Honda Valkyrie Interstate
Honda Valkyrie Interstate
Nostalgia touring, take two
Matthew Miles
IT WASN’T enough that Yamaha surprised everyone with its neo-classic Venture. Oh, no. Honda had to get into the game, too. Just as we were going to press, a bomb in the form of the retrosty led Valkyrie Interstate was dropped.
Essentially, the Interstate is a Valkyrie Tourer topped with a fork-mounted fairing, larger gas tank, cushier saddle, fullsize tail trunk and the usual assortment of audio equipment.
Mechanically, the bike resembles previous iterations. Displacement for the liquid-cooled, sohc, horizontally opposed Six remains 1520cc. No changes to the fivespeed transmission or swirling 6-into-2 exhaust layout, either. Ignition timing and jetting for the six 28mm CV carburetors, however, were altered for better midrange performance. Also, rubber rear engine mounts are said to reduce vibration. Radiator sidecovers route engine heat away from the rider.
At a claimed 771 pounds dry, the Interstate weighs 90 pounds more than the standard Valkyrie. To compensate, the frame was strengthened and suspension firmed up. The fairing is designed to offer “superb” protection from the elements, and it’s topped with a near-vertical, non-adjustable windscreen. Below that is a laminar-flow duct that allegedly minimizes low-pressure turbulence. Taking a cue from the CBR1100XX Super Blackbird, the twin headlights are 45/45-watt halogens encased in a chrome-trimmed, multireflector-type lens.
Moving to the cockpit, the slightly narrowed handlebar is complemented by a feet-flat, 28.7-inch-high seat and folding footpegs. The new seat is a one-piece design with firmer, touring-oriented construction, plus a full-sized passenger backrest. In addition to the top-loading 35-liter saddlebags is a blow-molded 49-liter trunk. And did we mention the quartet of stylish, chrome-bezeled taillights?
Available at dealerships in January, the Valkyrie Interstate will be priced at $15,499 for solid Black, and $15,999 for two-tone Black/Red and Pearl Dark Green/Metallic Gray.
No question, Honda and Yamaha have targeted HarleyDavidson’s successful FL touring series. Which bike rates “King of the Road” status, however, remains to be seen.
