ˆ Honda releases DN-01 and CR230M in U.S. for '09

tags : honda , honda cbr 1000 rr , honda cbr 600 rr , honda cbr1000rr , honda cbr600rr , honda crf230m , honda dn 01 , honda dn-01 , honda dn01 , hondacbr1000rr , hondacbr600rr , hondacrf230m , hondadn-01 , hondadn01

The age of the automatic motorcycle is upon us. Aprilia got the ball rolling with the 850 Mana and Honda is finally set to introduce its DN-01 in the U.S. Both of these bikes use a shift-free transmission like a scooter but have motorcycle-like controls and looks along with a riding position not found on any scooter, regardless of engine size. Still these machine blur the lines between the largest of the maxi-scooters and motorcycles even further. In any case, the DN-01 for 2009 is powered by a 680cc V-Twin engine with 61 horsepower and is available in Candy Dark Red or Black for a steep $14,599. Big Red also has a new lightweight supermoto on hand for '09 called the CR230M that's based on the successful CRF230L platform. Equipped with 17-inch wheels and grippy sportbike tires, the handling is likely to outdo the 232cc air-cooled single cylinder powerplant. That little mill, along with a wet weight of just 276 lbs, should provide for extremely good fuel economy. Get one for $4,749. Rounding out the Honda cycle news for the new model year are the CBR sportbikes. We already looked at the technical side of the two new bikes, now featuring ABS brakes, and Honda has today released the U.S. color schemes for '09. Things are cool for the 1000RR, with Black, Pearl While and a Repsol Replica scheme plus an ABS-only Red model. For the 600RR, though, we're left scratching our heads. Black, Red/Black and a patriotic Red, White and Blue are fine, but what's with the Phoenix graphics and the Bright Green? Oh well, ABS models get either monochromatic Black or Red/Black options.

posted : 10/5/2008 @5:35:51 PM

ˆ Honda announces new CBR600RR and CBR1000RR Fireblade for U.K.

tags : 2009 cbr1000rr , 2009 cbr600rr , 2009 fireblade , 2009cbr1000rr , 2009cbr600rr , 2009fireblade , honda cbr , honda cbr1000rr , honda cbr600rr , honda fireblade , honda motorcycles , hondacbr , hondacbr1000rr , hondacbr600rr , hondafireblade , hondamotorcycles

When it was introduced in 2008, the brand-new Honda CBR1000RR, known as Fireblade across the pond, won accolades from the the press and regular riders alike. Considering its market domination over the last year, we wouldn't be surprised if Honda simply left things pretty much alone for '09. There is one new feature, though, and it's a biggie: optional ABS brakes. This will be the first application of anti-lock brakes in a machine of this caliber, and early reports indicate that people are seeing improved lap times as a result. In addition to the brakes, expect to see some color changes and a Repsol race edition. Moving on to Honda's smaller-bore machine, the CBR600RR will also get optional C-ABS along with engine changes designed to improve torque right in the middle of the power band, between 8,000 and 12,000 RPM. Along with these changes comes revised styling with flashy colors pulled straight from the mid-'90s. Apparently, neon green and electric blue are back. Why didn't somebody tell us sooner?

posted : 9/22/2008 @10:21:02 PM

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