The Future is Now... or, at Least, Soon:
Honda to Bring DN-01 Concept to Production
Honda announced today that they're bolstering their 2007 Tokyo Motor Show arsenal by bringing the hyperstyled DN-01 motorcycle to production, and that the bike will fitted with an appropriately radical transmission.
The DN-01's so-called Human-Friendly Transmission (HFT) shifts automatically via infinitely variable hydraulic operation. Boasting a lightweight, compact construction, the tranny uses two fully automatic shifting modes-- "D" mode for normal conditions and "S" for sport-- as well as a manual setup that simulates a traditional 6-speed. Honda's press release suggests the different settings will also alter throttle response.
The transmission uses an oil pump to convert engine power into hydraulic pressure, and an oil motor to convert the hydraulic pressure back into power for output. A lockup mechanism also works to enhance fuel economy at cruising speeds. Without getting too deep into the mechanical particulars, it's safe to say that this is probably one of the more ambitious transmissions to grace a mass produced motorcycle, thanks to its novel mechanism and unique functionality.
Are you an early adopter who can't wait to get your hands on the DN-01, or do you think these technological tricks are for kids? Click on these photos for larger views of bike and tranny, and comment on this quantum leap from Honda.
Photos © Honda
Comments
I’m not sure what to think. Looks a lot more complicated than Ridley’s tranny. Personally, I like shifting. That said, look at all the super cars with automatics and paddle shifters. Even formula one. So I guess automatic is the way of the future. Upside is that it could get more people on bikes.
Finally! We were so disappointed when it didn’t show up in the 2007 lineup back in September. I can hardly wait to see one in person.
Okay, They are finally bringing it into production! What about USA availability?When can this South Carolina rider get his hands on one?
I was starting to think Honda was losing interest in motorcycles and more interested in cars but the new bikes prove otherwise.
Honda definitely needs to do something to improve their tranny offerings. The VTX series is probably the worst ever produced.
Hydrostatic is faily inefficient. Got to wonder what MPG will be in these $3 per gallon days.
I’m rather confident Honda’s hydraulic transmission will be more efficient and provide more usable hp/torque to the rear wheel than the rubber-belt CVTs used on scooters (including the belt CVT used on the Aprilia 850 Mana motorcycle). Hopefully, Honda will get this bike to the dealers soon; I would like to buy one.
Can’t wait until they are in the showrooms- I have a 1981 CM400a, and it is great- no shifting with the torque converter while in 2nd, and gets up to 55 mpg around town in city riding- The DN-01 should offer most if not all of those advantages, and really rip.
This site seys hydrostatic is by far the best way , used on bulldozer, farm tracktors ect www.hydraulicinnovations.com
Having been addicted for 25 years to Honda’s (semi-)automatic vehicles I have reached the current top end riding the 600c Silver Wing. The DN-01 offers new perspectives!
a real working automatic tested under real world driving conditions instead of a dynometer would be a welcome from a safety standpoint. bikers have enought to worry about. i welcome this & will probably purchase one.
Almost Perfect! I have a 2007 Jonway-JMStar scooter, 250cc watercooled. The main thing about it, it is a FMS Touring model! Complete with hard saddlebags and trunk! It is a Chinese clone of a Honda Reflex but with more color options and a Yamaha engine. If Honda would only offer more colors and options, this would be the ULTIMATE easy rider machine, seat height perfect, styling perfect, transmission perfect, engine perfect,
Luggage capacity…..below ZERO. It needs the
ultimate combination: Scooter CVT friendly- it has, Water-Cooled 4-stroke V-Twin reliability- it has, Cruiser, adequate up-front fueling and capacity- it has, Low Seat-
cruiser height- it has, - Touring storage capacity…….ZIP! NADA! It needs optional
saddle-bags and a touring trunk with enhanced
analog information system! Then, it would be
the Envy of Harley-Davidson and Vespa combined! Mr.B.B.
I forgot to mention: The Suzuki Burgman650 Exec. Offers touring windscreen, but only underseat storage. The gas tank is on the LEFT REAR, in way of saddlebags. The Honda SilverWing is almost perfect, but lacks Petrol
tank size, saddlebags and trunk. The DN-01 seems to have a right foot brake pedal like a standard bike with a left front brake hand lever. It is almost like a 1972 Vespa, but with power. Honda ALMOST has the answer to
New Riders, Old Riders, Young Riders, Male Riders and Female Riders.
The DN-01 just needs the Utility practicality. It has Sport, Touring and Economy appeal.. It Just Lacks utility and
Comfort.
Unless we are all going Chinese, let’s wait until we “actually see and ride” the new machine before we nominate the Chinese for bike of the year. Just my observation. Thx.
Hey, when did Japanese become Chinese? Chinese scooters and bikes are one thing, Japanese bikes and scooters are a whole different animal…..
lots and lots and lots of others bikes are sold in th us. u spend your money on what best for u . ride and have fun