2014 Honda Valkyrie
Ignition
2015 DUCATI DIAVEL -> YAMAHA SUPERTENERE ES-> DUCATI SCRAMBLER-> MASSIMOTAMBURINI
lifE RIDE TRR1~ HERE
2014 HONDA VALKYRIE
CW FIRST RIDE
The Valkyrie is back. Is a horned helmet required?
Jamie Elvidge
There's a lot to like about the Honda Valkyrie, newly reinvented after 10 years on the shelf. For starters, the 1,832cc flat-six is one of the most
dynamic, powerful, imposing, and just damn cool engines ever offered in a production motorcycle. Then there's the slick Gold Wingderived drivetrain, with its slick shifts and no-fuss shaft drive. The sporty twin-spar aluminum frame lets the massive cruiser handle like much sportier bikes, while its long wheelbase and low-slung center of gravity make it inherently stable. Packaged together, you get a dynamic power cruiser. True, much of the "new" Valkyrie has been previously admired on the Gold Wing and its F6B bagger spin-off, but there are a few key differences. The Valkyrie sports a taller, 19-inch front wheel and 29.8 degrees of rake and 4.5 inches of trail (versus 29.25 degrees/4.3 inches on the GW and F6B) and a slightly longer fork. So while it's mechanically similar to its siblings, the styling is another story. Yes, the looks are divisive and continue Honda's current space age styling themes (think DN-oi, CTX1300, and 2015 NM4). The shape does say "musclebike," but those
heavy fenders and burly, plasticwrapped radiator pods shooting from each side take some warming up to.
Honda says this new design is about attracting fresh, young riders and not necessarily trying to please existing Valkyrie fans, which is a bit of a shame because that is one hearty bunch—full of passion for the moniker, now as much as ever, and an affluent built-in customer who is itching to buy a new version of his beloved bike.
Aesthetics aside, it’s no surprise the Valkyrie works great. Somehow, that 752-pound bike feels like a featherweight the instant you’re under way. The powertrain is silky front hoop, extended fork, and plow-style handlebar distance you from the road surface, making the F6B and Wing a bit better in terms of feedback and steering response. Still, the Valkyrie steers nicely, and thanks to the well-placed engine and long wheelbase, it would take an earthquake to upset cornering line.
BY THE NUMBER
CUBIC CENTIMETERS: Increase in displacement compared to the original Valkyrie that was pro duced from 1q96 through 2003.
POUNDS WET: Weight savings compared to the Gold Wing gassed up and ready to ride.
smooth, with flawless throttle response and spot-on gearing in the five-speed transmission (you won’t miss a sixth gear). Braking performance on this heavy bike is solid, with quick, controllable stops. ABS is only available on the black version, though you can order a black unit without ABS. The anti-dive fork that helps stabilize the front end of the heavyweight Gold Wing and F6B models under braking isn’t used on the Valkyrie. As with the Gold Wing and F6B, this new family member feels surprisingly sporty. The larger
Suspension provides a smooth, controlled ride (the only adjustment is shock preload to help accommodate luggage or a passenger). But the Valkyrie looks so clean when you lose the detachable
pillion seat that
you’ll probably want to ride alone anyway. The rider’s seat, however, isn’t great for long days; it’s amply sized but firm, making your buns sore too soon. Otherwise, the ergonomics are roomy and comfortable, though very tall riders might feel hemmed in by the side-mounted radiators. But these same protrusions do a nice job deflecting wind and cold air from the rider’s legs and manage engine heat so that it doesn’t build up in the cockpit.
If potential customers aren’t put off by the Valkyrie’s styling, they’ll find this newest member of Honda’s flat-six family to be a great motorcycle that performs up to the standards its stablemates established long ago. FIR
GOING FOR THE GOLD
2014 HONDAGOLD WING$23,990; (base)
2014 HONDAGOLD WING F6B$19,999 (base)
The day I rode the Valkyrie, there were also F6B and Gold Wing units on hand. It was an enlightening comparison. Many original Valkyrie owners have moved on to the FEB and find it satis~y ing. True, t is a fun bi:e to ride ani, wLn a taller wind shield~ ready to tour But spin on the Gold Wing? Man his is one of the best motor cyc es ev2r buit Supercomfortable, fast s )orty, rock solid, and, undeniably the pick of this Ii :ter from a purely func tior al stand 0 it. JE
2014 HONDAVALKYRIE/ABS
$17,999/$18,999
