DN-01 on sale in 07

Honda’s hydraulic-drive DN-01 – shown as a prototype in 2005 – will go into production in 12 months. It could consign conventional gear-changes to the history books.

Insiders say it will be on sale in Japan early next year and be available in Europe by the end of 2007.
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It uses a V-twin engine developed from the Deauville’s 65bhp, 680cc unit. But instead of conventional gears, the DN-01’s engine is connected to a hydraulic pump, which sends hydraulic fluid to a turbine driving the rear wheel via a shaft.

Valves alter the flow of hydraulic fluid to offer a completely variable transmission.

Read the full story only in MCN out on March 29, 2006.

Does the idea of a gearless bike appeal to you or is changing gear a key part of the appeal of riding? Click on the ‘related topic’ link, right, to Have Your Say.>>>>