DN-01 on sale

Honda may have already taken the award for the most interesting launch of the year, by releasing its radical DN-01 for sale in Japan on 7 March.

The machine has been in the public eye for a couple of years now, and rival companies will no doubt be watching its progress with a great deal of interest.

It's effectively a new class of motorcycle - effectively a cross-breed between a cruiser motorcycle and a maxi scooter.

However the mechanicals are very different to a scooter, as the machine matches a 680cc V-twin powerplant to a an hydraulically-operated full auto transmission (called the Human Friendly Transmission, or HFT), rather than the expanding pulley type used for most scooters.

The company's launch blurb says, in part: "Featuring Honda's innovative lockup-equipped, infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission-the HFT delivers superb throttle response and a direct drive feel-the DN-01 is the result of thoroughly pursuing a style that is both luxurious and relaxing, easy and individualistic. The remarkable transmission makes the DN-01 easy to operate, while providing the sporty ride quality that is an intrinsic part of motorcycles. In short, the DN-01 offers totally new sensations in sports riding unheard of in conventional sports models. The relatively low 690 mm seat height offers a relaxed riding position, along with a comfortable passenger seat. Ownership satisfaction comes from the elegant styling and the overall high-quality fit and finish. The DN-01 is a sports cruiser with new value aimed at the discriminating adult rider.

"The DN-01 takes its name from the phrase 'Discovery of a New Concept,' after Honda's desire to develop a new concept motorcycle. Since its exhibition as a concept model at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show in 2005, Honda has been working toward the market launch of the DN-01, efforts that resulted in the machine being exhibited at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show in 2007 as a model scheduled for release. The DN-01 was developed as a large sports cruiser materializing a new concept, equipped with distinctive HFT, which is based on the automatic transmission in the 1962 Juno M85 and features characteristics optimal for a production machine, thanks to continuous development and advances in electronic control technology."

The machine runs a version of the company's 3-piston dual combined brake system, while the rear end of the machine scores a single-side swingarm with shaft drive.

Details include a dash that employs LCD and LED displays, plus and RFD chip built into the ignition key that stores the machine's service record.

Local launch details have yet to be announced and Honda Australia is expecting to see stock around August or September this year.