Honda is no stranger to pedal-assisted bicycles and purely human-powered bicycles, but the Honda RN0, which debuted at the recent EICMA 2026, marks its first high-end electric-assist mountain bike (e-MTB). Honda did not take the plunge alone. This time, it collaborated with German high-end e-MTB manufacturer Rotwild to realize its premium electric-assisted two-wheeler dream.
However, unlike ROTWILD’s collaboration with Porsche, Honda has something different to bring to this partnership: its extensive motorcycle development expertise.
And it shows.
The RN0 boasts a proprietary carbon monocoque frame paired with a gull-arm swingarm, borrowing heavily from Honda’s motorcycle engineering know-how. The unusual chassis promises excellent rigidity, stability, and feedback while allowing just enough flexibility to keep the tires planted during cornering. The entire bike tips the scales at approximately 24 kg (52.9 lbs).
Despite its motorcycle-inspired construction, the RN0 is very much a mountain bike. It features a FOX 36 FLOAT Factory Kashima front fork with 160 mm (6.3 inches) of travel, a FOX FLOAT X Factory Kashima rear shock, and a mullet wheel setup comprising a 29-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch rear wheel. Schwalbe Albert EVO Trail tires and Shimano Deore XT four-piston brakes complete the premium package.
Providing the pedal assistance is a new Shimano drive unit weighing just 2.3 kg (5.1 lbs), delivering up to 750 W and 100 Nm (73.8 lb-ft) of torque, backed by a 720 Wh battery.
But there’s more to the electrical wizardry than raw power. AUTO ASSIST adjusts motor assistance according to terrain and pedaling effort, while AUTO SHIFT handles gear changes automatically. There’s even Assist Carryover, which briefly maintains assistance after pedaling stops to help riders negotiate obstacles.
A 2.2-inch full-color display integrated into the top tube provides riding information, while USB-C charging and Shimano app connectivity add some modern conveniences. The RN0 also comes in three frame sizes: S, M, and L.
Incidentally, the RN0 name carries forward the legacy of Honda’s RN01 downhill racing bike, which won the overall UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup series championship in 2005. So, yes, Honda knows a thing or two about mountain bikes, too.
The Honda RN0 is expected to reach the market in 2027, although Honda has yet to announce an official price or confirm retail availability. Meanwhile, you can dig into more information over at Honda.co.uk.
Images: Honda.
