Honda Valkyrie

Honda Valkyrie
ManufacturerHonda
Also calledGL1500C Base, 1500CT Tourer, and 1500CF Interstate F6C
Production1997–2003 Base and Tourer models, 1999-2003 Interstate
Engine1,520 cc (93 cu in) liquid-cooled SOHC flat-6
Bore / stroke71 mm × 64 mm
Compression ratio9.8:1
Top speed131 mph (211 km/h)[1]
Power100.0 hp (74.6 kW) (rear wheel)[1]
Torque102.3 lb⋅ft (138.7 N⋅m) (rear wheel)[1]
Ignition typeCDI
TransmissionFive-speed manual, shaft-drive
SuspensionFront: 45 mm inverted fork, 130 mm travel
Rear: Dual shock, preload adjustable, 120 mm travel
BrakesFront: Dual 296 mm floating discs, 2-piston calipers
Rear: Single 316 mm disc, 2-piston caliper
TiresFront: 150/80R-17
Rear: 180/70R-16
Wheelbase1,690 mm (67 in)
Seat height735 mm (28.9 in)
Weight300 kg (660 lb) (dry)
327 kg (721 lb)[1] (wet)
Fuel capacity5.3 gallons (Base and Tourer models and 7.2 gallons on the Interstate

The Honda Valkyrie is a motorcycle that was manufactured by Honda from 1997 to 2003. It was designated GL1500C in the US market and F6C ("Flat Six Custom") in other markets.

Back in the 90's there was a resurgence of interest[2] in cruiser motorcycles, that generally feature a V-twin engine. The idea of an American cruiser styled motorcycle featuring a flat six engine came from Josef Boyd.

The Valkyrie engine is a 1,520 cubic centimetres (93 cu in) liquid-cooled, horizontally opposed flat-six engine shared with Honda's Gold Wing 4th generation model, unlike the V-twin engine commonly found on "cruiser" style motorcycles. In its transplant from the Goldwing, the most notable engine changes were the camshaft and the change to six individual 28 mm carburetors, one for each cylinder, changes which increased power and torque.

The Valkyrie was offered with a reverse gear in Japan. The Valkyrie was made in the United States at the Honda motorcycle plant in Marysville, Ohio.

  1. ^ a b c d "Performance Index Winter '12/'13 Edition" (PDF), Motorcycle Consumer News, Bowtie Magazines, January 2013, archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-12-29
  2. ^ "A Motorcycle History Lesson".