Honda DN-01?!

[Slide Panda]

Let me introduce the new Ducati model for 2009!

[Jarvicious]

Let me introduce the new Ducati model for 2009!

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. 

[cgos4r]

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.

[Statler]

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.

[Speeddog]

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.

[Howie]

I think the target audience is old folk like me.  I also think they missed the target badly. 

[mmakay]

I really don't think their target is anybody that frequents a Ducati forum ... seriously. 

[cgos4r]

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.

[superjohn]

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.

[Slide Panda]

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.

[onederer]

for petes sake!1
they put that thing on the market, but i still have to dream of the cb1100r...

sonsapregnant doges.