Honda has entered the high-end electric-assist mountain-bike market with the RN0, unveiled on November 3, 2026 at EICMA in Milan. Developed jointly with German manufacturer ROTWILD, the bike brings Honda’s motorcycle-development experience together with current e-MTB technology. At approximately 24 kg, the RN0 is configured for a broad range of use, from technical trails to longer rides.

A chassis built around structure and control

The RN0 uses a proprietary carbon-monocoque frame and a gull-arm swingarm. Honda’s layout runs structurally from the head tube to the rear axle, with the stated aim of delivering high rigidity, stability and clear feedback from the ground. The frame is not intended to behave as a completely rigid structure: controlled flexibility allows it to deform slightly in corners, improving tyre contact with the surface.

Three frame sizes are available—S, M and L—with geometry developed for all-mountain riding. The rear suspension combines a single-pivot swingarm with a linkage system. Honda says this arrangement reduces unwanted suspension movement while pedalling, yet allows the suspension to respond smoothly to impacts from the terrain. The intended result is a compromise between climbing efficiency and control on descents.

FOX suspension and a mullet wheel layout

The front suspension uses a FOX 36 FLOAT Factory Kashima fork with 160 mm of travel. At the rear is a FOX FLOAT X Factory Kashima shock. The wheelset consists of DT Swiss H1900 SPLINE units designed for e-MTBs, arranged in a mullet configuration with a 29-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch rear wheel. Honda is therefore combining the larger wheel at the front with the smaller rear format for a balance of stability and agility.

The remaining headline components include Schwalbe Albert EVO Trail tyres and SHIMANO DEORE XT four-piston disc brakes. The frame uses a two-tone finish in Pearl Moon Ash Gray and Mat Ballistic Black Metallic.

SHIMANO assistance with 100 Nm and 720 Wh

Power assistance comes from a new SHIMANO drive unit. The unit weighs 2.3 kg, produces maximum torque of 100 Nm and reaches a maximum output of 750 W. It is supported by a 720 Wh battery, with Honda positioning the system for conditions ranging from steep climbs to fast trail sections.

AUTO ASSIST adjusts the assistance level automatically according to the gradient and the rider’s pedalling effort. AUTO SHIFT changes gear to maintain an appropriate cadence. The Assist Carryover function adds another layer of control by keeping drive power flowing smoothly for a short period after the rider stops pedalling, helping the bike carry momentum across obstacles and other difficult terrain.

A digital interface and a longer Honda connection

A 2.2-inch full-colour display is integrated into the top tube, showing speed, remaining range, assistance mode and other riding information. The RN0 also has a USB-C port for charging devices. Through the SHIMANO app, riders can customise the drive-unit settings and lock or unlock the bike’s electronic systems.

Honda places the RN0 within a longer history of mountain-bike development. The company says it began researching and developing mountain bikes in the 2000s, while its RN01 race bike won the overall series championship in the 2005 UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup. Honda also points to the A-Type, which combined a bicycle with an auxiliary engine, and the Racoon series of electric-assist bicycles as part of its wider mobility background.

The RN0 name brings together the ideas “Ride Natural” and “Reach New Peaks”, while the project’s central concept is “New Terrain, Same Dream”. Honda presents the e-MTB as part of its broader aim to achieve carbon neutrality across all products and corporate activities in which it is involved by 2050.