I had the pleasure of being involved in some of the chrome plating on this Bike. The most prominent chrome pieces on the Rune were chrome plated in Erie, PA. We called the part right under the faux fuel tank the boats because of its shape. They covered the air intake filter and electronics. I was the quality control inspector for the finished parts. We met directly with the Honda designers of the bike. I was the one who decided if the parts were good enough to even go on the bike. from preproduction to the end of the run on the Rune I was involved in
I was just watching bikes and beards video about a brand new Norton from the 70’s and he mentioned jay lenos Honda rune video and I discovered this video.
I showed Mert Lawwell (the fast guy from "On Any Sunday") that fork when those first came out and he gave it his stamp of approval. See Lawwell Leader Mountain Bike Fork .
Always lusted after that bike, and was shocked to find one for sale close to my house. Thought it might be a joke, but no - I snatched it up right away. It did not disappoint, it's a masterpiece - a moving sculpture!
I own one in that exact maroon color. Yes mostly just tuck away in my garage to appreciate it's beauty, 2004 at 3500 miles. I currently have a Harley too (my 5th) but they are a dime a dozen on the road. Rune? I only saw one on the road of all these years. Unique as can be.
Used to work @ a Honda shop, the sales manager had one as his work bike. The owner let all employees take it for a ride before he got the keys, and I remember how smooth it rode, the feeling like it was taking off whenever you got on the gas (since learned a trait of shaft drive bikes), and how surprisingly light it felt while on the move. Very cool, thanks for featuring! Oh, and Jay's take on choppers had me cracking up.
I can't begin to tell you how much I was hoping to see Jay and Donald cruising the roads of Newport on this monster of a machine. Jay in one of those half helmet things where the ears are just covered by fabric and Donald on the back wearing his gold football helmet from 1967.
I fell in love with the Rune the day they were announced! This was back in my younger days when I abhorred the cruiser and was foolishly in love with all things super bike lol. I now ride an 06 FLHRCI HD Road King Classic and a Royal Enfield Himalayan, but I still think the Honda Rune is the best looking modern cruiser made! It’s just a gorgeous bike!
I have a 2005 rune. Bought it right off the truck the day it came to the dealer in Brooklyn. 20 years ago. I only have 3k miles and love to ride it when I can.. just recently I found out it was #3 off the line….
Jay missed a few points. First, The MSRP of the bike was $25,000. In the second of the two year production, all of the chrome options became standard and the MSRP was $27,700. This bike was the product of the Honda US design team. They begged mother Honda to produce a concept bike. The gas tank is 6 gallons and the brake calipers are 330mm, the largest Honda has ever put on a motorcycle. It is a pleasure to ride with plenty of power to move the almost 900 lb cruiser down the road. I have a little over 40,000 miles on my Rune and it runs as good as the day I bought it back in 2005.
I worked parts in a Honda dealer when these came out and we got one. Just out of curiousity I looked up how much it would cost if you dropped it in the parking lot and it was stunningly pricy. But I guess if you could afford it, you could afford the insurance. She was drop dead gorgeous, but damn that was a lot of cash. I refused to push it alone. We handled it like it was glass.
The Goldwing is an outstanding bike well made smooth comfortable a great touring bike. The reverse gear is needed to back its mass. I’ve had three over 40 yrs
When first introduced to the Little Rock Honda dealer with fanfare it was accompanied by a West Coast Honda Exec for it's debut. When he asked me what I thought of the bike I told him it looked like a 1956 Buick Roadmaster with handlebars. Not what he wanted to hear but I still feel the same way.
I had a 1997 Valkyrie std. loved that bike. It was so smooth I could place a nickel on the Head/Valve cover and it would stand up on its edge, then I would start the bike. It was so smooth the nickel would just stand there, even when I twisted the throttle to high RPM’s! It was such a sweet bike. The nickel would Not fall over!
I put 10,000 miles on one of these a few years ago. Magnificent machine that I would cruise on the freeway at 90 with one hand on the throttle. Rock solid and comfortable. My all-time favorite bike. A beautiful French woman approached me and said "I don't even like motorcycles, but that is a work of art". I would have kept it but got tired of carrying things in a backpack and strictly a solo bike.
Nice video. Just wish the production team would have included some insert shots of the the rear fender, shaft drive, motor, etc that Donald and Jay spoke about.
Jay kept referring to the Rune as a "tough sell" at $20k. In fact when it was announced that Honda would only make a very limited number (around 1500) bike collectors scurried to dealerships to put down deposits on the bike as pre-sales. There are very few of this model around with high mileage on the market now as many of the people purchasing the bike new anticipated a future collector market and kept them tucked away in anticipation of a big payday. The bike was never intended as an ongoing multi-year model, just a styling exercise concept bike, created by consumer feedback at motorcycle shows that would ultimately draw customers into dealerships.
@Brett Vollmar 8:08 says tough sell and several times throughout the video both Jay and Donald reference the high cost comparison to other motorcycles and the Japanese having to work hard to get a good reputation for Honda after the war.
The high price comparison to other motorcycles, and even to a car, was a tough sell. You could buy other quality bikes for far less money and even get a car for less money that you could use in all weather driving instead of an extremely high cost bike for fair weather driving and occasional use. Not to say that no one bought one for riding, especially if they like to show off or be seen owning something expensive, but most "Regular" people that were actually long haul riding their bikes weren't rushing out for it, it was collectors rushing out for it to store away as a display and a hopeful good investment piece, but most riders that weren't looking to have a motorcycle to draw attention to themselves and just wanted to cruise and enjoy the road were going for options that cost less both to buy and insure.
None of that is true. These bikes sat for years on dealership floor plans unsold. Honda lost so much money on this failed experiment, they practically had to give them away.
Number one thing that a motorcyclist must embrace about Honda is that it is called the Honda motor company. Very high level of commitment to their products.
I remember these being 1 per dealership bikes. When I first saw it, I thought it looked like a Woman's Kimono. The sleeves opening around the radiator holding up that head lamp, and the bun on the woman's back was that Giant back fender. But that's just me. Thanks Fellers!
coffee ☕️ in the morning the Audrain museum.. and bright red motorcycle before breakfast... 👌 wowy zowy.. and Jay Leno.. telling jokes... as usual... life is sweet thanks y'all 😊
when we first moved to Arizona in the mid 80s I got a job selling Harley Davidson and got to ride a Honda Magna 750 to work.. bright red... smooth... and absolutely trouble free.. if my old motorcycles didn't leak oil it meant it was out of oil... the Magna didn't leak.. in 120° F weather it never got hot... and.. of course.. you meet the nicest people on a Honda. ;;~》
that is what I told my customers in explanation for my demo.. we ended up buying the bike... and rode on to fame and fortune.. and a brand new baby.. at which time I rethought the idea of riding in Phoenix traffic.. I bought a jeep wagoneer
I saw one of these under a bridge during a rain storm west of Bay City, MI. The driver had just passed me on my Road King. I pulled under the bridge to put on rain gear. He said he had to wait out the rain because it did not handle very well in the rain. I drove on. On another point. Is Jay feeling ok? He did not have on a blue shirt.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Rune was made in the USA wasn't it? And didn't it sell for less than what it cost to produce? Amazing bike, one to keep forever (if you can find one).
Beards and Bikes did a review on the Rune and stated that even though they went for around $22,000 new, it literally cost around $100,000 each to manufacture. There were also a limited amount of these, 1000 - 1500 units (?) and they were all numbered, and this unit that Jay owns is serial #1. First one off the line.
@@pleun315 Lol. They sold every single one that they made. For 25k in 2004 you could buy a bike that cost over $100k to make for $24k. What other factory motorcycle ever has an equal build quality to the rune? They can sell for $50k now and will only go up. No other bike checks all the boxes like the Rune.
@@Thesaurcery4U2C you are right, its ugly, way over priced ugly and a huge flop, and ugly .....The cb750 however changed the whole motorcycle Industry and looks awesome even today and.....everyone wants one. Even the Honda Cub, sold over 110.000.000 pieces !
I love my rune ! I paid a fortune to transport it and the other 106 motorcycles in my collection from Texas to Oahu. I'm always looking for another rune for sale.
I worked at a Harley Dealership and took one in on trade, the sales manager would let me ride home pretty much whatever I wanted to. Rode it home, and it was everything Jay is saying it is, low, fast, and smooth. When asked by others what I thought of it the next day, I said it was nice, but didn’t seem to have a soul. Guess I needed my motorcycles to vibrate a lot. Never realized how limited they were until a few years ago, would love to come across one now for cheap.
When the Valkyrie came out, I talked my buddy into buying one the first year. It's the epitome of motorcycling excess. He never regretted it and thanked me many times for insisting he simply must have the Valkyrie. Even though it's a very large bike and he can't be more than '5"7 and a buck seventy, he blasts around on it like it's a moped.
I was recently at the Tail of the Dragon ( Sept./Oct 22) and a local guy, his name is Richard is selling his. It isn't a bike that interest me, but I can see it's appeal.
I started riding in 1971. At that time Japanese bikes were not well-known in America, but Honda's engineering and build quality were the equal of any brand, and better than most. Honda often attempts to one-up other manufacturers at their own games. So, for example, under De Tomaso's ownership Benelli introduced a 750cc 6-cylinder model in about 1972. Honda soon answered with the CBX 1000 6-cylinder, and it was a better bike. The Rune was a continuation of that theme. By around 1970, Honda was actually putting most of its resources into its automotive division, but it still managed to put out a very wide range of excellent bikes. Some soldiered on too long without redesigns, so they might lag behind in terms of performance and maybe features, but fundamental build quality and engineering were still excellent. And when Honda _did_ do a fresh design, it was generally top-notch in its class.
The Rune is a pure design exercise. It's definitely a solution to something no rider ever considered. But is it a good motorcycle? Well it is and it isn't IMO. Motorcycles are used for radically different purposes and the aesthetic of a motorcycle can be the primary aim of a motorcycle for some. But for me the ride can really matter as well. And weight is a real compromise . My BMW with its Telelever Paralever suspension will eat most bikes for breakfast. It can be ridden much harder on terrible roads and do it brilliantly. And the bike for a 1200cc bike weighs 223kg wet the Rune is 405 kg wet! Nevertheless we should be grateful that the executives and engineers at Honda were allowed to create this living work of art. It is sculptural in form and the world would be a poorer place without such hedonism. Great review as always. Thanks
The title seems misleading to me. It is definitely not 'the most comfortable bike ever', unless you never ridden anything else. I've ridden Rune plenty of times as a friend of mine owns one. At 6', 32" inseam I can tell you that there is not enough leg room, the reach to the handlebars is too far, seat gets hard very soon. It is very heavy especially in the front, and it can use another gear on highway speeds if you can ride it without windshield that fast. On the other hand, I am amazed that Honda made it. It is top notch quality, everything works as it should, not much goes wrong with it, very smooth to ride. An engineering feat for sure. Just not very ergonomic unless you want to compare it with OCC Choppers, which are horrid to ride and not a fair comparison. Personally I liked the first gen Valkyrie the best. Very comfortable touring cruiser, especially with hard bags.
Jay still has his CBX that he bought new. I no longer ride but kept all 4 of mine. My first ever motorcycle engine overhaul was a 79 CBX that had a rod punched through the cases. That was a real project. It took me another 25,000 miles. I also have a 1980 and a pair of 1981 CBX's.
@@kimmer6 cool! I had a 82, restored to stock. Also, restomod on a 81' model that was a frame off complete unit. It placed 2nd amongst 88 CBXs at the National CBX bike show in Marlinton West Va.
@@davidszelinski5021 I have even seen them on the side of the road broken down. That's what happend to Leno. He bought one and the maroons wired the ignition through the tail light. when the tail light went out so did the engine. Not too bright OCC was.
I think I commented this on Jay's review of this bike, but I worked at a Honda dealer when these were new and everyone who came in the store had to sit on it, ooh and aah over it but no one wanted to buy it. The thing was just WAY too expensive and unorthodox as motorcycles go, for our clientele. It took several years after we acquired it from Honda to get rid of it and sell the thing. Our example also had a small dent in the tank from shipping and I guess there were problems getting a replacement tank for such a small-volume and expensive motorcycle as it was still dented when it left our shop.
1-That bike it's not stock. Runes doesn't have footrests for passengers (see them on both sides of this bike) because it was designed from the beginning to be a solo rider. I own one, along with the largest Rune memorabilia collection on this country. 2-It is the Goldwing engine, but with more injectors and different injection mapping
When I was riding back in the '70s, the philosophy was, buy a Honda for dependability, a Kawasaki for top speed, a Suzuki for quickness, and a Harley for the sound... I don't remember where Yamaha came in that equation... Probably as a compromise between the various aspects of the Japanese bikes... Most of the bikes I had back then were made by Yamaha...
I remember Yamaha being known more for their dirt bikes in those days. Its been a long time, but I think I recall Yamaha didn't have a great reputation for reliability either. On a different note, I loved the early Yamaha snowmobiles. I'll never forget how mean they sounded.
Tried to buy an FJR. Test drove with my girlfriend and, with her on the back, accidentally popped a mini wheelie, slammed on the brakes, she crashes into my helmet, and she made me buy a BMW 1200 RT. The FJR was the sportiest and fastest of the sport touring category by far.
Love Jay and I will never have the knowledge that he possesses it the auto/motorcycle field, but Harley Davidson motors specs are much higher than 60 hp on there Milwaukee line of engines. Milwaukee-8 107”: 91 HP and about 112 lb-ft of torque Milwaukee-8 114”: 102 HP and about 125 lb-ft of torque Milwaukee-8 117”: 105 HP and about 124 lb-ft of torque Milwaukee-8 131”: 121 HP and about 112 lb-ft of torque They have a Revolution motor the puts down 165 hp in stock formation.
Jay is spot on with his review of the Rune. The Japanese were way ahead of the entire world with this MC. Today it is considered a work of art. The Japanese were trying to change the industry which is why financial wise, the Rune was a loser. We all know today, that the Rune was a cruiser riders bike. By the way Jay, Corbin makes bags for the Rune. I definitely want one in my collection, someday. Sadly, Jay is also right. We Americans identify with name recognition. We don’t look at build quality and history of performance. We look for names. Honda/Acura same exact drive train. Different badge. The Japanese know their markets and they know we are gullible buyers willing to pay more for nothing more than a name and some fancier plastic bits.
I had the pleasure of being involved in some of the chrome plating on this Bike. The most prominent chrome pieces on the Rune were chrome plated in Erie, PA. We called the part right under the faux fuel tank the boats because of its shape. They covered the air intake filter and electronics. I was the quality control inspector for the finished parts. We met directly with the Honda designers of the bike. I was the one who decided if the parts were good enough to even go on the bike. from preproduction to the end of the run on the Rune I was involved in
So good thanks for sharing!
It’s a hell of a bike. Hopefully, my generation will get something like this.
I was just watching bikes and beards video about a brand new Norton from the 70’s and he mentioned jay lenos Honda rune video and I discovered this video.
I love that Jay has dug his heels in on his opinions of OCC Bikes.
I showed Mert Lawwell (the fast guy from "On Any Sunday") that fork when those first came out and he gave it his stamp of approval. See Lawwell Leader Mountain Bike Fork .
Thanks Jay and Donald!
Always lusted after that bike, and was shocked to find one for sale close to my house. Thought it might be a joke, but no - I snatched it up right away. It did not disappoint, it's a masterpiece - a moving sculpture!
What is the average going price now?
A lucky man to own a Rune!
@@MrWeliz $20k
It's a magnificent machine! I would give up body-bits for one!...
I own one in that exact maroon color. Yes mostly just tuck away in my garage to appreciate it's beauty, 2004 at 3500 miles. I currently have a Harley too (my 5th) but they are a dime a dozen on the road. Rune? I only saw one on the road of all these years. Unique as can be.
Used to work @ a Honda shop, the sales manager had one as his work bike. The owner let all employees take it for a ride before he got the keys, and I remember how smooth it rode, the feeling like it was taking off whenever you got on the gas (since learned a trait of shaft drive bikes), and how surprisingly light it felt while on the move.
Very cool, thanks for featuring!
Oh, and Jay's take on choppers had me cracking up.
I can't begin to tell you how much I was hoping to see Jay and Donald cruising the roads of Newport on this monster of a machine. Jay in one of those half helmet things where the ears are just covered by fabric and Donald on the back wearing his gold football helmet from 1967.
you mean like Jack and Peter in Easy Rider....lol
When I saw that bike in the showroom I thought worth every penny!I had no Pennie’s at the time.
Not a motorcycle guy, but this was entertaining and informative, just two great presenters who do it better than anyone else.
I fell in love with the Rune the day they were announced! This was back in my younger days when I abhorred the cruiser and was foolishly in love with all things super bike lol. I now ride an 06 FLHRCI HD Road King Classic and a Royal Enfield Himalayan, but I still think the Honda Rune is the best looking modern cruiser made! It’s just a gorgeous bike!
I saw this bike on road back in the day and left impression on me for life.
I have a 2005 rune. Bought it right off the truck the day it came to the dealer in Brooklyn. 20 years ago. I only have 3k miles and love to ride it when I can.. just recently I found out it was #3 off the line….
Jay missed a few points. First, The MSRP of the bike was $25,000. In the second of the two year production, all of the chrome options became standard and the MSRP was $27,700. This bike was the product of the Honda US design team. They begged mother Honda to produce a concept bike. The gas tank is 6 gallons and the brake calipers are 330mm, the largest Honda has ever put on a motorcycle. It is a pleasure to ride with plenty of power to move the almost 900 lb cruiser down the road. I have a little over 40,000 miles on my Rune and it runs as good as the day I bought it back in 2005.
i would love to see Jay have a special show driving this!wonderful special, Jay is the absolute conoisseur
Watch the episode on Jay Leno’s Garage. He spends an entire show talking about…and riding this bike.
th-cam.com/video/QJpFeKYSVcY/w-d-xo.html
My wife and I find you both great. Jay get better soon. Honda for me was st 90, gold wing, and cb 750. Love Norton 850.
Never seen this bike before, and I must say, really impressive. Thanks Jay Leno for showing this!
I worked parts in a Honda dealer when these came out and we got one. Just out of curiousity I looked up how much it would cost if you dropped it in the parking lot and it was stunningly pricy. But I guess if you could afford it, you could afford the insurance. She was drop dead gorgeous, but damn that was a lot of cash. I refused to push it alone. We handled it like it was glass.
The Goldwing is an outstanding bike well made smooth comfortable a great touring bike. The reverse gear is needed to back its mass. I’ve had three over 40 yrs
Friend of mine pulls his little fishing boat with his. It’s hilarious, but works!
Jay ! Still doing Quality entertainment ! Thanks
I worked at the Honda Marysville, Ohio plant where this bike was made. I wanted to buy one so bad but didn't have the funds at the time.
Thank you for making my Valk!
When first introduced to the Little Rock Honda dealer with fanfare it was accompanied by a West Coast Honda Exec for it's debut. When he asked me what I thought of the bike I told him it looked like a 1956 Buick Roadmaster with handlebars. Not what he wanted to hear but I still feel the same way.
I had a 1997 Valkyrie std. loved that bike. It was so smooth I could place a nickel on the Head/Valve cover and it would stand up on its edge, then I would start the bike. It was so smooth the nickel would just stand there, even when I twisted the throttle to high RPM’s! It was such a sweet bike. The nickel would Not fall over!
Don't hold back jay...you almost said it..the best motorcycle ever built in history
I had a buddy who bought one of these and it was a blast to ride, oh and man, was it fast! Thanks for the video! New sub!
I put 10,000 miles on one of these a few years ago. Magnificent machine that I would cruise on the freeway at 90 with one hand on the throttle. Rock solid and comfortable. My all-time favorite bike. A beautiful French woman approached me and said "I don't even like motorcycles, but that is a work of art". I would have kept it but got tired of carrying things in a backpack and strictly a solo bike.
Nice video. Just wish the production team would have included some insert shots of the the rear fender, shaft drive, motor, etc that Donald and Jay spoke about.
Jay kept referring to the Rune as a "tough sell" at $20k. In fact when it was announced that Honda would only make a very limited number (around 1500) bike collectors scurried to dealerships to put down deposits on the bike as pre-sales. There are very few of this model around with high mileage on the market now as many of the people purchasing the bike new anticipated a future collector market and kept them tucked away in anticipation of a big payday. The bike was never intended as an ongoing multi-year model, just a styling exercise concept bike, created by consumer feedback at motorcycle shows that would ultimately draw customers into dealerships.
Never heard him say tough sell once.
@Brett Vollmar 8:08 says tough sell and several times throughout the video both Jay and Donald reference the high cost comparison to other motorcycles and the Japanese having to work hard to get a good reputation for Honda after the war.
The high price comparison to other motorcycles, and even to a car, was a tough sell. You could buy other quality bikes for far less money and even get a car for less money that you could use in all weather driving instead of an extremely high cost bike for fair weather driving and occasional use. Not to say that no one bought one for riding, especially if they like to show off or be seen owning something expensive, but most "Regular" people that were actually long haul riding their bikes weren't rushing out for it, it was collectors rushing out for it to store away as a display and a hopeful good investment piece, but most riders that weren't looking to have a motorcycle to draw attention to themselves and just wanted to cruise and enjoy the road were going for options that cost less both to buy and insure.
None of that is true.
These bikes sat for years on dealership floor plans unsold. Honda lost so much money on this failed experiment, they practically had to give them away.
@@vtwinbuilder3129 so true, 3 to4 yes to sell.
Thanks, Enjoyed, Love that Red Rune, Had a Goldwing for years and still ridin.
It’s always on my list to add to my garage it is such an iconic bike and should be preserved. One day I hope to end up with one
Its a nice thought until you see how much theyre going for. Even worse is how much they cost to repair. A lot of the parts are custom hand crafted.
Number one thing that a motorcyclist must embrace about Honda is that it is called the Honda motor company.
Very high level of commitment to their products.
In blue with chrome, that bike looks amazing. 👌
Awesome video. Beautiful motorcycle!
Have an ‘03 VTX 1800. Love it and have loved it for 10 years! Some day I’ll have a RUNE!
I remember these being 1 per dealership bikes.
When I first saw it, I thought it looked like a Woman's Kimono. The sleeves opening around the radiator holding up that head lamp, and the bun on the woman's back was that Giant back fender.
But that's just me.
Thanks Fellers!
LOVE THE SHOW👏👏👏
HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY EVERYONE ✌️
coffee ☕️ in the morning
the Audrain museum.. and bright red motorcycle before breakfast... 👌 wowy zowy.. and Jay Leno.. telling jokes... as usual... life is sweet
thanks y'all 😊
Thanks for the support!
when we first moved to Arizona in the mid 80s I got a job selling Harley Davidson and got to ride a Honda Magna 750 to work.. bright red... smooth... and absolutely trouble free.. if my old motorcycles didn't leak oil it meant it was out of oil... the Magna didn't leak.. in 120° F weather it never got hot... and.. of course.. you meet the nicest people on a Honda. ;;~》
that is what I told my customers in explanation for my demo.. we ended up buying the bike... and rode on to fame and fortune.. and a brand new baby.. at which time I rethought the idea of riding in Phoenix traffic.. I bought a jeep wagoneer
that is a gorgeous motorcycle.. . low to the ground... stealth red ♥️ too
great bike.. thanks for sharing ✌️
Like this concept of vehicle showing
Rumor was that it cost Honda about $100,000 to build each Rune, so selling them for $20K was really an act of charity.
It could very well be true because Lexus LFA suffered a similar fate.
More so a publicity stunt for bragging rights
It's called a flagship, kids
It’s a very futuristic design, a bike that will age very well, looking better with age, a future, retro classic.
I saw one of these under a bridge during a rain storm west of Bay City, MI. The driver had just passed me on my Road King. I pulled under the bridge to put on rain gear. He said he had to wait out the rain because it did not handle very well in the rain. I drove on. On another point. Is Jay feeling ok? He did not have on a blue shirt.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Rune was made in the USA wasn't it? And didn't it sell for less than what it cost to produce? Amazing bike, one to keep forever (if you can find one).
Made in Honda plan in Ohio, rumored cost of production around 100k each
I've ridden a Rune It was one of the most comfortable, fast and well handling bikes ever... Beautiful too!
Beards and Bikes did a review on the Rune and stated that even though they went for around $22,000 new, it literally cost around $100,000 each to manufacture. There were also a limited amount of these, 1000 - 1500 units (?) and they were all numbered, and this unit that Jay owns is serial #1. First one off the line.
Its correct! The production of this ugly thing cost in total 220.000.000 dollar and it was a huge flop.....
@@pleun315 Lol.
They sold every single one that they made.
For 25k in 2004 you could buy a bike that cost over $100k to make for $24k.
What other factory motorcycle ever has an equal build quality to the rune?
They can sell for $50k now and will only go up.
No other bike checks all the boxes like the Rune.
@@Thesaurcery4U2C you are right, its ugly, way over priced ugly and a huge flop, and ugly .....The cb750 however changed the whole motorcycle Industry and looks awesome even today and.....everyone wants one. Even the Honda Cub, sold over 110.000.000 pieces !
Cool 😎 . Love this bike !
Near the top of my wish list
That is one impressive looking bike, in all the best ways.
I love my rune ! I paid a fortune to transport it and the other 106 motorcycles in my collection from Texas to Oahu. I'm always looking for another rune for sale.
I used to see one in a car dealership, in the window in Braintree, Essex, in England. I wonder if it’s still there.
I always wanted one of these bikes after I had a chance to ride one, just a perfect machine, maybe one day
I worked at a Harley Dealership and took one in on trade, the sales manager would let me ride home pretty much whatever I wanted to. Rode it home, and it was everything Jay is saying it is, low, fast, and smooth. When asked by others what I thought of it the next day, I said it was nice, but didn’t seem to have a soul. Guess I needed my motorcycles to vibrate a lot. Never realized how limited they were until a few years ago, would love to come across one now for cheap.
That sounds like Hell. Working in a Harley dealership. Having to wade through waist deep leaked oil everyday.
😂 naw newer fewer oil drips.
I've owned both the Honda Gold Wing and the Harley touring bikes like the street glide etc. I would certainly choose the Honda over the Harley.
When the Valkyrie came out, I talked my buddy into buying one the first year. It's the epitome of motorcycling excess. He never regretted it and thanked me many times for insisting he simply must have the Valkyrie. Even though it's a very large bike and he can't be more than '5"7 and a buck seventy, he blasts around on it like it's a moped.
I was recently at the Tail of the Dragon ( Sept./Oct 22) and a local guy, his name is Richard is selling his. It isn't a bike that interest me, but I can see it's appeal.
Nicest bike I've seen also. To believe that it's Honda. Beautiful. Want one definitely. 👍😎💙🔥🔥🔥♥️🤑🤑
This must be he result when someone make a bike for a future retro sci-fi movie without telling the account dept.. Cool video!
I remember when these came out.
I remember when they came out. The price was an issue. At the time you could buy a GoldWing with all the goodies and have a reliable comfortable ride.
Fortnine did an excellent review on this Honda Rune on TH-cam!
Great looking motorbike
the most beautiful bike ever !
I started riding in 1971. At that time Japanese bikes were not well-known in America, but Honda's engineering and build quality were the equal of any brand, and better than most. Honda often attempts to one-up other manufacturers at their own games. So, for example, under De Tomaso's ownership Benelli introduced a 750cc 6-cylinder model in about 1972. Honda soon answered with the CBX 1000 6-cylinder, and it was a better bike. The Rune was a continuation of that theme.
By around 1970, Honda was actually putting most of its resources into its automotive division, but it still managed to put out a very wide range of excellent bikes. Some soldiered on too long without redesigns, so they might lag behind in terms of performance and maybe features, but fundamental build quality and engineering were still excellent. And when Honda _did_ do a fresh design, it was generally top-notch in its class.
Honda was well known as a brand and as a leader in motorcycles in 1965. Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki were not far behind.
The Rune is a pure design exercise. It's definitely a solution to something no rider ever considered. But is it a good motorcycle? Well it is and it isn't IMO. Motorcycles are used for radically different purposes and the aesthetic of a motorcycle can be the primary aim of a motorcycle for some. But for me the ride can really matter as well.
And weight is a real compromise . My BMW with its Telelever Paralever suspension will eat most bikes for breakfast. It can be ridden much harder on terrible roads and do it brilliantly. And the bike for a 1200cc bike weighs 223kg wet the Rune is 405 kg wet!
Nevertheless we should be grateful that the executives and engineers at Honda were allowed to create this living work of art. It is sculptural in form and the world would be a poorer place without such hedonism. Great review as always. Thanks
Donald, I can take you for a ride anytime you want!
I always wanted a cbx. I settled and got a Honda 900c. Alot of people do not talk about those.
Why the Ruin? Because Honda can! Glorious engineering statement, a modern 2 wheeled Duisenberg.
Jay got dressed up real fancy-like for this.
The title seems misleading to me. It is definitely not 'the most comfortable bike ever', unless you never ridden anything else. I've ridden Rune plenty of times as a friend of mine owns one. At 6', 32" inseam I can tell you that there is not enough leg room, the reach to the handlebars is too far, seat gets hard very soon. It is very heavy especially in the front, and it can use another gear on highway speeds if you can ride it without windshield that fast.
On the other hand, I am amazed that Honda made it. It is top notch quality, everything works as it should, not much goes wrong with it, very smooth to ride. An engineering feat for sure. Just not very ergonomic unless you want to compare it with OCC Choppers, which are horrid to ride and not a fair comparison.
Personally I liked the first gen Valkyrie the best. Very comfortable touring cruiser, especially with hard bags.
2:33- the moment, when you say you get it but your brain still tries to find the answer
I drove one there incredible.
Jay didn't you have American Chopper build you a custom bike? An old English bike I think.
I ride a 2014 Honda Valkyrie, a very close cousin to the Rune, same motor, so I know when Jay says it is smooth what he means.
Moving the camera around and showing the bike would've been 👍 nice. Hearing it start up would have been good...
Jay is correct about OCC bikes being nothing but garbage.
Surprised you don’t have one Jay.
Still regret not buying one while they were affordable. I read they took a loss on each one produced.
Reminds me of Hondas late model CBX (1981-82).
Under appreciated at first, now a serious collectible.
Jay still has his CBX that he bought new. I no longer ride but kept all 4 of mine. My first ever motorcycle engine overhaul was a 79 CBX that had a rod punched through the cases. That was a real project. It took me another 25,000 miles. I also have a 1980 and a pair of 1981 CBX's.
@@kimmer6 cool! I had a 82, restored to stock. Also, restomod on a 81' model that was a frame off complete unit. It placed 2nd amongst 88 CBXs at the National CBX bike show in Marlinton West Va.
We love both you guys, it is extremely sad that Jay Leno rejects Jesus Christ. May God open his heart and his mind up to the truth.
Stop pushing the big lie.
May reason and logic open your brain, and may you open a book (other than the one you are so fond of). Your fairy tales are killing the world.
Somebody close, please bring to Jay's shop a 1969 S/C Rambler. I would love to hear what he says
HA HA HA, OCC was right down the road from me. The "dad" was a big ass.
I could never understand why anybody would want a ride a chopper the handling is horrible and ape hangers are stupid
@@davidszelinski5021 I have even seen them on the side of the road broken down. That's what happend to Leno. He bought one and the maroons wired the ignition through the tail light. when the tail light went out so did the engine. Not too bright OCC was.
When their show first came out it was apparent that brute force and ignorance drove their caveman engineering tactics
I think I commented this on Jay's review of this bike, but I worked at a Honda dealer when these were new and everyone who came in the store had to sit on it, ooh and aah over it but no one wanted to buy it. The thing was just WAY too expensive and unorthodox as motorcycles go, for our clientele. It took several years after we acquired it from Honda to get rid of it and sell the thing. Our example also had a small dent in the tank from shipping and I guess there were problems getting a replacement tank for such a small-volume and expensive motorcycle as it was still dented when it left our shop.
Is that 190E in the beginning an EVO? 👀
Yes! Check out this video we made about the EVO here th-cam.com/video/w7fsmMZFctI/w-d-xo.html
Beautiful bike. Kind of incongruous to have a cruiser that did not have luggage option.
I have a 1971 Honda CL350. In my 60 years I've seen Honda evolve to world class level.
I had a '72 CL450 and I wish I still had it.
1-That bike it's not stock. Runes doesn't have footrests for passengers (see them on both sides of this bike) because it was designed from the beginning to be a solo rider. I own one, along with the largest Rune memorabilia collection on this country. 2-It is the Goldwing engine, but with more injectors and different injection mapping
I have an 03 Valkyrie my dream motorcycle is a rune
When I was riding back in the '70s, the philosophy was, buy a Honda for dependability, a Kawasaki for top speed, a Suzuki for quickness, and a Harley for the sound... I don't remember where Yamaha came in that equation... Probably as a compromise between the various aspects of the Japanese bikes... Most of the bikes I had back then were made by Yamaha...
I remember Yamaha being known more for their dirt bikes in those days. Its been a long time, but I think I recall Yamaha didn't have a great reputation for reliability either. On a different note, I loved the early Yamaha snowmobiles. I'll never forget how mean they sounded.
Tried to buy an FJR. Test drove with my girlfriend and, with her on the back, accidentally popped a mini wheelie, slammed on the brakes, she crashes into my helmet, and she made me buy a BMW 1200 RT. The FJR was the sportiest and fastest of the sport touring category by far.
Love Jay and I will never have the knowledge that he possesses it the auto/motorcycle field, but Harley Davidson motors specs are much higher than 60 hp on there Milwaukee line of engines.
Milwaukee-8 107”: 91 HP and about 112 lb-ft of torque
Milwaukee-8 114”: 102 HP and about 125 lb-ft of torque
Milwaukee-8 117”: 105 HP and about 124 lb-ft of torque
Milwaukee-8 131”: 121 HP and about 112 lb-ft of torque
They have a Revolution motor the puts down 165 hp in stock formation.
Just waiting for the all HD backlash 😂😂😂
Jay Honda Fury hello 👋mo Powa to the Moto 👊
Probably coolest motorcycle ever,
R u gonna ride it? I hope 🤞
Ride one on your show
I have the poor man version of this bike 2014 Valkyrie Love it put 78.000 mi 5 yrs Smoove power for sure
Jay is spot on with his review of the Rune. The Japanese were way ahead of the entire world with this MC. Today it is considered a work of art. The Japanese were trying to change the industry which is why financial wise, the Rune was a loser. We all know today, that the Rune was a cruiser riders bike. By the way Jay, Corbin makes bags for the Rune. I definitely want one in my collection, someday. Sadly, Jay is also right. We Americans identify with name recognition. We don’t look at build quality and history of performance. We look for names. Honda/Acura same exact drive train. Different badge. The Japanese know their markets and they know we are gullible buyers willing to pay more for nothing more than a name and some fancier plastic bits.
Does the other guy have investment portfolio advice?
At 1st glance I thought it was a HEMI!
Very little information on the Rune is given. Just some pictures.
I was wondering were Jay was hiding that Brough Superior tribute monstrosity chopper OCC built for him but it looks like he donated it/gave it away.
I think he gave it back??😂
I kinda had a RUNE with a 2015 Honda Valkyrie! It was awesome but beat me to death!