Honda releases DN-01 and CR230M in U.S. for '09

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.

[Source: Honda]