The Honda Valkyrie (designated GL1500C) was introduced in 1997 in an attempt to be the ultimate cruiser. While other motorcycles boasted two or four cylinders, the Valkyrie engine was a special tuned horizontally opposed six cylinder displacing 1520cc and had 6 carburetors. The engine is similar to Honda's Gold Wing (GL1500).
The Interstate version of the Valkyrie was introduced in 2001 featuring rear saddlebags and trunk box. As a touring bike, the Interstate increased its fuel capacity by six liters.
The 1500cc Valkyrie was replaced in 2004 by the Valkyrie Rune (NRX 1800).
Specifications
- Engine Type: Liquid cooled horizontally opposed 6 cylinder
- Displacement: 1520 cc
- Bore and Stoke: 71 mm x 64 mm
- Valve Train: Belt driven, SOHC
- Carburetion: Six, 28 mm, diaphragm-type, CV
- Compression ratio: 9.8:1
- Transmission: Five-speed
- Driveline: Shaft
- Front Brakes: Dual 296 mm floating discs with twin piston calipers
- Rear Brakes: Single 316 mm disc with twin piston caliper
- Front tire: 150/80R-17
- Rear tire: 180/70R-16
- Front Suspension: 45 mm inverted fork, 130mm travel
- Rear Suspension: Dual shocks with 5-way spring preload adjustment, 120mm travel
- Seat height: 735 mm (28.9 in.)
- Wheelbase: 1690 mm (66.5 in.)
- Dry weight: 306 kg. (681 lb.)
- Fuel capacity: 20 liters (4.4 Imp. gal.) (5.3 US gal.)
1997
GL1500C
The GL1500C'97 Valkyrie was sold in 1997 in one of four color schemes: Black, American Red with Pearl Glacier White, Pearl Majestic Purple with Pearl Glacier White, or Black with Pearl Hot Rod Yellow. The engine was a special tuned horizontally opposed six cylinder displacing 1520cc and had 6 carburetors. The serial number began 1HFSC340*VA000001.
GL1500CT
The GL1500CT'97 Valkyrie Tourer was sold in 1997 in one of three color schemes: Black, American Red with Pearl Glacier White, or Pearl Sonoma Green with Pearl Ivory Cream. The windshield and hard saddle bags were standard equipment. The serial number began 1HFSC343*VA000001.
1998
GL1500C
The GL1500C'98 Valkyrie was sold in 1998 in one of four color schemes: Black, Pearl Coronado Blue with Pearl Ivory Cream, Blaze Yellow with Pearl Ivory Cream, or Pearl Sedona Red with Pearl Ivory Cream. The serial number began 1HFSC340*WA100001.
GL1500CT
The GL1500CT'98 Valkyrie Tourer was sold in 1998 in one of three color schemes: Black, Black with Pearl Jade Green, or Pearl Sedona Red with Pearl Ivory Cream. The serial number began 1HFSC343*WA100001.
1999
GL1500CF
2001
The GL1500CF'01 Valkyrie and Valkyrie Interstate was sold in 2001.
2003
*GL1500C'03 comes in one color: Black *Engine: 1520cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder *Compression ratio: 9.8:1 *Transmission: Five-speed *Driveline: Shaft *Front tire 150/80R-17 *Rear tire: 180/70R-16 *Seat height: 735mm (28.9 in.) *Wheelbase: 1690mm (66.5 in.) *Dry weight: 309 kg (681 lb) *Fuel capacity: 20 liters