Honda RUNE History and Review -- Plus Royal Enfield Classic 350 Comparison

History and Review of the Honda Rune -- They made it because they could!
Plus bonus Royal Enfield Classic 350 Comparison

[@Berniesf]

I own 2 2004 Runes. An Illusion Blue and a Candy Red both of them original, absolutely zero modifications or aftermarket. Runes are pieces of art that doesn't require any modification. Looking for a triple coat Black one to complete the trinity of the motorcycles. I also own every single piece of Rune related memorabilia, magazines talking about the Rune from every corner of the world, all the dealership original posters and materials, all the OEM manuals, etc etc. I know this bike down to a single screw. The reason these beauties are so heavy its because everything its solid metal, you'll be hardly pressed to find plastic around. The chrome its high quality, and the riding position super comfortable. The only thing I wish I had on my Runes is the extended handlebar. Honda sold an extended handlebar as accessory, but today its completely impossible to find. Anyway, my bikes are the crown jewels of my bike collections and I will treasure them until my last day on this planet.

[@motostralia5563]

Wow! What a collection! I agree with all you say about the Rune - yes they truly are a solid work of art. All the best in finding the extended handle bar mod - I wonder, like you I’m sure, where they all went. Good luck with tracking one down 👍 You never know, someone out there reading your post just might have one… 🤞 All the best, Len

[@darthdougus2901]

My Rune Brethren, I have two also, an IB DA with the Rivco Handlebar riser and a Black EB with Corbin bags.

[@deanperrin6696]

Awesome Len, thanks for showing off my Rune❤

[@anthonymcinnis6588]

I just bought a black 2004 yesterday. Its art IMO. I don't plan on doing much riding. Will clean out my garage for the delivery next week.

[@whollymindless]

Props to the designers of the proposal to make it "close enough" to production to support the cooling and exhaust needs of that monster. And that it doesn't look terribly dated almost 20 years on, is just crazy.

[@jackrune1]

great bike i have a blue one for 20 years now

[@johnrowe5511]

I have number 45 and I surely am enjoying it

[@crupert23225]

The Rune was without question THE most incredible production motorcycle ever built. I always wished I could ride one, just once. I have no desire to own one, but I'd love to take one for a spin. The bike is just too heavy and unwieldy for scooting around a parking lot or getting it into a tight spot. And all that chrome is eventually going to need to be redone at enormous expense. Parts? Forget it. Aftermarket accessories? Good luck. Most dealers won't even work on them anymore due to their age, and a bike like that requires some technical expertise. The one thing I don't like about the bike is the headlight. The shape always reminds me of Edward Munch's "The Scream" painting. I just think it's ugly. I can't look at it and not think of that image. I guess there are actually two things I don't like. The radiator looks to me like a whale's baleen plates which it uses to filter food out of sea water. Those two things, I just can't unsee. At 2:42, it indicates "2016 Honda Valkyrie". I don't know if this was borrowed footage, but there is no 2016 Valkyrie. That model as you probably know was only made in 2014 and 2015. I think, of all four concepts shown, the Rune and the T1 were the best, but the Rune is far ahead and the right choice was made. I had to laugh: "The Classic is now in 4th gear and at the peak of the torque band and I'm pulling away from the big old girl." And then the Rune BLOWS by effortlessly! LOL! I am very jealous that you got to experience this incredible motorcycle. It's rare to actually see one. I've never seen one in person. My Honda dealer has never worked on a Valkyrie other than mine! I just can't get used to watching video of British and Australian rides with the left lane being standard. It always looks to me like incoming traffic is coming right at you. Probably just a matter of getting used to, and I imagine you don't even think about it. Great video, Len! I'm interested to hear your impression of the Rune after riding it, such as steering, suspension, seat comfort, braking, handling, etc. Thanks for doing this. 🏍🏍🏍🕶🍺😎🎧👍👌👉

[@falconwing1]

One thing about my Rune I've often wondered....why didn't they chrome the front turn signal brackets.... seems a bit of an afterthought.

[@motostralia5563]

Hi, I hadn’t really noticed that bracket wasn’t chrome. It seems quite strange that they did that. After so much effort, you’d have to think that it was a deliberate decision. Maybe another controversial design feature? I hope you’re enjoying your Rune. Cheers, Len

[@johnrowe5511]

Low mileage and possibly for sale to the right buyer I'm getting a vage to retire

[@user-wn6hi6tt4w]

😊

[@adriannacolleen5411]

😔 *Promosm*