UPDATE
The Honda Rune in 2025: From Design Oddity to Collectible Icon
In the early 2000s, the motorcycle world did a double take when Honda released the NRX1800 Valkyrie Rune—a machine so radical, so bold, and so unlike anything Honda had done before that it left both fans and critics stunned. Two decades later, the Rune has gone from misunderstood cruiser to a coveted collectible, sought after for its design pedigree, rarity, and overbuilt engineering.
Here’s a look at how the Honda Rune stands in 2025, why collectors are paying attention, and whether it deserves a place in your garage or investment portfolio.
1. Design That Still Turns Heads
Originally released in 2004, the Honda Rune wasn’t just a motorcycle—it was a rolling sculpture. With streamlined Art Deco styling, trailing link front suspension, integrated LED lighting (years ahead of its time), and unmatched attention to detail, it pushed design boundaries.
In 2025, that design still holds up. Motorcycle forums and custom shows continue to feature the Rune for its timeless silhouette, and many custom builders now cite it as inspiration. Unlike most cruisers of its era, it hasn’t aged badly—it’s become iconic.
2. Performance That Was Overengineered
The Rune was built around the 1832cc flat-six engine from the Gold Wing, but Honda tuned it for slightly more torque and a deeper exhaust note. Its single-sided swingarm, uniquely crafted aluminum frame, and trail-link Hossack-style front suspension were all boutique features that drove up production costs but created a riding experience unlike any other cruiser on the market.
Though heavy (over 880 lbs wet), the Rune was surprisingly nimble at speed, offering a stable, smooth ride and a mechanical polish few modern cruisers match.
3. Production Numbers: Scarcity Built In
Honda only produced the Rune for two years (2004–2005), and total production is estimated at roughly 3,000 units, all hand-assembled at the Marysville, Ohio plant.
Most came in Candy Black Cherry, Illusion Blue, or Chrome Red
A few rare colors and custom schemes exist
U.S. versions are the most common, but some were exported to Europe and Japan
This natural rarity—paired with legendary build quality—makes the Rune a limited-run machine with increasing appeal in a market where collectors prize scarcity and uniqueness.
4. 2025 Market Value Trends
In 2025, the Rune’s value is surging on the collector market:
Condition2020 Price Estimate2025 Price RangeExcellent (under 5K mi)$20,000–$22,000$28,000–$35,000Good (5–15K mi)$16,000–$18,500$23,000–$27,000Fair or Modified$13,000–$15,000$17,000–$21,000
Notable Trends:
Auction prices have crossed $30K for low-mileage original units.
Collectors in Japan and Europe are importing U.S. models due to low availability.
Rune-specific parts are getting harder to find, pushing OEM bikes up in value.
5. Why Collectors Love It Now
Motorcycle collectors, especially Gen X and Millennial enthusiasts, now view the Rune as a:
Future museum piece: Often compared to the Ducati MH900e or Yamaha GTS1000
Low-risk investment: Unlike many cruisers, its value is trending upward
Conversation starter: It’s a bike that always gets attention at meets and shows
Engineering marvel: From suspension to finish, it still rivals anything new
It has also benefited from YouTube and social media revival, with influencers and vintage moto channels now showcasing the Rune in “forgotten masterpiece” segments.
6. Downsides Still Apply
While interest is growing, the Rune still comes with practical drawbacks:
Heavy weight and long wheelbase make tight urban riding awkward
No luggage or touring options (despite being Gold Wing-powered)
Parts scarcity means maintenance can get complicated
Not ideal for two-up riding long-term
It’s a “show bike you can ride,” but it’s not your daily cruiser.
7. Is It a Good Investment?
Pros:
Low production volume and high desirability in niche collector circles
Built to last—many Runes still look showroom-new after 20 years
Interest growing as more classic Japanese bikes become collectible
Cons:
Not a guaranteed mainstream investment like early CB750s or Z1s
Narrow buyer pool—appeals to specific aesthetic and engineering enthusiasts
Storage and maintenance matter—neglected units don’t hold value well
If bought in excellent condition and kept OEM, the Rune is one of the few cruisers with blue-chip collector potentialoutside of Harley-Davidson’s realm.
8. 2025 Collector Insight: Who’s Buying?
Rune buyers in 2025 are:
Collectors aged 40–60 looking for something rare and Japanese-made
Ex-Honda engineers and insiders who recognize the Rune as a one-off feat
International collectors (especially in Germany and Japan)
Tech-savvy buyers intrigued by its design and limited nature
Some younger buyers also see it as a crypto-era “art bike”—more sculpture than street machine.
Conclusion: The Rune Rides Again
Twenty years after it shocked the motorcycle world, the Honda Rune is finally receiving the respect it deserves. A machine that once puzzled journalists and baffled dealers is now gaining traction with collectors, designers, and nostalgic riders. In 2025, the Rune isn’t just a forgotten oddity—it’s a bold relic of Honda’s experimental genius, and one that’s riding high in the eyes of those who now see its long-term value.The Honda Rune: Honda’s Boldest Cruiser Ever Built
Uncompromising design. Unmatched craftsmanship. The Rune was never meant to be practical—it was meant to be unforgettable.
Introduction
In 2004, Honda shocked the motorcycle world with a machine that looked more like a concept bike than anything you'd expect to find on a showroom floor. That machine was the Honda Valkyrie Rune—a radical, limited-production cruiser that combined outrageous styling, cutting-edge engineering, and meticulous craftsmanship. Built in the U.S. and never repeated, the Rune remains one of the most collectible and admired motorcycles ever to wear the Honda badge.
Origins & Concept
The Rune was born from a series of concept bikes Honda showcased in the early 2000s—most notably the “Zodia” and “T1” prototypes. Rather than water down the design for mass production, Honda’s American R&D and manufacturing teams in Marysville, Ohio were given a green light to build the Rune exactly as imagined.
"It was Honda's design flex. They didn’t care if they made money on it—they just wanted to show what they could do."
Design
The Rune was nothing short of revolutionary in appearance. It featured:
- Single-sided trailing-link front suspension (an alternative to traditional telescopic forks)
- Sculpted bodywork with seamless integration from tank to tail
- Chrome everywhere, including the massive exhausts and distinctive aluminum swingarm
- Long, low stance with a stretched 70.3-inch wheelbase
It looked like something out of a sci-fi movie and still turns heads over 20 years later.
Engineering
At its core, the Rune was powered by an 1,832cc flat-six engine, borrowed from the Gold Wing but tuned for more torque and response. Paired with a five-speed transmission, shaft drive, and fuel injection, the Rune rode as smooth as it looked radical.
Key specs:
- Engine: 1,832cc liquid-cooled SOHC flat-six
- Power: ~118 hp / 125 lb-ft torque
- Weight: ~900 lbs wet
- Brakes: Dual 330mm front discs with six-piston calipers
- MSRP (2004): ~$26,999
Production & Rarity
Honda built the Rune in extremely limited quantities, estimated between 1,000–3,000 units total, all produced in Ohio. Each bike was hand-assembled and offered in several high-gloss colors including Candy Black Cherry, Illusion Blue, and Chrome Yellow.
Because of its cost (reportedly over $100,000 per unit to develop and produce), the Rune was a loss-leader for Honda—a halo bike that was never meant to turn a profit.
Legacy
Despite its short production run, the Honda Rune earned a cult following and remains highly collectible. It was never followed by a sequel, making it one of the most unique machines Honda has ever created.
Collectors value the Rune not just for its rarity, but for what it represents: Honda’s willingness to build a dream bike, cost be damned.
Final Thoughts
The Rune wasn’t for everyone—and that was the point. It was big, heavy, expensive, and impractical. But it was also a rolling work of art, a technological marvel, and an audacious statement from a company that usually plays it safe.
Two decades later, there’s still nothing quite like it on the road.
Updated July 2025: This article has been expanded to include commentary on recent legal records referencing Rafael Benavente, which are frequently misunderstood due to lack of context or closure.
By: Rafael Benavente