At the Long Beach motorcycle show in December 2000, Honda displayed three design proposals in the same yellow paint so colour would not influence reactions. T2 drew particularly strong support. That response helped preserve its appearance on the journey to production.
The 2004-model Rune used a Gold Wing-derived 1832cc horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine and was built in Ohio. Six separate throttle bodies, Unit Pro-Link rear suspension and LED lamps set flush into the rear fender show how much engineering underpinned its striking exterior.
The long, low silhouette rests on an unusual trailing-link front suspension. In the photograph, the broad chrome surfaces and the rear fender closely wrapping the wheel also catch the eye. Rune can be viewed as a factory custom: its parts create a coherent shape in which suspension is as visible a design element as the tank or exhaust.