Honda Announces Launch of US-Manufactured Valkyrie Custom Bike and Valkyrie Tourer Long-Distance Touring Bike - '99 Models

October 13, 1998, Japan

News Release

Tokyo, October 13, 1998 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced the launch of the modified Valkyrie 1520 cc heavyweight touring bike, manufactured by Honda Motor's US production subsidiary, Honda of America Manufacturing (HAM). The '99 export model, which incorporates a reversing system, will go on sale in Japan on October 14.
The Valkyrie Tourer, an upgraded version of the Valkyrie for long-distance touring, fitted with an extra-large windshield and rear saddlebags, will be launched as an addition to the series on November 10.

Valkyrie

Valkyrie

Valkyrie Tourer

Valkyrie Tourer

Both bikes in the Valkyrie series incorporate the largest displacement engines fitted to any models in Honda's entire motorcycle range. They are the top-of-the-series models within the Honda American-style custom-bike line-up.

The incorporation of an exhaust air-injection system in both models serves to clean up exhaust emissions enabling the bikes to comply with new stricter Japanese motorcycle exhaust emission regulations due to be enforced from October 1999.

Domestic annual sales target:

600 units

Main features of the '99 Valkyrie

Horizontally-opposed 6-cylinder engine delivers large amounts of power smoothly at low, medium and high revs

Featuring the same quiet, super-smooth and ultra-powerful liquid-cooled 4-cycle horizontally-opposed 6-cylinder 1,520cc engine as used in the Gold Wing SE, the Valkyrie produces a maximum power of 100 PS at 6,000 rpm - with the rich, flat torque profile that a high-displacement engine typically produces.

An exhaust gas cleaning system is fitted to enable the bike to comply with new Japanese motorcycle exhaust emission regulations

Some modifications have been made to the exhaust system, in the form of a new exhaust air-injection system. This re-injects air into the exhaust ports to allow unburned pollutant gases such as hydrocarbons (HCs) and carbon monoxide (CO) to be oxidized. This greater degree of combustion reduces harmful emissions considerably. After the Honda VFR and Gold Wing SE, the Valkyrie is the third bike to be released by Honda in Japan in the over-250cc class that complies with the motorcycle exhaust emission regulations being enforced from October 1999.

The new reversing system is exclusive to the Japanese import model

Both models in the Valkyrie series feature a handy reversing system, ideal for garage parking or maneuvering into tight spaces. Incorporating the same system as used in the Goldwing SE, this feature is unique to the Valkyrie models imported into Japan.

Main features of the '99 Valkyrie Tourer

Long-distance touring modifications

Based on the Valkyrie, the Valkyrie Tourer is fitted with an extra-large windshield and double rear saddlebags to make it more suitable for long-distance touring.
Body colors:

  • Valkyrie: black etches out the brilliance of the chrome while giving the bike a serene appearance
  • Valkyrie Tourer: luxurious high-class black with a Pearl Twilight Silver two-tone combination

Main specifications:

Model Valkyrie Valkyrie Tourer
Type Honda of America BC-SC34
Length x width x height (m) 2.555 x 0.980 x 1.185 2.555 x 0.980 x 1.460
Wheelbase (m) 1.690
Ground clearance (m) 0.155
Seat height (m) 0.740
Curb weight/dry weight (kg) 343/319 359/335
No. of riders (person) 2
Fuel economy (km/l)
[60 km/h test on flat ground]
22.0 21.5
Minimum turning radius (m) 3.3
Engine type SC34E liquid-cooled 4-cycle horizontally-opposed 6-cylinder OHC
Displacement (cm3) 1,520
Bore/stroke (mm) 71.0 x 64.0
Compression ratio 9.8
Maximum power output (PS/rpm) 100/6,000 (SAE)
Maximum torque (kgm/rpm) 13.5/4,500 (SAE)
Carburetor type VPK0
Starter self-starter type
Ignition full-transistor battery ignition
Lubrication forced pressure and wet sump
Oil capacity (l) 4.3
Fuel tank capacity (l) 20
Clutch diaphragm spring
Transmission 5-speed return
Gear ratios 1st gear 2.666
2nd gear 1.722
3rd gear 1.291
4th gear 0.964
5th gear 0.805
Reverse 8.846
Drive ratios (primary/final) 1.591/0.939 x 2.833
Rake (degrees)/trail (mm) 32°10'/152
Tire sizes Front 150/80R 17 (72H)
Rear 180/70R 16 (77H)
Brakes Front hydraulic twin disc
Rear hydraulic disc
Suspension Front telescopic
Rear swingarm
Frame type diamond