Cruiser/Crossover

DN-01

There’s no denying the fact that Honda's new DN-01 is in a class of its own—the world's first crossover bike if you will. Styled like a sport bike, but offering Honda's radical new HFT (Human Fitting Transmission), it's an automatic unlike anything I've ever seen. You can shift it into six preset ratios manually (which the rider operates through buttons located on the handle) or you can let it function as a step less, no-shifting Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT).

The DN-01 has a 680cc liquid-cooled 52° V-Twin engine; is fuel injected with 40mm throttle bodies and a 10:1 compression ratio. How much HP/Torque are we talking about here? I have no idea as I’ve yet to see any technical data but with 595 lbs (including required fluids and a full tank of fuel) I sure hope it has some pep otherwise the rider on the Vespa’s going to be laughing at you.

With a wheelbase of 63.2 inches it’s not the most compact motorcycle but a low seat height of 27.2 inches should help those who normally have trouble flat-footing their rides when coming to a full stop. I’d also opt for the black color scheme but those that want a splash of color go with the candy red option.

The DN-01 looks to be positioned as a perfect choice for those people who are just getting into motorcycling and don’t want a race-replica to start on. If however you’re a long-time rider who wants to be on a different type of motorcycle that’s available in the market today then look no further than the DN-01. MSRP: $14,599.

Sport

CBR1000RR

When the all-new CBR1000RR debuted last year, it represented everything sport riders expected from a liter bike: high performance, ultra responsive handling and lightweight just like a super model. It was simply the best, most innovative open-class sport bike Honda ever built. Does that make it the best liter bike when compared to the other Japanese manufacturers? Or for that matter the best against new challengers to this class like KTM, BMW or Aprilia?

The CBR1000RR this year is available in new color options like Pearl White/Light Silver Metallic along with black. For our European friends you get a special Repsol edition.

The big news is that Honda will introduce the ’09 CBR1000RR with Combined Anti-Lock Braking, the most advanced (and first-ever) ABS system to find its way onto an open-class superbike. This feature will prevent braking lock-ups and also manage weight transfer under heavy braking to help stop the rear wheel from lifting in an emergency stop. Having not had the chance to test out the system I’ll reserve my judgment on this technology but I will say that anything that will help a rider maintain control should be beneficial. The standard RR MSRP is $11,999 and the ABS equipped version is $12,999.

CBR600RR

Like the bigger CBR1000RR, the CBR600RR is proof of how good a sport bike can be. On the track or street, the small RR feels right at home and back-to-back AMA FX titles show its racing prowess. Similar to its big brother Honda will introduce an all-new CBR600RR with Combined Anti-Lock Braking. Weighing in at 432 lbs (fully wet) with a 599cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine and a power to weight ratio that will throw your eyeballs straight to the back of your head, ABS will help experienced riders and aid those riders who start out on a 600RR (and you know who you are). The standard RR MSRP is $9,799 and the ABS equipped version is $10,799.

CRF230M

In today's market fuel efficiency is just as important as fun and Honda addresses both in the new 2009 CRF230M. Boasting 17 inch wheels and low profile tires along with a wet weight of only 267 pounds the CRF230M should be a hoot to blast around your favorite twisty road on. While the CRF230M only sports a 2.3 gallon fuel tank (including the .7 gallon reserve) the 223cc motor should sip fuel slow enough to get you to the 100 mile mark with ease before needing to stop. Currently available in a beautiful black color only and has an MSRP of $4,749.

Summary

It’s an exciting time to be a motorcyclist and Honda keeps raising the bar every year. Especially during these times when spending over $10,000 on a motorcycle might seem frivolous (unless of course it’s your main mode of transportation) Honda and other manufacturers are building motorcycles that not only fuels our passion to ride but are also safer to ride as well.

Visit Honda (www.powersports.honda.com) to learn more about the new 2009 product line.

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