Do I buy the Rune??

3336 Views 16 Replies 9 Participants Last post by ELP_JC, Sep 14, 2004

G

Discussion Starter · Sep 12, 2004

I see nothing but accolades for this bike everywhere I look. It's fairly common for people to "talk up" their purchase when they've dumped so much cAsh into it. Who wants to say they spent a wad on a pile o'crap? That being said...I need some real information from you guys. This seems to be the only forum worth reading...the problem is the limited amount of bikes produced. A good thing for owners, but bad for us trying to obtain some feedback. I've read the magazine articles, and this morning read most of the comments on this board.

I have ridden sport bikes for several years and when I throw a leg over this thing it's rather daunting, but I can overcome that if the bike is as rewarding as many articles and owners seem to say. I'm 6'4" and about a buck 95. Being cramped isn't an issue with me..I feel comfy on a Ducati 998, so it's more or less the agility of the bike that concerns me. WAIT! I'm not done yet! Rune? Agility? I am GOING TO BUY a cruiser and it'll be for "bar hopping" and short jaunts with the Harley friends. I'm not against buying a Harley, they aren't the best bikes, but the do have a strong following and backing. I'm looking at a Fat Boy, or a Road King and have ridden both several times...not exciting, but fun to run from light to light and make a lot of noise.

Here's the jist of my question, when I pull out of the parking lot at night (always sober) do I need to CAREFULLY look for any little oil spots or the tiniest amount of gravel to keep from puttting a foot down and dropping this thing? It weighs a little more than the Road King, but has a MUCH larger feel sitting still or trying to move it from side to side. When I pull it in front of the bar/high end restaurant, (I'll be riding with other 30 something's going through mid-life) and I go to back this thing in, are they going to be coming out and ready to go to the next joint whilst I'm still putting the stand down?

These may seem trivial, but I'm not looking for comfort on a 200 mile ride. I AM looking to avoid the american metal bike and then spending a bunch of money trying to make it faster and distingusihable from all the others. The Rune is an aquired taste, and I love the look. I don't want to make a $20k decision based on looks and a 15 minute test ride, which I've yet to take.

I'd be just as happy if you guys told me it was a "bad bike" for this type of use, as much I would if you continued the accolades. I'm going to buy a bike and I've procured a "good deal" on a Rune and just doing some final due diligence.

Thanks Guys!

Brett

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Minimarvel

· #2 · Sep 12, 2004

Well here is my 2 pennies worth...

I bought the Triumph Rocket here in the UK and had one of the first bikes. It is a fantastic machine that goes like...well a rocket...but the fit and finish together with the appalling gearbox and final drive slack resulted in me selling the machine after 500 miles. Great bike but just not that special to me.

I have had new Harleys in the past, and had nothing but trouble. I cannot believe that they can get away with it. Sorry guys, but I think they are complete crap!

Before the Rocket I had had a Honda VTX 1800, and although the ground clearance was useless, the quality of the bike was very good with no faults in a year of ownership...it just was not that special. Just another Harley clone......

I had read about the Rune and while in the US found one in a dealership there and had a seat....the rest is history.

I love it. Yes it's heavy, not that fast doesn't handle as well as the Triumph but what it does have is that "feel Good" factor that makes you overlook the negative things. I love riding it, everybody who sees it is speechless. The quality of manufacture is fantastic and all my biker friends who I have let have a go regard it as the Rolls Royce of cruisers. And lets face it, thats what cruisers are all about isn't it?

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G

Discussion Starter · #3 · Sep 12, 2004

Re: Well here is my 2 pennies worth...

Minimarvel said:
I bought the Triumph Rocket here in the UK and had one of the first bikes. It is a fantastic machine that goes like...well a rocket...but the fit and finish together with the appalling gearbox and final drive slack resulted in me selling the machine after 500 miles. Great bike but just not that special to me.

I have had new Harleys in the past, and had nothing but trouble. I cannot believe that they can get away with it. Sorry guys, but I think they are complete crap!

Before the Rocket I had had a Honda VTX 1800, and although the ground clearance was useless, the quality of the bike was very good with no faults in a year of ownership...it just was not that special. Just another Harley clone......

I had read about the Rune and while in the US found one in a dealership there and had a seat....the rest is history.

I love it. Yes it's heavy, not that fast doesn't handle as well as the Triumph but what it does have is that "feel Good" factor that makes you overlook the negative things. I love riding it, everybody who sees it is speechless. The quality of manufacture is fantastic and all my biker friends who I have let have a go regard it as the Rolls Royce of cruisers. And lets face it, thats what cruisers are all about isn't it?

So starting and stopping hasn't become a "chore or hassle"? That's is my main concern. I know it's not "that fast", but it should keep up with the 95 HP "high po'd" bikes these guys ride.

jumpin' Jack

· #4 · Sep 12, 2004

Personally, I think the Rune is very easy to get around on at slow speed. I don't feel the wieght half as much as my 97 Valk'. And for cooler than cool, even Harley guys drull. Made a " Harley run earlier this summer and the only person not wowed by my bike was my big brother! I think he's just cranked 'cause little brother STILL has the cooler ride. I'd buy a second one to store if I had the room and the bucks!!!.
P.S. this is a serious sit up crotch rocket, fast and very agile.
Jack

RuneSpyder

· #5 · Sep 12, 2004

So, you're basically looking for a bike to show off with? No matter what Harley you buy and no matter how much rap you bolt onto it, it's still just another Harley in a sea of Harleys. No matter where you park the Rune, no matter what kind of event you go to, you will get noticed and you will be unique.

The bonus is that it's an outstanding motorcycle that performs almost flawlessly. It handles well, has more than enough power, and has fit and finish absolutely second to none.

The Rune is a bike that is makes a statement that also happens to be one of the best motorcycles in history.

G

Discussion Starter · #6 · Sep 12, 2004

RuneSpyder said:
So, you're basically looking for a bike to show off with? No matter what Harley you buy and no matter how much rap you bolt onto it, it's still just another Harley in a sea of Harleys. No matter where you park the Rune, no matter what kind of event you go to, you will get noticed and you will be unique.

The bonus is that it's an outstanding motorcycle that performs almost flawlessly. It handles well, has more than enough power, and has fit and finish absolutely second to none.

The Rune is a bike that is makes a statement that also happens to be one of the best motorcycles in history.

Every one of these HD guys want to "show off", riding the Ducati with them became boring. It was too hyper for all these heavy scraps of iron, so I wanted to find a toy to play with this particular group of friends. I understand the significance of the Rune...but that'll fall on deaf ears the first time the group decides to "flip a bitch", or make a hard turn in a parking lot and this thing is unable to make the turn....

I'll put the kickstand down and leave it there.

That's all I'm trying to say.

Is it TOO BIG FOR BLVD. CRUISING?

normcarp

· #7 · Sep 13, 2004

yes

hey there is a bumber sticker out there that says it all !!
BIKERS ARE A RARE BREED
HARLEY RIDERS ARE A DIME A DOZEN

I have had several harleys a BSA and 3 hondas one being the rune it is a great bike the styling matches the performance and the thing turns heads everywhere it balances nicely once off the stand and once rolling it is very well behaved. It's center of gravity is very low and is very manageable in the parking lots and local traffic. I have had mine for 5 weeks now [ 1356 miles ] and have ridden it to work [ 63 miles,1 way] 3 times now most of that is highway but 6 m are in hartford ct. traffic and 15 or so are on secondary suburb roads and have found it very pleasant to handle. I have also ridden with local crew in a group of 12 or so 4 times now solo and two-up for avg. 100 miles each time and have had no problems by the way i'm 6' 2" 235lbs. and I'm not cramped on mine i will be mount a set of pegs on the engine guard next week because i would like to cruise with my feet foward. well hope that helps you decide the bike is a work of art and performs is well as it looks
good luck and safe riding

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G

Discussion Starter · #8 · Sep 13, 2004

Re: yes

normcarp said:
hey there is a bumber sticker out there that says it all !!
BIKERS ARE A RARE BREED
HARLEY RIDERS ARE A DIME A DOZEN

I have had several harleys a BSA and 3 hondas one being the rune it is a great bike the styling matches the performance and the thing turns heads everywhere it balances nicely once off the stand and once rolling it is very well behaved. It's center of gravity is very low and is very manageable in the parking lots and local traffic. I have had mine for 5 weeks now [ 1356 miles ] and have ridden it to work [ 63 miles,1 way] 3 times now most of that is highway but 6 m are in hartford ct. traffic and 15 or so are on secondary suburb roads and have found it very pleasant to handle. I have also ridden with local crew in a group of 12 or so 4 times now solo and two-up for avg. 100 miles each time and have had no problems by the way i'm 6' 2" 235lbs. and I'm not cramped on mine i will be mount a set of pegs on the engine guard next week because i would like to cruise with my feet foward. well hope that helps you decide the bike is a work of art and performs is well as it looks
good luck and safe riding

Bravo! Thanks for giving me the info I was looking for, if there are any others out there with good or bad input feel free to chime in. I like the foot under hip riding position more so than the foot forward so I'll keep the stock position. I may change my mind the longer I'm on the cruiser opposed to the sport bike.

I'm not anti-Harley-riders as much as anti-Harley in general. They have never been desirable for the performance by any means, but they have a passion about them that is unparalled...that is until the Rune came along. By the way, I was speaking with the GM of four Honda stores where I live and he just got back from Nashville...says the Rune will not be in production next year. That seems to coincide with what I've seen here. Thanks again for the input.

ELP_JC

· #9 · Sep 13, 2004

Bdiddy, I'm looking to buy one too.

I have one comment, which I think you'll benefit from. As you probably know, the Rune comes with either forward or rearset bars. Based on your height, I bet you'll be better off with forward set bars, and the good news is it should maneuver easier at slow speeds for obvious reasons.

I'm not a 'feet forward' nor a V-twin kind of guy, so all 'regular' cruisers are out of my book. The Rune is my ONLY option in a cruiser (don't like the Rocket III). The Rune should beat any Harley, except the V-Rod, by the way.

Finally, I had a GL1800, which I could manage perfectly with my 155-lb frame and 30" inseam, and I was able to make U-turns with the bars locked and feet up in no time; these monsters are unbelievably nimble due to their very low CGs. I only had trouble backing it up due to my short inseam, but that's what reverse was for :lol: . At 195 lbs and 6'4", you should be able to back that thing up anywhere short of an inclined driveway. Go for it.

Oh, and there will be '05s. It's official; we just don't know when they'll be available. I already started looking for an '04 as well; besides not wanting to wait that much longer, no way we could have the killer deals available now on the new '05s (I bet dealers will only order on a pre-paid basis).

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G

Discussion Starter · #10 · Sep 13, 2004

ELP_JC said:
Bdiddy, I'm looking to buy one too.

I have one comment, which I think you'll benefit from. As you probably know, the Rune comes with either forward or rearset bars. Based on your height, I bet you'll be better off with forward set bars, and the good news is it should maneuver easier at slow speeds for obvious reasons.

I'm not a 'feet forward' nor a V-twin kind of guy, so all 'regular' cruisers are out of my book. The Rune is my ONLY option in a cruiser (don't like the Rocket III). The Rune should beat any Harley, except the V-Rod, by the way.

Finally, I had a GL1800, which I could manage perfectly with my 155-lb frame and 30" inseam, and I was able to make U-turns with the bars locked and feet up in no time; these monsters are unbelievably nimble due to their very low CGs. I only had trouble backing it up due to my short inseam, but that's what reverse was for :lol: . At 195 lbs and 6'4", you should be able to back that thing up anywhere short of an inclined driveway. Go for it.

Oh, and there will be '05s. It's official; we just don't know when they'll be available. I already started looking for an '04 as well; besides not wanting to wait that much longer, no way we could have the killer deals available now on the new '05s (I bet dealers will only order on a pre-paid basis).

Yeah.. The '04's seem to be available for $19,900 just about anywhere sans the chrome wheels. They may be cheaper, but I've only been pricing them for a few days.

I already planned on getting the forward bars. That will definitely fit my frame better. Do they all come with one bar standard and the spare set to change if needed? Or do some come stock with the forward and some with the sweepers?

The guys I ride with are CONSTANTLY one upping each other. They all have new Harley's and each one has bored them out to the 103" stroker kit and get about 105hp to the wheel at the least...they are no slouches, but I can't conform.

Maybe the GM I spoke with was referring to the fact that THEY won't be getting any '05's.

Thanks!

jumpin' Jack

· #11 · Sep 13, 2004

Look at the bright side, when your Harley buddies start talking about engine overhauls you will be talking about just getting broken in. I think you have the wrong idea about the manouverability of the Rune at slow speeds. Yes it weighs in pretty heavy, but the center of gravity is quite low and I have no trouble at 5'10" and 30" inseam. You will turn heads anywhere you go with the Rune and with any group of bike owners. When I last rode with my big brother and his Harley group one of the admirers was another old flat tracker that my brother and I used to race with that we haven't seen for years. His first question was how much modifications I had done to the Rune!
believe me you will love the Rune.

hannibal

· #12 · Sep 13, 2004

why to buy a Rune

after many years not using a bike a found in love for the picture of the rune. J get it october 2003 and when j saw this bike it was much better than in the picture.
That means j purchased the bike for two reasons, the style and trusting in Honda.
J still have problems for registering the bike in italy, in august j started to use a temporary plate so j drived the Rune for 600 miles from october till august and 5.000 miles for the last 20 days.
The driving in mountains and turning was not appreciating till j increased the hight of the bar (front bar) j am 180 cms and 94 kg. Now j am not pressing on the front, you may understand better if you try to drive without putting the hands on the bar and using a very light pressure on the bar for changing direction when necessary.
last 1.000 miles j enjoied driving this bike, in the mountains or in the flat.
In italy we are remouving traffic lights and putting rounds. it is a pleasure to arrive at a round and the bike go down turning around "slowly".
This bike is for "gentleman" silent with power. you should drive the Rune with a "tight or smoking dress".
Of course it is a limited edition and this board is very important to accomunate the owners. It is a pitie there are no enought Rune gadgets or jakets, the limited production oblige to customize anything. It will be left to you to reach the best stile for driving your Rune. In the future j hope there will be a branch for the Rune in VRCC.
Get a Rune you will be proud of it. look how it is easy in driving
http://www.croceemilio.com/filmatirune.htm
ciao
Hannibal

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KenCrawleySC

· #13 · Sep 13, 2004

My Rune out manuvers my Yamaha V-star 1100 hands down
My Rune goes very slow in parking lots without falling over
My Rune goes very fast when I cast my cares away and roll my wrist
My Rune looks pretty just sitting there
My Rune is meditation, thrills, and freedom

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G

Discussion Starter · #14 · Sep 13, 2004

Thanks guys, I'll try to get over to the dealer in the next few days and ride one.

james

· #15 · Sep 13, 2004

Go ride but be prepared to lose your head and heart to one of the best bikes around!

Given I am about your height and a bit heavier (285) I find the bike awesome to ride, the weight is only a factor at dead slow. Most of my riding to date has been street cruising Sydney in quite heavy traffic which this bike takes in its stride easily.

I am getting a bit sick of every man and his dog taking photos of the bike using whatever they have at hand. Oh, get friendly with Tommy and his chrome bits - it finishes the bike beautifully.

Enjoy!

motorman857

· #16 · Sep 14, 2004

The Rune, unlike most custom bikes, is a real motorcycle that you can ride anywhere. Short trips or long, it doesn't matter. Of course,with it's long wheelbase it's not as nimble at low speeds as your average H.D. but is is on a par with bigger metric cruisers. I was at the Honda factory last year when they introduced the Rune and rode it through the skills course I had set up there with 24ft turns. The Rune easily turns in 20ft which means you can u-turn the bike on your average street. Check out the pictures on my site at www.ridelikeapro.com look under the photographs button. At high speeds, the Rune is superior to every cruiser I've ridden and I rode test a new bike every month for full throtle magazine.
If your looking for a rolling work of art that you can actually ride and enjoy with no reliability issues. get the Rune.

ELP_JC

· #17 · Sep 14, 2004

motorman857 said:
If your looking for a rolling work of art that you can actually ride and enjoy with no reliability issues. get the Rune.

'Few' reliability issues would be the correct statement. Still better than most, however

Good day.

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