DN-01 for Test Ride in UK

Radical new styling that grabs attention from every angle. Form-fitting comfort that invites one to both sit on and to ride. Smooth response to every rider input, reacting with exhilarating performance at every twist of its throttle, and… no clutch! Not only that, no gear changer! Is this really a motorcycle? Or is it some strange kind of scooter?
With its astounding concept bike looks, long-and-low proportions, high-styled 17" wheels and powerful V-twin engine, Honda’s new DN-01 is most certainly a motorcycle. One that provides all the exhilarating riding enjoyment one would expect from the finest of its breed. But… no clutch. Instead, the DN-01 introduces to motorcycling the most advanced fully automatic transmission ever developed for any two-wheeled vehicle. One that provides all the strong power and acceleration one associates with ‘real’ motorcycle manual transmissions. One that frees its rider from the distracting complications of a manual transmission and opens the door to a new world of complete motorcycle riding enjoyment.

When the DN-01 first debuted at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, many thought it to be just another interesting Concept Bike design exercise that would disappear and be promptly forgotten like so many others before it. Its promise of strong performance delivered through an ‘infinitely variable HFT transmission’ seemed like another wild claim, like those often heard to describe automotive concept machines that never see the light of day. Little did people know that the DN-01’s long years of research and development would soon see fruition in a bold new production model which would carry all the styling impact and technological advancements of its initial concept, and still deliver on its promise of unparalleled riding ease and enjoyment. As its name implies, the new DN-01 is the very first of a unique breed of ‘Dream New’ motorcycles that will soon be blazing new trails to the future of two-wheeled riding ease and exhilaration that anybody can enjoy.

Styling Features

- Unprecedented organic ‘Performance Custom’ design.
- Dynamic front cowl design integrates dual projector headlights.
- Long-and-low proportions for relaxed riding position and luxurious riding ease.
- Comfortable stepped seat, back-swept handlebars and wide foot boards.
- Wide LCD instrument panel with multi-segment tachometer display and large digital speedometer.
- Wide integrated LED taillight assembly.

Performance Features

- Slim, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 680cm³ V-twin engine.
- Revolutionary, infinitely variable, fully-automatic HFT (Human-Friendly Transmission).
- HFT features Drive, Sport and 6-speed Manual modes for wide-ranging performance potential.
- Innovative HFT ‘lock-up’ system achieves more direct drive for stronger, sharper acceleration.
- Switch-selectable mechanical Neutral for easier control when at stop.
- Dual-chamber exhaust with catalyser system maintains exhaust emissions below EURO-3 regulated levels.
- Long-and-low chassis design for exceptional riding ease.
- Compliant 41mm front fork mounts wide 130/70 section front tyre.
- Single-sided aluminium Pro-Arm swingarm integrates shaft final drive.
- Stylish wheels mount high-performance radial tyres.
- Smoothly responsive Combined-Antilock Brake System for confident braking control.


Fuel System
Type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve SOHC 52° Vtwin

Displacement 680cm³

Bore x Stroke 81 x 66mm

Compression Ratio 10 : 1

Idling Speed 1,200min-1

Oil Capacity 4.0 litres

Fuel System
Carburation PGM-FI electronic fuel injection

Throttle Bore 40mm

Aircleaner Viscous, cartridge-type mesh net filter

Fuel Tank Capacity 15.1 litres (including 3-litre LCD-indicated
reserve)

Electrical System
Ignition System Fully transistorised electronic

Ignition Timing ND

Sparkplug Type ND

Starter Electric

Battery Capacity 12V/ 12AH

ACG Output ND

Headlight 12V, 55W x 2 (low) / 55W x 1 (high)

Drivetrain
Clutch HFT with internal hydraulic control

Clutch Operation Automatic

Transmission Type HFT (Continuously Variable Transmission)

Primary Reduction ND

Final Reduction
ND

Final Drive
Enclosed Shaft

Frame
Type Double-cradle; steel tube

Chassis
Dimensions (LxWxH) 2,315 x 820 x 1,115mm

Wheelbase 1,605mm

Caster Angle 28° 30'

Trail 114mm

Turning Radius ND

Seat Height 690mm

Ground Clearance 135mm

Suspension
Type Front 41mm telescopic fork, 106mm axle travel

Rear Single conventional dampers with 7-step
adjustable spring preload, 120mm axle travel

Wheels
Type Front Aluminium Castwheel

Rear Aluminium Castwheel

Rim Size Front 17M/C x MT3.50

Rear 17M/C x MT6.00

Tyre Size Front 130/70 ZR17M/C (62W)

Rear 190/50 ZR17M/C (73W)

Tyre Pressure Front 225kPa

Rear 250kPa

Brakes
Type Front 296 x 4mm dual hydraulic disc with Combined
3-piston callipers, ABS and sintered metal
pads

Rear 276 x 6mm hydraulic disc with Combined
dual-piston calliper, ABS and sintered metal
pads