October 20th, 2005
Honda Develops the DN-01 Automatic Transmission Motorcycle
By Alice Hill
RealTechNews
I drive a scooter largely because in San Francisco you have to stop at almost every block. This makes shifting a chore, and makes scooting a fun and snappy morning commute. But when people see my helmet and ask “Oh, do you ride?” they always smirk when I say “Yes, I have a scooter” like I’m on a tricycle. Never mind that scooters are more dangerous than street motorcycles, but I have been on a quest ever since, for my holy grail: the truly automatic motorcycle. True, there are some scootery-looking versions that come close, but today, it looks like Honda actually did it:
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. Source: Gizmag
Alice Say: I can die now. My needs are complete.
Mike says:
Put me in the will :p
Didnt Honda have an automatic bike back in the 80’s? Was it the NightWing, or something..cant remember.
Buttons to shift huh, almost sounds like an air shifter..?? They were nice for drag racing
If my doctor would let me ever ride again - this would be somethign to look into, unless my Harley is cheaper :p ( since I like about 30 minutes from the plant here in PA ).
Mike
Oh for the will - I would take all the electronic gadgets you have..8o) muahahahaha
October 20th, 2005 at 3:58 am
Inglix the Mad says:
Yeah my friend had one until recently.
Personally I didn’t like it, because I’m used to the shifting and missed the clutch!
October 20th, 2005 at 5:51 am
c.e.kestner says:
Actually, Honda had a 750 with an automatic transmission back in the mid 70’s.
October 20th, 2005 at 6:20 am
Gedvondur says:
Honda made the Hondamatic in the 80s, and possibly the 70s. My parents had two of them. Pretty sweet.
The only problem is that if you are used to shifting a motorcycle, the ‘matic sometimes kind of drove you nuts.
October 20th, 2005 at 7:22 am
Ron Ingram says:
Honda produced two versions in ‘78, a 450 and a 750. They where called “Honda Hawk”. The automatic trans had two speeds and took motor oil for lubrication.
October 20th, 2005 at 8:57 am
john says:
Other Hydrostatic CVTs, as the DN-O1, may be found here:
http://cvt.com.sapo.pt/hydrostatic/hydrostatic.htm
http://cvt.com.sapo.pt/hydrostatic/hydrostatic.htm
Thanks
October 20th, 2005 at 9:41 am
Mikey says:
And yes, for those of us who don’t like the styling in this as yet unavailable Honda, (that would be me) theres always the Ridley. They have a full size bike, long lean and mean, custom chopper style ride.
It’s got a CVT transmission and I believe - no - gearshift peg.
October 20th, 2005 at 10:11 am
Mikey says:
I see Alice in black leather. I think I’m in love.
October 20th, 2005 at 10:12 am
Ted says:
Old news. Can you spell HondaMatic?
http://www.cvmg-gpr.ca/hondamatic/
October 20th, 2005 at 1:00 pm
Bob says:
In the early 1960’s Honda had a fully automatic Honda 50.
October 23rd, 2005 at 7:45 am
Leo says:
If they ever see the light of day, I’d be torn between this and the other automatic concept that Honda displayed - the 900cc E4-01 scooter.
October 24th, 2005 at 6:29 am
tim yakich says:
I sure hope that Honda follows through with the development of the DN-01, I ride a 2003 Suzuki Burgman 400 and I love it. This would definitely be something that I would purchase. As soon as my wife saw a picture of it she said that she knew I would have one. With more and more congestion and traffic in the cities, this, to me seems like the absolute perfect bike. Plus, for novices, this is a great alternative to having to learn about shift points, et. al. Just take a motorcycle safety course (PLEASE), buy the bike and enjoy the ride.
October 24th, 2005 at 2:07 pm
griffon-lover says:
I wanted the Honda Griffon but that was only a tease. The Honda CEO states tha the DN-01 will be produced in the near future, but since this is the “tease” company we don’t know if that means released in Asia only, Europe only, or in Asia five years from now.
If it is available from my dealer in ‘06 or ‘07 I will buy one… otherwise, I’m sure Suzuki will beat them to the market with an attractive mid-size [say, 750cc] auto motorcycle.
=================
October 25th, 2005 at 10:57 am
Mike Cook says:
I called my local Honda dealer in Atlanta today to put a deposit on one and to claim my place on any future order list. After speaking to the sales rep (who has been a Honda sales person for 20+ years) for a few minutes, I was horrified to learn that she had no idea what I was talking about. Worse yet, after explaining to her that Honda had promised “full production” “in the near future” her response was to warn me that the bike might be released in Europe only. How depressing that was!
The DN-01 is a breath of fresh air…I am so tired of the retro look for every cruiser bike on the road….This is exactly what I have been waiting for although I can do without the automatic transmission.
I’ve already informed my wife that when this goes into prodution, there will be one in our garage. I’ll let her have the mint condition V30 Magna I’ve riding since 1985.
I can’t wait for this one. I just hope Honda doesn’t let us down.
October 28th, 2005 at 9:12 pm
Alice says:
I agree. I want to be on the list too.
October 29th, 2005 at 5:29 pm
Swing-600 says:
I ride a SilverWing 600cc ABS on the highway to work daily. When dealing with merging or braking traffic, the ability to quickly brake from 75mph to 10-mph, make an evasive manouver, and then quickly twist the trottle and go back to 75mph without fussing with the shift/clutch is priceless. I will trade-in my SWing600 for the DN-01 when - if - it’s released in the US.
November 1st, 2005 at 5:14 pm
Doug MacPherson says:
The generation of scooter riders who have acquired automatic transmission skills and may now want something more highway worthy now has something to look forward to. Plus, this bunch is likely to have the money to react to this sort of opportunity. The Yamaha FJR 1300AE which competes directly with the Honda 1300ST is going to be available in May of ‘06 with an electric shifter with automatic clutch. Watch Yamaha steal the march on Honda with this one. I am a Silver Wing rider who has taken multiple 1000 mile road trips and I am ready for the upgrade but I am not interested in a traditional shifting format.
November 3rd, 2005 at 8:02 am
Jaqhama says:
It’s a CONCEPT bike people, don’t expect to see it anytime soon.
I seriously doubt that Honda will invest the millions needed to produce this bike, unless they really feel there are enough riders around the world who are either handicapped, or feel they lack the rather uncomplicated skills needed to use a clutch.
December 14th, 2005 at 11:57 pm
Brian says:
If you’re looking for an American Made Automatic Motorcycle, you’ve got to check out the Ridley Motorcycle. They’ve been building automatic CVT motorcycles for over 10 years. The practically invented the fully automatic motorcycle. If quality and styling are a requirement, you won’t find a higher quality bike on the road. I bought one for my wife, then for myself. The clutchless, shiftless Ridley Motorcycle makes riding more enjoyable and a whole lot easier.
www.automaticmotorcycles.com
I would love to see realtechnews.com do a review!
December 15th, 2005 at 9:49 am
Sgt. York says:
RE: “don’t expect to see it anytime soon”
The CEO of Honda sez to “Look for it!” In addition, the Honda Japan website has photos, live video, and interviews with the designers. This will definately be cruising the roads in 2007. Let’s just hope it’s cruising Interstate 5 in California not just the Tokyo Gaikan Expressway.
December 15th, 2005 at 2:32 pm
Jeanne says:
I hope more manufacturers think about developing automatic motorcycles. Like other comments, traffic congestion is a huge problem with commuting and having to constantly shift to accommodate traffic is annoying. I just wish they would hurry up. I’m ready to buy now.
December 27th, 2005 at 9:33 pm
Sgt. York says:
RE: “I hope more manufacturers think about developing automatic motorcycles.”
Victory motorcycles recently unveiled the “Vision 800″ automatic motorcycle using an 800cc engine from their ATV line. The design features front storage large enough for two helmets [ala Honda Griffon concept]. Unfortunately, it appear to be a design exercise - how irritating.
I say, “concepts” are stupid. Make the thing or shut up. Unveiling an interesting fun punky bike like the Vision 800 at a motorcyle show so all the fat elderly Harley riders can spit on it is stupid. That isn’t the market morons. Do you really think these guys will go “oooh” and trade in their ElectraGlides?
December 29th, 2005 at 10:44 am
Jaqhama says:
Sarge…
If I had a dollar for every “concept” bike that a manufacturer was going to produce “next year” I would be retired and living in Bora Bora by now.
For people who really feel that they need automatic bikes may I suggest that they go to http://www.kliktronic.co.uk/
This is a system that uses a button on the handlebars to change gear. Used by handicapped riders AND many professional racers around the world. It’s a simple way to convert the bike you like to an automatic style of shifting.
January 15th, 2006 at 12:22 am
andy kawakami says:
hi please drop me a e-mail if the DN-O1 is availbe for the public in the US market yet. thank you
January 22nd, 2006 at 6:54 am
Ciso says:
check out this site and American Motorcycle Company doing real goo. they have some great bikes. that are automatic.http://ridleymotorcycles.com/html/main.htm
January 24th, 2006 at 12:06 pm
BILLY says:
IF EVER SOMETHING SEEM LIKE THE PERFECT BIKE FOR ME IT WOULD BE THE DN-01. I’M 42 YEARS OLD AND I’VE ALWAYS LIKED THE RIDING POSITION OF THE CRUISERS, BUT THAT WHOLE RETRO THING IS JUST GETTING WELL…TO RETRO. SPORTS BIKES LOOK HOT !!! WHEN THEY GO DOWN THE ROAD. LETS MAKE PEOPLE LIKE ME HAPPY FOR THE REST OF OUR LIVES. LETS BUILD THE DN-01 A.S.A.P. !!!
January 31st, 2006 at 6:53 am
Joby says:
Was never really into motorbikes till I saw the DN-01.
Now I cant wait!
As long as its released here in Australia *fingers crossed*
February 9th, 2006 at 9:35 pm
Mike says:
For the past 10 years I’ve lived in a busy historic town on the northeast coast. The constant shifting made a bike more hassle than fun. Sorry, but the riding season is short around here and after not being on the bike for 8 months I did have to “think” about shifting - even if it was only for a split second. But a split second can be the difference between getting to work and going to the ER. A scooter is more practical, but I’ve never been a fan of the scooter look. This bike would get me back in the saddle. If Honda builds it, I’ll buy it.
February 18th, 2006 at 6:20 am
Lady Dee says:
WOW! I’ve been doing some checking and saw one on Ebay and fell in love! For a newbie, this bike seems almost perfect. I’m telling hubby to make room..gotta get one of these so you won’t leave me behind anymore - the tables have an opportunity to actually turn and still BE SAFETY 1ST…LOVE THE DESIGN, WEIGHT AND CONCEPT.
March 31st, 2006 at 2:37 pm
dudel says:
UPDATE: Honda’s DN-01 700 automatic motorcycle will be available in Japan early 2007 and in Europe late 2007. Unclear about USA delivery - speculation from one dealer was 2008.
May 18th, 2006 at 8:14 am
Sqeezin says:
I want to be informed when this bike is in the states for sale. I have another person who will buy one. It is the best and the nicest I have ever seen, Keep me on the mail list.
May 27th, 2006 at 5:10 am
Dunivan says:
Is the final drive a shaft?
June 5th, 2006 at 10:24 pm
Speed says:
I love this bike. I started out on a Hondamatic, I never once have a problem with the bike. I have a Hog and a Zuk now. But I would love to have one.
I also have a few female friends that are interested on buying one or two.
June 8th, 2006 at 10:50 am
Shawn Annis says:
Speaking for those of us riders that don’t have “real legs” (I’m a double amputee) and still love to ride , I can’t wait til this bike hits the market !
I’ve ridden my 600cc Silverwing scooters over 75,000 miles since 2002 and did a couple solo cross country stints in the process .
The DN-01 sure looks better than a scooter !
July 13th, 2006 at 7:37 pm
TERRY PIERCE says:
For those of us who are short of leg, and stiff of joint due to old age, the E4-01 looks like the “kick ass” scooter Honda needs to top the Suzuki Burgman 650! Honda’s Silverwing is becoming long of tooth, needs to lose about 100 pounds, get some more power, better handling and ride, and maybe 1 inch larger wheels like the 14″ and 15″ on my Aprilia Atlantic.
The current US gas crunch, with California prices at $3.50 a gallon is not getting better, and cycle and scooter sales are increasing, so Honda needs to be “there” a the crest of the wave with a winning product. How about aluminum engines, titanium frames, easy to remove “tupperware,” no 14 screws to get to the air cleaner, crash bars, etc.
E4-01 as shown in Tokyo was not really practical, but sure was pretty. A “v” twin is not good for a low “CG” but a parallel triple might work better!
I guess like all the automakers I have worked with over the years, Honda is not likely to “listen to the voice of the customer.” (Most important if you want to stay in business!)
July 17th, 2006 at 5:35 pm
russell ramsdell says:
love it ,i want one ‘how much ‘where ‘and how fast does it scoot’ i think every motobikle company should offer an automatic model for us uncoordinated people who cant figure out the shifter, there’d be alot more gas saving bikes on the road ‘you may give me one now ..why is it i can’t afford anything !!!oh yes i’m living the american dream ‘enjoy the so-called dream well off rich people also the ridley bikes are way to expensive for the truly average people just making ends meet what a laugh .bikes are nice though
July 26th, 2006 at 7:13 pm
gas motor scooter says:
gas motor scooter gas motor scooter
July 28th, 2006 at 10:47 am
Sherry says:
does anyone know when these automatic transmission Honda DN-01’s will be available in the US?
August 12th, 2006 at 8:26 pm
JC says:
Who knows if they will actually sell these here in the US?!? Honda makes great bikes, my husband rides a Honda Rune…I wanted an automatic but don’t like the scooter look…I bought a Ridley which is a fully automatic motorcycle that doesn’t look anything like a scooter…it is a real cruiser. Seat height is 24.5 inches, weight is low, 738CC & will run 85 mph all day long!! These have been around for about 10 years & they are GREAT!!! I now ride my own without the worry of shifting. There is no button to push to shift or anything, just twist the throttle and go!! Don’t miss out on this great bike waiting for something that may never come!!
August 16th, 2006 at 11:32 am
Max says:
Does anybody know the price how much the Honda DN-01 will be when it will be released? (Average retail price)…Also When excally it will be sold in USA/Canada?
Max
August 16th, 2006 at 12:08 pm
Jeanne says:
When will the DN-01 be available in the U.S.? Honda relased its 2007 lineup last week and it wasn’t one of them. What’s the hold up? I am an older rider and have trouble with my fingers with all the shifting in today’s reall world stop and go traffic.
September 24th, 2006 at 8:07 pm
Dudel says:
The DN-01 as show isn’t configured for the USA (requires rear right-foot brake). Japan and Europe will get the bike for 2007; who knows when it will be available in the USA.
Likely, the ‘Aprilia NA 850 Mana’ automatic motorcycle will get to the USA first. This bike has the correct DOT-NHTSA brake configuration for importation. Unfortunately for shorter riders the seat is 31-inches.
http://www.lightningmotosport.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=36
November 25th, 2006 at 12:34 pm
shady says:
still waitingh for this NICE DN-01. when will it be ib the international markets.. will it take long again.
March 19th, 2007 at 4:09 am
NS says:
This type of transmission is long overdue for mass production motorcycles. Shifting gears on a motorcycle is a real pain in the neck in slow moving traffic & the reason why I switched from a motorcycle to a scooter. I will dare say that auto bikes will eventually outsell manual types and the range and style will be just as vast. Lets face it, if you live in a heavily congested city what is the point of wanting to perform a circus act with your hands and feet every single day??? Can’t wait for a light, comfortable, powerful naked streetfighter with an auto, just the thing to be first cab off the rank at the lights without even trying! I believe Aprillia is in the process of making something very special very soon which will be worth waiting for:)
March 26th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
Matt says:
When will the DN-01 be for sale in the U.S. and will Honda make a DN-01 in a shift model?
April 15th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
britbiker says:
Speaking to an ‘insider’, who is an old college pal, at Honda UK, he assures me the DN-01 is a ‘GO’ project & will be available in the UK (sorry guys I don’t know about Hondas plans for the USA) late 2007. I can’t wait! Currently riding an HD but I’ll trade it for a DN-01 as soon as they hit the dealers showroom.
Mike.
April 20th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
James says:
My wife would like to ride but doesn’t want the shifting.
Auto Honda would be great a cruiser style would be better.
I ride Suzuki LC1500 and would buy an automatic for her if they had one that looked like a motorcycle !
May 27th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
Jay S says:
China now makes two bikes called either the CF-Moto or Qlink. Same machines. One is a cruiser, the other a sportbike. Both are fully auto 250cc water-cooled singles. In actuality, the mechanicals are from their scooter, hidden beneath a motorcycle like body. I rode one, not fast, but lively and very easy handling and good brakes. Quality is a question mark, as is dealer support. I understand the factory will sell a cargo container full to anyone with the money, no dealer qualification required.
June 10th, 2007 at 11:46 am
ukdymbvzas says:
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June 21st, 2007 at 5:26 am
aby5 says:
Does Anyone knows when Honda DN-01 coming to market???
July 16th, 2007 at 7:16 am
V3owner says:
Good gawd, that’s just plain hot… Only thing I can see making that bike any sexier is me on it. ‘Bout time automatics came back in fashion!
July 19th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
Debbie Barnett says:
I am a 49 year old female
who rides a 2005 Honda
Silver Wing Maxi Scooter.
It has taken me a while to
get over the fact that it does
not look like a motorcycle. I try
to avoid telling people I have
a scooter because they think I have a moped. But, I do like
the Silver Wing. It’s fast and
has great storage. But, I am
just living for the day that Honda comes out with a real
automatic motorcycle. I learned to ride a Rebel but
hated shifting gears. I do not
like this concept DN-01. Why
can’t Honda just make a Shadow 750 automatic? The
Ridley’s are too expensive and
I had a motorcycle mechanic
tell me that they really are not
a quality bike. You can’t go
over 70 on them without putting
a strain on the motor and I hear they are only good for
about 20,000 miles. Heck, I
have had my Silver Wing for
just 2 1/2 years and have
17,000 miles on it already. I know that guys like shifting and
using the clutch (my husband
does), but I know alot of women who would ride if they
had an automatic. However,
I do have women friends who have regular motorcycles and they love riding them. But,
they are not for me. So, until
Honda decides to come out with
an automatic that doesn’t look
like something off of Star Trek,
I guess I will hang in there with
my Silver Wing.
October 13th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
Ginger Johnson says:
Great looking bike.
Should be a blast to ride!
October 15th, 2007 at 10:15 am
News.MotorcycleSmack.com says:
New Honda Motorcycles for 2008 Announced…
New Honda’s announced at dealer meeting. Some very cool bikes.
Some of Honda’s lineup for 2008 was unveiled at the recent Honda dealer convention in Anaheim. Among the interesting bikes is the new VTX1800 Tourer.
From American Honda:…
October 17th, 2007 at 11:41 am
Tim Colley says:
After 5 years on my Burgman 650, I can hardly wait for more power, bigger wheels, greater petrol tankage and more thought by the manufacturer in providing two wheels for transport, not style, not posing.
Roll on Honda E4-01.
Perhaps everyone above should e-mail Honda direct and demand their needs be met: certainly the retailers are more in the dark than we are.
October 18th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
Royal Bluz says:
OMG if Honda brings this bike to the US I might just purchase two of them! I am a new rider and would love to have an automatic this will make my life less complicated. I do not ride because the shifting is just so darn cumbersome.
Please Oh Please Honda if you see this I guarantee you will sell millions of these here in the US.
Royal
October 25th, 2007 at 6:09 am
Tom Jellison says:
I like to see a honda 750-800cc with 4 cylinder with a automatic the old bike look great. When are the new bike coming out. Maybe because lot of people like the v engine. I don’t I like the four cylinder motor with a automatic. So please come up with a bike for the USA.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:35 am
Mick says:
Honda could corner the market on large scooters with the E4-01. It has the larger engine, looks, storage (albiet small), large tires etc…It would have to have about a 6-7 gal tank though, I hate stopping every 150 miles to fill up my X9.
I wonder what takes Honda so long to make up it’s mind about production…and by the way Honda, it WOULD sell in the US, so don’t forget us!
April 7th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
6659a621a9fa says:
6659a621a9fa…
6659a621a9fa5cc91795…
May 10th, 2008 at 12:53 am