Honda Released their 09 line (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/honda/2009-honda-motorcycles-released-86951.html). I includes something called the DN-01. Seems to be like the designers and engineers could decide on what they wanted it to be. Sporty front, crusier ergos, AUTOMATIC tranny - it's like Sybil on 2 wheels.
Good on them for typing to innovate or something.... But seriously who are they thinking will buy it?
(http://www.motorcycle.com/images/content/Review/08_oct_honda_release_00.jpg)
that looks REALLLLY long. kinda like a Hayabusa sized bike.
not for me.
It's hideous IMO. <700cc twin. Their idea was (allegedly) to combine a motorcycle & a scooter. It's a shame they rolled the CVT transmission into such a steaming mound of dung.
nearly 600 pounds without rider :o
Actually, this is a risky proposition in these economic times. Invest a lot in R&D for a auto trans motorcycle, not a scooter, give it some power and a suspension that can handle the power AND BRING IT TO MARKET. Think of all the concept bikes that never made it past that stage.
I hope they sell a lot of them, more motorcycles on the road ridden by people that my be intimidated by a manual trans/clutch setup, and you have more awareness of motorcycles by the general public. Can't hurt, increased awareness can only help.
Whether you would buy one or not is a different question. Most on this forum are riding much higher performance bikes anyway, but they don't always make the best bike for a quick trip to the store or a leisurely weekend trip 2-up. To a large degree, the aftermarket market can help a bike become more popular, because it can be customized without having fab skills or a shop - so it will be interesting to see what accessories becoome available as bikes actually starts to leave the dealers.
For me, I'd like to ride it just to see how well the trans works. If it keeps the engine close to it's peak torque value during acceleration and lowers the rpm while cruising it may be quite nice. There are more and more do-it-all bikes out these days as not everyone can afford a different bike for different purposes and these bikes are compromises. The Multi, the Triumph Tiger, the Kawasaki Versys, etc.
Imagine a long commute during rush hour without having to use a clutch - nice.
Quote from: speedevil on October 03, 2008, 07:18:48 AM
Actually, this is a risky proposition in these economic times. Invest a lot in R&D for a auto trans motorcycle, not a scooter, give it some power and a suspension that can handle the power AND BRING IT TO MARKET. Think of all the concept bikes that never made it past that stage.
Yep - I give them kudos for the guts to do something different. And yes, a lot of good things die a quiet death before they ever see the light. I'm jsut nto sure this should have been THAT one..
Quote from: speedevil on October 03, 2008, 07:18:48 AM
Whether you would buy one or not is a different question. Most on this forum are riding much higher performance bikes anyway, but they don't always make the best bike for a quick trip to the store or a leisurely weekend trip 2-up. To a large degree, the aftermarket market can help a bike become more popular, because it can be customized without having fab skills or a shop - so it will be interesting to see what accessories becoome available as bikes actually starts to leave the dealers.
True we aren't the target audience - But I'm not sure who is? It's configured as a moto, with the aspects of a scooter - minus the step through convenience. If you want a big scoot - there are existing models, like the Bergman for 1/2 the cost. Though it might not be the performer this one is.. it's got a hefty price tag that going to need a lot of good reviews and acclaim to get people to swallow.
Quote from: speedevil on October 03, 2008, 07:18:48 AM
For me, I'd like to ride it just to see how well the trans works. If it keeps the engine close to it's peak torque value during acceleration and lowers the rpm while cruising it may be quite nice. There are more and more do-it-all bikes out these days as not everyone can afford a different bike for different purposes and these bikes are compromises. The Multi, the Triumph Tiger, the Kawasaki Versys, etc.
I'm just anti auto tranny anways.... call me a control freak ;)
Quote from: speedevil on October 03, 2008, 07:18:48 AM
Imagine a long commute during rush hour without having to use a clutch - nice.
That would be nice... but hell the clutch on my 620 was 1 finger light for me anyways
If this were a Porsche forum, and that were the Lexus coupe, we'd be hearing the same complaints from people that are incapable of thinking outside their own realm of interest. ("who'd want one? it's heavy and slow. I hate automatics.")
The fact is, it will probably appeal to lots of "older" first time riders that just want to cruise around 2-up on the weekend. They don't want the dorky image a scooter carries, so the sporty shape will be appealing. They don't want to lay on the tank and cruise at 100mph either, so true sport tourers are over the top. Maybe there are some bankers out there that don't buy in to the HD hype, but still want to moto?
And remember, in this day and age LOTS of people have never driven a manual trans in their entire life. It's intimidating to learn to ride, and learn to shift at the same time. Why not get a manual trans on a cruiser? You wouldn't buy a manual Cadillac.
This is a new transmission of course but my issue with any scooter I've ridden before is that the transmission isn't linear. The acceleration can be really weird.
Whatever, I can see the "innovation" angle and the "broader appeal" thing but it's horrible, I'd have preferred that they put these things in a cruiser shape that people can relate to rather than making some weird new look that ties the other innovations to the acceptance of a new platform.
Quote from: mmakay on October 03, 2008, 07:47:54 AM
The fact is, it will probably appeal to lots of "older" first time riders that just want to cruise around 2-up on the weekend. They don't want the dorky image a scooter carries, so the sporty shape will be appealing. They don't want to lay on the tank and cruise at 100mph either, so true sport tourers are over the top. Maybe there are some bankers out there that don't buy in to the HD hype, but still want to moto?
Very true about the dorky aspect of the step-through chassis, so the step-over style gives to more 'real bike cred'. But the look is going to be a bit polarizing IMO. It's front section is very sporty looking and may associate it in the minds of your 'older' riders with the 'crotch rocket' offerings from honda as well. Honda makes a ton of bikes - but if you ran a survey of the average american on the street and asked them what sort of bike they associate with Honda, it'll lean towards the rice rockets.
The bankers who don't buy into the HD hype probably have a Star bike...
Quote from: mmakay on October 03, 2008, 07:47:54 AM
And remember, in this day and age LOTS of people have never driven a manual trans in their entire life. It's intimidating to learn to ride, and learn to shift at the same time. Why not get a manual trans on a cruiser? You wouldn't buy a manual Cadillac.
True true. Automatics have a place and definite utility. I'm just playing devils advocate on that one.
And I think my point(s) still hold:
- It's got a polarizing look
- It's got a polarizing tranny concept
- It's got a BIG price tag
Now if the trannys great, she preforms well and gets rave reviews a lot of folks will over look some of the perceived flaws. But if it gets poor reviews, that 14+K price tag will be and anchor around its neck that'll drown it. At that price point you've got a lot of other less costly options that are know commodities.
I'm all for innovation... man do I want that tesseract if they ever make it.
too heavy.
Rider gave it a horrible review this month.
That's saying something, as Rider doesn't seem to give any bike a bad review. [roll]
Quote from: Triple J on October 03, 2008, 09:00:54 AM
Rider gave it a horrible review this month.
That's saying something, as Rider doesn't seem to give any bike a bad review. [roll]
Is it online? Linky?
Zoom just sent out a link on out local DOC email
Aprilia Mana - Automatic, the and convert to rider selection, bigger engine, lower weight, lower price tag...
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycles/aprilia-mana/aprilia-mana-850.htm (http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycles/aprilia-mana/aprilia-mana-850.htm)
Quote from: yuu on October 03, 2008, 09:03:37 AM
Is it online? Linky?
I don't know. It was in my mag. this month.
If you squint your eyes enough -- it strangely looks almost as if someone did a bad Photoshop job of "squish vertically / stretch horizontally" of a Ducati Multistroodle and then added scooter bars and a HD side exhaust to finish it off...
Quote from: MotoCreations on October 03, 2008, 11:06:39 AM
If you squint your eyes enough -- it strangely looks almost as if someone did a bad Photoshop job of "squish vertically / stretch horizontally" of a Ducati Multistroodle and then added scooter bars and a HD side exhaust to finish it off...
*squint*
omg, it definitely does.
Let me introduce the new Ducati model for 2009!
(http://www.batescreativegroup.com/gag/squishedStrada.jpg)
Quote from: yuu on October 03, 2008, 11:13:06 AM
Let me introduce the new Ducati model for 2009!
(http://www.batescreativegroup.com/gag/squishedStrada.jpg)
Well played sir, well played.
As far as the weight is concerned, 600 lbs isn't that much when you compare it to some of the bigger HDs or the Victory Vision (pushing 950 after fuel) and having ridden both, it's not as bad as all that. Just as long as the auto tranny isn't a steaming pile and they put the right suspension on it, this thing could definitely attract buyers that would have otherwise NEVER considered riding. As far as the price tag goes, yeah, it's a bit steep for me. Like everyone else said, though, we're not exactly the demographic they're gunning for and whoever they are aiming the bike at probably does have the scratch to cover a toy like this.
Ugly? Yeah.
Expensive? Yeah.
Quality? Only time will tell.
Just think of it as the Licoln Towncar of the motorcycle world.
IMHO, I think it opens new doors for a lot of people on the edge of becomming a motorcyclist. Quite a bit of people wish they could moto, but are afraid of all of the shifting, hands and feet coordination, etc. This allows for those people who want to ride something more than a wimpy scooter.
do you guys think the people on the edge of wanting to be a motorcyclist want to ride an overstyled Honda Accord version of a motorcycle? The folks I know who think they want to ride but are afraid of it either picture themselves on an HD or a sportbike. This is a Pacific Coast updated.
It the standard Honda M.O.
Throw something strange out there, see if there's interest.
(IMO, the motorcycle division is just a self-supporting hobby for Honda, they make the real money on the cars.)
Not my cup of tea, but it'll be interesting to see how it goes.
That is a *lot* of coin though, that will make it tough.
I think the target audience is old folk like me. I also think they missed the target badly.
I really don't think their target is anybody that frequents a Ducati forum ... seriously. [bang]
Yep, I do think some people who are on the edge of becoming a motorcyclist want something like this. Scooter riders have an upgrade now. Also, riders who like the Goldwing, but want something a bit more manageable may like this.
Quote from: cgos4r on October 04, 2008, 03:58:13 PM
Yep, I do think some people who are on the edge of becoming a motorcyclist want something like this. Scooter riders have an upgrade now. Also, riders who like the Goldwing, but want something a bit more manageable may like this.
Except it's $15K with a 680cc engine, high curb weight and little to no storage on-board. I could see someone going for this if t were $8K. Heck, I might even see someone buying it if it were $10K, but $15K is a LOT of money for a vehicle that doesn't appear to be designed to do anything well but look futuristic.
Maybe I'm wrong, but I think the DN-01 could wind up making the Rune look like a sales success.
I've heard some chatter from folks who have seen them in the skin in europe. Mixed thoughts on the look, though some folks commented it looks better in person. And it may well. I didn't like the photos of the 696 but I like it better in the flesh.
But one reoccurring issue is that price point. $15k is a lot. Even more so if you're trying to tap into folks who are not currently riders. If that's the market, the the auto trans might be an attractant.. but 15k is going to put a lot of people off. Especially ones who might have been looking at a bike as a 'more econonmical' mode of transit. !5K is a loooot of gas, even at current prices.
ultimately time will tell. My opinion is it'll tank. But if they did produce something a bit lighter, with the auto trans and an entry level price point - now that could be a winner.
for petes sake!1
they put that thing on the market, but i still have to dream of the cb1100r...
(http://world.honda.com/news/2007/2070920Motorcycle-Exhibition-Tokyo-Motor-Show-2007/photo/images/08.jpg)
sonsapregnant doges.