Mugen RNR Race Wheel - Tales From The Old-School
Dateline 1991: Mugen introduced a new super lightweight race wheel destined to impact the automotive globe, blazing a sought after trail of functionality and fashion, meanwhile forging its very own fan base.
Originally developed for the EG chassis, the RNR (Race and Recreation) wheel can be identified by its classic soft spoke, five-point design that was first made available in silver or the black face/red lip combo. It wasn't until Honda introduced the 20th anniversary edition Civic though that an all-white RNR was added to the lineup. Sizing was limited to a simple duo: a 15x6.5 with a +38 or +45 offset, although some have hinted at having scoped a very rare +52 option despite the foggy reports.
RNRs originally sold for 36,000 yen-about $320 by today's standards-and were offered only in sets of two directly from Mugen. Most American enthusiasts purchased them new through King Motorsports or used through their local importer. Intended for track duty and weighing in at a paltry 10.6 pounds apiece, these cast wheels (referred to as squeeze processed by Mugen) were prone to stress cracking when subjected to severe street duty. This may be why King Motorsports limited sales and rumors of street failures abounded throughout the Honda community.
Twenty years and two or three knock-offs later, the RNR has remained a Honda staple. With used versions scattered about the classifieds and a few "new in box" sets catching hefty bids, the legacy continues and there's no indication that it'll slow down.
Photo Gallery: Mugen RNR Race Wheel - Tales From The Old-School - Honda Tuning Magazine
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