Honda’s $225 Million Mistake - Rune Review

[@XPsychowaffleX]

You gotta hand it to Honda for designing a bike not for money, but as a sort of "thank you for appreciating art for what it is: ART." The design team, the engineers, every single person that had a hand in this knew they were making something so unique and special that those who could find one would always cherish it

[@haveyounoticedtheshieldsar3467]

It's always for money , you financed a civic because you fell for the helpful honda days

[@theothertonydutch]

@@haveyounoticedtheshieldsar3467 It's more likely that Honda uses stuff like this as a type of marketing, in the same way that having a racing team also boosts sales.

[@andrewlindley4865]

I wasn't even aware that Honda were capable of that

[@GrumpyIan]

@@theothertonydutch loss leader marketing

[@Perkelenaattori]

Honda honestly does that. You could classify even the Honda E car with its funky retro styling and terrible pricing to be exactly that. Honda has always been engineering first.

[@CZ65]

Only Fortnine could make me want a bike I didn't even know existed 11 minutes ago.

[@Cj-yw8cs]

Even if it collects dust. And once a month I sit on it and go, " vroom vrooom"

[@GrumpyIan]

@@cowmath77 it's still lighter than most Harley Davidsons.

[@jared6200]

@@cowmath77 As a GL1800 owner and weighing 145 LBS, 1000 pound bikes are about all i've ever owned, and if somehow I dropped it I would still be able to pick it up because the boxer engine only lets it fall so much. The low seat height on the Rune makes backing it up a whole lot easier as well.

[@patrickdunn8918]

It’s too bad most people have never seen one… I rode one, because I know two guys that owned them. THE ULTIMATE SPORT BIKE IS WHAT IT IS.

[@patrickdunn8918]

And no Grumpy, not even close.

[@jackb55391]

"Own experiences rather than things" You can always count on FortNine for some life philosophy with a motorcycle review. Amazing work as always love you guys.

[@_skud]

Own things, create experiences.

[@TimeLemur6]

Amen.

[@gatsu8634]

It's a pretty common platitude...

[@coastaku1954]

@@_skud That's how I work, I buy a lot of things so I can have experiences with them

[@dominikussteinbichler9327]

Kihhölh8ä9üäääü868p8iä

[@colindowd3892]

You really do have to own one to appreciate the craftsmanship of a machine like this. Mine is 2004 with 34K on the clock and no corrosion on the chrome, what so ever. Yes, parts here in the UK are virtually non existent. Mine came with one ignition key and took a year to find keys then had to cut them and programme them myself as honda UK didn't have a clue. Still has a resale value of £22,000

[@jaywhoisit4863]

The resale value just went up another 10 grand after the release of this video!!

[@Brandy._]

It looks absolutely amazing, I hope I can see it on the road out there!

[@JTA1961]

So basically you were maRUNEd

[@dpur773104aolcom]

Blimey, I thought you was a Harley man through and through Col! Hope you and Sal have a fab Christmas!

[@marvindebot3264]

@@dpur773104aolcom Some things transcend mere branding mate, this is one.

[@IlllIlIIllllIllIIIlIllI]

For $27,000 and how much they spent to make each one, they absolutely were art pieces made of appreciation.

[@williamrae9954]

2 wheeled Toyota LFA?

[@jessISaRicePrincess]

​@@williamrae9954 perfect comparison dude

[@Fosi94]

Exactly.

[@noxix7641]

More like depreciation. Ohhhhhhhhh

[@TheLordinio]

@@noxix7641 they are worth more now than they were sold for originally

[@ChrisUhlik]

I loved my Rune, but after 20 years, I found myself riding it just once a year or so. To many other bikes that weigh less than half as much and have luggage capacity. The Rune was perfect when a bunch of friends go on a tour for several days. Everybody gets to ride it for a few hours. Bliss! But not so useful for any one trip with just one motorcycle. Great memories. And Thanks F9 for reviving those fond memories.

[@mcearl8073]

What did you end up getting for it when you sold it? This is one of those bikes that I’d believe you if you told me you got 5k for it or 40k for it.

[@ChrisUhlik]

@@mcearl8073 25,000 miles on it, sold for $15,000, well maintained, but it had been crashed once. And while most damaged parts were replaced, there was some fine scratching on some of the chrome on the less-damaged side on parts that I didn't replace. So not show-room condition. It's a bike that I'd ridden 21,000 miles in the 16 years that I owned it. By the way, I had the rear tire blow out twice. Once was my fault because I took it on a 2500 mile ride when the rear tire had perhaps 1000 miles of life on it. Dumb move. But I saved it and did not crash! The second time, I ran over a wire brush or something that punched a hole in the rear which very rapidly deflated the tire. From my previous experience, I knew what was happening from the sound and managed to pull over from the left lane at 80 mph across 4 lanes of traffic before it wouldn't steer anymore. 800lbs is tough on a motorcycle tire. The wire brush left a few telltale wires in the rubber in a circle around the ~1/2 inch puncture. I bought it in 2006 for $15,500. Not a bad bit of fun for so little dough.

[@nickhellen6303]

That situation is EXACTLY why one should have more than one motorcycle

[@markpfeifer1402]

I'll never fault a manufacturer for taking a styling risk. We need more bikes that don't look like everything else.

[@brianellison3525]

Are you joking? This was an indian with a beamer engine. There isn't an original looking anything on this blob.

[@Gnerko123]

@@brianellison3525 bmw never had a six cylinder boxer. The engine is nothing like anything BMW has or has ever had, other than that it is a boxer, of which BMW only has twins. It’s no BMW engine by any stretch of the imagination

[@Ramonatho]

@@brianellison3525 since we're just making shit up I have a 14 inch penis

[@michaelglinski3809]

@@Gnerko123 BMW briefly flirted with the idea of a boxer four as the next evolution of their airheads, but the GL1000 had come out by then and they worried about being accused of copying Honda. So instead they went with the transverse-4 K bikes. Ah, what could have been.....

[@AndrasMihalyi]

@@brianellison3525 Want to read a joke ? Take a look at your own comment...

[@BikesandBeards]

this is one of the greatest motorcycles Honda has ever made.

[@FortNine]

Merry Christmas lads. ~RF9

[@luiscardozo0000]

ha ha ha ha ha ha

[@fmxinsane]

@@FortNine its cool that you reply only to famous youtubers

[@TheGrundigg]

@@fmxinsane He's got 2k comments in a few hours, obviously he'll reply only to people he knows or maybe some random interesting comment...

[@bigchill7182]

this is one of the greatest motorcycles ANYONE has ever made...

[@SeraphimCramer]

This video is brilliant for highlighting not only a brilliantly designed motorcycle, but also Ryan's personal expertise about motorcycles in order to notice all the little details & handling that make this bike more than just a sculpture.

[@roundlake96]

"So what good is owning a dream thing if you don't live the dream" As true as it gets, too many things we buy that are expensive are never put to good use as we get afraid thanks to how expensive or valued they are. I’m glad my grandfather taught me otherwise when I got my first ride on his dream bike only dressed in a suit as we just had been to a funeral. Many said it was foolish and he just laughed and said that’s the point. I can repair the bike if he drops it, but I can never make this memory again. Best man I will ever have known, bless you grandpa and merry Christmas FortNine!

[@jamesw1659]

This is the embodiment of what my father taught me...there is a difference in being able to buy something and being able to afford it. If you're afraid to take the thing out and use it as it was intended, then you can't afford to own it.

[@garynew9637]

Honda did make a Dream.

[@joec6859]

The Rune is still the only cruiser I was ever enamored with. I remember seeing one amidst a sea of custom v-twin monsters at the Hollister cruise in 2004 and it was the only bike that stopped me dead in my tracks. The styling may be "of the era" but its presence is undeniable. Great video!

[@gornzilla]

I like the Rune and the weirdo Ducati Indiana. Not that I want to own a cruiser. They're not my style. But those are both interesting oddballs.

[@sloppyjoe6243]

You hit the nail on the head! This bike was truly a unique cruiser in a sea of the same ol' stuff that labeled itself "exclusive, limited, custom, etc." The Rune was a functional, truly original cruiser. I love the looks (certainly not for everyone) but it certainly caught EVERYONE"S ATTENTION.

[@mrkang4080]

Grew up a sport bike fanatic, got my Honda F2 and paid an egregious amount of money for insurance as a 16 year old and grew up threw multiple GSXRs, R1s and Ninja... the Rune is the only cruiser I ever lusted after from the first second I saw it. 30 years later, I am still shopping for a clean Rune and CBX for my garage.

[@MatthewPettyST1300]

I too have almost the next best thing to The Rune. I bought a 2014 Valkyrie back in 2014 and I Love that Bike. I named her Elsa. I knew I had something with some style when the next weekend I was cruising in a Mall parking in Santa Cruz Ca. looked and watched some guy come out of a store and while reaching for the sunglasses on top of his head, he knocked them off. He never took his eyes off the bike as he blindly searched the ground with his hands and never took his eyes off the bike as I slowly passed by. The Rune is the Valkyrie styling on Steroids. I've not told Elsa about my love for the Rune. Somethings are best kept secret.

[@SaimonZ69]

I don't know how you keep doing it. Unbelievable production quality video! Just like all those that came before and apparently those to still come.

[@sactrippin6045]

I had the same thought....every second of their videos is fantastic- and always is. Superb content, and I'm not even in the market for a motorcycle. Then I found out that FortNine is a store. I don't know who this dude is, but he's effing gold.

[@DieselRamcharger]

Because television is dead. Magazines are dead. Thousands of producers, artists, camera grips etc are all out of work. Fortnine is owned by Peterson Publishing. The people who used to produce Dirt Bike along with all the other magazines in the grocery store magazine rack.

[@Ritalie]

And the Rune seems like the most valued motorcycle ever produced by any major manufacturer.

[@extragoogleaccount6061]

Was he a cinema major or something? So many great shots and not 15 seconds goes by without drone footage. Not to mention the "sets" that he shoots at (or lives at?)

[@Hubris2]

I wish the very best of the season to Ryan and the entire team. You have all built one of the best motorcycling channels out there and your fans rush to watch every new release because of the amazing writing, great cinematography, and Ryan's down-home delivery. Hopefully you're enjoying time with those you love.

[@geraldgreen6278]

Respect to anyone who enjoys pizza with Tim Bits ! Merry Christmas and Happy New Years.

[@MarcSherwood]

@@geraldgreen6278 Tim Bits are an accepted pizza topping north of the 49th. We only introduced pineapple on pizza as a distraction.

[@2kchallengewith4video]

how many subs can I get from this comment? Current:1.45k

[@DB-sd3cw]

Unreal d riding

[@itsjustcam247]

I always eagerly await new Fortnine videos because they're not only a gripping and informative story but they're a cinematic masterpiece, each and ever one of them. Your videos tick every box and scratch every itch. They're perfect.

[@DB-sd3cw]

What's the point of these comments? Why blend in with the thousands of others who comment on Fortnine's production rather than comment on the videos subject matter? Tf?

[@manuelalejandro8972]

bruh!! these are the only youtube vids I play full screen . . . . they everyone else's to shame

[@itsjustcam247]

@@DB-sd3cw woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

I find myself constantly checking the time left on the video & lamenting the fact that it’s all going by so fast.

[@mtkoslowski]

Find any polyps while you were up there? 🧐

[@anim8torfiddler871]

Thanks for this glimpse. When my dear Brother was 7years old, our Uncle Bill took him for a ride on his Harley Police cycle. I don't know if that was the "Electra-Glide" but similar. My brother never got over that. So at about age 21, he bought a brand-new Honda 750. He then undertook to transform it into a Chopper. Worked for a few years at a Honda Dealership, learned parts, procedures, tools. Took the thing apart and reassembled it as a Chopper with a long front end and a sissy bar. Took it apart again, and painted hobbits and Wizards and Orcs and Dragons and Castles on every paintable surface, including the INSIDES of the Gauges. Even did Runes on the Chrome with a fer-Pete's-Sake Dremel Tool. Rode the thing for 25 years until he was slowed down by a stroke. When he recovered sufficiently, bought a Shadow touring bike of 1990s vintage. He loved those bikes almost as much as his guitars. I suppose if he coulda played the guitars while cruising on his cycle, he would've done that 'till he expired.

[@montlejohnbojangles8937]

Thanks for the story, he sounds like an absolute badass. 😁

[@patrickshaw8595]

@@montlejohnbojangles8937 Right. THAT kind of guy is not to be trifled with. Imagine mistreating one of his loved ones . . . he would make it his job to delete you.

[@FortNine]

Want to see Pamela Anderson steal a chromed-out Honda Rune from a Russian metal band in terrible CGI? kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5u1cp-MgLuSbLs Merry Christmas. ~RF9

[@sunnyvalejedi]

Wow. You are the Nardwuar of motorcycles.

[@GatsuRage]

Merry xmass RF9!

[@johnbrooks241]

👍💪👍💪👍💪👍

[@MrBitviper]

that was.... unexpected 😆😆

[@hyukhyuk1]

Merry Xmas. it's kent here. Perfect video, to the last minute details

[@Shaneosaurus_Rex]

Just wanted to let you know, I started watching this channel because of a recommended video a couple weeks ago, and now I’m taking a riding course and getting my license next month. I just wanted to thank you for all of the info you provide to all of us newbies, and helping break old thoughts and habits for those who’ve been riding for years.

[@BrodyCox]

I worked Techline at American Honda Motorsports for a couple years and we used to absolutely dread getting calls on the Rune specifically. They were few and far between, but when they happened, the whole crew knew not to get wrapped up in your case if they could help it.

[@jonblanchard5453]

Can you elaborate more? What made a call for the Rune so dreadful?

[@midgetman4206]

@@jonblanchard5453 If I were to guess: little to no experience/understanding of the bike. Parts are extremely rare. Fear of messing anything up because of the other 2 reasons.

[@BrodyCox]

@@jonblanchard5453Mainly the chipped keys and the ECUs. It was near impossible for us to obtain factory codes to unlock them should a customer lose the chipped keys, even if we requested them from Japan directly. The dealers were supposed to retain that information, but few did. Unlocking the system was a PAIN. There weren't many sold, and as others pointed out, parts availability was scarce, if not completely nonexistent. I remember a dealer that had to pick a customer's rune up with a forklift to move it around their shop because the smart key was lost and the steering lock was stuck on. 90% of the time it was an issue pertaining to that, but 100% of the time the ensuing battle was beyond frustrating. I saw a couple in the collection while working there, and they really are a sight to behold. Inspiring what the engineers and designers were able to come up with.

[@BrodyCox]

@@midgetman4206 Essentially, yep

[@patrickshaw8595]

@@BrodyCox Thanks for sharing that. I learned something today so I must not be dead yet, lol . . .

[@FourIntoOne]

You gotta love Honda for doing stuff like this. That parts price list tho.......sounds nearly as expensive as the plastics on my Africa Twin when I binned it last year lol...

[@Nebnub]

The difference is that new replacement parts don't exist

[@Hyperion292]

My Diavel is my “current” dream bike. Just got it a couple of months ago and man has it sucked. I got hit by a car. Got it back from repairs. Dropped it over off its kickstand. Horrible luck. Highly emotional experience. Like the bike is tarnished now. I need to ride it for a long clean amount of time and get far away from these last couple of months. Because riding it makes me laugh in my helmet every time.

[@Kingsoupturbo]

@@Hyperion292 At least now you're not afraid to drop it anymore! a more involving motorcycle experience! amazing motorcycles those.

[@Hyperion292]

…maybe I got the worst out of the way early. I’m just not of these guys who rides for years without some type of crash. Something always happens. Anyway it is nevertheless highly satisfying having my dream bike.

[@Kingsoupturbo]

@@Hyperion292 Good way to think of it! a bike that powerful, crazy power, just a tap of the throttle in the wrong spot and around she comes! my honda 919 is quite zippy on the mid range hit, if I cracked it anywhere close to gravel, which is everywhere around here, down she goes I'm sure! Those ducati's look pretty wild, bet its more then pretty fun ride!

[@duanedickey3619]

Loved the back and forth: Work the bike, realize it is a collector, worry about using a trophy piece, realizing that its beauty and design can only be fully appreciated by using the thing. Well done my friend…well done.

[@smackfpv]

One of the best castor angle explanations ever... with a pizza cutter!

[@RVAMotorsports]

Your content, information, and production quality is better than ANYTHING I've seen on any medium. If this was a television show, I'd be a couch potato like I haven't been since I was a kid!

[@DB-sd3cw]

Insane d riding

[@M4NA5]

@@DB-sd3cw If stating facts and appreciating insane amount of effort someone put in their work for other’s enjoyment is considered “d riding”, then sign me up. D riding babay! Btw love your work.

[@jaretjansen2270]

Agree

[@dantomahawk3454]

@@DB-sd3cw but is he wrong?

[@shahan1465]

I'm not even into motorbikes but his content are so good

[@Berniesf]

I own one, in candy red, and its by far the crown jewel of my motorcycle collection. The design its timeless, just standing there looks like its in motion. Along with the bike, I have also curated a large collection of Rune related memorabilia (original dealership posters and maintenance/parts catalogs, every magazine around the world writing about the Rune...) One thing I would never put on my Rune it's that Corbin seat, saddlebags and passenger seat pegs. This bike was designed and made to be a solo rider. Also, I don't find attractive those aftermarket rearview mirrors. Perfection gets 'runed' with modifications. It took me 15 years to get my hands on one, and I will not ever sell even for a million dollars. Update October 2023: I bought a second Rune, and illusion blue one. Now both Runes will live happily forever with me until the day I die.

[@clay1883]

I rode a Rune for a few hours. I loved it. Huge torque just off idle. Great brakes and handling. The sound reminded me of one of the old air cooled 6 cylinder Porches. And as you mentioned, NO PLASTIC! The 1837 cc Gold Wing engine is just bulletproof and the King of reliability.

[@slingshotnerd]

Holy crap that 6:24 explanation with the chocolate was genius!

[@jimmeyer9075]

Those of us that own a 2004 rune know how lucky we are & choose to enjoy owner ship for almost 19 years. Thanks for showing it runs in weather we would never see ourselves.

[@MyYeloGremlin]

Agreed. Sold my IB and found a Red 2005 with only 1800 miles on it. Used to attend the Rune rallies down south GA. Seeing 50 of these in a line up is a rare sight to see. Will never sell mine.

[@JamesSmith-op7yc]

I live in S/E Michigan and have seen only one on the road. I was traveling west at 70mph on I-96. A rider came by on my left like I was standing still. On a Honda Rune. I loved it. (only last year). Great to know that there are some people who really ride their motorcycles! Thanks for sharing.

[@gregorygrabowski7447]

Three or four times a year I see a Rune on the road near my riding area and once, when we stopped at a light together, the rider turned his head to me and gave me a Boba-Fett nod through his shaded helmet shield. I felt honored.

[@randalbladel2817]

I haven’t ridden a motorcycle in over 50 years, and come from the bicycle world, but I recently discovered FortNine and am fascinated. Your straightforward way of explaining the engineering, humorous manner, and high production values are wonderful. (Best for me to live the motorcycle life vicariously at my advanced age.)

[@HorribleOldCrank]

I'm glad you drive it instead of just possess it. I used to own a 1995 Porsche 993 and drove it year-round in Minnesota. That Porsche AWD worked just fine in blizzards, thank you very much, and the fact 99% of its brethren were hiding in heated garages just made the driving that much more fun.

[@seanbrienflynn]

So much nostalgia. The Rune sat directly in front of my desk when I sold bikes and it was by far the best thing in the showroom. Thanks for taking me back with this one!

[@hsm4983]

"Own experiences." What a gift to have someone speaking these things into ppl's lives. :) Thanks for living the dream, Ryan. Merry Christmas.

[@claytonpulley4947]

I have been a Harley rider for 30 years. Every time I see a Rune parked, I have to stop and 'ogle' it. I think is the most beautiful bike created in the last 50 years, truly a rolling work of art. Thanks FortNine for a great video! I will stop by again.

[@Hsp44]

@Peter Angles why do you have a problem with it when he likes it

[@antoniomodesto1157]

@Peter Angles while you talk shit there are millions of Harley’s being ridden in every corner of this world right now

[@pinut187]

You see these often parked around?

[@Ritalie]

I agree. I can't believe the amount of detail that went into it. It's so incredible. I definitely would love to own one, but I"m guessing they are impossible to buy, especially after this video.

[@lowxpectations]

​@@Ritaliecycletrader actually does have several listed for sale surprisingly, I wouldn't have thought they'd be possible to find but oddly they are

[@jimheywood5895]

as a Valkyrie and Goldwing owner, this is the holy grail! i have only seen one in person, waiting for the Whidbey island ferry of course. a stunning bike in person that is more "custom" than any turd chopper or bagger. I'd love one although its a bit much for a daily. I'll stick with my Valk's F1 sound coming out of the Supertrapps about to hit redline. Hail to Honda to build such a beauty! Happy Holidays

[@fullmotherboardalchemist7431]

Its an Art-Deco Masterpiece IMO, I guess I'll stick with my oddball BMW R1200C chromehead. I'd love to hit up Whidbey this summer, it's been a long time.

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

When released, the Rune was hard to find. Worse yet, they were very expensive. I chose an St1100, 93 cherry red. It checked all my boxes.

[@bagamax]

Rune is not about checking a boxes. It is about checking the single box little others can. Like Vermeer does not compete for a place on a wall with wallpapers.

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

@@bagamax I'll grant you that - but for the mass market, those who can afford only one ride, the desire, the need to check as many boxes as possible results in a much happier, much longer relationship. At least for me. 🙂

[@AgentJayZ]

I got a near new CTX 1300 for 10K, and it has almost no chrome. Otherwise in a Rune in disguise.

[@Flaggyt]

@@monkeybarmonkeyman that's the sensible choice, I never bought a bike for sensibility. So I had a zxr750rr (undrivable horrible ride, but so much fun chasing through the gears) and a goldwing gl1500 basically a car on two wheels but so much fun and an engineering marvel, maybe the best bike ever build imnsho so big and heavy but so manoeuvrable, Suzuki intruder wasn't the best bike I ever owned either. But who cares about checking boxes you buy a bike with your heart, a car that need ls to get you to work and back needs boxes checked. ;) The day I need to get a sensible bike I stop riding all together.

[@johnnyblue4799]

@@Flaggyt Spoken like a true westerner. Yet most of the motorcycles on this planet are bought with the mind, not with the heart and they need to check boxes to be used as daily transportation. Also, in the car department, there are many people who love cars and buy them with their heart...

[@Chainsaw2373]

I’m an old Harley Rider and collector who totally agrees with your philosophy! If you don’t use it you will never know. Great video, I have a friend who has one and we have swapped rides during several trips so I have ridden one and didn’t even know about all of the “exclusive fluff” like the book existed. Thanks again for the video from a very old rider who can’t walk very well but still rides! Today was a great ride.

[@AnAvgJoe]

Phenomenal video man. Love watching your stuff. So much thought and care put into each episode. Bravo!

[@DB-sd3cw]

Unreal d riding

[@Todd66]

I had a 02 GL1800 and I currently ride a 1500 Valkyrie… Honda really got it right with these bikes. The bike you look at is not the bike you ride. They look so big and cumbersome, yet they ride like a much smaller lighter bike. The low end power of these bikes really enhances the rider experience at all speeds. They handle fairly well with lots of predictability. As ALWAYS, great video done insanely well. I love this channel

[@kwJUS]

My dad had one when I was a kid. Shipped it between New Zealand and Australia. I told myself I’d never ride, it’s too dangerous. I’m getting my first bike this week and my appreciate for the car on two wheels only keeps growing. What a bike, especially in purple.

[@zdream720]

Absolutely top tier production, it cannot be understated... I hope you get an amazing production deal some day, you (and your team) deserve it.

[@btchhopperou812]

They ARE that production Co. that people dream of getting that job working for LOL... Imagine that!

[@lmitz]

The production value of these videos is insane, I get frickin chills every time Holy shit

[@ferranmunoz4409]

I say this with every one of your videos, but it doesn't make it any less true. WHAT A CINEMATIC MASTERPIECE. Your videos are small gifts that always make my day. Happy new year!

[@cyranodetal]

fortnine being epic as usual. merry christmas!

[@coldestbeer]

Fortnite

[@jimmyjames2549]

I phoned Honda Canada one day to clear up a finance issue that they erred on. While waiting I asked about this bike, the Honda rep said they were never for sale initially but yes you could buy one if you really wanted it. They retailed for 35k (CDN) back then. One dealer had one on the showroom floor for years before selling it although they could return it. It was a bike that said, hey look what we can do! Well just because you can...

[@oliviersavard8676]

to think honda canada did this shit but will not import the trail 125 despite a ton of people being interested in buying one

[@jimmyjames2549]

@@oliviersavard8676 Or bring in the GB500 that was so poorly timed they gave them away. Ive been waiting for a Tracer 700 forever but Yamaha wont bring it in to North America. I even spit at them on their Facebook page!

[@alexnutcasio936]

Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. .25 billion is a lot of money to lose. Money better spent elsewhere.

[@domenik8339]

@@oliviersavard8676 Honda is completely deaf to consumer demands. Fortunately, they do seem to know what we want more than we know what we want.

[@notahotshot]

@@alexnutcasio936 Why did you say .25 billion instead of 250 million? Were you trying to make it sound like more than it is? Honda Motorcycle is a $130 billion a year company. $250 million is less than a quarter of a percent. What better thing do you imagine they should have spent their money on?

[@chriswebster4121]

A tribute or homage to the Honda brand. I commend Honda for the exercise. A pat on the back to themselves so to speak and well deserved. The part in the video about no plastic brought a smile to my face. I couldn't find Honda Rune for sale for less then $45K when they came out. As one might guess I'm a Honda lover. The list of Honda's I've owned with never a regret is long. The closest I ever came to a Honda Rune would have been the 1983 CB1000 Custom or perhaps my 1980 CB900 Custom, had two of them. I finished with a 2006 ST1300. Best thing for me about Honda was the quick and quite nature of each not to mention the reliability. There was also smaller ones I've owned such as the Honda 1973 CL450 scrambler, 1979 Honda CB650. Honda will always be my go to bike. A ride on a Honda was my escape. My Steel Breeze.🥰

[@europana7]

These are one of the rare channels where I DON'T watch videos at 1.25x or faster. Such well crafted genuine videos !

[@Iowa599]

I kinda liked the Rune since it was introduced, so I built parts of my GL1100 to be a cruiser, like a pre-Rune(r).

[@Ride-Tahoe]

Hands down the best motorcycle channel ever created. Every video a lovingly crafted masterpiece. Long may your run FortNine, with your chrome heart shining in the sun.

[@arnie2288]

My bucket list bike is a '14-'15 Valkyrie because it's the more attainable cousin of this bike. Great to hear about it!

[@r6singh]

As an owner of this dream machine, I can confirm that everything shown in this video is 100% accurate. Ryan, thanks for testing this bike in conditions I wouldn’t ever have the guts to.

[@LeoStep93]

how much did it cost you? i wonder what's their value now, probably hundreds of thousands, as a collector's piece

[@SpartanSaint75]

@@LeoStep93 you can buy them for around $25,000 usd

[@jarrodleis4046]

I owned one for a couple of years and it was a very good cruiser. I bought mine initially to just flip it but I’m glad I kept it long enough to get to know it.

[@bradbowslaugh778]

As the gate keeper of a Rune, I have been patiently waiting for this video. Please consider the Christmas present delivered! You sir have nailed it with your unique flair! Happiest of Holidays!

[@jamesjustinbyrne]

Brilliant per usual, the telling of a story that I needed to hear but didn’t know it, a transformative experience. Thanks again Ryan

[@DB-sd3cw]

Insane d riding

[@kendenk9331]

This channel gets better and better and better and better

[@dan_kay]

That wasn't a video, that was a visual experience. Thank you for this outstanding content.

[@superczech69]

Another hit out of the park.....love all the time you spend on production and editing. Standing ovation.

[@DB-sd3cw]

Unreal d riding

[@billsinclair6515]

Dear Mr FortNine, your bike videos are the best in the business: research, visuals, editing, delivery and subtle humour, keep em coming brother

[@teorad9269]

By Far you make the best motorcycle videos in the whole world !!! Congrats

[@jimramsden2911]

Great video. Very Creative. Love all the camera angles. Great Editing. I appreciate ALL the work you guys put into ALL your videos! Good work and Merry Christmas!

[@peternystrom921]

I don´t even onw a bike, or will ever own a bike, but this channel is pure gold. Exactly what we need in the end of 2022 and now 2023

[@8000blue]

As always amazing work by the whole team. Well done, and Merry Christmas to you all.

[@sharplessguy]

The green screen ending with Ryan as the flying elf is priceless... in fact, this entire video is so well fashioned that Honda should give Ryan a Rune for Christmas. Happy holidays everyone

[@LifeontheBellCurve]

I appreciate the concept behind the art. I would guarantee you that the engineers that designed these and the people that made them would smile knowing that someone out there is daily appreciating even one of these machines. I imagine that there would be some disappointment in knowing that many of them will sit unused and very few will know the joy of riding one. Part of the joy of designing and building things like those motors cycles is the wonder and joy they bring the user.

[@bradb9146]

The only motorcycle company to give back in a tangible way .

[@domenik8339]

Honda leads, the rest follow. Been that way for almost 65 years now. If it's not a Honda, it's a copy of a Honda, and if it isn't a copy of a Honda, it'll be discontinued within a decade.

[@jakegarrett8109]

Have you seen the H2? It looks like art and they are reasonably priced (the Z H2 is like 50% less cost than a Honda Fireblade, which doesn't even have a supercharger). Ducati also makes pretty concept looking bikes sometimes, its not like this is a new thing.

[@shivamarya5225]

@@jakegarrett8109 Its easy to make a vehicle close to the concept, if the concept was based on reality. Not every concept designer thinks of proportions with a foot long tank and 9 inch front axle trail and tear dropped everything

[@Sinister_fartbox]

@@domenik8339 you mean Yamaha rules

[@NORMIES_GET_OUT]

@@domenik8339 Honda has always been the reliable but boring choice. I've always preferred Kawasaki's, "Hold my beer." approach to designing motorcycles.

[@Michael-wr2mz]

I appreciate the level of production you put into every video. Thanks for an awesome year of content. Wish you the best in the new year, FortNine!

[@DB-sd3cw]

What's the point of d riding so hard?

[@kurtfoulke5130]

He appreciates the 1,620,000 subscribers 👍 I don't think it's an accident 😂

[@jasonrouse6912]

I don't think they're ever be a bike so beautiful made like this again. It's just a beautiful piece of art. Hats off the all those you designed it and built it.

[@bradahrens4129]

So I'm not a motorcycle guy but I find myself watching and enjoying your content. They're always entertaining and informative. The production values may be the best I've seen on KZbin. Well done to you and to everyone involved.

[@bubbakushingtonIII]

I don't even ride but this guy I'm a huge fan of. He puts together some of the most informative and at times comical videos. Hope everyone is having a good Christmas.

[@troutbassncat3025]

The BEST review of ANYTHING I've seen on KZbin. Great work. Professional job.

[@shelbynamels973]

I don;t think I have ever watched an automotive or MC channel that was sooo well done. The final transition was priceless.

[@honkerman74]

The Rune is beautiful. It's one of the few cruisers that looks good to my eye. I'd be too afraid to crash it.

[@handlemonium]

One day, custom 3D printed parts (yes both of the plastic and metal variety) will be at least half as affordable as grabbing a standard part off a store shelf. That might be 10-15 years away, but that may yet be our awesome reality on both electric AND rebuilt ICE bikes.

[@zugmeister314]

Every shot of him riding around a corner on a wet road with snow all around made me cringe just a little bit.

[@honkerman74]

@@zugmeister314 No doubt. I get nervous riding my Grom and NT700V in the winter. Amazing what good tires do though.

[@jakegarrett8109]

@@handlemonium It still won't be as cheap as off the shelf, but it will cost a lot less for some parts like that labor intensive lost wax mold (or maybe not, 3rd world country labor might just be $20 for that). Some cars have 3d printed turbochargers and titanium exhaust tips, so it wouldn't be unheard of to do the exhaust portions like a muffler and tip out of stainless steel or titanium, or just regular steel and simply chrome electroplate it.

[@kurtfoulke5130]

I'd be afraid to be recognized on it !

[@robolson7669]

I always wanted one, and now that I am looking for a bike……these were something I was interested in…….till now. I had no idea they were rare and collectible. I just like the concept of a gold wing with out all the grandpa parts! Glad I found out parts are crazy before I bought one!

[@johnneywalker2964]

You should get an F6C Valkyrie... 😉

[@ahmedelchamaa]

What youre looking for is s Honda Valkyrie. Less rare and is exactly that, a stripped down Goldwing

[@georgephillips7408]

@@ahmedelchamaa the new valks are like weird the old is like a non v twin Harley. And then you have the one based off concept The valkyrie has like 3 different bikes for that model entry in the past 3 decades they need to stop reusing the same model name while making a bike with no design similarities it makes the model name a joke to the original fans.

[@wacobob56dad]

Think of the Valkyrie as a hotrod Goldwing.

[@NoStressVanLife]

I thought about buying one as a second bike, but I would feel so bad if it ever went down. Got a 81 cb750 instead to restore and not feel as bad if something happens I can rebuild (parts permitting lol)

[@MFP0666]

I've regretted that my dealer had a Rune for a while in their Used department and that I didn't check to see how much, that I let it slip through my fingers. Thanks to you, I'm now very okay that I didn't buy this White Elephant. So beautiful!

[@gerardmontgomery280]

Yeah looks like buying a Rune and owning a Rune are two very different things. Honda build quality will get you pretty far but sooner or later you'll need to buy parts

[@SingleTrackMined]

@@gerardmontgomery280 Then you have to be able to afford a $150,000 bike in order to pay to maintain and repair it. The purchase price of a Rune is just the entry fee.

[@davemiller262]

@@gerardmontgomery280 I would imagine all the mechanicals are standard goldwing parts. As long as you don't wreck it or drop it it's probably not terrible to fix

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

As ever a simply superb video Ryan - brilliantly researched and written, wonderfully filmed and fun to watch - top marks for setting the bar so high for all us others….bravo sir 👏🏽 - Oh and Happy New Year…see you at ABR in the summer 🤓

[@epicmotorcyclechannel307]

He is making it difficult to compete!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

@@epicmotorcyclechannel307 I don't see it as a competition - there's enough tp go round for all of us!

[@epicmotorcyclechannel307]

@@TheMissendenFlyer ha I actually agree with you :)

[@DB-sd3cw]

FortNine's videos aren't even motorcycle reviews, they're just Ryan talking flowery nonsense while showing off his editor's cinematography skills. Please do not copy this style, we want real motorcycle reviews.

[@Wardred101videos]

It is truly refreshing to see a rider making tight turns at low speeds without dragging a foot. I have seen so many YT videos where riders can't even make a U-turn on a two-lane road. Hats off to you my friend.

[@CrusaderSports250]

Many years ago I saw a motorcycle copper stop to make a right turn, I was on the pavement at the time and something didn't quite look right, he waited for the car to pass and the junction to clear before tilting his head slightly, as the bike started to lean he fed out the clutch and drove away, at that point I realized he hadn't put his foot down and had just balanced it, to say I was impressed is an understatement, thereafter I tried to emulate the mans skill on my own bikes, never to his level unfortunately. I agree the only place for your feet as soon as you move is on the pegs, something you rarely see in other posts and copied on the road. Ride safe out there.

[@stevem4783]

@@CrusaderSports250 The bike always follows your eyes, it's the biggest mistake most riders make especially in low speed maneuvering. Always look toward where you want to go. The second you look right when you're trying to go left (as an example) is the second your balance goes and things start to go wrong. The rest is as simple as practicing clutch manipulation. Even a great rider won't be able to make advanced moves on a bike they're unfamiliar with. I personally learned this the hard way - I ride a Sportster and can personally pull off whatever necessary move I need to make. I worked for a bit in a bike dealership, and trying to pull off the same U-turn move on a 900lb bagger that I can do on my Sportster blindfolded led to losing necessary momentum and dropping it right on the engine guards. People can hop behind the wheel of nearly any car and drive it well enough if they have experience on the road...the same does not apply to bikes at all.

[@GabrielKozsar]

Been following you for some years. Man , you have become a movie director a cameraman and postproduction in one. All-in-one. You got the eye for it.

[@MicJaguar]

I gottah say. Great xmas gift to me that you made this video. I wanted one of these when i got my 1st bike working. A 02 Shadow Spirit. I read about the Rune. I heard Honda made it specifically just to give to its high up executives and a few to sell to make their own rare collectable. There was no plan to mass produce these beyond the 1500 or so they made. They just made it to show off they could build the best looking bike with no limitations. One was for sell here in Texas 5 or 6 years ago and was gone the next day. I have a 2014 Valkyrie which I love after 2 other bikes i restored and sold got me enough to get it. I wanted to ride it all the way up to Canada one day to visit F9 but thats a long trip. I see that sponsor money is paying off. Production value has shot through the roof with F9. Great video as always. DO NOT DROP! should be a sticker on the side of that Rune. 😆 Cheers.

[@omarfarghal9536]

As I have always said and will always say... You don't make videos man, you make experiences. Ammaaziingg job as always!!

[@carver7689]

I remember the Rune! I thought it was just a fancy-shmancy cruiser variant of the Goldwing. Kinda cool to hear that it was actually an engineering labor of love. Merry Christmas, F9 crew! Thanks for your hard work.

[@Anoldphotographer]

As always Ryan, you have nailed the 60 minutes story style and produced something beyond a KZbin video. I looked at a Rune in the showroom when it was introduced and thought of another radical motorcycle that is now perhaps the greatest art deco design of a vehicle ever. The 1941 Indian 441. Maybe someday the Rune will be appreciated for it's styling.

[@k.n.v.b1113]

Happy to see you guys always pushing ahead creating. thank you !

[@judecas13]

Not to brag, noooo way... I own 2 of these beasts. They are as awesome to ride as they look. I got a lot of friends with cruisers, most of them customized more or less. A lot of them frowned the bike seeing it the first time. Like that engine looks terrible (no V-twin), it's too silent, the front/back fender is strange etc. I told them ok, got 2 of them. The blue stays as it was created, the black you can customize. Find a way to make it look better, propose the concept, I'll consider it. Later on all came back to me saying they give up, haven't found the way to make it look better. I'm not surprised, The Rune is just perfect. Ps: the sidebags were aftermarket extras from Corbin. Also that saddle is from Corbin, not the original.

[@codyhatch4607]

Well good 4u and your bad taste in bikes......Looks like a piece of SHIT to me!

[@senatorjosephmccarthy2720]

I stared at a paused scene of it here and made it look better, to me. It's fairly good looking as is, and the size adds to the appeal. But the Suzuki 700 (and 1400) Intruder is the best looking production bike in history. To me. But the Intruder doesn't look nearly as expensive, something Harley is also a leader at.

[@MatthewPettyST1300]

" Find a way to make it look better" you say? OK, I found one........Park it in my Driveway with my name on the registration ! There! Problem solved. I have almost the next best thing. I bought a 2014 Valkyrie back in 2014 and I Love that Bike. I named her Elsa. I knew I had something with some style when the next weekend I was cruising in a Mall parking in Santa Cruz Ca. looked and watched some guy come out of a store and while reaching for the sunglasses on top of his head, he knocked them off. He never took his eyes off the bike as he blindly searched the ground with his hands and never took his eyes off the bike as I passed by. The Rune is the Valkyrie styling on Steroids. I've not told Elsa about my love for the Rune. Somethings are best kept secret.

[@scottcates]

Corbin rocks the custom luggage. Kawi-fitted Corbin Beetle bags are the business on the ZZR1200.

[@judecas13]

@@MatthewPettyST1300 my grandmothers first name was Elza. I loved her very much. Rip. Enjoy your bike. Also - that way of making it look better is cheating. The guys tried that, of course.

[@chriscorscadden2484]

Bike variety, production quality, and cheekiness are everything that make this channel great. Merry Christmas Fortnine team!

[@anneominous7172]

7:30 "Buff'eh'" 😂 It's little subtle injections of tongue-in-cheek humour like this that make this channel. Never change, lads.

[@leaflee2066]

Well done Honda I didn't think you could top the NR 750 but here we are!

[@MarkHanson-du3qs]

In terms of engineering nothing will ever top the NR, but the rune is an amazing work of art.

[@leaflee2066]

@@MarkHanson-du3qs In terms of my dream bikes the NR is still pretty much at the top.

[@iamtheoffenderofall]

Had the opportunity to ride one of these when it first came out. A monster of a bike. But worth the ride.

[@bikerbobcat]

I had no idea the rarity and expense of the parts. I'm now even MORE afraid to ride one. XD

[@CitEnthusiast]

Without a doubt the best motorcycle channel anywhere. This was so much fun to watch! And the message at the end is perfect.

[@JurisKankalis]

Here in Latvia, I saw this bike for the first - and only - time somewhere in 2006-2007. It was parked in an empty part of the parking lot near the nearest grocery store here in capital Riga. I had recently bought my long-time dream - one of the early digital SLR cameras, the almighty Canon 350D - and had it with me all the time. So I took a gazillion of pictures and remembered that this was the most beautiful bike ever made - and the most beautiful bike that would probably ever be made (yes I know Keanu is making something - but I don't think even those things can hold a candle to the Rune). After I spent abt. 20 minutes photographing the bike, one of the most well-known politicians here in Latvia appeared from a nearby house and rode the bike away (the guy was well-known for having crashed an airplane... which he presumably had built himself - also - a former chairman of the national bank - which is probably how he could afford the thing). Anyway. Well done for the video - and best New Year greetings from Latvia.

[@llwellyn1]

As always, your presentation was informative, interesting, and fun. Although the Rune was never on my wish list, it was cool to learn about Honda's development process with this model. I hope everyone out there appreciates the superb video editing in this episode. I can't think of any other motorsports channel that executes such capacity and finesse. Cheers!

[@mattcat234]

One of the best filmed channels around, and not just for motorcycle content. Keep up the good writing, shoots and fitting soundtracks.

[@DopravniPoradce]

What an art deco beauty! Never heard of it before, but I'm in love.

[@brandon9689]

The faint screech is either a sonic vortex of back pressure, or the lamentation of women and children. I'm dying 😂

[@bikerbobcat]

It's the lamentation.

[@1978sjt]

What is best in life?.....

[@MatthewPettyST1300]

He does have a way with words.

[@ishmael4489]

I don't own a motorcycle and have never even ridden anything with 2 wheels (other than my push bike), but the videos on this channel with Ryan's presenting are having me coming back for more. Very entertaining. Thank you and keep up the good work!

[@MindofMatter]

Ryan and team, you are all simply the best in the business. Thank you for this. I had never even heard of this bike and you're quality is top notch as always. Entertainment value: through the roof

[@1066wastrel]

Beautifully filmed & edited.

[@PeteFromOZ]

Great video. There are two for sale in Australia listed at $40k with 20,000km on the clock. I think they just went up in value.

[@estherannaallu]

ʜɪᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴜᴘ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ ɪ ɢᴏᴛ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ 🎁🎁🎊🎊.

[@ironDsteele]

I saw one of these at a bike show once- I had no idea what it was at the time and didn't realize how special it was. Thanks for the footage well done.

[@estherannaallu]

ʜɪᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴜᴘ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ ɪ ɢᴏᴛ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ 🎁🎁🎊🎊…

[@stephenbobic3226]

I was teaching motorcycle riding for one of Honda's Rider Ed Centers when this was released. This and the Dream 50R were released at the same time and I was asked to go to an AMA road race and help the sales folks with explaining these two bikes (and the rest of the Honda line) for that year. It was quite the task, especially as I didn't get any info on the bike until I got there. Well, at least I got to go to the races for free. The only thing I could really come up with was "Well, the prototype bike got out to the laboratory and onto the manufacturing floor, then out in the wild."

[@michaelrussell6661]

Love the vid. Mate had a Valkyrie [same Driveline] and it looked and sounded awesome. The fastest he had the ball's to ride it at was 240KPH and he said that was at 2/3rd throttle, and that it just started to float at that speed. He said it was so easy to ride as well.

[@salahjamil]

Honda wanted to show the world what they can do when engineering is properly fusioned with art & money is no object. They created a true masterpiece in terms of both engineering & art.