Honda has made its entry into electric mountain biking with the RN0, its first e-MTB, unveiled at EICMA several months after a prototype was shown in September. The project was developed with e-MTB manufacturer ROTWILD, while its design brings motorcycle-inspired ideas into a bicycle format.

The RN0 follows a history that began in 1946, when Honda built its first motor-assisted bicycle through the Batabata project. Other milestones included the electric-assisted Raccoon and the 1996 Raccoon CX, which adopted mountain-bike styling. Yusuke Muto leads the RN0 project and has been involved in mountain biking since 1995.

Shimano drive unit and carbon monocoque frame

A Shimano drive unit provides 100 Nm of torque and 750 W of power. It draws energy from a removable 720 Wh battery, while the 12-speed Shimano Deore XT Di2 drivetrain supports the company’s Auto Shift and Auto Assist functions.

The carbon monocoque frame takes its design cues from motorcycles and is paired with Honda’s Gullwing swingarm and linkage system. Equipment includes a Fox Float Factory Kashima fork, a Fox rear shock, Shimano XT brakes and DT Swiss H1900 wheels. Wheel sizes are 29 inches at the front and 27.5 inches at the rear, with Schwalbe tyres.

A 2.2-inch display integrated into the top tube provides the rider interface, while a USB-C port can charge devices during a ride. The Shimano CONNECT app can also serve as a cycle computer and provides the option to lock or unlock the RN0’s electronic systems.