Honda DN-01

I saw this at a dealership yesterday. It was black. What do you guys think about it? I absolutely love it, but it's probably not something that I'd ever buy. I like the CVT transmission though.

All your base are belong to us!

I don't think I could justify it. It's comfy, but I don't get to shift. I'd have to ride one, and the dealer wouldn't let me test drive the one used one that they had.

Plus the used one had 500 miles on it, and the guy only had it two weeks before he traded it in for an Interceptor. Why take that kinda hit unless there is a reason?

I love the look of it though. My favorite part is how the body flows into the exhaust pipe (shroud).

I don't get it. The bars look really awkward, the whole bike has just got too much front to it. If I were to suddenly develop a deadly allergy to my clutch lever, I much prefer Aprilia's take on the concept:

Josh wrote:

Mmm. Delicious!

motorcycles with autos make me want to injure small children with a chair.

The combination of the CVT, low seat and footrest position plays directly to how they expect it to be ridden: Relaxed.

I don't think they expect to convert many dedicated sport bike riders. Any one of those three items would be a deal breaker.

Unless they no longer wish to be sport bike riders.

There is nothing about that Honda that I like. Of the things that I hate, the auto trans is at the top of the list. Followed by the shape of the tail, then the shape of the front fairing. Just to give you an idea on how stupid the designers at Honda are, they put a single sided swingarm on it. Then covered the rear wheel with a huge exhaust pipe. You get the extra weight and cost of the SS swingarm, but not the only real benefit, the cool looks (I am guessing that quick rear wheel changes will be negated by the exhaust).

Woody wrote: The combination of the CVT, low seat and footrest position plays directly to how they expect it to be ridden: Relaxed.

I don't like the idea of being relaxed on a motorcycle. Letting your mind slip for just a second can be very costly.

DoNot-One(t).

I like the look of it, but it doesn't have much power, it's not good for touring, it has no storage, and the CVT makes it a pretty relaxed cruiser. A Silverwing is a better scooter, and just about any motorcycle is a better motorcycle.

I can't think of a clever way to say it, so I'll just come out with it: canoe.

I won't begrudge anyone liking the DN-01. There's no accounting for taste, as they say. But I really have to wonder what the hell Honda is smoking, thinking that this is going to sell in the States. We are not an adventurous moto-buying group. If it doesn't fit into a well-known category (cruiser or sportbike, namely), this market won't touch it. They have to know this by now, as they've been making great-working cycles that were complete sales duds since at least 1988*. Have they really not figured it out, or are they in the business of building weirdo cult bikes and taking a gamble that they'll be considered 'before their time' in 15 years?

*The bike I'm talking about here is the Hawk GT, of which I am a proud owner. Coincidentally, this DN-01 shares almost the same engine introduced in the VT500 Ascot in 1987(?), used in the Hawk, and which has been virtually unchanged - aside from a displacement bump, fuel injection and 4 valve heads - in over 20 years.

Oddly enough, I've heard a few people griping on other forums that Honda's missed the boat by not bringing back the Hawk GT. Suzuki's copied the Hawk GT's formula with the SV650 and had a runaway success, Kawasaki now has the Ninja 650 that is much the same thing with fairing, Yamaha has their new FZ6R - what does Honda have in the "cheap, basic, practical sportbike" category to compete with these?

Priced a few grand lower, I could see it selling. I think it's an awesome looking bike, especially in black. Then again, what do I know? I think Lambrettas and Vespas are sex on wheels.

MadScientistMatt wrote: Oddly enough, I've heard a few people griping on other forums that Honda's missed the boat by not bringing back the Hawk GT. Suzuki's copied the Hawk GT's formula with the SV650 and had a runaway success, Kawasaki now has the Ninja 650 that is much the same thing with fairing, Yamaha has their new FZ6R - what does Honda have in the "cheap, basic, practical sportbike" category to compete with these?

That's just what I'm getting at. They created a potentially profitable market segment, abandoned it before it took off, then made a half-hearted attempt to re-enter with the 599, but it was overpriced and underpowered. And honestly, aside from the most recent literbike, they haven't made a bike that interested me since 1991, when they axed the Hawk.

The swingarm did confuse me. I couldn't figure out why they'd cover the open side of the wheel. That part doesn't even look better in person when you can view it from different angles. I wonder how much it costs. I bet a lot.

alex wrote: They created a potentially profitable market segment, abandoned it before it took off, then made a half-hearted attempt to re-enter with the 599, but it was overpriced and underpowered.

I'll agree with overpriced, but not underpowered. The 599 has 88bhp, vs the SV650 (69), FZ6 (78), Bandit 650 (84), Ducati Monster 696 (67), Aprilia Shiver SL750 (79), and Triumph Street Triple (107, but $3500 more). The Hornet 600 was proven in Europe, it just didn't catch on here because at the time (and it still are?) buyers were looking for H-D logo's or full plastic clad racer replicas.

The exhaust is cool but it looks way too...melty for me.

I wish we could trade the DN-01 for the CB1000-F or CB1000-R.

I just bought one. I'm 63 years old of short stature and this thing is PERFECT for most of what I do with a motorcycle. It was a lousy seller because it was priced too high. I found a used one and paid $8300 for it (1500 miles used). Why I bought it: ABS brakes, proportional braking, shaft drive, AUTO TRANSMISSION. But mostly because it fits my body. I have a couple bikes, a Suzuki m90, Honda Gold Wing (1976 GL1000 with 2500 original miles), a Vespa GTV 250. The Vespa is great until you want to get out on the high way. The big bikes are just that big bikes. This DN-01 will do everything the Vespa will do and most of what the big bikes will do with out the weight. I'd have no problem running the interstate all day on this one. Yes it's an odd piece but if fits a niche market and if Honda had priced it competitively they would have sold well. It is DECIDEDLY a better machine the the Silverwing and similar with the exception of storage. There is none. It is better balanced then the silverwing. Better wheels and tires and the seat height and driving position is way better for me at least. If your wife doesn't ride and wants too this one is just about ideal for some one 150 lbs and 5'6. Big and tall it ain't a good match. I like it well enough I might considered thinning the hurd. Don't know for sure. It's fun just looking at the "collection" in the garage. Expensive but fun.

That's what I was thinking...

OK, What do you mean by canoe? Spell it out I am not sensitive. By the way DN-01 stands for Do Not Order 0ne. Expressed my opinion and understand it's a minority one but as time sneaks up on you as it has me you may be glad that there are options. I would suggest if you haven't looked at or ridden one give them a chance. Mother Honda didn't raise too many fools. Just not a real good fit for the American market especially at the MSRP as introduce. And canoe or not I speak from some experience. I've owned a fair sampling to compare it too.