2009 Honda DN-01

After touring extensively on an Rst Futura and being spoilt by Italian quality and perforformance, I was very surprised at how quickly I appreciated the thought and design of the Dn-01. 17,000 kms in 9mths - a ride to Perth, WA and back to Tassie, averaging around 24kms/litre, cruising at 100 to ... 140kph across the Nullabor with Italian Givi luggage setup was a piece of cake for the Dn-01! The only thing I have changed on the bike was its' skin, I had it resprayed crystal green @ $800.00 for 1/2 a litre. Now that is a stand out bike in every way - looks, performance ...

I am delighted with my recent acquisition of a Darth Vader Black version.I find myself going into the garage to admire it's design before I head for bed.

The 27' inch seat height is confidence inspiring for flat footed stops at red lights. Starting the ignition with the bike in automatic ... neutral is idiot proof and an easy way to back the bike down the declined driveway.The below the handgrips side view mirrors give you an unobstructed view of whats next to and behind you.The stock seat is very comfy. The engine accelerates very smoothly from stationary and throughout all speeds.The very low center of gravity belies it's relatively heavy (very stable in crosswinds)595 pounds wet.The "no left clutch lever" automatic transmission is a dream with an easy drive mode , spirited sport mode and completely engaged thumb shifter manual mode.

The slightly forward floor boards make for a very comfortable cruiser straight up sitting position , but the handling is very sporty. The linked 2 front discs , 1 rear disc with ABS have very effective stopping power.The 17" wheels soak up the bumps with aplomb , and I am very happy I have shaft drive instead of a chain or belt.The headlights cast quite a lighted path.The instrument panel in simple and has a very helpful tachometer.Fueling is a very easy , ergonomic operation.

On the negative side , the windshield is useless , but Givi saves the day with an attractive aftermarket alternative that combines perfectly with the very protective lower fairing to keep your torso windfree at high speeds.The Givi Windshield is just low enough to be able to look over with my full face helmet.

There is no storage whatsover, but that can be easily remedied with a very high quality leather and craftmanship Mustang Jaunt Bag. It's 14" x `14" base sits perfectly on the 15" x 15" passenger seat. I can tell you from experience that it holds two bottles of Domaine Carneros Le Reve sparkling wine , or a full face helmet when expanded. Givi also makes hard top and side cases , but I could not bring myself to "deface the bike".The optional Honda heated hand grips are much appreciated when I am riding in the cool Bay Area dawn or dusk.

This bike is less top heavy and more nimble than a Bergman or Silver Wing. It looks and rides more like a motorcycle than a scooter.The Aprilia Mana 850 is a nice bike , but the seat height is too high for vertically challenged riders.

Old school riders are having difficulty accepting this bike beccause it is SO different. Being new to riding , I find it to be a technological "Tour de Force" and commend Honda for making it.

The "old school riders'" loss is your gain. Don't be afraid of the sticker price. You will find that many Honda PowerSport dealers have 1 or 2 on the floor that they are tired of paying the floor fee to the factory. Go into your Honda PowerSports showroom floor, decide if you want black or black, make your deal and enjoy the ride home.

ok i have been looking at the Tmax for awhile to buy..now this for the price really is too much when i thought the tmax was a bit much but at least it has storage....however i must admit this thing i will more than likely buy because I have the money to...very nice lines..i tested one out and the ... clearance on a 165 degree turn on the msr course took me by surprise..the right side not good 2 inches was not what i expected looking at the exhaust i reliazed what honda did...48mm cross cut heat guard to thick for even a 600+cc engine..oh the purr and not the roar..but a quick after market prop should make a lion out of kitty