HONDA F6C Valkyrie (1996-Present) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Honda Valkyrie was a cruiser-style motorcycle manufactured by Honda from 1997 to 2003 and designated in the US market as the GL1500C and the F6C ( Flat Six Custom) in other markets.

The bike's power came from a 1,502cc liquid-cooled flat-six engine shared with the Gold Wing model. The Flat-six engine was something else in contrast with commonly V-twin powerplants found on cruiser-style machines.

When it was first released in 1997, Honda offered a naked model. Later, they provided a tourer model featuring a large windscreen for better protection and lockable saddlebags for more safety against theft.

Later in 1999, the Japanese motorcycle maker added to its lineup the GL1500CJ Interstate model that packed a fork-mounted fairing, a larger fuel tank for extended range, and a trunk placed at the rear of the machine.

As sales dropped, the manufacturer decided to drop the Interstate and Tourer models after 2001 and continued selling the standard model until 2003, the last year of production for the original Valkyrie.

Also, in 2003, the motorcycle maker introduced a limited edition model called the Valkyrie Rune that featured a 1,832cc engine. The Rune was a significant departure in styling and purpose, contrasting with the original Valkyrie.

The Honda F6C Valkyrie was a powerful cruiser that boasted 100 hp at 6,000 rpm and 130 Nm (96 lb-ft) torque with a peak at 5,000 rpm. The power was managed by a five-speed manual transmission offered with a reverse gear only in Japan.