Autoblog

Honda DN-01 automatic motorcycle arrives in Japan on March 7

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:02:00 EST

Click image for a hi-res gallery of the Honda DN-01

Back in October of last year, Honda announced that the DN-01 automatic motorcycle would enter production. Starting on March 7th, it will officially be on sale in Japan. When we first heard about the concept, we wondered how it would perform with its 680 cc V-Twin and new hydraulic transmission design. Since then, we've heard that the engine will make 61 horsepower, so think of this machine as a bridge between large maxi-scooters and entry-level sportbikes like the Ninja 500 or GS500. We expect that the DN-01 will have no problem handling daily commuting chores and the often necessary highway-drones, but don't expect to challenge any sportbikes on long straights. Handling will likely be a strong point, with 17" rims sporting 130/70 front and 190/50 rear tires combined with ABS for panic-free stops. We hope to get a chance to ride this bike, but can't help but wonder if the Aprilia 850 Mana is more appropriate for the American market.

Gallery: Honda DN-01

[Source: Honda]

Honda DN-01 automatic motorcycle arrives in Japan on March 7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aprilia's 850 Mana - God's gift to motorcyclists?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Motorcycle

Considering the mix of comments that we received when we covered Honda's new DN-01, we decided to show our readers that Honda is not the only manufacturer bringing the automatic transmission to the motorcycle. Aprilia debuted its 850 Mana last year, and the bike has since gone into production. Hopefully, the Mana will make it across the pond and into American dealers too, because there are a lot of reasons to like the new Aprilia.

The most obvious innovation is the automatic transmission, which uses a CVT design similar to what is available on Aprilia's own line of scooters, and even a few cars. Continuously variable transmissions have pulleys inside that can change diameter and thereby change the ratio. All of this happens automatically, unless the rider uses the buttons on the handlebars or the foot operated gearchange lever in its normal location off the left footpeg. Although Aprilia is known for making sportbikes featuring V-Twin engines, the 90-degree twin inside the Mana's steel trellis frame is the first streetbike engine designed in-house by Aprilia itself. Expect more bikes from Aprilia using variations of this engine. The fuel tank has also been moved under the seat, leaving a storage container where the tank would normally sit. That storage area is large enough for a helmet, making this an excellent commuter bike.

So, is the Mana just the gift from heaven that you were waiting for? Let us know what you think in the comments!

[Source: Aprilia]

Gallery: Aprilia 850 Mana

Aprilia's 850 Mana - God's gift to motorcyclists? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2007 Preview: Honda DN-01 motorcycle features automatic transmission

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 18:35:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Honda, Motorcycle

Click image to enlarge

Automatic transmissions in motorcycles are not new, with Ridley being one manufacturer currently producing them. In fact, back in the 1970s, Honda and Moto Guzzi both produced motorcycles with automatic transmissions, each with two forward gears. Honda called its system "Hondamatic" and the bikes are still in demand today because of their shiftless nature. That older machine used an automatic transmission quite similar to the one that came with the Civic, complete with a torque converter. Honda has also used an automatic centrifugal clutch on many of its small-bore play-bikes from the 1950s on. So it's not too big of a surprise that Honda is going to be introducing the DN-01 at the 40th annual Tokyo Motor Show, complete with an automatic of its own called the Human-Friendly Transmission (HFT). After the break, we'll give a brief description of this new transmission. As you'll see, it's a very different animal from what has been offered before.

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Tokyo 2007 Preview: Honda DN-01 motorcycle features automatic transmission

Tokyo 2007 Preview: Honda DN-01 motorcycle features automatic transmission originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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