Cruisermatic, A Class of Its Own

CRUISERMATIC, A CLASS OF ITS OWN

A LITTLE MORE THAN two years after Honda unveiled its DN-01 Sport Cruiser concept at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show in 2005, a handful of journalists was allowed to test ride the 680cc machine featuring its Human-Friendly Transmission (HFT), an infinitely variable hydro-mechanical "gearbox."

This isn't Honda's first brush with clutchless twowheelers. Others included the 1962 Juno M85 scooter, `78 750 Hondamatic and even the `91 RC25OMA factory moto cross bike.

In a class of its own, the DN-01 takes its name from Honda's "Discovery of a New Concept" mission. The ambi tious goal was to build a large and luxurious sports cruiser, with a scooter's simple riding form and a cruiser's -comfort.

Atfirst glance one might mistake the DN-O1 for a scooter, but strad dle and ride the machine and you'll know it's a true motor cycle. With its spacious, 27-inch-high saddle, pullback handlebars and inclined footboards, the bike offers a relaxed riding position that is comfortable for a variety of riders. Selecting the desired driving mode via a dash-mounted but ton for Drive, Sport or Manual (six-speed) modes takes some getting used to as there are no mechanical or audible indications that it's "in gear." The claimed6 1-horsepower 52-degree V-Twin provides excellent throttle response and acceleration, though, of course, it's better suited to cruising over sportier rid ing. ABS-equipped twin disc brakes up front pro vide excellent stopping power. Despite its near600-pound ready-to-ride weight, the bike has a low center of gravity that makes it easy to maneuver into tight spots, even if it does measure just over 7½ feet long.

While the DN-01 is cur rently available in Europe (about $17,400), Japan and other markets, we'll have to wait and see if there are any plans to bring it state side. Unique in its style and modern with its mechanics, the DN-0 1 is like no other on the road and clearly in a class of its own.

Laurent Benchana