Honda DN-01 Begins Production

[SockMonkey]

It's actually not that bad looking at all: Honda DN-01

 

[Jazzzzz]

Different strokes for different folks - to me it looks like the result of a drunken designers' meeting. I can see styling cues from a cruiser, sportbike, GoldWing, and of course a maxi-scooter in there, and to my eye it's confused.

According to those numbers it's also nearly 600lbs dry and only packing 61.65 HP and 47.20 ft/lbs of torque if my conversions are right. No thanks.

I like the wheels though

 

[2WheelTiger]

I think the relatively low seat height, reasonable power, and automatic transmission will make it a preferred mount for new riders and those with short legs. If it handles decently, I'd recommend it for lots of the women I talk to about riding.

 

[jwilly]

If they offer a 1000cc version Keithaba will be all over this thing!

 

[fjrchik]

dude! i was just thinking the same thing!

 

[Stephen]

Resembles the new Buell! B)

 

[Wicked Webby]

Not bad at all!

 

[NightShine]

Actually, it's a pretty cool looking bike - probably appeal to the cruiser crowd as well as new riders...

 

[Checkswrecks]

I think the relatively low seat height, reasonable power, and automatic transmission will make it a preferred mount for new riders and those with short legs. If it handles decently, I'd recommend it for lots of the women I talk to about riding.

It turns me off cold, but you may have recognized their market. The weight sure is a lot for that, though.

In Peter Egan's book, Leanings 2, he talked back in 1996(?) about how Yamaha had recognized with the introduction of the Star line that there has been basically one demographic group that has driven motorcycle design since the 60's, and that we are all closer to our last motorcycle than our first. The industry needs new blood, other than continually selling 600cc rockets to 17-year olds.

 

[protondecay123]

I think the relatively low seat height, reasonable power, and automatic transmission will make it a preferred mount for new riders and those with short legs. If it handles decently, I'd recommend it for lots of the women I talk to about riding.

It turns me off cold, but you may have recognized their market. The weight sure is a lot for that, though.

In Peter Egan's book, Leanings 2, he talked back in 1996(?) about how Yamaha had recognized with the introduction of the Star line that there has been basically one demographic group that has driven motorcycle design since the 60's, and that we are all closer to our last motorcycle than our first. The industry needs new blood, other than continually selling 600cc rockets to 17-year olds.

FUGLY!

But good luck Honda. It's something refreshing.

 

[FJRocket]

Interesting looks, nice seat height for us short folks. Transmission sounds kinda cool. But the power to weight makes it out to be perhaps LESS of a performer than a Burgman. Too bad.

 

[FJRMGM]

low seat height and no shifting? Hmmmmm, this will fix why lots of newie women don't ride.

 

[RiderCoach Lar]

Whether you like the looks or not (I do), you gotta hand it to Honda for stepping out and trying something different. From a design standpoint, they last thought WAY "outside the box" with the Rune, and in my opinion that certainly didn't fail because of it's looks :dribble: . That, combined with a new and improved "automatic transmission" tells me that Honda is continuing to try to lead the practical innovation race and I commend them for that. I think the DN-01 has great potential to attract people to riding who otherwise might not even try it.....and that's all good in my book :specool:

 

[odot]

I'd buy it......but no rainbow paint scheme? Come on, honda. Get with the times.

 

[SockMonkey]

IF Honda launches this bike in the US - and it's hard to say what their marketing data is telling them, intuitively I'd say that it would do well; at least as well as the Burgman has without looking quite as "scooterish". There's no question that it's not going to be a rocket @ 593 lbs / 60 hp / 47 ft lbs torque, but that's not its ambition. With the 27" seat height and a "relaxed" sitting position, it's definitely targeted as a city/suburban commuter bike (an automatic in stop-n-go, block-to-block city traffic certainly wouldn't be a bad thing...). It's not designed to tool along at 80 mph on the freeway (though I don't doubt that it can). A small top box or rack w/ briefcase combo would be ideal. Yeah, I can envision a good market for this bike.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

Pearl Sunbeam White, Pearl Amethyst Purple, Candy Glory Red and Graphite Black

It comes in 4 colors....(all in the same year)? :dribble:

 

[Jetmaker737]

Batman would look right at home on it.

 

[Rondo777]

I LOVE the look. The preproduction model had a digital dash and built in GPS in the steering column. I dont know if they kept it but its deff attractive to a techno geek like me, (AE owner here). I don't even know what the blue thing is but its lit up and I like it. I would consider adding this to the stable as a toy for just running around town and short hops within 100 miles. I've always liked the V-Rods look but I'm not a fan of Harley. I know that this doesnt resemble a V-Rod but its a bike that draws my attention from the V-rod. I dont know if that says anything or not, probably not but I'm rambling. Check out the photo of the instument panel, pretty slick.

 

[2WheelTiger]

Hmmm..... large up/down buttons on the left, right next to a hydraulic clutch........ interesting........

(I think the handlebars are gonna be a long reach for shorter riders.)