Honda unveiled the RN0 at EICMA 2026 in Milan as its first premium electric mountain bike, developed jointly with German e-MTB maker ROTWILD. It marks a return to a field Honda explored in the 2000s: its RN01 downhill race bike won the overall World Cup series in 2005. The new model carries that earlier interest into a pedal-assist bicycle intended for a broader range of riding than a downhill race course.
The RN0’s distinctive elements are a carbon monocoque frame and a specially shaped rear swingarm. Honda says it has drawn on motorcycle chassis development, seeking a structure that feels stable while allowing the tyres to follow uneven ground. The bike weighs about 24 kilograms, comes in three frame sizes and uses mixed wheel diameters: 29 inches at the front and 27.5 inches at the rear. Its front fork provides 160 millimetres of travel.
A Shimano drive system is paired with a 720 Wh battery. Honda also describes assistance that adjusts automatically to gradient and rider effort, together with automatic gear changes. The aim is to let the rider concentrate more fully on the trail. For now, the RN0 is best understood as a newly unveiled model: the announcement explains its design and components, while buyers will need to check the specification and availability offered in their own market.