Motorcycle specifications HondaDN-01 700 2008 Style first

on-road, sporty or hyper-designed custom? Motorcycle or scooter? Prototype or anti-stereotype? The Honda DN-01 is all of these things. This show-bike from the winged manufacturer attracted attention with its curious lines and original drivetrain when it toured international trade shows. But did we dare imagine that the wise and serious Japanese brand would one day produce it? Now it's done: the DN-01 goes from proto to series production. But what is this strange machine with such visionary, offbeat lines, so disturbing that one wonders why Honda didn't bring it out sooner?

oK, when you first see the DN-01, you don't really know what to make of it. with its massive, elongated, futuristic styling, aggressive forkhead, shark-like profile and cruiser tendencies, the DN-01 combines genres. A daring exercise that perfectly matches the spirit of a showroom machine. The predator optics and single-sided swingarm galvanize visual emotion. But transposing this concept to the road was a different matter, and above all, it required daring. So, in which category does it fall? Its own. Not content with shaking up established values, Honda is asserting its intention to create a new category, a blend of performance, comfort, ease of use and style. The word "performance" is to be put into perspective - with 61 hp developed by the v-twin (derived from the Deauville and the new Transalp), the DN-01 won't tickle the fancy of the K 1200 GT and other FJRs.
In any case, there's no need to run like hell on its handlebars. The bubble's minimalist protection encourages cruising rather than long breakaways at sustained speed.

beneath its bio-new-age-spatio-temporel-overstyle cruiser looks, the DN-01 stands out for its transmission. The name HFT stands for "Human-Friendly Transmission". Not to be confused with vario transmissions found on scooters or even with semi-automatic gearboxes, which allow manual gear selection like a conventional gearbox, minus the clutch lever. Completely innovative, the HFT is a hydromechanical transmission equipped with a hydraulic clutch that automatically and progressively changes gear ratios, rather than transmission ratios. How does it work? A control on the right-hand comodo selects between automatic (AT) and manual (MT) transmission modes. AT mode offers two fully automatic continuously variable transmission options: D (Drive) and S (Sport). Finally, MT mode allows manual selection between 6 gears via a handlebar-mounted control. In short, a combination of super-vario and robotized gearbox. The transmission housings have been completely redesigned to accommodate this new transmission system. The HFT transmission also features a mechanical "neutral" mode, easily accessible at the touch of a button.

in terms of riding comfort, in addition to the general flexibility induced by the HFT transmission, the DN-01 aims to prove its availability in this area: set-back handlebars, wide running boards, very low seat height (690 mm), long, roomy seat, good grab handles, relaxed riding position (custom limit), all-digital instrument panel including gear indicator - the large backlit white LED panel also offers a clear view of all instruments, in particular the digital speedometer and rev counter, dual odometer, on-board clock or fuel gauge; life on board was bound to be most pleasant. In terms of dynamics and chassis, the double-cradle steel chassis, gimbaled monobar and 41 mm fork should do the job without a hitch, while safety is enhanced by ABS and combined braking.

On the other hand, handling and ease of use raise a few doubts. The beast weighs in at 270 kilos, and the tires are more flashy than appropriate. 130 at the front, when 120 would be more appropriate, and 190 at the rear - what's the point of putting a hypersport dimension on a 60 hp machine?

first seen as a concept bike in 2005, the DN-01 arrives with its innovations on the road this year. Is this a stroke of madness from the most serious of motorcycle manufacturers, or the first step towards a future range? Honda seems more than confident of its new concept:"the new DN-01 is the very first of a new generation of machines which will very soon open up new perspectives in motorcycling and riding pleasure to the greatest number of people"

* To further enhance the DN-01's capabilities, the Honda Accessoires department offers a range of special equipment, including a GPS navigation system, a backrest, a U-shaped anti-theft device, an alarm system, heated grips and an external protective cover.