Honda DN-01 700 2008 — Specifications

Who still remembers the Honda DN-01 700 cc, that unclassifiable machine that landed in 2008 on a market that never asked for it? Half-cruiser, half-GT, vaguely a scooter at heart, this creation from the Japanese manufacturer remains one of the boldest gambles ever attempted on two wheels. Born in the aisles of motor shows as a concept bike back in 2005, nobody would have bet a penny on it reaching production. Yet Honda went ahead and did it. And the result is as divisive as it is fascinating.

Style-wise, the DN-01 looks like nothing else out there. Its stretched profile, sharp front end, and Pro-Arm single-sided swingarm give it a silhouette from another era, somewhere between a science-fiction spacecraft and an American cruiser put through a Japanese filter. You love it or you hate it, but you can't ignore it. The real talking point beneath this polarizing bodywork is the HFT transmission, standing for Human-Friendly Transmission. Nothing to do with a scooter CVT or a conventional automated gearbox. It's a hydromechanical continuously variable system, capable of operating in fully automatic mode (Drive or Sport) or in manual selection across six ratios via a handlebar control. Switching between modes is done from the right switchgear, and a single button is all it takes to engage neutral. On paper, it's the promise of effortless riding. On the road, the smoothness of operation delivers on that promise, even if purists will miss the complete absence of a clutch lever.

The 52-degree V-twin displacing 680 cc, shared with the Deauville and Transalp of the era, produces 60 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 58.8 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. Modest figures that place the Honda DN-01 700 far from muscular tourers like the BMW K 1200 GT or Yamaha FJR 1300. Top speed caps out at 180 km/h, enough to ride at legal speeds without ever claiming to be sporty. This powertrain pairs well with the machine's philosophy, designed for relaxed cruising rather than devouring the motorway at full load. The limited wind protection from the small screen confirms this orientation.

The ergonomics push the comfort slider quite far. The seat, perched at just 690 mm off the ground, reassures shorter riders. The swept-back handlebar, wide footpegs, and near-custom riding position invite leisurely rides. The fully digital instrumentation, readable and comprehensive, adds a welcome touch of modernity. The steel double-cradle frame, 41 mm telescopic hydraulic fork, and shaft final drive make up a serious rolling chassis, backed by a combined ABS braking system with dual 296 mm front discs. All of this inspires confidence, at least on paper.

The problem is the weight. At 270 kg wet with a tank holding just 15 litres, the DN-01 carries a heft that's hard to justify. The tyre fitment also raises eyebrows — a 190/50 at the rear and a 130/70 at the front, dimensions cut for far more powerful sportbikes. What's the price of a Honda DN-01 700? At launch, the bill came to 11,790 euros, a steep price tag against the competition of the time. Today, the Honda DN-01 700 can be found on the used market at far more affordable prices, but the scarcity of parts specific to the HFT transmission deserves careful thought before buying. This machine is aimed at urban and suburban riders seeking originality, willing to trade sportiness for comfort and ease of use. A singular object, not always rational, but one that stands as proof of an era when Honda dared to venture off the beaten path.