Filed under: Honda, Motorcycles
Honda releases DN-01 and CR230M in U.S. for '09
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Honda DN-01
The age of the automatic motorcycle is upon us. Aprilia got the ball rolling with the 850 Mana and Honda is finally set to introduce its DN-01 in the U.S. Both of these bikes use a shift-free transmission like a scooter but have motorcycle-like controls and looks along with a riding position not found on any scooter, regardless of engine size. Still these machine blur the lines between the largest of the maxi-scooters and motorcycles even further. In any case, the DN-01 for 2009 is powered by a 680cc V-Twin engine with 61 horsepower and is available in Candy Dark Red or Black for a steep $14,599.
Big Red also has a new lightweight supermoto on hand for '09 called the CR230M that's based on the successful CRF230L platform. Equipped with 17-inch wheels and grippy sportbike tires, the handling is likely to outdo the 232cc air-cooled single cylinder powerplant. That little mill, along with a wet weight of just 276 lbs, should provide for extremely good fuel economy. Get one for $4,749.
Rounding out the Honda cycle news for the new model year are the CBR sportbikes. We already looked at the technical side of the two new bikes, now featuring ABS brakes, and Honda has today released the U.S. color schemes for '09. Things are cool for the 1000RR, with Black, Pearl While and a Repsol Replica scheme plus an ABS-only Red model. For the 600RR, though, we're left scratching our heads. Black, Red/Black and a patriotic Red, White and Blue are fine, but what's with the Phoenix graphics and the Bright Green? Oh well, ABS models get either monochromatic Black or Red/Black options. See all the available U.S. CBR colors in our galleries after the break.
Gallery: 2009 Honda DN-01 - U.S.
[Source: Honda]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
vlad 6:37PM (10/02/2008)
I don't see the point of bikes like that but it looks ok
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MikeofLA 6:46PM (10/02/2008)
Looks very comfortable...
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xpolarx 6:58PM (10/02/2008)
Dude, that was mean...
mike 2:36PM (10/03/2008)
..with a pile of bugs in your teeth. That's a whole lot of fairing for almost no protection.
anoldbikeguy 6:53PM (10/02/2008)
I have a ton of old bikes that are all appreciating in value - that DN-01 is just plain STUPID looking and will be a huge loss for anyone who buys it.
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kris 6:53PM (10/02/2008)
I'd rather have a Burgman 650 Executive for $6,000 less. Practically the same displacement, no shifting as well. I have to say though, the DN looks pretty wicked. Just way overpriced.
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Shiftright 6:54PM (10/02/2008)
Cool looking bike, looks futuristic and progressive
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ugg.tryptophan 6:54PM (10/02/2008)
that looks awesome!!!
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Trent 6:59PM (10/02/2008)
really its not the bike that looks funny, its the position of the rider. i don't understand that part.
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David 1:27PM (10/04/2008)
Exactly. The comment in the article about a unique seating position is pretty ignorant. It's EXACTLY like every maxi-scooters' seating position.
This bike is for people who can't get over their peer-pressure and get a maxi-scooter.
Is your peer-pressure worth $6000?
pmiddle5 7:10PM (10/02/2008)
I like the little Honda super motard. That thing must be a blast flying around town banging out gears. On the highway though....Urmmmm. Whats the top speed? 85?
I dont wanna go faster then that I just wouldnt wanna feel like I was killing the poor thing
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Alex 10:11AM (10/03/2008)
I have a little KLR250 for running in the dirt. They are a hoot to toss around in town. Highways are awful for the little 1/4 liters. To get it up to 85 i had to buy a smaller rear sprocket. Even then you are pushing that little engine to its upper limits if you want to cruise at anything over 65.
I strongly recomend everyone own a 250. They have the greatest fun/dollar ratio. If you plan to take a bike on highways... get at least a 500cc bike too.
Aki 7:11PM (10/02/2008)
Looks good, but dang it's expensive.
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Chris 7:53PM (10/02/2008)
I love the Phoenix paintjob on the 600RR.
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MajorGeek 7:54PM (10/02/2008)
". In any case, the DN-01 for 2009 is powered by a 680cc V-Twin engine with 61 horsepower and is available in Candy Dark Red or Black for a steep $14,599."
So its a micro Harley with no resale value, an automatic transmission, less horsepower, 1-2k less price and sounds like a bumblebee? Dont hate.
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BoxerFanatic 9:35PM (10/02/2008)
This has a newer variant of the 3-valve 72 degree liquid cooled V-twin that I have in my bike. 680ccs rather than 647ccs..
But my Hawk GT has a lightweight aluminum frame, no fairing, and an Elf Single sided swingarm, and is more precursor to the Ducati monster 'naked' sportbike, than odd cruiser.
I think I like my Hawk better... Too bad that shaft drive means that the engine/trans unit won't swap over to my bike, for a 680cc engine upgrade in a >400lb. bike.
When is Honda actually going to build a new Superhawk? NAS1000 Concept bike was many years ago, and nothing they have released since that time has impressed me much.
VZ1K 10:30AM (10/03/2008)
more link a micro-harley that doesn't leak oil. or a micro-harley that doesn't scream mid-life-crisis.
MajorGeek 10:42AM (10/03/2008)
Harleys have not leaked oil since shovelheads, basically the 70's. Get your facts right if you want to be disrepectful. I have friends that have 60k on their bikes with just basic service. As for midlife crisis, so what? Long as you can afford it, you only go around once. Grow up, then give me a holler.
MajorGeek 7:58PM (10/02/2008)
Looks like fun, I always liked scooters, just not sure adding an automatic transmission to a V-twin engine makes it a scooter. I think most would call this an automatic motorcycle. Then again, these automatic motorcycles (Ridley) have never sold much, so they might call it a scooter because of that. I like it, but i'll keep my Hog for now.
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Nick 2:41AM (10/03/2008)
Yeah because heading to the bar on a Honda would get you laughed at by your cult buddies.