It's very rare that a concept bike captures the heart of riders the way the Honda Rune->ke2355 did when it was introduced into the market. As a bike that draws its ancestry from the original Valkyries and the Gold Wings->ke2108, the Rune's introduction had a significant impact on the motorcycle market.

Taking all the set-up characteristics of the two bikes and combining them to form one package, Honda->ke291 essentially made the Rune one of the most important bikes of its line-up. Its cutting-edge design and expansive powertrain capabilities took the model into uncharted territory, establishing new directions that no other manufacturer had ever attempted.

Suffice it to say, Honda accomplished that and more with the Rune. It's not enough that it's inspired by some of the most popular bikes Honda has had in the past, but it also takes all of the company's technologies and wraps them up into one scintillating piece of touring awesomeness.

Find out more about the Honda Rune after the jump.

2012 Honda Rune

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Honda Rune
  • Engine/Motor: liquid-cooled overhead-cam, horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Engine

The Honda Rune is powered by a massive 1,832c liquid-cooled overhead-cam, horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine that was actually built for the new GL1800 Gold Wing. Apparently, Honda engineers loved the powertrain so much they decided to put it on the Rune too. That's a very good thing because as one of the more impressive hot rods to ever be built by Honda, it had to come with impressive performance credentials. The Rune's engine comes with six 32mm throttle bodies with 12-hole injectors, replacing the previously-used twin-body system and upgrading the fuel flow of the whole system for a freer flowing system. There are also new camshafts incorporated into the entire set-up while a revised 3-D fuel injection and ignition timing mapping, along with a new close-ratio gearbox, all help make the Rune a true road warrior in every sense of the word. If there ever was any indication of the Rune's capabilities, the bike actually outpaced the mighty Gold Wing on a drag strip by a 10th-of-a-second.

Suspension

There's a reason why people are so excited about the Honda Rune. One of those reasons is the innovative trailing bottom-link front suspension it carries, a first for a bike of the Rune's stature.

As far as this new suspension set-up is concerned, it uses twin pushrods to transfer suspension loads through a linkage system. These arms and links actuate what appear to be twin shocks flanking the steering head and headlight. But that's only half the story. If you really dive in to the heart of it, you'll notice that the right side of the linkage system contains only the main spring for the front suspension system, while the left shock handles damping duties and also contains a lighter weight sub- spring.

The bike's new front end has been lauded for a reason, not the least of which is the finish and ground-breaking configuration it comes with. Simply put, the new trailing bottom-link system has been designed to return a feel and fork action that is entirely familiar to seasoned motorcyclists, one where no special accommodations are necessary.

Specifications

Model

NRX1800

Engine Type

1832cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder

Bore and Stroke

74mm x 71mm

Compression Ratio

9.8:1

Valve Train

SOHC; two valves per cylinder

Carburetion

PGM-FI with automatic choke

Ignition

Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping

Transmission

Five-speed

Final Drive

Shaft

Suspension

Front: Trailing bottom-link; 3.9 inches of travel

Rear: Unit Pro-Link with single shock; 3.9 inches of travel

Brakes

Front: Dual full-floating 330mm discs with three-piston calipers

Rear: Single 336mm disc with two-piston caliper

Tires

Front: 150/60R-18 radial

Rear: 180/55R-17 radial

Wheelbase

68.9 inches

Seat Height

27.2 inches

Dry Weight

794 pounds

Fuel Capacity

6.1 gallons

Colors

Illusion Blue


Double Clear Coat Black

Candy Black Cherry