Honda unveiled the RN0, its first high-end electric mountain bike (e-MTB), at EICMA 2026 in Milan, Italy, on November 3. Jointly developed with German high-end e-MTB manufacturer ROTWILD, the RN0 combines Honda's motorcycle development expertise with the latest e-MTB technologies. It features a proprietary carbon monocoque frame and gull-arm swingarm, with a total weight of approximately 24 kg.
The RN0 carries the concept “New Terrain, Same Dream.” Its name represents “Ride Natural” and “Reach New Peaks.” Honda began mountain bike research and development in the 2000s, and its RN01 won the overall UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup series championship in 2005. The RN0 carries this mountain biking heritage forward as Honda enters the premium e-MTB market.
The bike features a Honda-developed carbon monocoque frame paired with a gull-arm swingarm. According to Honda, the structural layout extending from the head tube to the rear axle is designed to deliver high rigidity and clear feedback from the riding surface. Carefully engineered frame flexibility also allows slight deformation to improve tire contact with the ground during cornering. The rear suspension uses a single-pivot swingarm with a linkage system, balancing pedaling efficiency and impact absorption.
The RN0 is available in S, M and L frame sizes. Suspension is provided by a FOX 36 FLOAT Factory Kashima fork with 160 mm of travel and a FOX FLOAT X Factory Kashima rear shock. The bike rolls on DT Swiss H1900 SPLINE wheels in a mullet configuration, with a 29-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch rear wheel. Schwalbe Albert EVO Trail tires and SHIMANO DEORE XT four-piston disc brakes complete the component package.
The drive system features a new SHIMANO drive unit weighing 2.3 kg, with maximum torque of 100 Nm and maximum output of 750 W. It is powered by a 720 Wh battery. AUTO ASSIST automatically adjusts assistance according to terrain gradient and rider pedaling effort, while AUTO SHIFT changes gears to maintain an optimal cadence. Assist Carryover briefly maintains drive power after the rider stops pedaling, helping the bike maintain momentum when navigating obstacles and challenging terrain.
A 2.2-inch full-colour display integrated into the top tube shows speed, remaining range and assistance mode, among other riding information. The system also includes a USB-C port for device charging. Through the SHIMANO app, riders can customise drive-unit settings and lock or unlock the bike's electronic systems.
Honda describes the RN0 as a new challenge built on its history of mobility and product development, combining its motorcycle engineering expertise with electric mountain bike technology.
Photo: Honda
