Honda DN-01 700 "Sport Cruiser"

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freebird · #1 Unread post by **freebird** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 9:46 am

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/m ... del/DN-01/

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

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/p ... .htm#Honda

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

#2 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 9:57 am

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

teknoman · #3 Unread post by **teknoman** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 9:50 am

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

freebird · #4 Unread post by **freebird** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 12:23 pm

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 · Wed Feb 08, 2006 3:17 pm

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 · #6 Unread post by **TechTMW** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 12:29 am

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

freebird · #7 Unread post by **freebird** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 11:42 am

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 · #8 Unread post by **TechTMW** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 8:31 pm

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 · #9 Unread post by **teknoman** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 7:39 am

Go to the DN-01 website,and view the video,smooth

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.

teknoman · #10 Unread post by **teknoman** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 7:45 am

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.