Honda GL1800 F6C Valkyrie. Our locomotive is flying forward

The GoldWing model has long been one of the icons of Honda. Unique and standing apart, a kind of motorcycle-monument... during life. But with such a “cult of personality,” the image of the hero usually begins to be replicated for any reason. The first example of this approach was the “cropped” GoldWing F6B, where “B” stands for “Bagger”. Behind this word lies a new concept of a motorcycle for everyday travel, but capable of taking something with you in large cases. The idea was a success, and here is a new derivative of the popular “Golda” - F6C Valkyrie. Although it would be more correct to call it an evolution of the F6B into a fast and powerful power cruiser.

The first test drive was arranged where such devices should be tested - in California with its highways and mountain roads. This “skating rink” should really roll! According to the stated characteristics, it is radically lighter than the regular GoldWing - by 70 kg. But he, with all his bulk, was never quiet. Again, according to the press release, handling has been improved - the front fork has been slightly lengthened and the angle of inclination has been increased from 29.15 to 29.5 degrees. The wheelbase also changed accordingly - from 1689 to 1707 mm.

Silencers

Stylish.
They are shorter than those of the F6B, and the ends are cut at an angle. The ergonomics have also been improved. Compared to the F6B, the seat and footpegs were raised (by 33 mm), and a larger “cruise” handlebar was installed - in fact, this should improve the control of the motorcycle. The bike also has different wheels and tires - atypical for cars of this class.

And when you meet in person, Valkyrie amazes with its design. The designers managed to somehow visually reduce the hefty dimensions of the 6-cylinder boxer engine, which makes the regular GoldWing look like a burgher with a beer belly. And the Valkyrie looks like a harmonious and well-built car: the “cheeks” of the side air intakes are especially good.

In the ever-expanding GoldWing family, the new Valkyrie is the most powerful

When you sit behind the wheel, you feel like the driver of a real dragbike. The slight vibration of the entire motorcycle at idle awakens some ancient fighting instincts in the soul. You want to turn the gas and throw the clutch lever... And the very first start is accompanied by a good smoky axle box and a black mark on the asphalt. It was worth flying to test the Valkyrie just for these sensations!

Yes, the acceleration when twisting the right handle is pleasantly surprising. The driver is literally torn from the saddle, and you have to hold on tightly to the steering wheel. Thrust is the sea: at four thousand it has 167 Nm, and 135 Nm is available already from one and a half thousand. In general, the Valkyrie quickly conveys to the driver a simple principle: “moment is the head of everything.”

But a satisfied, almost idiotic smile does not leave your face, even when you begin to fit this device into serpentine turns. At first you do this with caution and play it safe when braking, but after a couple of turns you realize that the Valkyrie steers as easily as an ordinary classic. Moreover, she is not afraid of even a strong side wind: the motorcycle stands on the trajectory like a train on rails!

Specifications

Technical characteristics of Honda GL1800 F6C Valkyrie:

Tires

Dunlop Sportmax.
Rear – 180/55R17, front – 130/60 R19 Despite the absence of a fairing, the wind does not bother you until about 140 km/h. Then you have to lie down on the tank. Fortunately, the tank seems to be created for you to relax on for an hour or two - wide, high, flat... And in general, you can spend more than one hour behind the wheel without fatigue and cover many kilometers in one breath. To be honest, Valkyrie greatly dulls the sense of speed - and this deception must be taken into account so as not to go broke on fines. The brakes deserve special praise: they have good feedback (which is important for such a device) and there is not even a hint of overheating during aggressive piloting. As it turned out, they were also modified - the diameter of the front discs was increased from 296 to 310 mm.

Ideal Honda? It looks like the bike is really cool. But guys, God forbid you drive it off the asphalt. Or drop it... Personally, I, a guy who is by no means small, was unable to lift it from the road alone. Even though “Valkyrie” lost 70 kg of weight.

TEXT: LIU WASEDA

Brief history of the model

• 2014 - start of production and sales.

Model

: Honda Valkyrie 1800 F6C (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation
: GL1800CE.

• 2015 - no significant changes.

Model

: Honda Valkyrie 1800 F6C (Europe, North America, Australia, Japan).
Factory designation
: GL1800CF.

• 2016 - model available only in the Asian market and some countries in the Middle East.

Model

: Honda Valkyrie 1800 F6C (Asia, etc.).
Factory designation
: GL1800CG.

• 2017 is the last year of production. The model is only available in the Japanese market.

Model

: Honda Valkyrie 1800 F6C (Japan).
Factory designation
: GL1800CF_J.

Links[edit]

1. ^ abcd "Performance Index Winter '12/'13 Edition" (PDF), Motorcycle Consumer News
   , Bowtie Magazines, January 2013, archived from the original (PDF) on December 29, 2016.
2. ↑
   Blake Conner (November 20, 2013), First Look: 2014 Honda Valkyrie, Cycle World
3. "Revealed: Gold Wing F6C". Wisordown
   . Immediate Media Co. November 20, 2013. Retrieved November 20, 2013. The Gold Wing F6C features a new aluminum subframe, new steering design and geometry, and radiators mounted on the sides rather than the front.
4. "Honda Launches 2014 Honda Valkyrie". bikeland.org
   . Bikeland Media. November 20, 2013. Retrieved November 20, 2013. Veteran reviewers agree that the F6B and Gold Wing already carve corners much better than anyone who hasn't ridden them would imagine. The Valkyrie beats the F6B in handling and other areas, especially weight savings; up to a lean 750lbs wet.
5. Hod Rod Hearts: Muscle Bike Meet; Motorcycle Superpowers Summit: Harley-Davidson V-Rod, Honda Magna, Honda Valkyrie, Honda VTX1800C, Kawasaki Mean Streak, Yamaha V-Max, Yamaha Warrior at MotorcycleCruiser.com
6. Cook, Mark (19 November 2013). “Honda Valkyrie 2014 | FIRST LOOK". Motorcyclist online
   . Source Interlink Media. Retrieved November 20, 2013. Like the original, which debuted back in 1996, the new Valky is based on the Gold Wing, inheriting the existing 12-valve SOHC flat-six engine housed in an aluminum twin-spar frame. However, this time the style is not American retro - it's more like Gold Wing and Transformers.
7. Rhianna
   Wilson, Andrea (November 20, 2013).
   "First Look at the 2014 Honda Valkyrie". News cycle
   . Archived from the original on November 25, 2013. Retrieved November 20, 2013. The engine's configuration—combined with where it is mounted in the Valkyrie's aluminum twin-spar frame—provides a low center of gravity. This, combined with a low 28.8-inch seat, is designed to add excellent handling in addition to performance.

Honda Valkyrie review

The basis for the new Valkyrie was the Honda GL1800 .
The frame with the engine and suspensions was taken from her for the new motorcycle. Almost all of the trim panels have been removed, with the exception of the decorative molding on the engine. Strong and well-built, he again broke out from generally accepted concepts. The low stance convinces us that this is a purebred cruiser, but the cartridge front suspension, rear console swingarm and huge diameter brake discs tell us that this is a bright representative of the street bike.

Indeed, the new Valkyrie weighs 70 kilograms less than its donor Honda GL1800. The redesign of the new Valkyrie has attracted a cohort of young drivers more inclined to sporty driving than serious trips on wide and deserted highways.

The Valkyrie's power unit is a modified variation on the theme of the six-cylinder Gold Wing, with a volume of 1832 cubic centimeters and a power of 118 hp.

The torque of 169 Newton meters will give odds to more than one passenger car. The camshafts of the boxer engine are driven by timing belts with a huge service life of 160,000 kilometers.

The six carburetors have been replaced with Honda's Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system, which features six electronically controlled high-pressure injectors. Electronics ensure the most efficient combustion process.

Not without a closed exhaust system with two lambda probes and catalysts, providing the power unit with unprecedented purity of emissions.

An additional air intake duct and corresponding exhaust system tuning have changed the exhaust note, the low revs of which seem to vibrate even the body of the driver of this perfection.

Less weight and engine modernization have added quite a bit to the acceleration of the motorcycle.

Even to such an extent that the motorcyclist, at maximum acceleration, has to squeeze as much as possible into the gas tank and hold on to the steering wheel so as not to be thrown out of the saddle.

The gearbox shifts very quickly. During fast acceleration, efficient gear shifting is facilitated by the clutchless gear shift system.

The large mass of the motorcycle, but the low location of the engine, does not allow you to feel all its 340 kilograms of weight, not only in motion, but also when parking.

Large weight also implies the presence of a well-balanced suspension. Due to the lengthening of the front fork, its inclination increased, which led to an increase in the wheelbase to 1.707 meters.

The inverted front fork and cantilever rear suspension are slightly stiffer than those of the donors, which allows it to change the ground clearance less on turns and asphalt waves.

The steering is slightly heavier due to the increased fork angle and larger wheels, which are 19”. The rear wheel is oversized and significantly wider than the front.

The greater efficiency of the braking system has been increased by increasing the diameter of the brake discs. The diameter of the two front ones, located on both sides of the front wheel, is 310 millimeters, and the rear – 316 millimeters. The effectiveness of the braking system is also enhanced by the optionally installed ABC system.

The changed nature of the motorcycle dictates a change in its interaction with the driver. The rider's position has changed accordingly.

The steering wheel is located 38 millimeters higher and 33 millimeters further than on its predecessor. The width of the steering wheel has increased by 17 millimeters, which somewhat made steering easier, but made parking more difficult, since when the steering wheel was fully turned, its handle began to be located further from the driver.

As a result of these changes, the driver's seating position has become more inclined, which has made the rider more comfortable during strong head winds and acceleration.

The bike's lack of wind protection as standard is compensated by good airflow redirection from the front of the bike over the rider, and wide radiators keep the rider's legs warm in cold weather.

A handlebar with a standard one-inch diameter allows the motorcycle owner to take advantage of standard motorcycle accessories produced in a wide range.

The Honda Valkyrie is supplied to the Russian market in black and red versions.

400 cc motorcycle from Honda: Honda CB 400 Super Four is discussed in detail in our article.

We pay special attention to the choice of motorcycle equipment - a review article about equipment for motocross.

Motorcycle Honda F6 C Valkyrie 1998 review

The description of the Honda F6 C Valkyrie 1998 motorcycle is in the queue for publication of the article. Announcement: Today, for almost every new motorcycle that comes into being, marketers strive to carve out their own niche. This one is a road sport, this one is a recreational enduro. But what class should we include a motorcycle that has a little bit of everything? A good bike should have a reliable engine, comfortable ergonomics and simple controls...

Honda F6 C Valkyrie is a motorcycle not sold in Russia, equipped with a fairly high-power engine of 100 hp. Despite the fact that good models of motorcycles have a very respectable price, and the season for their use is relatively short, the motorcycle market is developing rapidly. And if you believe the words of dealers, then some models of recently released motorcycles are selling like hot cakes at the beginning of the season, and the models brought to Russia are clearly not enough to fully satisfy consumer demand.

A motorcycle has long ceased to be an alternative to a car, and the times when this equipment was bought only because there was not enough money for a full-fledged car are forgotten. Nowadays, two-wheelers can be called technological marvels in many cases, and their cost can be compared with that of prestigious cars.

Many people have started buying motorcycles for hobby purposes as riding or even collecting them has become a good pastime for many people. Many motorcycles, for example the Honda F6 C Valkyrie, whose technical characteristics allow the model to be called a prestigious brand, are in demand among both beginners and experienced motorcyclists.

Currently, it is impossible to purchase a new Honda F6 C Valkyrie motorcycle from the 1998 model year, since their production stopped 18 years ago. At the same time, the Honda F6 C Valkyrie has excellent technical characteristics, so many people strive to purchase, if not a new, then at least a used version.

Motorcycles with an engine capacity of 1520 cc. see, appeared as a result of long work of inventors who sought to create a model that was not inferior in characteristics to other versions of the motorcycle. In some cases, these models are not only not inferior, but also ahead of other motorcycles, as they have minimal fuel consumption and other excellent parameters.

Motorcycles with an engine capacity of more than 400 kb. cm, which includes the Honda F6 C Valkyrie - this category of motorcycles simply cannot claim the title of “motorcycle for a beginner.” On the contrary, this is already a serious technique that requires certain control of motorcycle equipment with a smaller engine capacity. Yes, she attracts more attention, she is the most beautiful, fast, interesting and there is a huge selection of models. But as power increases, the weight of the motorcycle inevitably increases. In this class you are unlikely to find motorcycles lighter than 180 kg, unless they are the latest motorcycle models.

Go to the entire range of Honda motorcycles, on this page you can find Honda F6 C Valkyrie motorcycles of other years and information about them

What features does the new Honda Valkyrie F6C have?

What makes the new motorcycle unique and different from similar ones is its special, laconic design. The bike is the proud owner of a skeleton (frame) made of aluminum, radial tires (small size). This bike has powerful front disc brakes (plus 4-piston calipers). In addition, the Valkyrie has a powerful engine that is capable of producing 113 horses.

If the presented model is compared with the base one, the first one has a significantly different saddle, as well as an optimized mass that divides the weight of the motorcycle between two wheels. The passenger seat, as well as the handles, are removable. Therefore, the motorcycle acquires an even greater degree of brutality. The radiators on the motorcycle are also placed in an original way.

Additional advantages of the Honda bike include the presence of LED optics and a liquid crystal instrument panel. Massive plastic, high engine torque - this is what distinguishes the Valkyrie from similar models.

The company also presented one of the most modern control systems - ABS.

Chassis and brakes

The motorcycle has a very stylish duplex steel frame. Its appearance, of course, is specific: it covers the motor, exposed to public display, without plastic panels. The wheels are alloy, which is a plus for the model, because spokes, oddly enough, would look out of place here. The F6C's steering wheel is typical of a power cruiser.

The rear suspension has preload adjustment. The telescopic fork at the front measures 45 mm and is equipped with an anti-dive system. The combined rear brakes have ABS and are represented by a combined three-piston caliper and a ventilated disc of 316 mm. At the front there is also ABS, a combined four-piston caliper and a double hydraulic disc with a diameter of 310 mm.

Transmission and chassis

Speaking of gears, all versions of the Valkyrie, including the Honda Valkyrie Rune, except those intended for Japan, have lost reverse gear. The 5-speed gearbox is reliable and works perfectly. The clutch engages clearly and shifts occur without any complaints. The average service life on our roads without repair is 50,000 km. The cardan, which many dislike, works like a clock and does not require special attention. Of all the concerns - regular monitoring and replacement of oil in the gearbox. The mileage between replacements is 38,000 kilometers.

The front suspension of the Honda Valkyrie 1500 with a stroke of 130 mm has a somewhat strange design. A massive inverted fork consists of an empty right feather - a guide, and a left one - a working one. Both rear shock absorbers are pre-adjustable and are also reliable. Stroke – 120 mm. The weak point of the rear shock absorbers is the bushings. Average service life is 50,000 km.

The Honda Valkyrie 1500 was equipped with disc brakes: twin front and single disc rear plus a caliper with two pistons. Like everything else on a cruiser, the brakes work well if serviced regularly. Fluid replacement is required once every two years if the mileage is relatively short. For those who like to travel – after 24,000 kilometers. Don't neglect cleaning your brakes every 6,000 kilometers.

In general, this is a more than worthy device from Honda. The leader among cruisers and, practically, a collector's motorcycle. It’s not so easy to buy a Valkyrie, it’s not so easy to sell it – it’s hard to part with it. This is a motorcycle both for the soul and for travel. For the city and for long routes. Its synonym is reliability.

For whom

Here are the main features of the Honda F6S Valkyrie:

• single-arm pendulum;
• motor borrowed from the GL 1800;
• 113 hp and 167 Nm.

The bike is primarily suitable for those who are connoisseurs of the Gold Wing series, but would like to ride a cruiser rather than a touring bike. However, other cruiser connoisseurs may find the model attractive, albeit specific.