Honda DN-01

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.
 

Development Concept

When Honda’s team of development engineers set out to create an entirely new category of motorcycle, they sought to combine elements of swift sportbike performance, relaxed custom cruiser riding comfort and the delightful operating ease of a big twist-and-go scooter. The plan also included such modern necessities as environmentally friendly emissions levels and the most up-to-date security and riding safety technologies for the ultimate in advanced motorcycle performance and riding enjoyment.

One of the first criteria for this new breed of motorcycle was to create a new sense of value that could be easily seen in its dynamic design, and experienced in its ride and performance. Thus, the new machine’s proudly urbane Performance Cruiser looks were formulated based on the initial concepts of “Relaxing and Cool,” “Individualistic” and “Sophisticated High Quality,” which guided every aspect of its design. Eye-catching, organically styled bodywork was drawn up to create a unique, never-before-seen form that exudes excitement and makes one want to ride. The feel of the new machine should also strongly emphasise all that a motorcycle can be, and what only a motorcycle can offer: an outstanding sense of comfort and stability that instantly appeals to riders of all ranges of experience; a secure feeling of control enhanced by its low seat and firm knee grip, which provides a unified sensation of rider/ machine integration; and a confident feeling of responsive power, handing and control that contributes to overall riding enjoyment.

Next, operation must be easy for all, and relaxing in every way, with light-handling manoeuvrability and no distractions from the intimate pleasure of gliding down the road and around the bends. Central to this ultimate riding ease would necessarily be the elimination of the traditional clutch and gear shifter combination that has separated motorcycles from other forms of transportation for generations. No more uncomfortable ‘clunks’ into gear, no missed shifts, no embarrassing stalls, no scuffed shoes and no tired wrists from constant clutch lever operation. Yet, as riding moods change with the landscape, the motorcycle should also be able to adapt accordingly, offering not only smooth and easy twist-and-go operation, but also respond to a livelier pace with sportier performance, or even spontaneous manual shifting when desired.

Central to meeting the development goals for this new concept of riding machine was yet another new concept —of motorcycle power transfer—that Honda has had under steady development for over twenty years: A new, fully automatic transmission designed to provide smooth, infinitely variable power conversion ratios with seamless control, yet able to automatically adjust to varying load conditions with swift, sure response and optimised power output to the rear wheel, maintaining breathtaking acceleration wherever it goes. This epochmaking new development made its debut in the 2005 DN-01 Concept Bike under the name ‘HFT’, or Human- Friendly Transmission. Specially designed to—for the first time ever—bridge the gap between scooter-like operating ease and the crisp, responsive performance associated with a proper motorcycle transmission, HFT gives the new DN-01 breathtaking acceleration coupled with remarkably smooth and easy operation, for revolutionary riding performance to emphatically back up its next-generation styling.

The remarkable new 2008 DN-01 will appear on the avenues and winding roads of Europe offering peerless performance and incomparable riding ease in a distinctly modern and sporty form that invites its riders to rediscover the profound enjoyment of motorcycling on an all-new roadster—or ‘Ridester’—with wide appeal. The future calls, and Honda answers with the DN-01.

Styling

• 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

• 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.

Styling

Unique in every way, the DN-01’s provocative form introduces a totally new concept in motorcycle styling and riding comfort that blends the best of motorcycle and automotive design into a ‘modern, organic body’ of truly individualistic style. Jetting back from its long, shark-like angled nose, the DN’s curvaceous integrated lines project a boldly modern and aggressively urban look that heralds an exciting new future in motorcycle riding enjoyment. Built on a long-and-low chassis configuration that provides a luxuriously relaxed and comfortably laidback riding position, as well as relaxing handling, the DN-01’s futuristic bodywork seems to envelop its rider in a protective shell of calm, controlled selfassurance.

The back-swept lines of the DN-01’s formidable-looking front cowl are underscored by a wide, slim-line triplebeam headlight that seems to leer forth with hungry intent. Incorporating a pair of compact projector-type low beams surrounding a large, central multi-reflector high beam, this layout projects both a brilliant swath of welcome night-time riding illumination and a distinctive ultra-modern look that never fails to grab attention. Indicator built into the front cowl’s widely spaced rearview mirrors maximise the DN-01’s forward visibility and predatory looks.

The lines of the DN-01’s massive front cowl sweep seamlessly back into the muscular shoulders of its sleekly styled fuel tank, with deep indents providing a smooth and narrow grip for the knees. A form-fitting flip-up cover conceals the fuel filler cap beneath the tank’s arching curves. Under the racy lines of its compact, dark-tinted windscreen the DN-01’s large, white LED-backlit LCD instrument panel provides an easy-to-see readout of all operating conditions. Following the curve of the panel’s wide, curved crown extends a sweeping multi-segment tachometer display that provides instant indication of engine revs up to its 7,800rpm redline. A giant numerical speedometer resides in the centre of the display for easy view, and is surrounded by a dual-trip calculator and clock on the left and a six-segment fuel gauge on the right. The entire display is bracketed by the usual array of indicators, including large turn indicators and a ‘Neutral’ light.

Settling into its wide, comfortably contoured 690mm low-slung seat, the DN offers an easy and natural reach to both the ground and its swept-back cast aluminium handlebars. Large foot boards angle slightly upward to provide plenty of legroom and a relaxing position for enjoying long hours of riding pleasure. The back of the seat rises up to provide a comfortable hip rest, then extends back to offer pillion passengers a long, wide seating area for exceptional two-up cruising comfort. The locking pillion seat can also be removed to access a carrying space for holding documents, tools and a U-lock.

The tail area of the DN-01 reveals just as much intricate design effort as can be seen in its provocative front cowl. Surrounding and incorporating the rear pillion seat and wide combination taillight, this design further emphasises the DN’s organic form with integrated hand rails that appear almost as furrowed brows over the distinctive clear-lens taillight assembly. Bordered by large yellowbulb indictors, the brilliant multi-segment LED taillight projects a strong visual impact while attracting the full attention of motorists following behind.

The DN-01’s lower bodywork is also beautifully styled, with front shrouds elegantly surrounding its radiator and sweeping low to incorporate the forward-mounted foot boards and the rearward reach of its highly attractive, right-side two-into-one exhaust system. The exhaust system’s large, chrome-plated tailpipe features a modern triangular cross-section that blends in elegantly with the rest of the DN-01’s organic design. Along the left, an impressive single-sided Pro-arm swingarm joins with the DN-01’s stylish dual 5-spoke cast aluminium wheels to give strong emphasis to its inherent functional beauty and unique sense of style.

Finally, shorn of distractive graphics, each side of the DN-01’s elegantly sculpted fuel tank is decorated by a single, round cloisonné-style Honda Wing mark emblem which gives a powerful visual reminder of Honda’s renown for stretching the limits of conventional motorcycle design, while giving subtle expression to the quality, craftsmanship and prestige to be found in the new DN-01.
Colouring Concept

With its astounding organic Performance Cruiser design turning heads wherever it goes, the new DN-01 marks a new epoch in motorcycle development and styling. Its curvaceous lines exhibit a sense of total integration infused with dynamic individuality and superb quality of construction that gives anyone who rides it a smile of pride and complete satisfaction.

The new DN-01 will soon be prowling the streets in two darkly mysterious colour variations that give vivid accent to its uniquely modern styling sensibilities. In basic black, the DN-01 glistens with a sleek and sophisticated elegance that highlights the gleam of its chrome and the sinewy curves of its bodywork. In deep pearlescent purple, the DN-01 glows with a richness of quality and prestige that evokes the twilight world where Dreams roam free.