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NEWS
Honda reveals more on DN-01
New auto will be closely watched by competitionHonda has released new pictures and more detail on its DN-01 fully auto road bike, due to be launched in 2008.
This will undoubtedly be one of the most closely-watched launches of the year, with rivals keen to learn if the market will take to the idea of an automatic big road road bike - something the company tried as long ago as the 1970s with an auto version of the CB750-4.
This machine runs a unique stepless hydraulic transmission which also offers a push-button 'manual' mode for the 680cc V-twin powerplant.
Its makers have been steadily leaking more and more info on the machine, with the latest package including ride shots and a features list.
See below for the corporate brag sheet.
See this mini-site for the original DN-01 launch: http://world.honda.com/Tokyo2005/dn01/
Styling
- High-quality, urban-oriented, organic bodywork design with relaxed and comfortable styling.
- Distinctive long-nose front cowl and short tail designs.
- Front cowl integrated into fuel tank, with integrated short front windscreen.
- Wide and low 690mm stepped seat offers relaxed riding position and easy reach to ground.
- Long and wide pillion seat assures comfortable tandem riding.
- American-style cruiser riding position and motorcycle-like knee grip enhance sense of oneness with motorcycle.
- New, narrow wrap-around headlight design with dual projector low beams and single central multi-reflector high beam.
- Wide, narrow taillight with clear lens covering red LED array and yellow indicator bulbs for strong visual impact.
- 2-into-1 exhaust system with chrome-plated triangular shaped tailpipe.
- Smoothly integrated undercowl and muffler design.
- Long, elegant back-swept handlebars.
- Spacious foot boards tapered upward for enhanced riding comfort.
- Large-scale, one-piece LCD instrument panel features wide-throw multi-segment tachometer display with 7,800rpm redline and large central digital speedometer readout.
- Colour variations include: Graphite Black and Pearl Amethyst Purple.
Engine
- Compact, liquid-cooled fuel-injected 680cc 8-valve V-twin with shaft drive.
- Revolutionary new infinitely variable automatic HFT (Human Friendly Transmission) offers same powerful and easy ride as a motorcycle.
- HFT features three modes of operation: Drive, Sport and push button selectable 6-speed Manual.
- Hydraulic automatic clutch with switch-selectable mechanical neutral.
- Transmission automatically switches into Neutral when ignition is switched off.
- Innovative 'lock-up' system provides more direct engine-to-rear wheel drive for stronger, sharper acceleration than other automatic or belt drive systems.
- HFT offers advantage of higher load handling capability and better power transfer efficiency, permitting sportier acceleration than possible with conventional belt-drive systems.
- Smooth, stepless automatic HFT operation with throttle-controlled high-load 'downshift' capability featuring ramping ratio change, rather than stepped downshifting.
- Easy operation: Simply press right-side DN switch (in D Mode) to engage drive.
- Hydraulic clutch eliminates 'clunk' into first gear, instead smoothly switching into gear, with movement initiated by throttle.
- Dual-chamber exhaust with catalyser in forward chamber for further enhanced mass centralisation.
Chassis
- Rigid steel pipe double-cradle frame with bolt-on seat rail (also steel tube construction).
- Higher frame rigidity and front weight allocation ensure better high-speed stability than typical large-displacement scooters.
- Mass centralized 15.1-litre (with 3-litre reserve) dual fuel tank permits lower seat height and better mass centralisation.
- Standard 41mm front fork with wide 130/70ZR17M/C front tyre.
- Solid handling stability and riding comfort unprecedented in Custom class.
- Steeper 28° 30' caster angle ensures more enjoyable handling and manoeuvrability.
- Single-sided aluminium Pro-Arm swingarm with shaft drive and Monoshock rear suspension.
- Longer 120mm rear axle stroke offers enhanced ride feel.
- Elegant 17" dual 5-spoke cast aluminum wheels.
- Wide, low-profile 190/50-17 rear tyre.
- Smoothly responsive Combined-Antilock Brake System for confident braking control.
- Convenient parking brake.
Equipment
- Honda Ignition Security System (HISS) helps prevent ride-away theft by disabling ignition system at its central ECU.
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Written byGuy Allen
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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