just not for me.
todd says
That’s the great thing about it and the worst thing for the manufacturers. All of those cool cafe racers like the intercepter and the GPz’s are still around and can be picked up for $1500, still running great and just as much fun as they were when they were new. Honda didn’t make any money when I bought my XR, my XL, my GB, my CR, my CB… Kawasaki lost out when I bought my KLX, BMW my three R75’s, Yamaha etc etc etc…
If Honda can sell the DN-01 chances are no one will want to buy it used because with so much complexity who knows what can go wrong. No, they are going to do everything they can to sell fashion bikes that soon go out of fashion or are a maintenance nightmare. They don’t want you to be riding around on your perfectly good old CB400f for the rest of your life.
-todd
Bruce says
At that price (over $14K) I have no doubt that this bike is going to “tank”, big time.
I don’t see anything on this bike that could possibly justify that price tag.
Hello Honda,
Big mistake $$$ !
Robert says
I must agree with all here about the price. 15K is nuts. I like the concept and would love to take this bike for a test ride. But at that price I hope dealers have extra room to store these for awhile till Honda wakes up and lowers it to a reasonable 7500 to 8000 price.
@lan says
Well I decided not to purchase the honda DN-01, after waiting 3 (tears) years. $14,500 is just way to much for this bike.
Heck, for just a few thousand more you can drive a brand new Civic…and get 4 tires and roll the windows down.
I going to spend a grand more and get the Can-Am Spyder roadster.
I would of paid $10,500 though for the Honda.
@lan says
P.S. maybe some one should come out with a front trike kit for the DN-01 and try to grab some of the market share from BRP Can-am.
Super Cub 50 looks like fun…
TruRider says
I had my heart set on this bike until I saw the price. Doesn’t Honda realize we are in a unspoken recession? The Aprilia Mana 850 looks much more appealing now. Better engine with more storage. Thanks Honda for making my mind up for me. Honda has another bike in the same vein as the DN-01, called the E4-01. Here is a link and a description to the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvvLh4OVfZU
This outstanding piece of techno-wonder was unveiled at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show for 2005.HONDA called it an “Automatic Sports Cruiser Concept”.It features a 903cc LC engine, automatic transmission, LED headlights, brakelights,& turn signals. Per Honda …”this machine embodies the four E’s:Elegance, Excitement,Enjoyment & Ease.Everything about the E4-01 has been uniquely developed in accordance with these key words.”
Seymor Butz says
At 15 Grand, shifting does not seem to be a hassle anymore. However, this is a chick bike. Great for those ladies who are upgrading from a scooter. Look for the DN-01 ads in Vogue & Cosmo.
Joe Bernard says
I like the concept a lot, but the price and weight are ridiculous. A 680 twin should be light and reasonably priced, even with an auto. If they can do it for the Silver Wing scooter, they can do it for a bike with bigger wheels.
For those who dish on automatic motorcycles, I live in a very hilly area, including my very steep street leading to my very steep driveway. Shifting in these conditions is a huge pain sometimes. Then when I get to the nearby backroads, I usually end up staying in one gear. Take the light weight manueverability and auto-trans of a scooter and put it in a reasonably priced motorcycle and it would be perfect for me. The DN-01 aint it.
Bill Galley says
Ain’t no wonder the Japanese lost the war. This is just another motorcycle with an automatic tranny. Looks very top heavy and out of proportion to boot.
Now the E4-O1 is more like what I want. A cross between a scoot and a bike. Good power, automatic, light weight, bike wheels, step through, storage, and is what appears to be a fully optioned bike – (ABS Navigation etc).
Brian Hahn says
I bought it! The first in Canada. Ordered it Oct 08. It arrived Friday March 20 09. It a black beauty!
Greg Myers says
I love all the “expert” opinions from people who have never actually even seen a DN-01. LOL
I agree the price is a bit too high, but I’m quite sure that will drop like it was a house in San Diego. The one I sat on today at the local dealer was quite comfortable. It looks much better in person than in a picture and the best view is from the seat. Hopefully test rides will be allowed once they have a few on the floor.
Ken Bardonner says
I have seen a red one and it is strikingly sleek. I have driven Burgmans and Silverwings. Look, the US dollar isn’t worth what it used to be, and it may get worse. I support what they are doing, and may fork out the big bucks. If I do, I will miss the great lockable storage, and great windshields. I would wish for more power, especially at that price. With the world economy, you may not be able to buy one next year for any price. That happened with the 250 cc Honda Big Ruckus, another fun concept bike. If it isn’t for you, fine.
abbas says
I agree the price is a bit too high, but I’m quite sure that will drop like it was a house in San Diego. The one I sat on today at the local dealer was quite comfortable
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