The Honda DN-01 is a cruiser motorcycle made by Honda. It was introduced at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show and went on sale in Japan and Europe in 2008, and in the US in 2009. The Honda DN-01 is one of a small number of motorcycles offered by a major motorcycle manufacturer with an automatic transmission (compare Honda VFR1200F and Aprilia MANA 850). Honda continues to offer the 2009 model as its only model for the US market as of early 2011.The 2009 model DN-01's performance, measured by Motorcycle Consumer News, was 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 7.41 seconds, a 1/4 mile time of 15.41 seconds at 87.42 mph (140.69 km/h), and a top speed of 113.1 mph (182.0 km/h). Braking performance, which uses an antilock braking system on the front dual disc brakes, was 60 to 0 mph (97 to 0 km/h) in 124 ft (38 m). The feature that most impressed the reviewer was the unique automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) technology, called by Honda the "Human Friendly Transmission," which, though expensive, was revolutionary, and potentially, "the ideal drivetrain for most of us, with the potential to satisfy a wide variety of riders regardless of experience or riding preference."
Reviewer complaints focused on ergonomics, especially potentially uncomfortable seating on long rides, and the lack of wind protection at high speed, meaning the rider is fatigued pulling on the handlebars to resist the wind pushing them backwards. There is also no storage space at all, and the price of US$ 14,599 is much higher than any comparably performing machine. Since the initial reviews, the price has risen to US$ 15,599. The load capacity is only 324 lb (147 kg), meaning that with a passenger the DN-01 is likely to become overloaded if touring were attempted. Ultimate MotorCycling, like other reviewers, was fascinated with the transmission technology but found the combination of styles and features unsatisfactory from the point of view of either a cruiser rider or sportbike rider, while the lack of storage fails to meet the needs of either touring riders or the urban commuter scooter buyer.
THe DN-01 has a catalyser system compliant with EURO-3, California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA emissions standards.
