Honda DN-01 700 "Sport Cruiser"

[freebird]

Honda DN-01 700 "Sport Cruiser"
Apparaently, this will be put into production.

* Seat Height is 26.7 inches [compare Aero 750 at 25.9]
* Wheelbase is 63.2 inches [compare Aero 750 at 64.8]
* Engine is fuel-injected V-Twin 680cc 65-hp [compare Aero 750 at 45-hp]
* Transmission modes are sport, auto, and semi-auto thumb-shift [ala FJR1300-AE].
* Integrated GPS, built in stereo speakers, and likely ABS/linked braking.

Specs and video of the bike being taken for a run:
http://www.honda.co.jp/motorshow/2005/motor/conceptmodel/DN-01/

Also see it in the Total Motorcycle Big Book of Concept bikes:

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/prototype-spy-concept/index.htm#Honda

as well as an updated on the Honda E4-01 Automatic Super Sports bike as well.

[ZooTech]

I've seen a couple articles on this bike. Looks pretty cool, IMO.

[teknoman]

Yes,but when?I,m in need of a new bike! :twisted:

[freebird]

RE: "Yes, but when?"

The CEO of Honda stated that it would go into production soon and to "Look for it!" I plan on buying this bike and would love if it's available this June but it likely will be a 2007 model which means September at the dealers. At least, that's how I interpret what Honda is saying.

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[jmillheiser]

Thats a cruiser? looks more like some kind of oddly designed touring bike.

specs almost make it sound like an SV650 competitor.

IMHO, if they are going to market it as a cruiser it needs to look more like a cruiser.

[TechTMW]

One Part VX800 + One Part Suzuki Burgman ... meh.

[freebird]

RE: "it needs to look more like a cruiser"

They are marketing it as a "Sport Cruiser" which I interpret to mean a cross between a sports bike [with the front fairing] and a cruiser. However, it looks like a modern version of a 'cruiser' to me - seat slightly aft of the V-Twin. Perhaps you consider 'cruiser' to mean 'retro-cruiser' like the Harley and Harley-clones.

Those 'retro-cruisers' are pathetic. Someone designed them in 1970 and never changed the design... big stupid round headlight that looks like it came off a 72 Chevy, blinkers-on-a-stick, and stupid gauges that haven't changed in forty years... even too lazy to 'modernize' it with a fuel gauge.

Retro-cruisers are for fat, old, married guys.

[TechTMW]

freebird wrote:
Those 'retro-cruisers' are pathetic. Someone designed them in 1970 and never changed the design... big stupid round headlight that looks like it came off a 72 Chevy, blinkers-on-a-stick, and stupid gauges that haven't changed in forty years... even too lazy to 'modernize' it with a fuel gauge.

Retro-cruisers are for fat, old, married guys.

Eaaasy. Some people ride retros because that's what they like. Many of the cruisers on the market have tachs and fuel gauges, etc. Retros also appeal to the "less is more" crowd. Not everyone wants to spend a half hour removing fairings simply to perform basic service on the bike.

I DO think there are too many clones out there, and even though I don't like this particular 'cruiser' concept I appreciate the forward thinking that went into designing it and all of its features.

And I think JMILLHEISER is right - the power of marketing is phenomenal. This is why people will pay exorbitant prices for a stripped-down styled-in-the-70's (or 50's or whatever) motorcycle. This is also why the massive majority of people think "Harleyesque retro-cruiser" when they hear the word "Cruiser." Calling this concept a cruiser may be technically correct in your eyes, but most people just aren't going to get it.

What should they market it as? Dunno, but it sure as hell looks like a Maxi-scooter crossed with a standard to me. Since it isn't a fully-faired sportbike OR a "retro-cruiser" it's not going ot make any appreciable sales in the US anyway.

Doubt Honda will even introduce it to the US maket because of our preconcieved notions...

[teknoman]

Go to the DN-01 website,and view the video,smooth 8) very smooth.If they are not coming out with this bike then they are spending A LOT OF CASH AND TIME on the website. The future is coming finally,let,s deal with it. :mrgreen:

[teknoman]

I dunno,if you look around my town,we have a plethora of scooters.Honda wants to market this for the more mature crowd who don,t want the intimidation[fun?] of riding a motorcycle but want to get out on the road.I saw it and and E-04 at tne Long Beach convention very impressive.Alos the more two wheels and less 4 wheels is cool by me.

[scan]

This is a lot like the new Victory concept bike. Sports fairing, sports body work, but forward controls. Also the Victory concept bike included an automatic transmission of sorts (what's that belt thing called with the variable pulley?). But it really does look like a scooter without the pass-thru that you expect in a scooter. When you look at the floorboards though, it screams cruiser.

In the end though they appear to be trying to appeal to everyone. The end result is they will appeal to hardly anyone. Cruiser guys will say, that is NOT a cruiser. Sports guys will say, that is NOT a sports bike. Scooter guys will not like the missing leg pass-thru. And it in no way appeals to the standard or naked crowd for obvious reasons.

I don't know, maybe newbies who don't want to learn to shift and have not yet formed a flavor for a bike type might go for it.

[Sev]

I agree with Scan. It tries to hard to be to many things, and ends up just being nothing.

[Venarius]

freebird wrote:

Retro-cruisers are for fat, old, married guys.

Or fit, young, single guys with a smoking girlfriend...



Maybe you just think that because you've seen old guys on them...but given the fact that they have been around longer than any other style, more people actually have the chance to grow old (30+ years) riding those style bikes.

I've had a sport bike. I chose this for my next bike. You think their for old fogies? I think their for people who want style and the ability to RIDE COMFORTABLY on a 1000+ mile trip, and not impress people with a top speed you'll never ever use.

I wouldn't take my old Sport bike across 4 states, let alone cross-country.

Boo yah ka Shaw


PS
You know whats funny, I've found that the two types of bikes (sporty vs cruiser) attracts very different kind of girls. When I was totin the sporty, the girls I got were just like the bike... fast. There for a few nights, then gone.

But the girls I've gotten on the cruiser are just like cruisers...there for the long haul.



And whether you want to admit it or not...80% of riders won't even see top speeds that are capable of big cruisers today (130 mph+)...so the top speed factor of a sport bike doesn't really matter in the real world.

And since big cruisers (vtwins) are faster accelerating from 0-30ish than a sportbike (bc of torque), If I'm at an intersection stopped and need to get out of there to keep from getting hit, I on my big, heavy, retro cruiser have a better chance than you and your "speedy" little GSXR750...or whatever it is you ride.

And finally, (and I don't think I'm that bias bc I've owned both sporty and a cruiser) I've found worlds more squids on a sporty than on cruisers.

[freebird]

teknoman,

"I saw it and and E-04 at tne Long Beach convention very impressive."
Is that correct? You saw the DN-01 and E4-01 at a show here in the USA?

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[Sev]

I was sort of agreeing with you Venarius, some of what you were saying was kind of making sense, until you got to the acceleration bit... I've seen first hand the difference between a sportbike, and a cruiser, and well, you live in a fantasy world.

You seem more intent upon proving to us that you got the right bike then actually stating anything.