Close-Up: 2014 Honda Valkyrie

To create the 2014 Honda Valkyrie, Honda pulled the fairing and luggage off the Gold Wing, replacing that instead with minimalist, futuristic styling. In the process, the Valkyrie sheds 154 lbs of weight, massively increasing performance from its 1,832 cc, flat-six engine.

No changes have been made to the Valkyrie’s engine, but a minor growth in fork length increases rake from 29.15 to 29.50 degrees, increases trail from 4.3 to 4.5 inches and grows the wheelbase from 66.5 to 67.2 inches.

By dropping all that weight, the Valkyrie’s power-to-weight ratio is dramatically improved. It has the same engine as the Gold Wing, developing 117 bhp at 5,500 rpm and 123 lb.-ft. of torque at just 4,000 rpm. Where the 904 lbs Gold Wing makes .129 bhp-to-lbs, the Valkyrie manages .156. Obviously, the same effect occurs with torque; .136 lb.-ft./lb on the ‘Wing, .164 on the Valkyrie.