Honda is introducing their DN-01 concept motorcycle at the Tokyo Motor Show. It’s powered by a water cooled 680cc v-twin connected to a continuously variable transmission and their goal is to introduce this to the market in the near future, so this is no pure design exercise.
The CVT is actually called an HFT (Human Fitting Transmission) with two modes, either fully automatic or as a 6 speed manual.
this is the first hydraulic mechanical continuously variable transmission system in the world to be equipped with a lock-up mechanism, which improves the fuel efficiency while offering a smooth ride without feeling the shock normally associated with gear shifts, even when cornering. With the HFT, the DN-01 achieves more easy-to-operate and comfortable riding than currently available sports model motorcycles.
via Honda
============== says
It looks hot. I’ll trade-up for it… if they actually produce it. Honda seems to have lots of great “concepts” but nothing interesting and new ever arrives on the American sales floor.
=========================
J. Penney says
What are they waiting for ?? They tease us with the Griffon and that goes by the wayside ?? The time is right for an automatic in a motorcycle frame !!
Martin says
IF:
1:Honda avoid there usual practise of filling frame tubes with lead, reducing power levels to boring and bland, and fitting low quality tyres;
2: The transmission genuinely is responsive and versatile;
3: The price properly reflects the expectation of the market (i.e. a cut above budget, but not over the top for old duffers with limited budgets);
agree says
I would buy the Griffon. The Griffon is punky fun and would have street cred. Why do they keep displaying the Griffon at shows – three years running – if they aren’t going to produce it?
Why do they have to make an auto-tranny bike and…. [1] make it an old-fart cruiser [2] fill it full of silly gizmos and gadgets. You better be some older married guy with his own house ‘cuz parking this GPS-equipt, stereo-equipt, etc., bike on the street would be a mistake.
Honda, build the Griffon or build an auto-tranny compact naked hooligan street-fighter bike with a short wheelbase… for popping wheelies. Build some fun bikes for younger people.
Brad Riddle says
I would trade my Burgman 650 for the DN01 in a flash. I’m 68, and have been riding all of 3 years. I have been through 2 Vespas, 2 motorcycles,
and now have the 650. I can keep up with my BMW buddies all day (even on the “tail of the dragon”), but I still get a lot of grief about my “scooter” at night!
I believe a true automatic motorcycle will bring more “baby boomers”, and
even better, more women to the sport.
HECTOR CARABALLO says
plese send me when you gone to produce it and send me the price please
susan says
i’m female, looking for my first bike and an automatic and have been impressed with the Ridley- the autoglide classic in particular… just an FYI
CHRIS says
I have the honda jazz 250cc (nss)
when i saw the DN-01 i was very impressed,I WANT IT KNOW!!!!
i can’t wait seeing it on the road……
DN-01 GREECE IS WATING FOR YOU!!!!
Dr. Nonato says
I guess its a great bike!
What are they waiting for??? How much would it cost ?
UPDATE says
The DN-01 is going into production. It will be available early 07 in Japan and late 07 in Europe. No word on the USA. No word on pricing.
NOTE: To import to the USA it would need to be retro-fitted with right foot brake per new 2005 regulations and pass DOT/NHSA/EPA inspections. The Deauville-700 engine that it uses is already certified in Europe.
Scott Earle says
It looks fantastic, and I want one. We need to make sure this thing makes it to the states.
shady says
this bike will sell like hot cake. when will it be out in the middle east and europe. its a rasl superbike.
Mike Daugherty says
I think that this is pretty tight. When it comes to the U.S. I am definitely trading in my suzuki burgman 400 for it.
prplhaz says
It’s only a tease I have been doing a lot of searching and it seems that the only real bike over 250cc is the Ridley and they are just out of my price range. The honda would be great at a resonable price. But it seems none of the cycle manufactures want to jump into the Auto cycle market except with scooters. I bought my first bike,scoot a Honda elite 250cc last year and use it every day but with my phisical disabilities and my age I would love to see a real bike, not a scoot, with a little more than the 250cc I want to do some traveling and not all rural roads I want to head out on the highway and do not want to invest in the higher cc scoots. So lets all get togeather and MAKE them want to sell us an AUTO Bike here in the USA.
Rigo Gomez says
In Los Angeles traffic we are ready to autobike!!!!!!!!
Let’s start a petition to make it happen……
Seattle says
The Aprilia 850 Mana automatic motorcycle is in production and hitting the Euro dealers at this time. Dealers in the USA can place orders now for est. June 08 delivery with choice of gray/white or red/white (Euro gets gray/white, red/white, blue/white, and all black. Details at apriliamana.com
MCN today posted photos of the production version of the Honda DN-01 (looks the same but with yellow blinkers). No word on when it will get to the dealers and no word on whether it will be a USA model but it is in production.
Scott Earle says
I have a Yamaha and have always considered Hondas too bland. The DN-01 is not bland–it’s the first Honda that’s ever made me want to pull out my checkbook. Bring one to the States and I’ll buy it!
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater says
What is the dry weight?
Much over 400lbs is a nonstarter 🙁
TC3 says
I have been looking at this bike since it came out at the 39th show in Tokyo. IF by chance, it comes to the US, I’ll get one. I have an ’02 Honda Reflex and have been sold on dependability and fun. The SilverWing just doesn’t do much for me, but this thing is great!!!
Tim Colley says
Ah, Honda, you cheeky little tantalisers! You offer an automatic sportsbike – the E4-01 – and provide video clips, soundtracks, multiple pix … then you come out with a dinky little disappointment like this!
Where is the three-cylinder 903 cc engine? Where is the inspired weather protection? Where is the underseat capacity for groceries and helmets? Can you go on indefinitely making promises with machines you fail to offer to the public?
After so many teasers over the years, where is the corporate willingness to create and maintain new markets – or have you decided the motorcycling public does not deserve innovation?
This might have been a sensational product twenty years ago – today this bike is very ho-hum.
sally says
I would by this bike in a heart beat! please let me know where and when they will start selling them. I have been looking for an automatic.
Brian Hahn says
Bought it! Put the down payment in October. It arrived Friday, March 20, 2009. First day of spring! (Canada) I have been told I am the first to get one in Canada. Don’t know how accurate that tid-bit is.. but hell,, she’s a beauty!