🏍️ 1997 Honda Valkyrie F6C Tourer – Iconic “Bumblebee” | £6,995

A cult classic with touring pedigree, a thrilling soundtrack, and serious rarity value.

Here’s your chance to own one of the 1990s’ most iconic muscle cruisers: the 1997 Honda Valkyrie F6C Tourer, affectionately nicknamed the “Bumblebee” for its striking yellow-and-black factory paint. This bike isn’t just a motorcycle – it’s a piece of Honda history built in America and loaded with tasteful upgrades. With its unmistakable flat-six rumble, massive presence, and ultra-rare colour scheme, the Valkyrie Bumblebee makes a statement everywhere it goes.

🛠️ Engineering Heritage: From Gold Wing Roots to a Legendary Muscle Cruiser

The Valkyrie F6C was born from Honda’s desire to create a power cruiser with touring comfort, and it all started with the proven heart of a Gold Wing. Introduced in the mid-’90s, the Valkyrie took the 1520cc flat-six engine from the Gold Wing GL1500 and gave it a hot-rod makeover – swapping in six individual carburettors (one per cylinder) and a freer-flowing exhaust. These tweaks bumped the big six’s output to around 100 horsepower and a mountain of torque, endowing the bike with turbine-like smoothness and effortless thrust.

Despite its size, the Valkyrie shatters the “lazy cruiser” stereotype. Its low centre of gravity and stiff chassis give it surprisingly agile handling – riders often comment how easily it can be “thrown around” for such a heavy bike. Journalists and owners alike praised how this 700-pound machine defied expectations in the corners – some even report leaving sportier bikes struggling to keep up on twisty roads. In other words, the Valkyrie simply didn’t behave like a typical cruiser. Built in Honda’s Marysville, Ohio factory, it also has a bit of American soul in its veins. Over 25 years later, it remains in a league of its own – free from the usual V-twin clichés, yet packed with character and rock-solid reliability.

🎨 Design & Rarity: The Coveted “Bumblebee” Tourer

This isn’t just any Valkyrie – it’s the rare Tourer model, which was sold only in the U.S. and produced in limited numbers. The Tourer (designated GL1500CT) came factory-equipped with a removable windshield and lockable hard saddlebags for long-haul comfort, making it a true Gold Wing cousin in cruiser form. Even among Tourers, the yellow-and-black “Bumblebee” paint scheme on this bike makes it a unicorn. This striking colour combo was offered only briefly and has since become highly sought after by collectors. Enthusiasts on Valkyrie forums joke that spotting a mint-condition Bumblebee Valkyrie nowadays is like a Bigfoot sighting – if you see one, you’d better grab it fast. In other words, finding another Tourer in this colour and in such excellent shape is virtually impossible.

🧰 Upgrades & Accessories

This Valkyrie has been lovingly upgraded with a host of quality accessories, adding both style and comfort without compromising its character. Every add-on is either genuine Honda or from top-tier aftermarket brands – no expense spared. Notable upgrades include:

• Cobra Longshot exhausts – Legendary pipes known for their deep, muscle-car rumble that truly let the flat-six sing.

• Chrome front and rear fender rails – Sturdy chrome rails that protect the fenders and add classic cruiser style.

• Cobra rider & passenger floorboards – Polished footboards for both rider and pillion, enhancing comfort and vintage looks.

• Chrome radiator guard – Dresses up the front end while protecting the radiator.

• Custom sissy bar with luggage rack – A high-quality backrest for the passenger, plus a convenient rack for extra luggage.

• Passing lamps (auxiliary lights) – Twin auxiliary headlights to improve night visibility and give a classic touring appearance.

• Switchblade quick-release windshield – A detachable windshield that provides wind protection on long rides and pops off easily for around-town cruising.

• Factory colour-matched hard saddlebags – OEM Honda saddlebag set, keyed and painted to match the Bumblebee livery, offering ample storage.

• Mustang two-piece touring seat (with rider backrest and passenger backrest) – A premium touring seat known for all-day comfort, so you and your passenger can cruise in plush support.

All the important extras are already on this bike, carefully chosen to enhance its capabilities. The result is a Valkyrie Tourer that’s not only eye-catching and comfortable, but also ready for serious mileage – a machine equally at home at a bike night or on a cross-country adventure.

🧾 Condition & History

Despite being over two decades old, this Valkyrie is in excellent condition both mechanically and cosmetically. It has 41,796 miles on the clock – modest mileage for a Gold Wing-derived engine that’s known to run well into six figures with proper care. The paintwork is glossy with no major dings or scratches, and all that chrome shines up beautifully. It’s clear this bike has been pampered, and it fires up eagerly with that smooth flat-six hum (and a healthy roar through the Cobra pipes).

💬 Why the Valkyrie is Becoming a Cult Classic

Honda only built the Valkyrie F6C Tourer for a few short years, and there truly hasn’t been another cruiser quite like it since. Owners rave about the smooth, torque-rich power delivery and bulletproof dependability of the flat-six – it’s an engine that just goes and goes. The bike’s unique combination of performance, sound, and refinement gives it an undeniable charisma on the road. It’s also a genuinely practical machine: spacious and comfortable for long-distance rides (you can munch miles all day with that windshield and Mustang seat), yet surprisingly well-balanced even at low speeds.

As the years go by, the Valkyrie’s legend only grows. Many riders (and savvy collectors) now consider it a future classic. Good examples have held their value and even started creeping up in price. Simply put, a Valkyrie like this isn’t just a fun bike for today – it’s a rolling conversation piece and a smart long-term buy. Especially in a rare trim like the Bumblebee Tourer, it’s a motorcycle that will always stand out in a crowd and continue to appreciate in both esteem and value.

🔑 Final Thoughts

At American Cruiser UK, we have a soft spot for unique cruisers like this – and it shows. Our customers often mention our helpful, friendly service, and one Valkyrie Tourer owner even said he’d “recommend [us] to anyone who fancies a cruiser” after buying his bike here. We’re a family-run team that’s passionate about what we do, and this 1997 Valkyrie “Bumblebee” Tourer is exactly the kind of bike that gets us excited.

In short, this Valkyrie is more than just a motorcycle – it’s a rare slice of moto history with a personality all its own. It offers American flair with Japanese engineering, a booming exhaust note with turbine-like smoothness, and a timeless style that stops people in their tracks. It’s big, bold, and brimming with character, yet as reliable as they come.

If you’re looking for a ride that truly stands out from the pack, this Valkyrie could be your perfect match. It’s the kind of machine that puts a grin on your face every time you fire it up and makes every journey feel special. Feel free to give us a call or drop by our showroom to see it in person or ask any questions – we’re always happy to chat about bikes. Just don’t wait too long, though, because a bike this special won’t stick around. If it’s calling your name, reach out today and stake your claim on this iconic “Bumblebee” before it’s gone!