First ride on a DN-01!

Got to ride a buddies DN-01 today! The bike looks great even though its not too functional. It is just as fast off the line as the Swing, but I like the smoother power delivery. (on a side note its a 680cc engine with 60 horses) I didn't get as much delay on heavy throttle like you can get from the Swing. The foot brake needs some serious work. I had to lift my foot completely off the foot board to get the lever. It's not what I would call fast....keep that front brake covered. No storage....none....big bummer. Now I just need to find a way to get the engine and the HFT into my Swing...oh...bottom line seems to be a fail to me. My Swing still outshines it in almost all aspects. But it does look cool even sitting still.

And Honda still hasn't figured out how to make a saddle that doesn't kill you after and hour....So in that aspect both are even.

MPG....buddy is recording a solid 42-47 mpg for the DN-01
My Swing.......52-56 mpg.

Bottom line. Just not an improvement over the Swing...and to me WAY overpriced. Still was a fun ride though.

The DN-01 to me is a real looker. I like it best in black. The only view of it that I don't like is from the front quarter. Makes that front fairing look huge.

I am disappointed that Honda (so far) has not taken that engine and transmission and put it into a SilverWing. A guy can hope.

I sat on a DN-01 in the showroom. That was more than enough for me. The manager still jokes about what those letters stand for in its name:
Do Not-Order 1

The DN-01 was a total failure in the UK and was being sold off at ridiculously low prices. No luggage available made it a no-no for proper usage. It was apparently aimed at the trendy members of the PTW fraternity who like to have the latest gizmo without worrying too much about the practicality.

bikerboy wrote:

It was apparently aimed at the trendy members of the PTW fraternity who like to have the latest gizmo without worrying too much about the practicality.

What's a PTW fraternity?

Powered Two Wheeler, it's the beaurocratese over here that includes bikes, scooters and mopeds !!

Thanks. I learn something new every day. By the time I'm really old, I should be approaching intelligent. Or not. :lol!:

bikerboy wrote:

The DN-01 was a total failure in the UK and was being sold off at ridiculously low prices. No luggage available made it a no-no for proper usage. It was apparently aimed at the trendy members of the PTW fraternity who like to have the latest gizmo without worrying too much about the practicality.

The DN-01 has failed dismally here in the UK, but Givi have a full set of luggage available for the DN-01, and a decent sized replacement windshield. The DN-01 looks a lot better with them fitted.