Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tuesday 28th October from 1pm
Auction: Wednesday 29th October from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
2006 Honda Rune
Registration number 'R6UNE'
Estimate
£11, 000 - £15, 000
Registration No: R6 UNE
Frame No: 1HFSC53044A001036
MOT: None
Probably the most outlandish Honda ever made
Based on the 1800cc flat 6 Gold Wing engine
Frame no. suggests an early version, with a V5C
The Rune was built by Honda as a 'tour de force' to highlight what their design department could achieve with the project leader, Masanari Aoki, quoted as saying at the time, "No performance goals, no distinct function, purchase price not a consideration." With the resources of the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer behind them, the team could let their imagination run riot with no limits. Based on the existing Valkyrie, which itself was based on the 5th generation 1800cc flat 6 Gold Wing, only the engine seemed to have survived, with most other parts being custom made exclusively for the Rune. Built at Honda's factory in Ohio, it was launched in the USA at a cost of $27, 000 but was a loss leader for Honda, with a rumored build cost of over $100, 000 per bike. It is thought the original idea was to test customers reaction in preparation for an upcoming, more commercially viable model to be offered in the coming years and although the EVO6 concept bike was displayed in 2007, it was never put into production. As a publicity generating exercise it proved to be very successful, with the likes of Arnold Swarzenegger, Jay Leno and Tom Cruise being seen riding around Hollywood on Runes and even one being presented to Disney CEO Michael Eisner to celebrate Disneyland's 50th anniversary. The number of Runes manufactured is hard to verify but with nearly all production staying in the USA, there is thought to be only around 25 in the UK, making this a very rare model indeed.
This Rune has a frame number ending in 1036, suggesting its an early production model most likely built in Honda's Ohio factory in 2004. The bike was imported into the UK and registered with DVLA in 2006 with the fitting registration number 'R6UNE'. Part of a deceased estate, its one owner in the UK passed away a while ago so it has been stored in a container for the last few years. Unfortunately, some of the chromework has suffered in that time and it has not been run so it will need some cosmetic and recommissioning work to put it back on the road. Please note;- it does appear on HPI as a 'Category D insurance loss - Vehicle Damaged But Repairable - Insurer Decided Not To Repair 13/ 04/ 2007' We are not aware of what the specific damage was but speaking to the owners family, the insurance company offered a cash payout and it was subsequently repaired and put back on the road, with the last MOT on record being in October 2010 at 10, 225. The estimates have been set accordingly, taking into account its history. The Rune is a very rare model on English roads, and whilst it obviously needs some attention, it will make a fascinating project to recommission.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
