What hath Honda wrought?

[35634]

They call it a crossover. Auto CVT gearbox, V-twin, methinks the rider needs a
batman mask and cape :scratch

[Mika]

The DN-01 is Honda’s effort to give scooter riders a bike scooter riders could grow into. The scooter segment has been the only two wheeled segment to show growth. The problem is this segment of riders have limited or no options to mature as riders.

It has:
- The clutchless shifting that scooter riders have become accustomed to or perhaps more to the point it does not require the use of a clutch that they never learned how to use in a car or on a bike.
- A riding position they are familiar with but in a motorcycle format.
- A low seating height that appeals to inseam challenged riders.

http://world.honda.com/news/2008/2080228DN-01-Large-Sports-Cruiser/

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/2009-honda-dn01-review-quick-ride-88080.html

I doubt it will have much appeal to the current motorcyclist. However; we aren’t the target market for such a bike. That seems to be the scooter rider that is interested in ranging farther or doing more than a scooter is capable of while demanding only the skills they currently have mastered.

[PAULBACH]

The move to a CVT transmission will be steady and inevitable. Remember when most cars were manual transmissions? Remember the two levels on the steering column to advance/retard the spark and enrich the carb mixture?

Honda's promo - Click Here (http://powersports.honda.com/street/crossover.aspx)

There are three constants; death, taxes and change.

[Rod Sheridan]

They call it a crossover. Auto CVT gearbox, V-twin, methinks the rider needs a
batman mask and cape :scratch

Possibly another evolutionary change to the motorcycle.

Look in the mirror, see those grey hairs? It's our future bike........Regards, Rod.

[KGT1200]

I had this guy at work who has a bike (unknow origin and I havent asked) go on and on about "how do I ride cross country with those tiny little sticks for foot pegs"(GS) and "you must really wish you had platforms, how do you stand the pain yada,yada, yada"...

I never even thought about a platform for a foot peg, and honestly? I don't get it now!?

I see this granpa bike has em, what's up here, am I supposed to be feeling the pain here? Seems to me they would get in the way from putting your foot down!?

I don't get it.:scratch

[jdmetzger]

I had this guy at work who has a bike (unknow origin and I havent asked) go on and on about "how do I ride cross country with those tiny little sticks for foot pegs"(GS) and "you must really wish you had platforms, how do you stand the pain yada,yada, yada"...

I never even thought about a platform for a foot peg, and honestly? I don't get it now!?

I see this granpa bike has em, what's up here, am I supposed to be feeling the pain here? Seems to me they would get in the way from putting your foot down!?

I don't get it.:scratch

I rode a Harley for about 5 minutes, once. It had the floorboards and I really wasn't a fan (though my big complaints was the "weird" heel-toe shifter and it's location WAAAY forward). I don't understand how anyone could think the "stick" footpegs would be uncomfortable since you're not putting a lot of weight on them. If you were standing all day, THEN the "floorboards" would be a better choice. I put Fastway pegs on my GSPD that are wider, but that's because I'm standing off-road and it gives me a more solid place to stand. Aside from that, I don't notice any difference in comfort on long rides where I'm sitting.

As for getting in the way, on the HD I rode, they didn't get in the way because the seat position was MUCH lower than my BMWs. I could stand and have air between me and the seat, so standing a bit bow-legged was no problem. I think floorboards on my taller BMWs would be problematic.

[hlothery]

My take is different. I liked the floorboards on my Road King, and loved the heel/toe shifter. With it, I could wear my Full Quill Ostrich boots and upshift with the heel, leaving no marks on them!:thumb

Those floorboards also make nice sparks when they drag in a corner!!:p

[TexanRT]

The move to a CVT transmission will be steady and inevitable. Remember when most cars were manual transmissions? Remember the two levels on the steering column to advance/retard the spark and enrich the carb mixture? Honda's promo - Click Here (http://powersports.honda.com/street/crossover.aspx)

I met a couple of older riders in Dahlonega, GA during our recent trip -- they were riding Suzuki Burgman scooters and loved them. We struck up a conversation and they explained all the features and benefits to their rides. These were guys that had between them decades of riding and mechanical motorcycle knowledge and experience and they couldn't have been happier about their rides. They explained everything about how the drivetrain works and the available power settings -- something that's handy while starting two-up loaded on a steep grade. They described how their rides had a low center of gravity, gobs of storage, great mileage and enough power for two-up highway riding. They'd just made a run from Dahlonega to Deal's Gap in a day that included smoking some sport riders in the corners. It was an eye-opening conversation from two guys that have been around awhile and have ridden lots of bikes.

I don't consider myself a purist, but have mostly held to the desire for a manual transmission and a clutch. But after spending a couple of weeks in the mountains two-up and fully loaded, I have come to appreciate the positive aspects of having an electronic clutch like those available on the FJR when starting on a steep grade. I smelled that familiar clutch smell a few times on my recent trip and am slowly giving more consideration to the positive aspects of the electronic clutch or CVT -- but I'm not quite there yet. Or, maybe I just need more practice.

[88bmwJeff]

Interesting combination. It's has the look of a sport bike, the seating position of a cruiser and the transmission of a scooter (well automatic that is). However, I don't like the seating position with the floor boards up front, and the exhaust muffler is ugly. I think if they offered the option of a more sport oriented seating arrangement, they might do better. But hey, what do I know?

Actually, I'm surprised there aren't more motorcycles out there with automatic transmissions.

[carockwell]

The problem with this bike is that there is no effective windshield for highway riding. Your upper torso is fully exposed to the windblast, making this scoot impractical for long distance touring. If it had an effective windshield and nice luggage, I would consider it a nice touring bike.

[Mika]

The problem with this bike is that there is no effective windshield for highway riding. Your upper torso is fully exposed to the windblast, making this scoot impractical for long distance touring. If it had an effective windshield and nice luggage, I would consider it a nice touring bike.

The windshield is an opportunity to buy parts. :eat. Reviews in the Euro press were surprised at the protection it did offer.

Now I understand why I have managed ride in only 45 states and all the Canadian Provinces, my various Roadsters were/are impractical tourers because they didn't and don't have windshields.
:stick

[jdmetzger]

My take is different. I liked the floorboards on my Road King, and loved the heel/toe shifter. With it, I could wear my Full Quill Ostrich boots and upshift with the heel, leaving no marks on them!:thumb

Those floorboards also make nice sparks when they drag in a corner!!:p

The bike I was talking about was a Road King, in fact. :)

I don't see anything specifically "bad" about the bike, it's just not for me - I found the forward controls uncomfortable, though my friend assured me that once you adjust to it, it's very comfortable on long trips. On rare occasions I wish for "highway pegs" on my Airheads (I'd probably look at some of those valve-cover mounted ones if I had an oilhead/hexhead) but I don't wish for it enough to switch to a bike with floorboards. As it is, I'm sure I'd get the floorboards and just wish for some other available position to put my feet/legs. Sometimes there is no pleasing me. :)

[98lee]

595lbs with only 680cc ??

But why so heavy?

The low seat and CVT make sense but the weight, forward controls, cost and floors make it less appealing.



:dance :dance :dance

[knary]

The problem with this bike is that there is no effective windshield for highway riding. Your upper torso is fully exposed to the windblast, making this scoot impractical for long distance touring. If it had an effective windshield and nice luggage, I would consider it a nice touring bike.

Big windshields are hardly a pre-requisite for a long distance bike. Some, myself included, prefer more modest coverage. Get the wind off most of my chest and keep my head in the wind and I'm happiest. Anything more and I start looking for the steering wheel.

That scooter looks like fun. :nod

[SugarHillCTD]

IIRC, in one of the motorcycle magazines a reviewer noted that it is an $8000 motorcycle with a $6000 transmission.

But you are right about the attraction of an automatic trans. I know several people who cannot drive manual transmission automobiles and express fear at learning.

Both our kids (19 and 21 y.o.) learned to drive manual transmission vehicles soon after they passed their driver road tests- They had to- we do not own vehicles with auto trans- our choice.

Our son was least happy to learn a "stick" but then when he started riding motorcycles he said that it was much easier to learn because he had been shifting the car for a while.

[98lee]

Starting at $15,599!!! That's one pricey scooter!

http://powersports.honda.com/2009/dn-01/specifications.aspx


:dance :dance :dance

[sddinnh]

I met a couple of older riders in Dahlonega, GA during our recent trip -- they were riding Suzuki Burgman scooters and loved them. We struck up a conversation and they explained all the features and benefits to their rides. These were guys that had between them decades of riding and mechanical motorcycle knowledge and experience and they couldn't have been happier about their rides. They explained everything about how the drivetrain works and the available power settings -- something that's handy while starting two-up loaded on a steep grade. They described how their rides had a low center of gravity, gobs of storage, great mileage and enough power for two-up highway riding. They'd just made a run from Dahlonega to Deal's Gap in a day that included smoking some sport riders in the corners. It was an eye-opening conversation from two guys that have been around awhile and have ridden lots of bikes.

I don't consider myself a purist, but have mostly held to the desire for a manual transmission and a clutch. But after spending a couple of weeks in the mountains two-up and fully loaded, I have come to appreciate the positive aspects of having an electronic clutch like those available on the FJR when starting on a steep grade. I smelled that familiar clutch smell a few times on my recent trip and am slowly giving more consideration to the positive aspects of the electronic clutch or CVT -- but I'm not quite there yet. Or, maybe I just need more practice.

I have a friend who for most of his life lived in England. He has ridden bikes for 25 years, and all "motor scooters", no motorcycles. Last year when we did Nova Scotia and the Cabot Trail, he rode his 650 Burgman and I was on an ST1300 riding sweep for the group. Let me tell you, in the right hands, the Burgman is a most capable touring machine. It was really an eye opener for me and drastically changed how I think about "motor scooters".

[milo]

They call it a crossover. Auto CVT gearbox, V-twin, methinks the rider needs a
batman mask and cape :scratch


$15K? What is Honda thinking? This is about as intelligent an intro as the Rune, PC "Coaster" and Rukus's. And Honda has no adventure, or dual sport bike to offer in the USA. (Well except for the 230) Add to this the VFR is dated and the ST1300 has needed a make-over as soon as it was introduced.
This ranks right up there with BMW's X-Country, X-Cross, X- whatever's .

[E_Page]

595lbs with only 680cc ??

But why so heavy?



The latest issue of Rider has a review of the Aprilla Mana 850. It also has an automatic gearbox. They stated that the auto gearbox adds both weight and takes up a lot more space than a manual one.


I hope that these two bikes aren't a sign of a trend. I prefer a manual shift in my truck, but it's getting more difficult to find them w/o special ordering. I don't think that I'd ever buy a bike with an auto shift.

[Easy]

Don't laugh too hard, it was a contender for the Motorcycle of the Year Award in Rider Magazine.

Like the Edsel, I don't think the world is ready for a motorcycle dropped into a jar filled with scooter.

Easy :lurk

[wezul]

That is a bold design. It's a little long and heavy for me but I come from the perspective of an ET4 which in my mind is a scooter.
I am thinking that Honda wanted to do a scooter that set itself apart from the rest of the pack, looks like they have succeeded.
If I walked into a Honda dealership unaware of the price I might get excited until I took a look at the yellow tag.
Holy cats!

[osbornk]

Remember that Honda had an automatic on a few of their bikes in the 70s. Wasn't on the market long.

[Visian]

magazine reviews state that this super scooter has no storage space.... :confused

i do like the idea of a CVT... remember the old rokons?

http://www.siue.edu/~rsutton/rokon/new75rt.jpg

these things could climb trees. they were at the ISDT in 1973 and were running well until mud got into the CVT (which consisted of two variable pullies and a drive belt) and jammed up the works.

i've ridden a burgman 650 executive, while not a true CVT, it has an autoshift mode that was really nice. it hauled butt, too.

ian

[88bmwJeff]

I hope that these two bikes aren't a sign of a trend. I prefer a manual shift in my truck, but it's getting more difficult to find them w/o special ordering. I don't think that I'd ever buy a bike with an auto shift.

Well, I think (and hope so) they are a sign of the times. But, as manual transmissions are still available in autos, so will they be available in motorcycles. There will just be a choice. And, if the automatic transmissions get more people on to bikes, I think it's a good thing.

[bubbagazoo]

I have already decided that I will ride a Burgman sized scooter when I can no longer lift my leg over a bike. CVT/automatic vs manual transmission? Not even part of the thought process. It all boils down to whether or not I can keep riding as I get older. I honestly don't see a step-through motorcycle in my garage anytime in the near future.

[E_Page]

Well, I think (and hope so) they are a sign of the times. But, as manual transmissions are still available in autos, so will they be available in motorcycles. There will just be a choice. And, if the automatic transmissions get more people on to bikes, I think it's a good thing.

Well, I guess so. It's a matter of personal preference. I just hope that it never gets to the point with cycles as it is with cages, where to get a manual transmission, you need to special order it, and in some cases, pay more for it.

:bikes just the way they are.

[35634]

Maybe it is time for a slushbox bike. When I started driving maybe half the cars and
most trucks had manual trannies. Now it's something like 5% (except VW's, about 40%:lol )
I Couldn't wait to drive any manual I could get my hands on. Now, it seems
if it can't be accessed with a keyboard or cell, most kids have no interest in it. I was
fascinated by all the gears, valves, sparks & fuel mixtures cooperating to propel the
vehicle. My kids think of cars as appliances, no interest in how they work, and power
seats & air are more important than engine or gearbox configuration. Sad, but a sign
of the times. Makes sense they might be more interested in an auto-bike.

[TexanRT]

I Couldn't wait to drive any manual I could get my hands on. Now, it seems if it can't be accessed with a keyboard or cell, most kids have no interest in it. I was fascinated by all the gears, valves, sparks & fuel mixtures cooperating to propel the vehicle. My kids think of cars as appliances, no interest in how they work, and power seats & air are more important than engine or gearbox configuration. Sad, but a sign of the times. Makes sense they might be more interested in an auto-bike.

http://www.nissanusa.com/cube/?dcp=ppn.28434549.&dcc=0.205796030

A sign of the times -- Nissan's new Cube is being advertised as a "Mobile Device." Like you said, the car will soon be nothing more than an appliance. I know that's the way my son sees it -- a conveyance and nothing more.

[108625]

Not for me; but for some it can be more than a matter of choice:

My father nearly lost his left arm in an industrial accident decades ago; dedicated surgeons using a lot of skill and stainless steel were able to save it. However, ever since then nerve damage has prevented full use of his left hand. Dad used to ride, and had to stop for the most part because he couldn't operate a clutch lever.
Companies like Honda (who offered the 400 and 750 "Hondamatics" in the seventies as well), Yamaha and Aprilia are at least offering alternative bikes for those who may otherwise not have any other option.
There are a couple (I'll say older, they might object to "mature") gentlemen in our local club who ride Siver Wings and Burgmans. They might not still be riding at all if they had to swing a leg over more traditional bikes.

BTW; If you think that's cool, check out what the great Dan Gurney has been up too:
http://www.allamericanracers.com/alligator/alligator_home.html

[henzilla]

Remember that Honda had an automatic on a few of their bikes in the 70s. Wasn't on the market long.

except for that Trail 90...my brother still has one

[kgadley01]

My take is different. I liked the floorboards on my Road King, and loved the heel/toe shifter. With it, I could wear my Full Quill Ostrich boots and upshift with the heel, leaving no marks on them!:thumb

Those floorboards also make nice sparks when they drag in a corner!!:p

I liked the Floorboards so much on my Harley, that I bought a set of Illium Floorboards for my RT...

[wezul]

Saw a DN-01 on Ebay today, offered by a dealer.
Starts at 15 heavy, they were asking 12.
The final bid was $7100.
Didn't make the reserve.
Apparently I'm not the only one who thinks it's priced a little high.

[njnomad]

I liked the Floorboards so much on my Harley, that I bought a set of Illium Floorboards for my RT...

Ditto. :nod

Oh....being retired has nothing to do with it. I've got two crotch rockets that I ride on a regular basis. :bikes