Radical transmission calls for radical styling ...

First shown as a concept bike at the 2007 Tokyo show, the DN-01 blurs the line between scooter and motorcycle with a motorcycle chassis, a 680cc liquid-cooled V-twin (with a claimed 61 hp), but with an automatic transmission.

The transmission is a Constant Variable type as found on most scooters, but unlike the scooter system which uses belts and pulleys, the DN-01 coverts power into hydraulic pressure, which it uses to alter gearing. This can be used in three modes – automatic drive, automatic sport or as a six-speed manual, which uses 6 pre-selected ratios to offer the same effect as a standard motorcycle gearbox.

Twin 296 mm discs up front use a pair of 3-piston calipers, which are linked to the rear using Honda's combined brakes technology and ABS makes sure that you won't mess it all up with a ham-fisted grab.

Suspension is pretty standard with 41 mm conventional forks and a standard shock working on a single sided swingarm at the rear that also hosts the shaft drive. 17 inch wheels use sportbike radial tires.

Seat height is a relatively low 691 mm (27.2") and the claimed curb weight is 270 kg (595 lbs). Final drive is by shaft.

The DN-01 is available in black in Canada and in limited numbers (at Honda Powerhouse dealers only) sometime in the spring of 2009. MSRP is $17,499.00.

2009 CBR600RR (non ABS).

As expected, Honda has released its new magic "Electronically-Controlled Combined ABS" system for 2009, although unexpectedly it's going to be available on both the CBR1000RR and CBR600RR.

The system is seriously complex, to the extent that the Luddites among us are likely to have problems getting our heads around it, but let's give it a go.

Instead of using a solenoid-operated valve to open and close a brake line pressure valve – which is basically how every other bike ABS system ever built works – this system uses a complex series of pumps and sensors governed by the bike's main ECU to assign brake pressure as required (as determined by the ECU programmers' parameters).

Whether you use your foot or your hand or both, the ECU basically decides how much brake to apply, depending on the pressure being applied to the system.

Big brother CBR1000RR

The anti-lock system has been designed specifically for fast track riding. Honda claims that in tests of the anti-lock version against expert riders on non-ABS Blades, the experts needed several attempts before they could out-brake the ABS bike into a corner.

The new ABS will be standard on the CBR1000RR but the CBR600RR will be available with or without it. The CBR600RR does also have some minor changes to the cylinder head, pistons and exhaust (which have increased torque in the 8,000 - 12,000 rpm range according to Honda), and the fairing has been slightly redesigned to reduce wind noise and increase stability at speed.

MSRPs for the ABS versions have yet to announced, but the non-ABS 600 is $12,799.00. The 1000 will be available in red, black or Repsol colours. The 600 ABS comes in black/grey only while the non-ABS version comes in black/grey, green/grey and red/white/blue.

CRF230L goes supermoto

It seems like everyone is putting a 250 supermoto into their range these days, and Honda join in with a supermoto version of their CRF230L dual sport machine, the CRF230M.

Of course, the CRF250M comes with 17 inch wheels and sporty tires but the rest is relatively low tech when compared to the new supermotos like the Yamaha WR250X and Kawasaki 250 KLX250SF.

Conventional forks are used instead of USDs, braking is supplied by a relatively small 240 mm disc up front, and the 232 cc motor is air-cooled, with SOHC, two valves and fed by a carb. But then this should be reflected in the price.

Seat height is a relatively low (for this type of machine) 805 mm (31.9"). It looks like the CRF230M will be coming to Canada but details have not yet been confirmed.

New 600 Hornet

A restyled Honda Hornet 600 has been unveiled in Europe where it is a general purpose middleweight.

For '09 the Hornet sports new instruments and lights, and a restyled fuel tank. Suspension is adjustable front and rear, and a combined ABS system is available as an option.

The Hornet 600 has been a popular model in Europe for years, but is not currently sold in Canada and likely won't be coming any time soon. More info if we get it.

Honda have just confirmed that the Hornet won't be coming in for 2009.

Both Goldwing 1800 models get a tire pressure monitor for 2009 that flashes when they drop by 10% and stays on when either tire loses 20% or more. 

V4 Concept will actually go into production.

Honda revealed a rather radical looking V4 concept model at the Intermot show in Germany, called the ... err ... V4 Concept Model.

The bike is a celebration of 30 years of Honda's use of the V-4 engine configuration and uses hubless wheels (though they have left some stylistic ones in there), fully enclosed wheels (presumably with some opening at the bottom for the tire to contact the road) and lots of plastic.

We're not sure how the suspension is supposed to work, but then I guess you don't have to worry about such trifling matters in the concept world.

According to a Honda, the V4 Concept Model should be in production in the first half of 2010!