Maybe DN-01 stands for “Double Nutty #1.”
Recently, the Honda DN-01 has come to our attention. It’s the first in a new category Honda is calling “Crossovers.” Other category names that come to mind are Mutants or Designs-by-commitee. The Double Nutty-01 proves again, that not everything that’s good separately can be combined and still be good—like chocolate on pizza, not so great. Here’s the Honda marketing about the bike:
Honda’s reputation for forging new categories in motorcycling takes its latest form in the radical DN-01, a whole new category Honda calls “Crossover.” This futuristic machine combines true sporting performance with a fully automatic transmission, a low seat height and exceptional style.
Exceptional & Futuristic
Exceptional can mean a number of things. Honda lists a number of what they call unique features. But unique is another one of those words that can have several meanings like, “Well, isn’t that unique?” So here are some of the unique, exceptional, and possibly futuristic features of the Double Nutty-01:
- HFT transmission is a continuously variable, hydromechanical design that automatically and seamlessly changes drive ratios to produce strong, smooth acceleration. Unlike conventional belt-drive designs, HFT is compact and quiet, no scheduled maintenance and features two automatic modes and a six-speed manual mode with push-button shifting.
- CBS plus ABS.
- Beautiful, aerodynamic design provides protection from the elements.
- HFT offers two fully automatic, infinitely variable transmission modes–“D” (Drive) mode for ordinary riding, and “S” (Sport) mode for sharper acceleration. In addition, a push-button-selectable, six-speed manual mode allows the rider to upshift/downshift with the simple operation of left-thumb-activated buttons.
- The ECU-controlled HFT automatically “downshifts” when climbing steep grades to maintain optimum power.
- HFT provides “lock-up” in cruising mode for maximum fuel economy.
- HFT features button-activated mechanical neutral, permitting engine revving when stopped. Mechanical neutral is automatically engaged whenever the engine is turned off, allowing easy maneuverability.
- Relaxed 28.5-degree rake and 4.5 inches of trail contribute to comfortable, stretched-out riding position and provide excellent straight-line handling.
The first DN of many?
What about non-“straight-line handling?” Anyway, it’s double nutty styling has unique engineering to go with it. It’s the total package, if you will. And based on the numbering suffix “-01,” that we may well be seeing a DN-02, and -03, and so on.
