Honda crosses scooters with bikes

First up was the DN-01 (shown here in black), equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission and a water-cooled, 4-stroke, OHC, V-type, 2-cylinder, 680cc engine. And second was the E4-01, a motorcycle claimed to offer the performance of a supersport bike with the comfort of a tourer. Here’s what the company had to say about them.

Ultimately, the DN-01 is easy to operate and offers much sportier performance than existing automatic transmissions. Riders can select from three shifting modes: Drive Mode, Sports Mode and 6-Speed Manual Mode, all powered by a 680cc V-twin engine.

The design concept aims for a long and low, modern organic look with a streamlined nose front cowl, and an under cowl muffler and Pro-Arm rear suspension which add a functional beauty to the overall design. Its highly centralized mass and ideal front/rear weight distribution also ensure excellent handling.

Combing the best of all worlds, the large seat is fitted with an adjustable backrest for plush comfort on long rides, while wide footboards allow maximum freedom of movement.

Complemented by a low 680mm seat, the riding position is spacious and relaxing, and passengers are also comfortable, thanks to the ample and lengthy pillion seat.

E4-01
With its curvaceous styling and sleek lines, the E4-01 looks right at home parked in front of a luxury hotel.

It is the first motorcycle in the world to feature a high-performance, multi-dimensional shaft drive, together with a compact engine configuration. The result is additional space for the rider and a quality of styling never before seen on two wheels.

Beneath the provocative lines, the bike is surprisingly functional, with space for two helmets in the underseat storage compartment.

Designed like a sports bike and featuring centralized mass and a sporty chassis, the E4-01 is powered by a rigidly mounted 903cc in-line engine and weighs less than 200kg.

Rolling on 17-inch wheels and fitted with an inverted fork front suspension and the world’s first Unit Pro-Link rear suspension with Pro-Arm swingarm, the E4-01 delivers handling qualities that will rival most supersport bikes.

The world's first motorcycle to feature a Dynamic Airscreen, the E4-01 features an opening in the front cowl directed to an outlet at the top of the screen. This technology significantly reduces wind noise and blast while reducing rider fatigue, all without degrading visibility.

The step-through floor further enhances operability in a wide range of riding situations and positions for both rider and passenger to offer new sensations in tandem riding comfort.

Equipped with the newly developed "Sports Automatic" transmission, the E4-01 is easy to operate, and provides a smooth, efficient and powerful ride perfect for both stop-and-go city traffic, as well as the open road. See: http://world.honda.com/Tokyo2005/

Honda says it will continue the development of both concept bikes with the goal of introducing them to the market in the near future.