Honda RN0 electric mountain bike introduced

Honda produces many products with engines, from lawn mowers to generators, from cars to airplanes. Now a new vehicle has been added to the list: Honda RN0. The Japanese giant's first high-end electric mountain bike was also introduced at the EICMA 2026 fair in Milan.

Honda RN0 Developed with ROTWILD

Most car-branded e-bikes are just a familiar logo pasted onto another company's frame. However, Honda seems to have put serious effort into the engineering side this time. Because the RN0 was developed together with German high-end e-MTB manufacturer ROTWILD.

The bike has its own carbon monocoque frame. In addition, a gull-wing-shaped rear control arm is used, inspired by motorcycle chassis experience.

This vineyard also has a history. Honda developed mountain bikes in the early 2000s and made a downhill racing bike called the RN01. This project won the overall series championship at the UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup in 2005. But RN01 was never made available to consumers. Still, RN0 picks up where it left off after more than two decades.

Hardware and Suspension

The bike, which weighs approximately 24 kg, was designed as a multi-purpose e-MTB. Factory level FOX suspension is installed front and rear. The wheel arrangement also attracts attention.

Front suspension: 160 mm FOX 36 FLOAT Factory Kashima

Rear shock absorber: FOX FLOAT X Factory Kashima

Wheels: DT Swiss H1900 SPLINE, 29 inches front, 27.5 inches rear (mullet layout)

Brakes: Shimano DEORE XT, four-piston

Shimano Motor and Smart Assist

The drivetrain is perhaps the most interesting part. Honda uses Shimano's new motor unit weighing 2.3 kg. The engine provides a maximum torque of 100 Nm and an output power of 750 watts. In addition, there is a large battery with a capacity of 720 Wh.

Shimano AUTO ASSIST automatically adjusts engine support according to terrain conditions and the force the rider presses on the pedal. AUTO SHIFT, on the other hand, takes over the gear shifting to maintain the appropriate pedal speed.

The Assist Carryover function also continues to provide power for a short time after pedaling has stopped. In this way, it can be easier to pass stony, deep-rooted and technical obstacles. Because normally support is cut off just when it is needed most.

A 2.2-inch color screen is integrated into the top tube. Moreover, it can be charged via USB-C. Additionally, engine settings can be changed via the Shimano application and the bike can be locked electronically.

Honda's announcement did not include price information. However, considering the carbon frame, Factory level FOX suspension and XT brakes, it becomes clear that the RN0 will not be an e-bike that everyone can afford.