Allen LaRose

I came face to face with this insane monster of a motorcycle recently while shopping for my new bike.  Even with it behind a wall of motorcycles it still was the only thing in the showroom I was looking at.

Topspeed.com has done a great review including the development history of this amazing bike.

After you look at the Valkyrie Rune up close and see the degree of detail and the quality of finish, it’s kind of shocking that this utterly unique 1800 flat six will sell for only $27,000 (with chromed wheels). It’s amazing that a huge company like Honda ever took the Rune past the concept-vehicle stage, that it took the time (6 years) and effort to build a limited-production piece of rolling art. The fact that it’s being built on an assembly line in Ohio also takes us aback. It’s remarkable that Honda let its designers stray this far out of their usual boxes, and that the designers could spread their wings and fly so perfectly when they were released from those boxes. We were surprised to learn that those designers — who dreamt of the Rune, who drew it, shaped it and championed every curve and angle through the processes leading to production — were mostly Americans.

And finally we are dazzled by the engineers who took this vision of the Genuine Honda Custom and managed to turn it into production reality, to make it function to Honda’s considerable standards without compromising away the designers’ sensational vision.

The Rune. High concept meets high performance in the ultimate expression of form and function. Cruiser styling is taken to all-new heights and blended seamlessly with Honda’s most advanced technology. A masterpiece? To be sure. And it can be all yours-in your choice of three head-turning colors.

After you look at the Valkyrie Rune up close and see the degree of detail and the quality of finish, it’s kind of shocking that this utterly unique 1800 flat six will sell for only $27,000 (with chromed wheels). It’s amazing that a huge company like Honda ever took the Rune past the concept-vehicle stage, that it took the time (6 years) and effort to build a limited-production piece of rolling art. The fact that it’s being built on an assembly line in Ohio also takes us aback. It’s remarkable that Honda let its designers stray this far out of their usual boxes, and that the designers could spread their wings and fly so perfectly when they were released from those boxes. We were surprised to learn that those designers — who dreamt of the Rune, who drew it, shaped it and championed every curve and angle through the processes leading to production — were mostly Americans.

And finally we are dazzled by the engineers who took this vision of the Genuine Honda Custom and managed to turn it into production reality, to make it function to Honda’s considerable standards without compromising away the designers’ sensational vision.

Read the original article here.

Bringing concept to reality like never before, the 2004 Rune is a limited-edition hot-rod designed to turn heads even faster than it turns the 1/4-mile.

Unique Features

• Revolutionary Unit Pro-Link rear suspension.
• Trailing-link front suspension.
• Fuel-injection system with six 32mm throttle bodies.
• Seamless 6.1-gallon fuel tank.
• Chrome-plated clutch master cylinder, front brake master cylinder and lever.
• Honda Ignition Security System (H.I.S.S.).
• LED taillight flush-mounted in the rear fender.
• Remote steering lock automatically unlocks when the key is turned to the On position.
• A 68.9-inch wheelbase, the longest in Honda’s lineup.
• Largest front and rear brake discs ever fitted on a production Honda motorcycle.

Engine/Drivetrain

• Liquid-cooled horizontally opposed fuel-injected 1832cc six-cylinder engine provides the ultimate in hot-rod style and performance.
• Six 32mm synchronized throttle bodies deliver air to six specially designed Denso 12-hole programmed fuel injectors, producing an atomized fuel mixture that is highly combustible for optimum efficiency and power.
• Parallel two-valve cylinder head design utilizes direct shim-under-bucket valve actuation and requires no 600-mile service. First valve clearance inspection is at 32,000 miles.
• 6.9-liter airbox supplies a large volume of cool, clean air to the engine for maximum performance.
• Rigid-mount engine designed to accent the impressive looks and feel of the unrivaled, largest-displacement F6 engine.
• Chrome cylinder head covers give a unique muscle- car image.
• Two front-mounted radiators with chrome cover provide optimum cooling efficiency for increased engine performance and the ultimate in hot-rod style.
• Rotary Air Control Valve (RACV) provides auto- choke function and maintains precise idle control under widely varying engine loads and operating temperatures.
• Six-into-two exhaust system for the ultimate in hot- rod appearance and sound.
• Maintenance-free hydraulic clutch, electronic ignition and chain-driven camshafts reduce servicing time and cost.
• Powerful, 1100-watt alternator offers plenty of power for electrical accessories.
• Quiet and virtually maintenance-free shaft drive.
• Smooth shifting five-speed transmission.
• California version meets CARB 2004 emission standards.

Chassis/Suspension

• Unique aluminum diamond-shape frame has a style all its own. Chassis features the longest wheelbase in Honda’s lineup at 68.9 inches.
• Trailing bottom-link front suspension transfers axle load through pushrods and linkage to two upper shocks—one housing the main spring and one a sub-spring and damping system. This unique suspension system offers 3.9 inches of compliant travel and excellent stability.
• New Unit Pro-Link rear suspension is patterned after RC211V GP racer’s. The upper shock mount is contained within the swingarm rather than the frame. With no top frame-mount for the shock, this unique system eliminates negative suspension energy from being transmitted into the frame, allowing optimum frame rigidity and better handling in corners. The Unit Pro-Link design also permits a low seat height of 27.2 inches, and 3.9 inches of wheel travel.
• Dual 330mm front and single rear 336mm disc brakes are the largest used on a production Honda.
• The Rune’s braking system features two three-piston front calipers and a single two-piston rear caliper. Rider application of the front brake lever activates the two outer pistons of the front calipers. Application of the rear brake pedal activates the two pistons of the rear caliper and the center pistons of the front calipers. When only the rear brake pedal is used, an inline delay valve smooths application of the front calipers’ center pistons.
• Large, comfortable gunfighter-style seat.
• Two wheel options will be offered: chrome and Spec47 silver painted wheels.
• Large-section radial tires—a 180/55R-17 rear and 150/60R-18 front—provide superb grip and an excellent ride.

Additional Features

• Honda Ignition Security System (H.I.S.S.) features a fail-safe electronic interlock that prevents the engine from being started in any way other than with the two original keys. Totally disabling the engine at the very heart of its ignition system, it cannot be bypassed by either hot-wiring the ignition or exchanging the ignition switch module, greatly reducing the possibility of theft.
• Remote steering lock system is activated by pulling a lever on left side of motorcycle. With key in Off position and the handlebar in full-lock-left position, a piston is inserted into the steering stem. System is automatically unlocked when key is turned to On position.
• Chrome-plated clutch master cylinder, front brake master cylinder and lever.
• Stainless steel mesh throttle cable adds to custom look.
• Stainless steel mesh brake hose.
• Seamless 6.1-gallon fuel tank for genuine custom look.
• Distinctive chrome headlight features two 55-watt H7 bulbs. In low-beam operation, the upper bulb is on. Select high beam and both bulbs are on for maximum illumination.
• Tank-mounted instruments are recessed, and feature a non-glare digital readout for speedometer, fuel gauge, tripmeter and odometer.
• Two handlebar options to choose from: Rear-Set and Forward-Set. Rear-Set handlebar is 50mm closer to the rider and 20mm lower than Forward-Set. Forward-Set handlebar is 50mm farther from the rider and 20mm higher than Rear-Set.
• Handlebar-mounted indicator lights for oil pressure, fuel injection, high beam, turn signal, neutral, coolant temperature and locking system.
• LED taillights are mounted flush in the rear fender for a one-off custom look.
• Low, 27.2-inch seat height adds to long and low custom look.
• Convenient push-to-cancel turn-signal switch.
• Handlebar switches and controls use internationally approved ISO graphic symbols.
• Large-diameter custom handgrips feature a new design with comfortable rubber strips integrated in a stainless steel finish.
• Machined stainless steel oil-level dip-stick.
• Chrome-plated radiator cover gives hot-rod look.
• Assembled in Marysville, Ohio.
• Transferable three-year unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.
• Ownership includes one-year complimentary Membership in the Honda Rider’s Club of America. Benefits include discounts, travel benefits, roadside assistance and much more. For HRCA details, call 1-800-847-HRCA.

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