Honda's Tokyo Motor Show Releases

Honda's President and CEO, Takeo Fukui, introduced the manufacturer's designs at a press conference during the 40th Tokyo Motor Show. On display were the six-cylinder EVO6 and vintage-styled CB1100s which Honda previewed in September, as well as the new HFT automatic transmission-powered DN-01.

We already previewed the EVO6 and retro CB designs with our Honda's Wild Concepts for Tokyo Show article last month, where we were forced to speculate over single profile photos of each bike. With the official unveiling at Tokyo, Honda hasn't opened the spec sheet floodgates yet, but they have released plenty more photos of its concept machines.

The EVO6 pics reveal the six-cylinder mill terminates into a 6-into-3 right-side exhaust. Also, we didn't notice the spider-like headlight configuration the first time around. Behind the bug-eye design is an all-digital instrument panel, with a tach integrated into an instrument cluster just above the gas cap. Also our earlier observation about a standard-looking braking system seems to be backed up by what appears to be four-piston Nissin binders up front.

Also on display at Tokyo are the retro-themed CB1100R and CB1100F, with the red-framed racey "R" model looking very sleek in its red, white and blue trim.

While the EVO6 gets top billing, Honda is also promoting the DN-01 concept which utilizes the manufacturers new HFT Transmission. Standing for "Human-Friendly Transmission" according to Honda PR, the new design will feature two automatic modes - "D" for regular riding and "S" for sportier conditions. Honda also mentions a "6-speed manual mode, which gives riders the option of riding with a manual transmission feel."

We were unsure whether the manual mode meant riders could shift with a traditional gearshift lever, but it looks like the only traditional controls on the DN-01 are a right-side handlebar lever and right-side foot petal. There does appear to be an extra switch on the left handlebar, which could be a toggle shifter.