Honda RN0 Electric Mountain Bike Unveiled at EICMA 2026: 24kg Carbon Frame, 750W Shimano Motor

Honda has unveiled the RN0, its first high-end electric-assist mountain bike (e-MTB), at EICMA 2026 in Milan. Developed jointly with German e-MTB maker ROTWILD, the RN0 weighs approximately 24kg and pairs a proprietary carbon monocoque frame with a Shimano drive unit rated at 100Nm of torque and 750W of maximum output, backed by a 720Wh battery. Honda announced the bike on November 3, 2026.

Honda RN0 electric-assist mountain bike. Image: Honda

Honda RN0 Key Specifications at a Glance

Feature	Detail
Weight	Approx. 24kg
Frame	Proprietary carbon monocoque with gull-arm swingarm
Frame sizes	S, M, L
Front suspension	FOX 36 FLOAT Factory Kashima, 160mm travel
Rear shock	FOX FLOAT X Factory Kashima
Wheels	DT Swiss H1900 SPLINE, 29-inch front, 27.5-inch rear
Tyres	Schwalbe Albert EVO Trail
Brakes	SHIMANO DEORE XT four-piston discs
Drive unit	SHIMANO, 100Nm max torque, 750W max output, 2.3kg
Battery	720Wh
Display	2.2-inch full-colour, integrated in top tube

What Is the Honda RN0 Electric Mountain Bike?

The Honda RN0 is Honda’s first high-end e-MTB and its first venture into the premium e-MTB market. Honda says it combines its extensive motorcycle development expertise with the latest e-MTB technologies.

The concept is “New Terrain, Same Dream.” “New Terrain” marks Honda’s entry into a new field, while “Same Dream” expresses its enduring commitment to delivering the joy of riding and the spirit of exploration.

Who Built the Honda RN0 and Where Was It Unveiled?

Honda developed the RN0 jointly with ROTWILD, a German manufacturer of high-end e-MTBs. The bike made its world premiere at EICMA 2026, the Milan Motorcycle Show. Press days ran from November 3 to 4, and public days ran from November 5 to 8.

Carbon Monocoque Frame and Gull-Arm Swingarm Explained

The RN0’s most distinctive features are its proprietary carbon monocoque frame and gull-arm swingarm. An efficient structural layout from the head tube to the rear axle delivers high rigidity and strong feedback from the riding surface. Honda says this lets riders intuitively understand terrain conditions.

Together, the two parts bring the rigidity characteristic of motorcycle chassis design, giving exceptional straight-line stability. Carefully engineered flexibility also lets the frame deform slightly, improving tyre contact with the ground in corners.

All-Mountain Geometry and Single-Pivot Rear Suspension

The RN0 comes in three frame sizes, S, M and L,. Each geometry draws on ROTWILD’s mountain bike development expertise and is optimised for all-mountain riding, from steep climbs to descents.

The rear suspension uses a single-pivot swingarm with a linkage system. Honda says this minimises unwanted suspension movement while pedalling, yet lets the suspension respond smoothly to impacts from the terrain.

FOX Suspension, DT Swiss Wheels and Shimano Brakes on the RN0

Honda describes the RN0 as equipped with industry-leading components. The front suspension is a FOX 36 FLOAT Factory Kashima fork with 160mm of travel, while a FOX FLOAT X Factory Kashima shock handles the rear.

Both wheels are DT Swiss H1900 SPLINE units designed specifically for e-MTBs. The bike uses a mullet configuration, meaning different wheel sizes front and rear: 29 inches at the front and 27.5 inches at the back. Honda says this balances stability and agility. Schwalbe Albert EVO Trail tyres and SHIMANO DEORE XT four-piston disc brakes provide grip and braking across a wide range of terrain conditions.

Shimano Drive Unit: 100Nm Torque, 750W Output and 720Wh Battery

The RN0 uses a new SHIMANO drive unit weighing just 2.3kg. It delivers a maximum torque of 100Nm and a maximum output of 750W, supported by a 720Wh battery. Honda says it provides powerful assistance from steep climbs to high-speed trails.

Auto Assist, Auto Shift and Assist Carryover: How They Work

Three functions shape the electronic riding experience:

• AUTO ASSIST automatically adjusts the level of assistance according to the gradient of the terrain and the rider’s pedalling effort.
• AUTO SHIFT automatically changes gears to maintain an optimal cadence, meaning the number of pedal revolutions per minute, so riders can concentrate on the trail ahead.
• Assist Carryover smoothly maintains drive power for a short period after the rider stops pedalling, helping the bike keep momentum over obstacles and other challenging terrain.

2.2-Inch Display, USB-C Charging and SHIMANO App Integration

A 2.2-inch full-colour display is integrated into the top tube. It shows speed, remaining range, assist mode and other riding data. The system also supports device charging through a USB-C port.

Integration with the SHIMANO app lets riders customise the drive unit’s settings and lock or unlock the bike’s electronic systems.

Why Honda Named It RN0: The 2005 RN01 Downhill World Cup Legacy

Honda began researching and developing mountain bikes in the 2000s. In 2005, its RN01 won the overall series championship in the UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup.

The RN0 carries this legacy forward. Honda says the name embodies two ideas: “Ride Natural,” expressing a sense of connection with nature, and “Reach New Peaks,” representing the pursuit of new heights. Honda also cites earlier products in its mobility history, including the A-Type, which combined a bicycle with an auxiliary engine, and the Racoon series of electric-assist bicycles.

Honda RN0 Colour Scheme: Pearl Moon Ash Gray and Mat Ballistic Black Metallic

The frame has a two-tone finish combining Pearl Moon Ash Gray and Mat Ballistic Black Metallic. Honda says it gives the RN0 a distinctive presence against natural outdoor backdrops.

Honda RN0 Price, Launch Date and Range: Not Yet Announced

Honda’s announcement does not include pricing, on-sale dates, market availability or a claimed battery range. This article will be updated if Honda shares more.

Honda’s Carbon Neutrality Goal Behind the RN0

Honda aims to achieve carbon neutrality across all products and corporate activities it is involved in by 2050, and is advancing electrification in its motorcycle business.

Honda RN0 FAQs

---