Post Listing Update: This Rune got no interest at the asking price of $25,000.
The Honda Rune is already an interesting bike – but this specific example definitely stands out as it is serial number 1! When it was first released in 2004, the public was a bit stunned – amost people did not believe that this concept would actually make it to production. You’ve probably realized over the years that I’m not a huge fan of custom cruisers, but it’s impressive that the Rune was designed like this from the factory.
Though all visual indications give the impression that this bike is heavily raked and would be a handful to muscle around, Honda’s engineers were able to make it quite manageable despite the 750+ pound weight. Most custom choppers built with this visual geometry are awful to ride, but the Rune avoids that pitfall. For more on the Rune, check out this “Memorable Motorcycle” profile from Moto-USA, which notes:
“The only downside is that repair costs are horrendous. Each Rune left the American Honda Plant at Marysville, Ohio, costing the company a reported $100,000 – and sold for just a quarter of that price. Honda has got to get its money back somehow and therefore repairing a Rune is never going to be a cheap exercise.”
Because of the custom looks yet civilian ride, this bike has been very popular with the few people that could afford the original MSRP of nearly $30,000. This example is the first to come off the Ohio plant and the seller says he bought it from the brother of the head of the design team. You’ll get a binder that ‘explains the design team’s strategies when in production with notes, comments, and blue prints.’ It’s claimed to be in close to mint condition despite having 8,700 miles on the odometer.
Find this Rune for sale in Fresno, California for a hefty BIN of $25,000