First ride: Honda DN-01 is a little confusing

MCN editor Marc Potter has just ridden the new 680cc Honda DN-01 around Lake Como in northern Italy as part of the first group to test the bike.

He said: “Unfortunately Lake Como is covered in mist and rain so I have been gingerly pottering around trying my best to avoid mad Italian drivers and big manhole covers on corners.

• See the launch of the DN-01 at the milan show

“I am pleased to reveal the new DN-01 is a really good motorcycle but I’m still very confused who is actually going to buy one. The bike looks as though it’s still a concept but it grows on you the more time you spend with it. However it feels like a confused scooter crossed with a cruiser.

“It’s very easy to ride in electronic manual mode or full automatic but it doesn’t seem to have enough punch to be a cruiser and no luggage carrying capacity to be a scooter.

“Before I became editor, I was a road tester for seven years and this is the first time I’ve ever ridden a bike for any period of time and not been sure what it’s all about or what it’s for. We’re going to do some more riding now and I’ll check in again later.”

Check back tomorrow for the first test of the new Honda CB1000R
 
For the full test read MCN on April 16.