
Originally Posted by
carver
do ya research boys
here is a review from that time, a full page spread worth $700 went to honda for this writeup!
Radically Simple, the Honda DN-01 test
Quick spin
There is no denying Honda’s new DN-01 is an ambitious move by the corporation, as is their statement that it will “change motorcycling forever”.
What makes this motorcycle so different is the way it acts as a bridge between the traditional cruiser style, and the super scooters of today.
But to ride, this bike is surprisingly entertaining.
The transmission is what sets this bike apart mechanically from any other bike out today.
HFT is a hydraulic system rather than a CVT belt system which is used in most modern scooters.
The transmission is always silky smooth, even when pushed to the redline in the optional “manual override” mode, which is similar to operate to a tiptronic system on a car.
The transmission also has a drive and sport mode.
On drive, the power is very soft, it gently comes on and off.
Sports mode is excellent on the twisty roads, giving good throttle response and better engine braking than any maxi scooter I have ridden before.
Ground clearance is an issue however, I found it easy to touch down the “hero blobs” on the footboards, but the bike remains stable and planted whist doing so.
This may be because the suspension is surprisingly good at soaking up bumps in the road whist still giving a firm enough feel to the bike whist cornering hard.
Part of the stable feel that this bike gives will be from the long low design, which brings me to the riding position.
To ride, this bike feels very neutral, and the riding position also feels very much the same.
It has a very natural feel to it, you sense that you can just relax into it and let the bike do the work.
The biggest impression that the DN-01 left on me, was how safe it made me feel when riding it.
Its all so easy, the ABS is foolproof, I could not get the front or back to lock, I jammed the front brake on as hard as I could with a pillion on board, and the bike stops very quickly with just the clicking of the ABS to be heard.
This could save the inexperienced riders life when faced with a evasive manoeuvre.
So will the DN-01 change motorcycling forever?
Bikes with ABS have been out for a while now, the only new things are the transmission and the styling.
I find some of it to be a nice touch, such as the single sided swingarm and the headlights, but the rest is all a bit unusual for me.
I would be surprised if the styling catches on, but who would have thought 20 years ago that a bike would be made like the DN-01.
ends
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