The Tokyo Motor Show continues to unveil concepts from different manufacturers, and Honda’s DN-01 pictured here is one of the most interesting. Perhaps another hybridization of motorcycles and scooters, the DN-01 contains a number of components that appear production ready. For instance, the engine appears to have come directly out of the European Deauville sport touring model, while the suspension pieces, wheels, brakes, etc. look like they could be parts-bin items, as well.
The scooter aspects include the ergonomics (the low seating position being scooterish, as well as a reminder of the Gurney Alligator), the use of floorboards, and the automatic transmission (described on the DN-01 page posted by Honda’s worldwide web site here).
For those of you who have not ridden a large displacement scooter (or the Gurney Alligator — this includes us), the lower center of gravity created by placing the rider lower in the frame offers some significant handling benefits — potentially, even for a sports bike. Note that the ground clearance on the DN-01 concept appears quite generous. This could be a canyon carver, as much as a cruiser.
