1997 Honda Valkyrie GL1520 Tourer – SN572

🏍️ 1997 Honda Valkyrie F6C GL1500C Tourer – Iconic “Bumblebee” | £7,995

A Cult Classic with Touring Pedigree, Soundtrack & Rarity Value

Here’s your opportunity to own one of the most iconic motorcycles of the 1990s: the Honda Valkyrie F6C Tourer, presented in the ultra-rare bumblebee yellow/black factory colour scheme and loaded with tasteful upgrades. This machine isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a piece of American-built Honda history with undeniable attitude, performance, and road presence.

🛠️ Engineering Heritage: From Gold Wing Roots to Muscle Cruiser Legend

The Honda Valkyrie was introduced in 1996 as a bold reimagination of the Gold Wing GL1500. Honda’s U.S. division wanted to create a muscle cruiser that fused brute force with touring comfort, and they succeeded. The F6C (Flat Six Custom) was born in Marysville, Ohio, using the silky-smooth 1520cc flat-six engine from the GL1500 Gold Wing—but reengineered with six individual carburettors and a freer-flowing exhaust for more torque and visceral character.

The result? A rumbling 100hp cruiser with turbine-like smoothness and surprising agility. The Valkyrie shattered the “lazy cruiser” stereotype, earning admiration from motorcycle journalists and owners alike. Even today, it remains in a league of its own—free from V-twin clichés yet packed with soul.

🎨 Design & Rarity: The Bumblebee Tourer

This is not just any Valkyrie—it’s the Tourer model, sold only in the U.S. and produced in limited numbers. Factory-equipped with:

• Lockable, colour-matched hard saddlebags

• Detachable windshield

• Unique touring-specific trim

And in this case, you’re looking at the coveted bumblebee yellow and black paint scheme, a colour combination sought after by collectors and virtually impossible to find—especially in this condition.

🧰 Desirable Enhancements & Accessories

This bike has been loved, pampered, and tastefully upgraded with a long list of extras, including:

• ✅ Cobra Longshot Exhausts – legendary for their deep, muscle-car-like tone

• ✅ Chrome front & rear fender rails

• ✅ Cobra rider & passenger footboards – comfort meets classic style

• ✅ Chrome radiator cover

• ✅ High-quality sissy bar with luggage rack

• ✅ Passing lamps / auxiliary lights – improved night visibility

• ✅ Switchblade windshield – detachable for flexibility

• ✅ Touring bags with colour match – factory installed

Every accessory here is either OEM or from top-tier aftermarket suppliers. No expense has been spared in building this unique machine.

🧾 Condition & Provenance

• 📍 Mileage: 41,796 miles

• 🏁 Condition: Excellent throughout – clean paint, polished chrome, mechanically sound

• 💷 Price: £7,995

This bike previously had a deposit placed on it; however, the prospective buyer chose another bike from our inventory more aligned with his current savings timeline—freeing up this exceptional machine once again for someone who’s ready to own something rare, collectible, and incredibly rewarding to ride.

💬 Why Valkyries Are Becoming Cult Classics

Honda only produced the F6C Tourer for a few short years, and no other cruiser has replicated its combination of performance, sound, refinement, and presence. Owners rave about their smooth power delivery, exceptional balance, and bulletproof reliability. These bikes are:

• ⚙️ Extremely well engineered

• 🔊 Incredibly charismatic in sound and feel

• 🧳 Practical for real-world long-distance riding

• 📈 Appreciating in value as future classics

And they’re fast becoming collector’s items—especially the more elusive Tourer models with rare colour combinations like this one.

🔑 Final Word

If you’re after something truly different, with American flair, Japanese reliability, and timeless appeal, this 1997 Valkyrie Tourer in bumblebee livery might be your perfect match. Whether you’re a collector, long-distance tourer, or someone who just wants a bike that makes people stop and ask questions, this Valkyrie delivers.

📞 Get in touch today to arrange a viewing or secure it before it’s gone. Bikes like this don’t hang around.