2004 HONDA VALKYRIE RUNE MOTORCYCLE
A ONE OWNER WITH 2,192 ACTUAL MILES.
This gorgeous motorcycle is part of a private classic car and bike collection in Scottsdale, AZ. I am the collection manager and I’ve been asked to sell the collection for the owner.
To be honest since I was four years old I’ve been a car guy not a motorcycle guy but, when I saw this bike I could easily appreciate the beauty that people see in them. To me this bike is a work of rolling art and to put it mildly to say that it’s stunning is definitely an understatement.
This is the most beautiful motorcycle I’ve ever seen and from what I’ve read, many members of the motorcycle press agree with me.
It’s well known that Honda invested a small fortune in planning, designing and building these bikes. I’ve read that the cost of the project was in the neighborhood of 225 million dollars which was labeled a small fortune at the time but, to me that’s more than just a “small” fortune. Keep in mind that adjusting for inflation 225 million dollars in 2004 when these were built equals approx. 428 million dollars in today's money. Then, Honda only built approx. 3000 of them and sold them for a retail price of approx. 25 grand which was huge money at the time. Consequently, it goes without saying that only a limited number of people who wanted one could actually afford it. Now, I admit I was never great at math but, it looks like Honda lost approx. $100,000 to $150,000 on each bike they sold. Definitely not the best business plan but, in their defense they were trying to make a statement to the Worldwide motorcycle community that the Valkyrie Rune was not just another nice motorcycle but rather an over-the-top, truly magnificent motorcycle that Honda was capable of building.
As you probably already know these bikes have a flat six engine developing approx. 118 HP and the top speed is said to be approx. 123 MPH.
The Honda Valkyrie Rune was widely known to be exceptional in its even delivery of power, reliability and smooth ride. I’ve read that with proper maintenance these bikes are good for 100,000 miles or more.
As I looked around for articles about the bike, I wanted to read about the pros AND the cons but, the cons were very difficult to find. From what I’ve read the motorcycle press was very fond of this bike on all levels.
As far as the build quality and styling are concerned, these bikes are amazing. The workmanship and meticulous attention to detail are easily and immediately apparent the moment you first look at it.
The Scottsdale collector I represent is the original owner of the bike and it’s been kept on display in his temperature controlled showroom since new. A person would be very hard pressed to find a Rune in better condition than this one and to me it looks every bit as good as new.
As one writer put it…..”THE HONDA VALKYRIE RUNE IS A ROLLING, LIMITED EDITION MASTERPIECE”.
$29,500 as a place to start.
