Review of the Honda Valkyrie 1500 motorcycle (Honda GL1500C Valkyrie)

GL 1500 F6C Valkyrie

- motorcycle model, Honda brand

The Honda Valkyrie 1500 cruiser model was first introduced in 1996 and was produced until 2003. The model had the factory designation Honda GL1500C, was sold in the USA under the name Honda Valkyrie 1500, and in other countries it was known as the Honda F6C. The abbreviation F6C stands for - Flat Six Custom - a cruiser with a 6-cylinder boxer engine.

The motorcycle was based on the engine from the luxury tourer Honda GL1500 Gold Wing with a number of changes and improvements. Firstly, the engine began to be equipped with 6 carburetors, one for each cylinder (instead of 2 on the Gold Wing 1500). Secondly, the engine received new camshafts, which significantly increased the dynamics of the motorcycle and increased the maximum engine speed. Thirdly, instead of hydraulic compensators, the Honda Valkyrie 1500 receives a conventional valve clearance adjustment (screw-nut). Fourthly, the bike gets a new 6-6-2 exhaust. As a result, the engine began to produce a “net” 100 hp. (on the wheel) and almost 140 Nm of torque.

In addition to modifications to the engine, the Honda GL1500C Valkyrie receives a new super-rigid steel frame, changed gearbox ratios and loses reverse gear (except for the version for Japan - it had the possibility of rear reverse gear).

The Honda Valkyrie 1500 was produced only in the USA, at the Marysville plant in Ohio. Most of the motorcycles were intended for the North American market, the rest were exported to European countries, Australia and Japan. The motorcycle became one of the first high-volume cruisers with an atypical layout for this class, in particular a 6-cylinder boxer engine. Nevertheless, the model turned out to be extremely successful and immediately gained wide popularity. A total of 48,420 motorcycles were produced and sold, of which only 6,670 units. found themselves on the market in Europe and Australia.

Other features of the Honda Valkyrie 1500, in addition to the 6-cylinder boxer engine, include an inverted fork (the right blade acts as a guide, the left one responds to damping), a timing belt drive, the presence of a motorcycle fall sensor (turns off the ignition when falling on its side), hydraulic clutch, disc brakes front and rear, 20 liter fuel tank (Interstate version - 26 liters) and 334 kg curb weight (regular version).

Main modifications of the Honda GL1500C Valkyrie:

Honda GL1500C Valkyrie Honda GL1500CT Valkyrie Tourer Honda GL1500CF Valkyrie Interstate Honda GL1500CD Valkyrie Deluxe Despite the presence of interesting modifications of the Honda GL1500C Valkyrie motorcycle, they were not in great demand, and therefore were quickly discontinued. The basic classic version of the Honda Valkyrie 1500 remained available on the market until 2003, after which it also disappeared from sale. Instead, in 2004, Honda released a limited edition model of the Honda NRX1800 Valkyrie Rune, built on the basis of the new version of the Gold Wing 1800, and at the end of 2013 it introduced a new reincarnation of the F6C model - the Honda GL1800 F6C Valkyrie.

The main competitors of the Honda Valkyrie 1500 in the class:

Yamaha XVZ1300 Venture Yamaha XVZ1300A Royal Star

Despite the presence of interesting modifications of the Honda GL1500C Valkyrie motorcycle, they were not in great demand, and therefore were quickly discontinued. The basic classic version of the Honda Valkyrie 1500 remained available on the market until 2003, after which it also disappeared from sale. Instead, in 2004, Honda released a limited edition model of the Honda NRX1800 Valkyrie Rune, built on the basis of the new version of the Gold Wing 1800, and at the end of 2013 it introduced a new reincarnation of the F6C model - the Honda GL1800 F6C Valkyrie.

Model history

1996 (1997) - start of production and sales of the model. Model: Honda GL1500C Valkyrie (F6C); Honda GL1500CT Valkyrie Tourer (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1500CV; GL1500CTV.

1998 - no significant changes. Model: Honda GL1500C Valkyrie (F6C); Honda GL1500CT Valkyrie Tourer (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1500CW; GL1500CTW.

1999 - appearance of the Interstate modification. Model: Honda GL1500C Valkyrie (F6C); Honda GL1500CT Valkyrie Tourer; Honda GL1500CF Valkyrie Interstate (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1500CX; GL1500CTX; GL1500CFX.

2000 - no significant changes. Model: Honda GL1500C Valkyrie (F6C); Honda GL1500CT Valkyrie Tourer; Honda GL1500CF Valkyrie Interstate (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1500CY; GL1500CTY; GL1500CFY.

2001 - Tourer modification is no longer offered. The appearance of the Deluxe modification. Model: Honda GL1500C Valkyrie (F6C); Honda GL1500CD Valkyrie Deluxe; Honda GL1500CF Valkyrie Interstatee (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1500C1; GL1500CD1; GL1500CF1.

2002 - Interstate modification is no longer offered. Model: Honda GL1500C Valkyrie (F6C); Honda GL1500CD Valkyrie Deluxe (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1500C2; GL1500CD2.

2003 is the last year of production. Model: Honda GL1500C Valkyrie (F6C); Honda GL1500CD Valkyrie Deluxe (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan). Factory designation: GL1500C3; GL1500CD3.

Specifications

Japanese engineers had something to build on. The Honda Valkyrie Rune, like the classic model, received its engine inherited from the Golda. With the difference that for the Honda Valkyrie Rune NRX 1800 model, the GoldWing 1800 became the prototype. Naturally, a huge amount of work was done on the donor. Instead of two carburetors, the power unit acquired six - one per cylinder. To increase speed, the cruiser's power unit was equipped with new camshafts, which significantly increased dynamics.

Hydraulic valve lash compensators have given way to standard adjustment, which is necessary for every 12,000 km traveled.

The updated engine is complemented by a new angry exhaust and a super rigid steel frame. The frame of the Honda Valkyrie 1500 is very strong and is not afraid of falls. The motorcycle has amazing dynamics - acceleration to hundreds occurs in 3.6 seconds, which is an excellent result for such a weight. Despite its weight, the Valkyrie’s handling is amazing; it’s not for nothing that it was called “the easiest to handle heavy cruiser.” Control efficiency is achieved thanks to the ground clearance and due to the engine rigidly installed in the frame. With the weight of the classic model starting from 334 kg, the gas tank is designed for 20 liters.

The Valkyrie engine became famous for its high reliability. Mileages under 300,000 km. are considered the norm. Thanks to the duplication of most elements, it has become more durable than V-shaped units. For this boxer engine, timely replacement of oil, filters and spark plugs is important. The usual mileage from replacement to replacement is 12,000 km. The Honda Valkyrie 1500 engine produces 100 horsepower at the wheel.

This model also received other innovations:

• a fall sensor that can turn off the ignition;
• timing belt;
• hydraulic clutch;
• convenient to turn on the turn signal;
• halogen headlight 60/55 W;
• large diameter handles.

Characteristics:

Review of the Honda Valkyrie 1500 motorcycle (Honda GL1500C Valkyrie)

Life is an eternal search for something better and the desire to get it. I extended the motto to motorcycles as well. Like many modern adult riders, I had a lot of them. As they say, it all began with “Minsk, Izhi and the Urals”. Two years ago I used a Kawasaki Vulcan. Many people consider it an excellent custom, but after looking at the photo where I was captured on it, it seemed to me that the device was somehow too small. I started looking for a worthy replacement for him. One day, while walking around a motorcycle dealership, I saw a bike with a chrome “Valkyrie” inscription on the tank. Having become acquainted with the characteristics of the device, I was excited about the purchase. And no wonder - the engine on the Valkyrie from Gold Wing has a hundred “horses” with a volume of 1500 cm3. The dry weight of the bike is 309 ke-ge, and I thought this bruiser handled terrible. But as soon as I got behind the wheel, the bad thoughts immediately disappeared. The motorcycle goes into a turn smoothly, the steering wheel seems to draw an arc on its own, the gears shift perfectly, and “neutral” is caught at any moment. The brakes are excellent, they cope with their task, always leaving me with a reserve. I was pleased by the complete absence of vibrations - amazing comfort at any speed. I decided that this motorcycle simply had to be in my garage!

A few days later he became mine. Taking a closer look and listening to its features, I rolled up the first kilometers. A person, even having the most ideal, always wants to change something and add his own. This affected me too. I installed a stiffer front fork, a radio, two speakers, two subwoofers, and, of course, panniers. But, driving around Moscow and the Moscow region, I always wanted to check out the Honda while traveling. Why not? I rushed with friends to Finland. Even despite the terrible road and weather conditions that plagued us during the trip, the hypercustom did not disappoint me, delighting me with perfect handling on wet roads. And all thanks to the large mass of the bike, which scared me at first. The thoughtful seating position ensures long rides are enjoyable. Only the pleasant rustling of gears reminds you that you are on a motorcycle.

Friends often ask if I want a new motorcycle, but I proudly answer: Valkyrie - forever!

Actually, I am a supporter of the classics... But last year I saw the “dry” version of Valkyrie and “fell ill.” They delivered an almost new (600 miles on the clock) car that was on its side. Getting started took one evening. I straightened the radiator, straightened the steering wheel (temporary option) and installed the clutch lever (came from my SV!). The torque is impressive, not so much in magnitude as in its uniformity and the fact that it is realized starting almost from idle. The weight is 309 kg, not radically different from my SV 1000, if we also take into account the lower CG. Handling is certainly not the same... But the SV 1000 is also not a record holder. What’s nice is that you can stand on the footrests and thereby adjust the controls. I would say that this is almost a classic... The car cannot be called a sophisticated delicacy, but it is simple and self-sufficient. Without frills such as a decorative tank (Suzuki C90) without injection (six carbs) and without exquisite pretentiousness of shapes. Technocratic in standard engineering solutions.

For reasons that are not clear to me, I buy the above-mentioned papelats. When I sat down for the first time, I just tried it on from a friend. I immediately thought that I wouldn’t be able to control it. My friend persistently persuaded me to just try and get moving. With a trembling body and hands, I rolled it out of the garage with the help of a friend. And I also set off. After 10 minutes, I was already rushing along the road with one hand, standing, without hands, etc. I didn’t expect that such a fool could drive like that. Without hesitation and I bought it without haggling. For as much as 700,000. It’s difficult to evaluate this motor. As an example, I came to the mountain for a short time and immediately received two offers to exchange it for a 2011 Golda with 8000 mileage with a small surcharge and for a 2009 Golda without any additional payment. The tuning was just a lot, my friend even found it difficult to say how much he dumped into it. Then it was a feeling. Each day of ownership brought more and more confidence, for example. The first days my hands got tired of holding it in traffic jams at low speed. Then I just relaxed and realized it was easier to hold than a light motorcycle, just keep the balance slightly , a very stable thing, I would even say extremely stable, allows you to move at extremely low speeds in the traffic without putting your feet down. The removed asphalt is not a hindrance to it, deep puddles pass silently, and also many are impressed by the test of the engine when you put 10 iron rubles edge-on You start the pots (apposite), you gas it almost to full, and the 10 rubles only scroll slightly but do not fall. In general, the conclusion is not to be afraid of heavy motorcycles with a low center of gravity; they are easy on the road.

Valkyrie is a very unusual device. Many fall in love with her at first sight. For me, it looks like a motorcycle and not like a maxi scooter, the whole liver, i.e. the engine, etc. - out, the tank is at the top, not in the ass, i.e. like a normal bike and not like crap on wheels.

There is no reverse. Yes, but only for 50 pcs. sold to Japan.

There is no interstate with reverse.

The dynamics are awesome, the look is like that of a normal motorcycle, the performances stick right to the point.

Well, I don’t know what else to say...

Honda Valkyrie: Owner reviews

I have been the owner of the Interstate for three years now. I travel far and enjoy taking my wife with me. Many people have spoken about convenience, but I won’t repeat myself. The dynamics and acceleration are magical. On the highway it stands like a glove. The tank lasts me a long time when driving economically. I really like the light. Two powerful headlights allow you to drive at night without straining. I installed Philips halogen lamps - it’s very convenient that you can buy such a lamp at any gas station. I really like the trunks! The capacity is incredible. This is my Honda Valkyrie in the photo. (Vadim, Moscow)

Valkyrie Ran drives like Vtyks, she also eats gasoline, everything is fine, but she looks pompous and pretentious. Of course, this is a very expensive asphalt slab. In general, this is a Honda! Honda doesn't make a motorcycle for the sake of a motorcycle. She produces technology that pleases the soul. (Igor, Vladivostok)

I've been riding a Honda Valkyrie for a year, my height is 185 cm. I have a classic. I installed external running boards. The sofa is comfortable, the seating position is comfortable, I don’t get tired even when running 500 km. It’s great that the motorcycle stays on the road and doesn’t get blown away by passing trucks. About music: the receiver operates on the American band. I will change it next year. While I took the FM player. (Semyon, Nizhny Novgorod)

While “Valka” is standing, it’s terribly heavy. I just drove off like a feather. As soon as he rolled in, he even began to make his way along the aisles. It’s convenient that everyone skips it. The muzzle protects the pilot well from dirt and water. The girls don’t let me pass, my wife is jealous, and she happily rides with me as number two. I love. People on the street too. Attention guaranteed. (Evgeniy, Khabarovsk)

Honda Valkyrie Rune differs from all other motorcycles in its torque and sound. The exhaust system is built according to a 6–6–2 scheme: six separate pipes from the cylinders and a muffler on each side produce a stunningly beautiful sound. Valka pulls confidently already at 800 rpm, and you can move in any gear. At 30 km/h you can put it in fifth gear, the acceleration is amazing. Controllability is maintained at almost any speed. Even at 160 km/h, it sensitively follows the steering wheel and body movements. The rune gives off a feeling of security and confidence. (Maxim, Ufa)

With Valkyrie you understand that reverse speed is not a luxury! It is quite difficult to maneuver when parking and turning around in a confined space. The opposition itself also gets in the way - it’s hard to push off with your feet. Still, for the city it was necessary to take something easier. (Denis, Vladivostok)

Video review

Specifications