Honda Valkyrie
THE LEGENDARY
POWER CRUISER
Flat Six Custom
GL 1800 C
Rune, NRX 1800
GL 1500 CF Interstate
GL 1500 C
The immortal classic Honda Valkyrie has everything an enthusiast could want:
Plenty of accessories and wear parts readily available
Excellent driving characteristics for long and short trips
A range of models and variants for every taste and different needs
A classic and unique look that will turn heads wherever you go
"Unbreakable", vibration-free, powerful 6-cylinder boxer engine with a unique sound
Easy to ride - silky smooth - awesome power
On this page you will find some general information about the Valkyrie and its origin, as well as some about different custom variants. Technical information can be found on the Valkyrie Tech Pages.
The Dragon's Breath
A custom Valkyrie built by Valkyrie Workshop
History and models - overview
Production models
GL 1500 C, F6C (1997-2003) - The original
The Honda Valkyrie is a large cruiser that was originally manufacture in the model years 1997 - 2003.
The original Valkyrie was offered in three variants:
Standard / Base; GL1500C (1997-2003), Tourer; GL1500CT (1997-2001) and Interstate; GL1500CF (1999-2001).
The model was designed by Joe Boyd, and produced in Honda's factory in Marysville, Ohio, USA.
Many believe that the Valkyrie is a stripped down version of a GoldWing. That is not the case. They shared an engine block and production facility, but that's about where the similarities end. The Valkyrie was designed from the ground up as a fast power cruiser after such bikes rose in popularity in the 90s. Together with a different ratio in the gearbox and gimbal, the Valkyrie is a significantly more nimble motorcycle than the "sister model" GoldWing. Reversed Showa forks at a larger angle, longer wheelbase, stiffer frame and lower center of gravity are other factors that contribute strongly to the Valkyrie's unique driving characteristics.
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At its introduction in 1997, the naked standard model and a tourer model were offered. The tourer model had a windscreen and lockable side bags.
In 1999, the Interstate was launched, with a large fork-mounted fairing with dual headlamps, and a top box with integrated passenger backrest.
As sales declined, the Tourer and Interstate were dropped in 2001, and until 2003 only the Standard/Base model was offered.
The Valkyrie was delivered in a number of color combinations, depending on the model and year of manufacture.
Read more in our comprehensive overview of colours, variants, production numbers and about the Valkyrie's unique origins on the Valkyrie's DNA page.
Here you will also find more information about the other Valkyrie models.
Standard / Base
Tourer
Interstate
The legendary power pack
The engine in the classic Valkyrie has a volume of 1520 cc, produces 100 hp / 75 kw @ 6000 rpm and has a torque of 130 nm / 96 ft-lbs @ 5000 rpm. Derived from the 4th generation Honda GoldWing, it is a water-cooled Flat 6 (boxer) engine of 1520 cc (96 cui). The machinery is the result of impressive engineering and is completely vibration-free. A good example is the video " nickle trick " . Try it you too! In addition, it is a work of art like no other, and there are many chrome accessories that can be fitted to make it stand out even more than the original.
In the Valkyrie, the engine has six individual 28mm carburetors, one for each cylinder. Changes had also been made to the camshaft compared to the GoldWing. These changes gave an increase in both horsepower and torque, and helped to give the engine a unique sound.
Valkyrie Rune, NRX 1800 (2004 - 2005)
Honda introduced a "limited edition" model in 2003 called the Valkyrie Rune with a 1,832 cc (111.8 cu in) engine producing 117 hp and 167 nm / 123 ft-lbs, taken from the 5th generation Honda GoldWing. The bike was a big leap from the original Valkyrie in both styling and purpose. The purpose of Rune was to be a demonstration of power to show what Honda as a manufacturer could manage to build. To quote project manager Masanari Aoki; "No performance requirements, no special function, and the selling price is immaterial". The original idea was supposedly to gather customer feedback in preparation for an upcoming more commercially salable model to be launched the following year. This never became a reality and the project was unfortunately closed.
The starting price in 2004 was US$27,000, but due to the limited run they were produced in, and the fact that absolutely every part apart from the engine had to be specially made by Honda exclusively for the Rune, the actual production cost was over US$100,000 for each unit produced.
Due to its extreme design, unique history and low production numbers, the Valkyrie Rune has become a cult bike that is popular with collectors.
Among the high-profile owners are Jay Leno, George Clooney and Tom Cruise, who have all secured their own copies.
Read more about the Valkyrie Rune and the other models on the Valkyrie's DNA pages.
GL 1800C, F6C Valkyrie (2014-2015)
This model was an attempt at a reincarnation of the old version GL1500C in a new, modern design. It shares an engine and drivetrain with the Valkyrie Rune and 5th generation GoldWing. A boxer 6 of 1,832 cc (111.8 cu in) and 117 hp / 167 nm (123 ft-lbs),
Unlike its predecessor, this model has a lot in common with its "sister" GoldWing. Engine, drivetrain, frame and swing arm are completely identical. The big differences are appearance (trim), rims, braking system, seat, handlebars, fork angle and exhaust. These changes enabled the bike to be classified as a cruiser without having to make drastic changes compared to the starting point. This was ment to help keep prices down and make the bike competitive in the market.
It has the classic low seating position, a low center of gravity, it is more stable on the straights and has a significantly lower net weight (70 kg / 154 lbs) than a GoldWing. The latest generation Valkyrie is a faster and more potent machine. With 50/50 weight distribution, 17"/19" tires and upgraded suspension adapted to the lighter weight, Honda succeeded in giving the new Valkyrie powerful and sporty driving characteristics.
Many would say that since it shares so much of the basic stock with its sister model, you could almost say that it is a model of GoldWing, but not all Valkyrie enthusiasts agree. It would be like comparing the two with a labrador and a bull mastiff. ..
With a starting price of US $17,000 for the base model without ABS, great success was expected when the model hit the market in early 2014. Unfortunately, the concept did not catch on with customers. Whether it was because of the special design, or the similarity to the GoldWing is not certain, but many believe that Honda should have kept the classic design and only upgraded the engine and brakes. After two years of low sales figures, production was stopped in 2015.
Read more about Valkyrie 1800 and the other models on the pages about Valkyrie's DNA.
Prototypes
T1-T4 (1995-2002)
During this period, there were happy days in Honda's American R&D (development) department. Honda wanted more market shares in the growing muscle bike market. In parallel with the development of Valkyrie, work was done on several prototypes that were to be shown to the public to gather impressions and feedback. Based on these, one should find the way towards a new, unique model.
T2 received by far the most attention, and it convinced both the marketing department and the management to invest. This bike became the forerunner of the Valkyrie Rune, and the production-ready model was very similar to the prototype it was developed from.
Read more about T1-T4 and the other Valkyrie models on the pages about Valkyrie's DNA.
Evo 6 (2007)
At the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda launched a futuristic ground-breaking concept. A naked bike with the Flat6 engine of 1832cc, already used in Valkyrie Rune in 2004-2005. It was never intended as a Valkyrie model, but the close relationship and unique design means that we think it deserves mention on our pages, and a place in the history books.
We have not yet been able to find official technical data from the launch, but several articles from MC magazines mention that the engine should produce a good deal more than the 118 hp in the GoldWing, and that the weight should be less than half.
Read more about the Evo6 and the other Valkyrie models on the pages about the Valkyrie's DNA.
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Custom models and accessories
There are a number of accessories and conversion kits that allow you to rebuild and adapt your Valkyrie to your unique style. Over the years, a large number of enthusiasts have created a number of masterpieces with their conversions. Although there is not as large a selection of new accessories on the market anymore, it is quite possible to get the most incredible things for these bikes. Here are some examples:
Exhaust systems, windscreens, comfort seats, suspension upgrades, compressors, luggage carriers, trike kits and sidecars. These are just a few examples of accessories that can be obtained for your Valkyrie. In addition, there are lots of chrome accessories for the engine and bodywork. Although it has been many years since the bikes went out of production, there are many companies and individuals who still manufacture accessories for the popular Valkyries.
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The names
The Valkyries are beautiful, female guardians of death in Norse mythology. Odin sends them out to decide who will fall in battle, and the Valkyries take the best warriors back to Valhalla. They are dressed in full armor and are heavily armed. They can ride through air and water, all over the world.
The Valkyrie's most commonly used pet name is "The Dragon". Other widely used names are "Fat Lady" or "Phat Gurl"
Fat Lady is pretty obvious. They don't get much bigger than this beauty. Phat Gurl is slang for Fat Lady.
Already in September 1996, the first website dedicated to the Honda Valkyrie was launched, "The Valkyrie's Lair". The website was headlined: "For those who ride the Dragon". This came from the definition of a dragon: A legendary, gigantic fire-breathing beast, known for its incredible power and ability to fly".
The story of the Valkyrie
Josef A. Boyd, aka GL Joe (1948 – 1998) worked in product development in Honda's R&D department in Torrance, California. He is best known in the community as Valkyrie's father. As explained by a friend of Joe Boyd, – Fred Rau:
Between 1997 and 2003, Honda had what was declared the "Cruiser of the Decade" in a Flat 6 Valkyrie. The reason I believe it is no longer in production is that the man responsible for it was killed in a motorcycle accident and no one at Honda wanted to take the ball forward. The following is a letter that was printed in another magazine that will explain:
"Interesting that Maddjack noted that "Honda never marketed the Valkyrie". I'll tell you a story, strictly from my own perspective as a "like" insider:
Of course, Honda marketed the Valkyrie, but I agree, never with the kind of enthusiasm they often showed for other bikes in the production line. The Valkyrie was the brainchild and "baby" of a guy at Honda who really believed in it. His name was Joe Boyd, but at Honda they called him "GL Joe", because of his love of Gold Wings.
The majority of the marketing experts at Honda never thought the Valkyrie concept would work, but Joe used his considerable influence and personal charisma to push the project through. Of course the Valkyrie was a success. Never a big one, but a success nonetheless. And I personally thought that since Joe had proven so many people wrong, those same people were reluctant to aid in the rise of the Valkyrie. Not that they intentionally prevented it, but I just don't think the project ever got the kind of all-in support it deserved, just because Joe had stepped on so many toes in his ferocious effort to make it a reality.
Around the time the new 1800 GL became a reality, Joe was killed in a tragic accident at Honda's test track. With his death, also died the main motivating force behind the Valkyrie project. I personally think we would have a brand new, radical Valkyrie 1800 today, if Joe had lived. Not Rune, as wonderful as it is, but something much more practical and affordable.
As a side note, I will add that Honda paid a quiet, yet memorable tribute to Joe, for several months after his death. I rode with Joe several times. We were casual friends and used to drive in the Mojave desert together, as we both loved the old back roads out there. Along the way, one of Joe's favorite things to do was to stop in the small town of Amboy, at one of the last remaining original Route 66 tourist stops, Roy's Cafe, for a chocolate milkshake.
If you remember, for about six months, many years ago, in virtually every major motorcycle magazine in the US, Honda had a full-page ad with a picture of a Valkyrie under the Roy's Cafe sign in Mojave with a sunset in the background. It was a quiet, memorable tribute to the man, which was easily understood by those who knew him.
Often a radical or interesting new bike is developed primarily because one person, with the influence, drive and passion to see it built, puts their weight behind the project. Like it or not, this was also the case with Rune, who had Honda's VP, Ray Blank as his "angel". One could say the same about Pierre Terblanche and the Ducati 999. And so was the case with Joe Boyd and the Valkyrie. Whether such bikes are a design, marketing or financial success is really irrelevant. What is important is that we have an industry where such things can happen, because they push boundaries. True innovation rarely comes from a committee decision.
If Honda had continued to market the Valkyrie, I think it would have taken all the V-Twin Harley "want-a-be's" by storm. There is an unlimited amount of custom changes that can be made to them, and they don't exactly look like the everyman's bike.
Enough of my boring reminiscences. Thought you might find it interesting. Fred Rau".
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Joe Boyd, #2 from right. Here in Porterville, California in May 1997 in connection with a customer event to gather feedback on various future production models.