We already suspected it a short time ago, Sling returns to the world of bicycles, as it could not be otherwise, with a high-performance proposal. The Japanese firm has presented at the EICMA of Milan the new RN0an electric orienteering mountain bike all-mountain What does your entry into the segment mean? premium of e-bikes (e-MTB). Developed together with ROTWILD and Shimanocombines cutting-edge technology, solutions inspired by the world of motorcycles and a cycle section prepared to face the most rugged and demanding terrain.
With a weight of 23.5 kg, the RN0 stands out for its frame carbon fiber monocoqueits swingarm Gullwing and a new power unit Shimano capable of delivering 100 Nm of torque and reaching 750 W of maximum power. A combination that Sling complete with top-notch components and a 720 Wh battery.
From the Honda Batabata to the RN01: a story on two wheels
The relationship of Sling with bicycles dates back to 1946, when Soichiro Honda developed the Batabataa small auxiliary motor that could be installed on a conventional bicycle. Decades later, the brand continued to explore this formula with models such as the raccoon electric from 1995, the Raccoon CX of 1996 and the Raccoon Compo of ’98.
However, one of his most remembered projects was the RN01a specific downhill bike that competed in national and international events. In 2005, the team G Cross Honda won the absolute title of the UCI Downhill World Cup. Now, as we are telling you, more than 20 years later, the new RN0 He recovers that name as a tribute to his sporting past.
Honda RN0: carbon monocoque frame and Gullwing swingarm
The main hallmark of the RN0 is your carbon fiber monocoque framedeveloped together with ROTWILD and conceived with structural solutions inspired by the motorcycle chassis of the golden wing brand. Added to this architecture is the characteristic tilting Gullwing of Slingaccompanied by a linkage system that seeks to balance pedaling efficiency with the absorption of terrain irregularities.
The assembly has been designed to provide stability, precision and a progressive response, maintaining traction even in the most technical areas. The geometry, as we mentioned at the beginning, is specifically adapted to the use all-mountain and will be available in 3 sizes: S, M and L.
FOX Factory suspensions and mullet wheels
As it could not be otherwise, the cycle part uses components FOX from the series Factory Kashima. In front we find a fork FOX 36 Float Factory with 160 mm of travel, while a shock absorber works behind FOX Float X Factoryassociated with the linkage system and with 145 mm of travel. The wheel configuration is type mulletwith a 29-inch front and a 27.5-inch rear. Both use tires DT Swiss H1900 SPLINE and tires Schwalbe Albert EVO Trail TLR Soft 2.5 inches.
Braking is in the hands of calipers Shimano Deore XT M8220 4 pistons, accompanied by 203 mm discs on both axles. It also includes a telescopic seatpost Crankbrothers Highline 3 and components of ROTWILD and Ergon.
Honda RN0: 100 Nm, 750 W Shimano motor and 720 Wh battery
Another of the great attractions of the Honda RN0 It’s your new power unit Shimanowhich debuts in this e-bike. Weighing just 2.3 kg, it develops 100 Nm of torque and reaches 750 W of maximum power. It is powered by a removable 720 Wh and 43.2 V battery. The system offers three assistance modes (ECO, TRAIL+ and BOOST) and extends its operating range up to 160 rpm cadence. Its technologies include AUTO ASSISTwhich adapts the assistance to the terrain conditions, and AUTO SHIFTwhich automatically selects the most appropriate gear to maintain a more efficient cadence.
It also incorporates Assist Carry Overwhich briefly maintains assistance after stopping pedaling to facilitate overcoming obstacles, and FREE SHIFTwhich allows you to change gears without pedaling. Transmission is a Shimano Deore XT Di2 12-speed electronic, with cassette 10-51 teeth.
Honda RN0: integrated screen and connectivity
The RN0 incorporates a screen Shimano SC-EN700 2.2-inch full-color display, integrated into the top tube, showing the main operating data. In addition, it has a USB-C port to charge electronic devices. On the other hand, the application Shimano CONNECT allows you to record routes, use the smartphone as a “cycle computer” and customize different system parameters. It also incorporates an electronic locking and unlocking function for the bike using the linked phone.
Without a doubt, the Honda RN0 It is presented with a very particular aesthetic, marked by the monocoque frame and the swingarm Gullwing. Its decoration combines gray Pearl Moon Ash with matte black Ballistic Black Metallic and will be sold in three sizes (S, M and L). The new Honda RN0 2027 It will arrive on the European market during 2027 and, for now, the Japanese brand has not communicated its official price for Spain.
