Comments
When does a motorcycle become more than a motorcycle? When it gets an engine with more displacement than most cars? When it weighs close to three quarters of a tonne? When it has more cylinders than you can count on one hand?
Checking all those boxes and several more that haven’t even been thought up yet, the Honda Gold Wing Valkyrie is a muscle cruiser on steroids. Famously owned by A-listers like Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, this is a bike with a reputation that precedes it by a mile.
More power, more torque First introduced in 1996, the bike makes a triumphant return to Honda’s lineup after 13 years on the bench. Looking a bit like a spaceship on two wheels, the 2015 Valkyrie retains much of the its predecessor’s DNA while adding additional grunt.
The new edition features six-cylinder 1832cc engine that produces a phenomenal 163 kg/m of torque and about 110 bhp of power.
Before you complain about the paucity of horses, remember that this is a true blue cruiser - the kind of bike that will be happy lazing around in the 40 kmph range in top gear before taking off on a high-speed bender without requiring so much as a downshift.
Easy rider The low seat height makes it easy to control and manoeuvre while the Pro Arm single-side swingarm on the rear ensures that the bike swallows the bumps and leaves you free to enjoy the sights.
In front, there is a 45 mm cartridge fork with anti-dive system that offers up to 4.8 inches of travel. The 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels both get dual disc brakes that ensure quick stops in tight situations.
The bike is loaded with tech - computer controlled ignition, programmed fuel injection and a suspension that can be adjusted through remote control all come as standard fittings. The head light, tail light and turn indicators are all powered by LEDs.
The Gold Wing Valkyrie is an American hot rod with Japanese roots. Honda’s own marketing material admits that this is not a bike for everyone. For the few that it is meant for though, there aren’t many others like it.
Comments
COMMENT NOW
Comments
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of TheHindu Businessline and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.