2009 HONDA DN-01 Automatic Motorcycle Cruiser

First seen in prototype form in late 2005 at the Tokyo Motor Show the DN-01 (Dream New Concept 1) was described as a “comfortable sports cruiser.” Now having reached production Honda calls the DN a “crossover.”

Whatever you call it the DN-01 makes a splash wherever it’s ridden. Its arresting design hurt some necks in Daytona as it caused hundreds of neck-snapping double-takes.

The DN defies immediate classification. Its shark-like nose brings to mind a futuristic sportbike and is its strongest styling asset but its considerable length gives it a laid-back cruiser profile. It looks like a mega-scooter too but it’s lower than your typical touring scooter. A single-sided swingarm makes room for the stainless-steel exhaust and provides for easier access to the semi-adjustable rear shock

Riding the DN couldn’t be easier. It’s powered by a 680cc 52-degree V-Twin borrowed from the European-market Transalp. Although it has roots to the late-1980s Hawk GT the SOHC 4-valve motor is thoroughly modernized with a sophisticated fuel-injection system using dual 40mm throttle bodies and high-tech 12-hole injectors.

the DN has a comfortably open riding position with just a slight reach forward to the bars. A low 27.2-inch seat height ensures a stable platform even for shorties. A tidy but comprehensive LCD instrument panel includes a tach clock and two tripmeters plus a display for the trans mode and pseudo gear positions.

Although the DN-01 isn’t a small machine said to weigh 595 lbs full of fluids and fuel it is amazingly easy to handle for a bike with 63.2 inches between the wheels. The 41mm front fork is set at a relaxed 28.5-degree rake and has 4.5 inches of trail but the bike doesn’t feel as cumbersome as the geometry might indicate. Credit its low stance and center of gravity aided by a portion of its 4.0-gallon fuel capacity being located under the seat (linked to a primary tank in its typical placement in front of the rider).

Acceleration from the mid-size V-Twin engine is decent if not impressive. Sport mode is a good choice when you don’t want to think about shifting but the DN is most fun when toggling through the manual mode. The DN even was able to out-drag an 883 Sportster from a stoplight even if the Sporty’s rider didn’t make a super-aggressive launch.

Suspension quality is quite plush. The fork is non-adjustable and offers 4.2 inches of travel while the single shock is preload-adjustable via a 7-position ramped collar and has a generous 4.7 inches of bump-sucking travel. Unlike most scooters the DN has motorcycle-worthy rolling stock with 17-inch aluminum wheels and big Z-rated rubber (130/70 front and 190/50 rear).

The DN-01’s technology theme continues in its brakes. It uses Honda’s Combined Braking System (CBS) plus an anti-lock system. Application of the front brake lever actuates five of six pistons in the dual three-piston front calipers using big 296mm floating front rotors (the same size as a Gold Wing’s!). The rear brake pedal engages a single piston in the left-side front caliper as well as the large 276mm rear disc.

These brakes will find favor with newbie riders. Instead of being tentative about how much traction is available from the front tire a rider can mindlessly tramp solely on the brake pedal for quick g-loading stops. The ABS eliminates lock-up providing security even under dicey road conditions.

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