Anyone else own a Honda DN-01? I feel all alone.

[kerwink040]

Hello,
My name is Kerwin. I've finally entered the motorcycle/ motorcycling world despite all the negative fears and comments from friends and acquaintances.
Thanks to you guys here I have taken the MSF course, completed all my DMV paperwork, is geared up from head to toe and just recently purchased my first bike- a 2009 Honda DN-01(Iron-Man Red). Her name is Saphira (Eragon's dragon-she always took care of him and he her).

I just posted a picture of her in the photo gallery as well.

Just tonight I discovered this particular forum (just for Honda owners/riders), I felt like I finally had a home among all the other popular and well known bikes out there.

I love my DN-01. I'm a techno-geek (into sci-fi, high-tech equipment and gadgets) and I believe the DN-01 was made for me. The moment I heard such a motorcycle existed I did research, tons and tons of research and it all led me to seek out one. The instant I sat on it and raised the kickstand I knew I had to have it. I love the way it feels in my hands, the way my legs fit smoothly in the grooves of the tank comfortably, I love how I just have to think to lean in one direction or the other and it does it without hesitation. Curves/ corners are a breeze, it flows through the turns like if it were on ice skates gliding over the ice.

A week after I purchased her I had her equipped with a lo-jack so that know one but me could ride her/ take her away without my permission.

Alas, with all that I feel for my DN-01 I can't help feeling all alone with it. I haven't seen, read or heard anyone else here on this forum talk about their experiences with a DN-01. If anyone is out there please write back and let me know where you are. I'd like to talk with you and maybe even meet with our bikes. I'd love to see another one up close without it being in a photo or a Youtube video.
I live in Alameda, California
Happy riding!

[jstark47]

Truth be told, I don't think the DN-01's been a big seller for Honda. The only ones I've seen have been on dealership floors. I've never seen one on the road.

None of which amounts to a hill of beans if you like yours and feel it was the right choice for you. Because it's selling in small numbers, it may end up being an "instant classic" a few years from now. Engineering-wise, it's certainly unique in the motocycle world.

[kerwink040]

Truth be told, I don't think the DN-01's been a big seller for Honda. The only ones I've seen have been on dealership floors. I've never seen one on the road.

None of which amounts to a hill of beans if you like yours and feel it was the right choice for you. Because it's selling in small numbers, it may end up being an "instant classic" a few years from now. Engineering-wise, it's certainly unique in the motocycle world.

Thanks, you are probably right. This would fit into my life style just fine. I've always been a "unique" kind of guy-liking things that aren't necessarily the crowds favorite, beating-my-own drum kind of thing. So, I have a "specialty" bike-Cool

[Thumper]

When I saw the concept pictures for the DN-01, I was in love. I coveted that bike...but then it came out and I saw the price tag. I suspect that keeps a lot of would-be buyers away from it; it's a Honda with a BMW price tag. I still think they're beautiful, but I could never get past the price.

If I ever win the lottery...

[joolz]

I took one for a test ride and loved it The only problem, as has already been said, was the price I ended up with a Rocket 111 for the same price

[ceemes]

The DN-01 will probably face the same fate as the older Honda Pacific Coast.....bit of a sales flop during its production run, but became must have classic among its fans.

Personally, I feel that as long as you are on two wheels with a motor, even an anemic electric motor and you are enjoying yourself, your ride and your machine then go for it, and bugger any snobs or eliteist.

[kerwink040]

The DN-01 will probably face the same fate as the older Honda Pacific Coast.....bit of a sales flop during its production run, but became must have classic among its fans.

Personally, I feel that as long as you are on two wheels with a motor, even an anemic electric motor and you are enjoying yourself, your ride and your machine then go for it, and bugger any snobs or eliteist.

thanks bro. I'm going to do just as you suggest- to hell with any snobs

[Thumper]

Personally, I feel that as long as you are on two wheels with a motor, even an anemic electric motor and you are enjoying yourself, your ride and your machine then go for it, and bugger any snobs or eliteist.

Or 3...I had a Piaggio MP3 for a couple of years and that thing was a ton of fun...

[Gizmo]

I too recently bought a DN-01 after searching for quite a while. I have a '99 Honda Magna too while I ride the hell of. I know it's old technology but Honda never came through with an "updated" version, but it works for me! I am amazed by the technology that was put into the DN-01 by Honda. And IF Honda had asked for a "better" price when it first came out (2009) in the States, you would be seeing MORE of them on the road. I understand that there is quite a demand for the DN-01 in Europe because of it's unique design and capabilities. Originally, I was going to buy a black one but that fell through ... didn't make it to the Honda dealership in time. A week later, a red one became available and I jumped on that one ... it was cheaper AND it had the Givi windshield AND Corbin seats. Go figure, based on the rarity of the bike here in Florida or elsewhere in the States, that I would find two bikes within a week of each other! Do you believe in Karma or just plain dumb luck? Magna, move over, you have been replaced by a newer toy. I realize the original post was better than a year ago and you are in California but keep me up-to-date on your "happiness" with the DN-01.

L8r
Gizmo

[kerwink040]

Hey there Gizmo,
Thanks for writing back. You are correct, my original post was over a year ago. Since then I have recently relocated to Texas ( 2 months now). I actually rode the DN-01 from Cali to Texas. 1600+ miles in 4 days. It was the best ride I have done so far. The DN-01 performed like a charm, not one problem did I have. She's built for long rides like that and she didn't let me down.

Now that I live in TX we are closer. Perhaps we can arrange to meet either here or where you are and do some riding. In the 2 years (in May of 2013) I have never been face to face wth another rider/ DN-01. It would be great to see/ ride with another one.

Write back to me here and we can try to arrange something. I'd love to ride around Florida and Texas as well.