Why we call it F6Rider Webzine

Why do we call our webzine F6rider? Have you ever noticed the F6 on the original Valkyrie tank badge. Well, the "F" stands for flat and of course the 6 stands for 6 cylinders.

Flat because of the layout of the cylinders,

This little diagram shows a couple of things, One, it demonstrates the flat layout of the pistons on the Valkyrie motor are much like the boxer engines of Porsche and Volkswagen, versus the Vee layout most of us our familiar with from the famous American V8.

And two, that that I can draw little diagrams...(:

The above in itself would be good enough reason to call my webzine F6Rider, but there's more. In Europe and other locals, the Valkyrie is not called the Valkyrie, it's called the F6C, for Flat Six Custom. So when I was trying to think of a name for my website, (I wanted to name it cause I was going to do more than just a website, I wanted to put this site in the form of a magazine. Don't know if I really succeeded but that's another story).

Now here my facts get a little fuzzy, but this is the way I heard it and if I got it wrong PLEASE enlighten me. Someone at Honda's marketing goofed, for when it came time to setup for sales in Europe it was deemed that Valkyrie was an inappropriate name for a motorcycle, or any product to be sold in Europe.

Seems a favorite tune of the bad guys in Germany during World War II was Ride of the Valkyries, the ultimate Storm Trooper music, my guess played as the conquering Germans marched in to vanquished cities and countries. And to my understanding that is why the Valkyrie is sold as the Flat Six Custom in Europe.

So when naming my new enterprise I figured I'd go with a name that possibly more people would know and like Honda I sure want to be politically correct too. Funny thing is lots of American Valkyrie tank badges have found there way to Europe where I think they are prized by the F6C riders who must think the badges cool. I was excited to meet Franz, an Austrian vacationing here in America who had brought his Valkyrie with him. I was interested in seeing all the things that were different on his bike from the American version.

I noticed a lot of differences, like the side reflectors are blacked out, and the mirrors are round and more concaved then ours. His Valkyrie's emission stuff was way different and he had gizmos or sensors on his motor that we never figured out what they did. BUT most interesting to me was his tank badge. It said "VALKYRIE" on it. When I asked Franz if this is the way it came he said no, he had traded with someone in America. So like I said, it must be cool to have the American "VALKYRIE" badge on your bike if your European.

I've rambled I know. It's not that important that you know why I named my webzine what I did. But I like the little strange trivia in life, and the naming of my little website did lead to kinda a neat missive on why the Valkyrie is the Flat Six Custom in Europe. Here's a question, I know the Valkyrie is sold in Australia and Asia, what is it called there?

Composer: Richard Wagner (Germany, 1813-1883)

Written: 1856 The Ride of the Valkyries

What it is: Orchestral piece, part of the opera The Valkyries, itself part of the four-opera set The Ring

Why it's famous: The ultimate stormtrooper music, vastly overplayed

Where you heard it before: Films Apocalypse Now, 8, One Two
Three, Blues Brothers, Excalibur; tons of UK TV ads (Peugeot 36,
and beer); Bugs Bunny

Some More thoughts:
The web site looks fantastic! Nice job!!!
Just read your article on the naming of the site "F6 Rider" and enjoyed
hearing the background on it. I thought you'd like to know some more of the
history of Wagner's piece: "Ride of the Valkyries". You may be aware that
Hitler was a great fan of Wagner (through no fault of Wagner, since he was
long dead), and promoted the composer's music as an example of German
superiority. During World War II, Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries" was
broadcast on loudspeaker-equipped German bombers during bombing runs in
order to terrorize their victims. These may be some of the reasons that Europeans
might still be a bit uncomfortable, and why marketing departments might steer clear of
the word "Valkyrie".

Me, I LOVE the Valk, and the name "Valkyrie". It's powerful, elegant,
spirited, and matches the bike perfectly.
Ride Safe & Happy! —Medic

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