2014 Honda Valkyrie | First Look ReviewAfter taking a break from the Honda lineup, the six-cylinder Valkyrie is back (the name debuted 18 years earlier), and the Gold-Wing based 2014 Honda Valkyrie has been reimagined as a modern power cruiser. Displacing 1832cc and producing maximum torque at 4000 rpm, the new Valkyrie weighs 154 pounds less than a fully dressed Gold Wing, yet puts out all the power of the luxury tourer.
Introducing the 2014 Honda Valkyrie on the rooftop of the Petersen Automotive Museum above the Miracle Mile in Los Angeles, Honda Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino said, “Today a motorcycling icon returns in all-new form. The Valkyrie is back, but this isn’t a motorcycle that celebrates the past. This is a cruiser unlike any other for people who want to seize the future, who appreciate distinctive style, who want the kind of performance no cruiser can match. The Valkyrie redefines the term ‘muscle cruiser.’”While the basic aluminum-frame chassis is the same as the Gold Wing and Gold Wing F6B, the Valkyrie has a few new wrinkles. The 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel gives the 2014 Valkyrie a bit more cornering clearance, and the 130mm front tire is designed to improve turn-in, as is the conservative 180mm rear. The 45mm cartridge-damping front fork has been lengthened and revalved, lifting the front of the Valkyrie up a bit.The brakes are also upgraded, with new 310mm rotors (296s on the Gold Wing and F6B) and a 316mm rear rotor. ABS is an option.Ergonomics have also been altered. The footpegs are 1.3 inches higher and just over a half-inch farther forward than on the F6B. To complement that, the bars are 1.3 inches forward and 1.5 inches taller, as well as three-quarters of an inch wider. The bars themselves are a full one-inch in diameter, given them a muscular feel. The passenger seat on the massive plastic rear fender and grab rails are easily removed, leaving a stylish solo saddle for solitary rides.Sitting on the bike, it feels surprisingly unintimidating for a 750-pound, six-cylinder machine. I fired up the motor, and the exhaust system, which is unique to the Valkyrie, sounded meaty, yet refined. There’s also a new intake system designed to give the Valkyrie a good sound. Blipping the throttle takes it past the redline and into the rev limiter with ease. I didn’t get to ride the bike, but that sound and response of the motor filled me with anticipation.Also of note is a new dashboard, with an LCD digital speedometer, tachometer, trip meters, clock, and fuel-level gauge. There’s an opening message when you turn the key to the on position, and you can customize it to whatever you like. The unique handlebar switchgear, LED turn signals, LED taillight and LED headlight all add to make the Valkyrie stand out from the other six-cylinder Hondas, and give it a fully modern appearance.Look to a Spring 2014 availability for the 2014 Honda Valkyrie. Outdoor photography by Bruce Benedict.2014 Honda Valkyrie Specs:
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This week, in the first segment Editor Don Williams talks to us about the new Kawasaki Versys 650 LT. It’s the middleweight ADV style machine that uses the same 650 parallel twin motor as the Ninja 650, so it’s an excellent performer in a user-friendly, good looking package.
In the second segment, I chat with one of my dearest industry friends—now retired Honda PR executive, Jon Seidel. Jon’s fascinating career spans some 30 years with Big Red, and gave him some great experiences with some incredible machines. I was fortunate enough to be invited on many of the press launches that he organized. His new project is documenting and saving many of the old archives from years gone by—and incidentally, if you have anything that may be of value to the project, please contact us by email at producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com and we’ll pass it all on to Jon.
So on that note, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode!
