Motorcycle specifications Honda1800 GOLDWING F6C Valkyrie 2015 A Honda-style V-Max

honda had accustomed us to reasonable, thoughtful, common sense motorcycles. Motorcycles that advocated efficiency, listened to logic, market desires and a sense of reason. But the brand needed to inject itself with a massive adrenalin rush. It took shape with this striking machine: the F6C. Known as the Valkyrie in the States, or Street Muscle Cruiser in the trade, this motorcycle leaves no one unmoved and plunges into exuberance.

in Norse mythology, the Valkyries were warrior virgins in the service of Odin. In Honda's catalog, it's a stripped-down version of the 1800 Goldwing, transformed into a body-built cruiser. We love it, we hate it, we criticize it, we're charmed by it, we hesitate, we envy it... The F6C is all these things at once. A mix of feelings that shakes up conventions. Those who wanted the 1800 Rune will be able to console themselves with this machine.

as we said, the F6C is closely derived from the GT Goldwing. In fact, the manufacturer has removed 70 kg of siding, leaving only the essentials. Farewell to the suitcases, the windscreen, the generous fairing and its prestigious definition of touring. A hooded LED headlamp adorned with side air intakes looks mean and confirms the machine's identity. A monster? No, a wrestler with a velvety feel.
The character doesn't let us down, with the big 6-cylinder flat-bottom engine rattling around inside. Few technical changes have been made, apart from a special airbox and exhausts designed to deliver an exhilarating sound. In fact, the left-hand muffler is larger than the right, to play up the vocals. The engine delivers a smooth, supple 114 hp at 5,500 rpm and almost 17 mkg of torque at 4,000 rpm.

the essence of the Gold 's mill is thus retained in a much more extravagant package. Chassis-wise, it's not all plain sailing either. With a caster angle of 29°5, the F6C's steering geometry is more open. As the absence of a fairing can affect stability, Honda has set the weight distribution at 49.9/50.1 and made the engine mounts more flexible. The front rim is one inch larger in diameter (19") and the total weight is 341 kg. Significantly lighter than the GL 1800, the Valkyrie is nonetheless equipped with stronger brakes. The front discs are reduced in diameter from 296 to 310 mm. The rear retains its 316 mm. All monitored by ABS.
The F6C also gets a new aluminum rear buckle and a low seat. Perched at 734 mm, it's midway between that of the Goldwing (740 mm) and the F6B (725 mm). The suspension has been recalibrated to take account of the lower weight and adapt to a more urban vocation.

in the gallery, you'll see many shots of the F6C in Blue Metallic. This color won't be coming to us, as Honda is playing it safe with more classic colors. But whether you choose one or the other, you won't have to complain about a lack of adrenalin, emotion or admiration.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos