Honda’s Combined Brake System with ABS ensures ample braking power at all times. The lever simultaneously engages the front brake and part of the rear brake; conversely, the pedal engages the rear brake and part of the front brake.

While comfortable in the city, the DN-01’s lack of wind protection makes highway trips a physical experience to say the least. And with 17-inch wheels, there isn’t much storage room at your disposal, let alone under the seat like on a scooter. Actually, storage capacity is a big zero.

Styling
You either love the style or you hate it – plain and simple. One patrol officer even gave me the thumbs up as a sign of approval. From a purely technical standpoint, the shape of the fairing looks like a bold designer’s wet dream if you ask me. With the naked design that beautifully exposes the V-twin, the DN-01 is far from a plasticky two-wheeler. In fact, I call it "neo Art Deco." In my view, the design was inspired by the aerodynamic shape of a water drop and tries to create harmony between form and function. This translates into the DN-01, shaped and dressed like an aerodynamic sportbike yet proudly exposing its mechanical guts.

The Givi luggage comes in various capacities, in addition to providing a useful backrest for the passenger. (Photo: Phillippe Champoux)

Fortunately, you can purchase custom windshields and saddlebags from aftermarket outfitters. In my humble opinion and tastes, these accessories address the issues of storage and wind protection while significantly enhancing the Neo Art Deco look of the machine.

Bottom line
The 2010 Honda DN-01 does not provide open leg room in front of the seat nor storage capacity underneath, which makes it more of a motorcycle than a conventional scooter. I found it easy to ride in the city thanks to a light steering and rider-friendly transmission. Add whatever windscreen and storage solution and the DN-01 will become a remarkable tourer.

Plus
Comfort & manoeuvrability at low and medium speeds
Friendly engine and drivetrain
Polarizing design
New low price for 2010

Less
Lack of horsepower
Zero storage and wind protection
Polarizing design