HONDA DN-01

The Honda DN-01 is an automatic cruiser motorcycle made by Honda. It was introduced at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show and went on sale in Japan and Europe in 2008, and in the US in 2009.

The 2009 model DN-01's performance, measured by Motorcycle Consumer News, was 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 7.41 seconds, a 1/4 mile  time of 15.41 seconds at 87.42 mph (140.69 km/h), and a top speed of 113.1 mph (182.0 km/h). Braking performance, which uses an antilock braking system  on the front dual disc brakes, was 60 to 0 mph (97 to 0 km/h) in 124 ft (38 m). The feature that most impressed the reviewer was the unique automatic continuously variable transmission  (CVT) technology, called by Honda the "Human Friendly Transmission," which, though expensive, was revolutionary, and potentially, "the ideal drivetrain for most of us, with the potential to satisfy a wide variety of riders regardless of experience or riding preference."

Reviewer complaints focused on ergonomics, especially potentially uncomfortable seating on long rides, and the lack of wind protection at high speed, meaning the rider is fatigued pulling on the handlebars to resist the wind pushing them backwards. There is also no storage space at all, and the price of US$ 14,599 is much higher than any comparably performing machine.Since the initial reviews, the price has risen to US$ 15,599. The load capacity is only 324 lb (147 kg), meaning that with a passenger the DN-01 is likely to become overloaded if touring were attempted. Ultimate MotorCycling, like other reviewers, was fascinated with the transmission technology but found the combination of styles and features unsatisfactory from the point of view of either a cruiser rider or sportbike rider, while the lack of storage fails to meet the needs of either touring riders or the urban commuter scooter buyer.

The DN-01 is available in colors Candy Dark Red and Black. A new color was introduced in 2009: Pearl Sunbeam White. It has a catalyser system compliant with EURO-3, California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA emissions standards.

Engine       Liquid-cooled 680 cc (41 cu in) V-twin 8 valves
Top speed     113.1 mph (182.0 km/h)
Power                  43.3 bhp (32.3 kW) @ 7300 rpm
                        45.6 bhp (34.0 kW)@ 7300 rpm


Torque        33.61 lb·ft (45.57 N·m) @ 6100 rpm       
               35.8 lb·ft (48.5 N·m) @ 5800 rpm


Transmission     Shaft drive automatic Continuously variable transmission
Suspension     Front: non-adjustable telescopic forks
                        Rear: single shock w/adjustable preload
Brakes                 Honda Combined Braking System, Front: ABS dual discs, 4 piston calipers
                        Rear: Single disc, single piston
Tires                 Front: 120/70 ZR17 on 3.50" x 17" wheels
                        Rear: 190/50 ZR17 on 6.00" x 17" wheels
Rake, Trail     28.5° 4.5 in (110 mm)
Wheelbase     63.2 in (1,610 mm)
Dimensions     L 72.0 in (1,830 mm)
                        H 40.0 in (1,020 mm)
Seat height     27.25 in (692 mm)
Weight      591 lb (268 kg) (dry)
                       602.5 lb (273.3 kg)
                       595 lb (270 kg) (claimed) (wet)
Fuel capacity     4.0 US gal (15 L)
Oil capacity     4 L (1.1 US gal)
Fuel consumption     42.3 mpg-US (5.56 L/100 km)
                                   48 mpg-US (4.9 L/100 km)
Turning radius     3.2 m (130 in)