No… it’s not a scooter… but it IS automatic and it looks kinda sweet. Judge for yourself.
gizmag Article: Honda shows automatic 700 Sports motorcycle: “October 20, 2005 One of the surprises of the 39th Tokyo Motor Show 2005 which opened to the media yesterday was Honda’s showing of a large-size sports motorcycle concept model dubbed the DN-01. The motorcycle is equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and a water-cooled, 4-stroke, OHC, V-twin, 2-cylinder, 680cc engine. Most significantly, Honda stated that it ‘will continue the development of DN-01 with the goal of introducing it to the market in the near future.’ CVT has already been introduced into the market in a range of scooters with Suzuki’s futuristic Burgman scooter the most obvious shining example. Honda’s version of the CVt is being touted as different to other CVTs and is described as an hydraulic mechanical continuously variable HFT (Human Fitting Transmission) system featuring two automatic modes and a 6-speed manual mode which the rider operates through buttons on the handlebars.”
24. October 2005 at 11:51 pm
I love that thing. I would love it whether if had an automatic CVT or manual transmission. If it goes into production and is sold in the USA, I would probably buy one.
25. October 2005 at 5:06 pm
Honda CEO stated that it WOULD go into production and be released in the “near future” he also said “look for it” [or at least that was the English translation].
Assuming it gets released in late ’06 or ’07 I will absolutely trade my SilverWing-600 for it. However, I’m not waiting around too long as the Griffon tease still irritates me.
Burgman riders really don’t use the “clutchless-shift” options so I assume that Honda is tossing this in for marketing purposes [like the tach on my SWing - duh].
Also, I’m confused by the engine size. I thought the new ‘auto only’ motorcycle license in Japan had three classes: up to 125cc, up to 400cc, and up to 650cc. If I am not mistaken, with a 680cc engine it would require a more dificult to obtain standard motorcycle license in Japan. If you are going over 650cc, why not make it a 750cc or 900cc?
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25. October 2005 at 6:19 pm
Fascinating. Thanks for the info. I too have been waiting too long to see the Griffon… and that little covered scooter from Honda. I won’t hold my breath, but if I see one, I’ll sit on it.
Maybe Bryce can give us test rides. ;)
26. October 2005 at 7:31 pm
I’m with Bryce–if it does get released in the states, I’d buy one.
26. October 2005 at 7:41 pm
Back again (I’m the one who agreed with Bryce). Did a little more surfing–there’s video on Honda’s international site.
http://www.honda.co.jp/motorshow/motor/conceptmodel/DN-01/movie/index.html
26. October 2005 at 8:19 pm
Thanks Anon!
I’ll check it out!