For everyone who is waiting for the Honda DN-01 to arrive, it’s coming March 7th, … to Japan. No word on when and where it will be available next. The 61 horsepower 680cc fuel injected V-twin engine drives the infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical Human-Friendly Transmission (HFT). It’s equipped with a single sided swingarm and shaft drive. 17 inch wheels on both ends. It comes with combined ABS and a parking brake.
Highlights of the Honda press release follow:
The HFT responds to a wide variety of rider demands, from easy-to-operate, comfortable riding to sporty and nimble ride quality with a direct response to accelerator operation, due to the hydraulics and computer control. In addition to two fully automatic shifting modes—D mode to cover ordinary riding and S mode for a sportier riding experience—the HFT features a six-speed manual mode, which allows riding with a manual transmission feel. Moreover, the HFT equips the world’s first lockup mechanism for an infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission, contributing to improved fuel economy during cruising.
To suit DN-01’s unique styling, the four colors of variations are set, exhibiting a sense of luxury and complete satisfaction for its ownership: Pearl Sunbeam White, Pearl Amethyst Purple, Candy Glory Red and Graphite Black.
The DN-01 features the Honda Ignition Security System (H.I.S.S.), Honda’s unique anti-theft system using an electronic interlock. The device is programmed to start the engine when the IC chip built into the original key and the ID in the ECU of motorcycle matches. Otherwise, the system prevents the engine from being started, providing effective protection.
Furthermore, an original system has been established for the DN-01 to provide a higher quality service. This new system functions with DN-01 dealer information network to manage the service history of the customer’s machine. To reference authentication data of the machine from the network, the information is stored on a RF-ID which is built into the main key of its machine called, Honda Motorcycle Data (HMD) key. By showing this HMD key to the DN-01 dealer, the machine’s service history and information are available instantly through this system, allowing Honda to provide even higher level of service that will also lead to a higher customer satisfaction.
Specifications:
| Model Name | DN-01 | |
| Model Type | Honda·EBL-RC55 | |
| L×W×H | (m) | 2.320×0.835×1.115 |
| Wheelbase | (m) | 1.610 |
| Ground Clearance | (m) | 0.130 |
| Seat Height | (m) | 0.690 |
| Vehicle Weight | (kg) | 269 |
| Number of Riders | 2 | |
| Fuel Consumption | (km/l) | 25.0 (60km/h constant-speed test value) |
| Minimum Turning Radius | (m) | 3.2 |
| Engine Type | RC55E liquid-cooled four-stroke 4-valve OHC V-twin | |
| Displacemen | (cm3) | 680 |
| Bore × Stroke | (mm) | 81.0×66.0 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0 | |
| Maximum Power Output | (kW[PS]/rpm) | 45 [61] / 7,500 |
| Maximum Torque | (N·m[kg·m]/rpm) | 64 [6.5] / 6,000 |
| Carburetion | PGM-FI (programmed fuel injection) | |
| Starter | Self-stating | |
| Ignition | Fully transistorized, battery-powered | |
| Lubrication | Force-fed and splash | |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | (l) | 15 |
| Clutch | Oil pressure regulator system in gearbox (with lock-up mechanism) |
|
| Gearbox | Hydraulic mechanical system (HFT with electric manual mode) |
|
| Gear Ratio | 3.000~1.000 | |
| Reduction gear ratio (primary/secondary) | 1.136/4.196 | |
| Caster Angle (degrees) / Trail (mm) | 28°30′/110 | |
| Tire size | Front | 130/70ZR17 M/C(62W) |
| Rear | 190/50ZR17 M/C(73W) | |
| Braking System | Front | Hydraulic double disc |
| Rear | Hydraulic disc | |
| Suspension | Front | Telescopic |
| Rear | Swing arm | |
| Frame | Double cradle | |
todd says
interesting tech but ugly execution. I don’t think I’ll ever be pursuaded by the reclined seating position. I prefer to feel in control of my bike.
-todd
Duke says
I guess I’m a weirdo. I think it’s cool. Maybe not cool enough to buy just yet, but pretty cool. I have always liked the idea of a choper from the future. Kaneda…. Tetsuo…
guitargeek says
I’m with Todd on this one for sure.
OMMAG says
Sigh……. looks to me like another spectacularly designed failure int the making.
How many times has Honda tried to shove some “inovation” in design and engineering down the public’s throat?
How many have lasted as a product?
Gen Waylaid says
I’ll take half. Half the weight, half the cylinders, half the power, and you would have a great commuting bike.
I too would prefer to at least have the option of putting my feet beneath me.
Ben says
All kinds of impressive technology there, and it sure looks pretty darn futuristic. I have to give Honda a lot of credit for the risks they take. I could see a lot of people enjoying this bike, but obviously most diehard riders will snub their nose at it because it’s different.
And really, it’s not a motorcycle. It’s a super maxi scooter with the motor between your feet.
B. Case says
So it’s a scooter made to look like a cruiser? I don’t know exactly what spurred all of these “super-scooter” concepts at Tokyo in 2005, especially the whale-like Yamaha concepts, but I hope they don’t think that’s what Americans want. If we can petition manufacturers to bring new models here, can we please ban together and petition that these never come to America??? Please, for the sake of motorcycling!
daddyc479 says
Duke is my kind of guy, I too like it, I’ll take one in White as long as the price is right. Less then 9k would seem right…
Shaine says
Put that tranny tech into a new Goldwing and you have my money.
kaff says
…when I get 60 years old, i think i buy one of these… hope they have reduced the weigth to 180 kg at that time and increased to engine size to 1000 ccm.
hoyt says
This makes it to production and the NAS sits in a Honda basement somewhere.
I’m not against the technology put into this bike as that type of tech will get more people on 2 wheels, which is good in many ways….but, this thing needs style help.
Hopkins says
buy one now, it will be worth doubble in 40 years!
Speedracer says
I am over 60, and have just one hand. I’d buy it in a second just to get back in the wind! Hope they bring it over soon!
skeeter says
The DN-01 is confirmed as a EU, UK, & AU model.The EU & UK get it in April and AU second half of the year. Color choices are black and purple outside of Japan. It uses the engine from the 2008 Transalp (680cc 52-degree v-twin) with 60-HP. It seem unlikely to be a USA model. The new Flat-6 engine (replacing the old GW engine) currently being built in Japan will have the HFT as an option.
Alex says
I sat on it during last year’s Tokyo Motor Show. I like it a lot, but unfortunately it is too small for me (186 cm), my knees will not fit under the tank.
It won’t be successful for other reasons than the mentioned ones. First of all, the standard license here in Japan is limited to 400cc and 53 HP and second it costs a f****ing 1.250.000 YEN!!! That is more than double I paid for my Skywave. It costs more than a Suzuki GSX1400!!!
John J Redmond says
I like that bike and will buy one as soon as it hits the USA-if we don’t have a depression next year.
I have many injuries and have had hand surgery’s on both hands(thumb/wist joint) and have three ruptured disks.
I’m will finish putting together my 83 LM III Moto Guzzi and sell it. New paint,motor,carbs,etc. Will not be able to ride it; fast sweet handling bike-but the cripple that I now am the DN-01 looks great and one of the few that I can ride. The other is the Piago 3 wheeler. I like the Honda a lot more.
I have been riding since 1962 everything and anything I could swing a leg over-Didn’t mention I broke my right heel bone kick starting a BSA Victor. Broken a few other bones on bikes too, collar bone on a BMW K110RS-nice ride until the endo. I’ll stop riding as soon as I stop breathing.
John
Tinker says
Speedracer, honda already made the bike you need CB750A, or CB400A. Honda killed them, I believe, by reducing the power rather severely, and macho motorcyclists stayed home in droves. Other than that there are thousands still out on the road, the (semi-)auto seems to be bullet proof.
This thing operates more like a power-glide (if you recall that GM tranny) transmission than a Hydramatic. (Two speeds selected by a selector lever by your left foot.)
RED says
Honda missed it again. Bring the cb1100r, the FMX, and the african twin to the USA. For some reason Honda thinks all Americans want is tatoos and a harley lookalike or a pierced lip and a hot sportbike. Honda belives that because that is all that sells here. DUH, that is all that is available here!!!!!! Bring it and it will sell. For crying out loud, Honda, you’re already building them, bring it over here.
nicolas says
This thing looks like it’s closing a gap between the scooters and the motorcycles … it’s probably opening a door to a new style of bike / new riders, or bringing some opportunities to the guys who can’t ride for various reasons as seen in the posts above, and that is always a good thing.
But I prefer the good old shifter and manual clutch. Automated transmission and electronics will never have anything to do on my bikes …
Cal H says
Six hundred pounds, combined with forty some foot pounds of torque and cheapo suspension, and oh yeah, it’s probably going to be priced like a liter size sport bike. The Pacific Coast had more going for it than this turkey. I actually don’t mind the looks though, and the transmission is a cool idea.
todd says
Tinker, forget the Honda CB-A’s, what Speedracer and John J Redmond needs is a Guzzi Convert. Good power and two speed semi-auto (you only really need high gear) and John’s already a Guzzi fan.
http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/motorcycle-reviews/2006-11-01/moto-guzzi-v1000-convert-two-speed-touring.aspx
-todd
John J Redmond says
Hi Todd,
Your right and I will be finding a Moto Guzzi Convert(when I move back to civilization-mainland from Hawaii) and hop the engine,put on Mikuni carbs, same as I did to the LM III. I will also lower the seating and a few other things committing blasphemy to the Guzzi purist-so what it will be my last ride for a long time. Into the sunset old fart as they say.
John
skeeter says
Rather than buy an old Guzzi Convert you can buy a new Aprilia 850 Mana later this year.
todd says
Does the Mana pass California emissions standards? I didn’t think they (just like everybody else) would bother with California. Regardless, the Mana and this Honda will be somewhere around $10,000 and a good condition Convert can be picked up for a couple grand.
-todd
Kelvin says
Although this bike does not appeal to the American market it could quite easily sell well in asia. I am living in Taiwan and they have recently allowed bigbikes. Previously only up to 150cc. There are already more than 12 million scooter riders and a good number will be interested in getting a beefier bike but retaining some of the ease (You might call it laziness, but for others comfort) that optional automatic etc will give the rider. The roads are not so wide and often suggested. I have seen a few harleys but it looks like a nightmare to drive one in the traffic here. Hard to stop idling along in first. Dreaming of harley riding but not in this traffic!
Nick B says
Guess I must be one of those weirdo’s too. I love the design. Very futuristic and aggressive looking. Not a big fan of the transmission however.
If it came with a standard transmission I would be much more apt to buying one, 1000cc would help too. But bravo to Honda for the design. Unfortunetly I think it will fail at hooking the new rider group, which is what it looks to be targeting.
V Pederson says
I like new things. I would however prefer the Honda NAS or the retro Honda 750Four to the new scooter
V
Ronnie Ron says
I LOVE THIS BIKE WHEN IT COMES TO THE USA, I WOULD BE THE FIRST IN PHILLY YO HAVE ONE,,HOW YOU LIKE ME NOW. HOT DESIGN !!!!
Kenneth Ferrer says
To Honda. When are you going to sell the bike in the Philippines? Put me on the list. I do love a bike with “friendly features”. Oh how much will it cost? In Philippine currency?
Elesse says
I really like it. Different enough. Attractive enough. A kick on boredom. A bit expensive, also.
ken says
And people laughed at me when I said Tron was the most influential film of the 20th century.