The Talon’s six-speed DCT offers two fully automatic modes, “Drive” and “Sport”. “Drive” allows the engine to operate at a lower rpm, for relaxed driving or smoother driving over rough terrain, and “Sport” holds gears longer, shifting up or down at higher rpm for more aggressive driving.
There’s also a “Manual” mode that gives you full control over the transmission, enabling you to change gears up or down via a pair of easily reachable, steering-column-mounted paddles, for heads-up driving.
The Talon 1000R and Talon 1000R FOX Live Valve models are built for high speed driving in wide-open spaces, with longer wheelbase, a wider track, and longer suspension travel compared to the Talon 1000X and Talon 1000X FOX Live valve models.
Honda’s i‑4WD system brings a smart, confidence‑boosting approach to managing traction in off‑road conditions. By using brake‑based control to help distribute power where it’s needed, the system is designed to support smoother, more predictable handling across varying terrain. Developed specifically for Honda’s side‑by‑side lineup, i‑4WD reflects the brand’s ongoing focus on creating technology that enhances the rider’s experience in challenging environments.
The i-4WD system incorporates Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, that strategically applies braking force to optimize stability under braking, minimizing rear-chassis lift when in two-wheel drive.
Launch Mode enables wide-open-throttle starts from a dead stop, significantly reducing acceleration time and minimizing work for the driver, as the automatic transmission manages upshifts. Once forward movement is initiated, a control program monitors the sensors at all wheels and automatically reduces torque to low-traction wheels to keep the Talon straight, even on surfaces with uneven traction between the left and right tyres.
The performance-tuned 999cc Unicam® parallel-twin engine features a 270-degree cross-plane crankshaft. It is mounted longitudinally in the frame, eliminating unnecessary right angles in the driveline so that an efficient transfer of power to the rear wheels is possible, resulting in strong acceleration. High capacity cooling fan and radiator keep the engine operating within its optimum temperature range even in harsh conditions.
All Talon models feature 34mm twin-piston hydraulic front callipers and 34mm single-piston rear callipers, with 250mm brake rotors at all corners. The system uses low-expansion brake hoses, resulting in precise braking feel so that drivers can effectively modulate force to suit the conditions.
The 28×9-15 front and 28×11-15 rear tyres are specific to the Talon models and the result of a joint effort between Honda and Maxxis to develop ideal traction, damping, feel and wear characteristics.
The Talon 1000X and Talon 1000X FOX Live Valve models have shorter wheelbase and narrower track compared to the Talon 1000R models, making them manoeuvrable and precise, great for tackling narrow, technical trails, that require frequent changes of direction.
The system delivers exceptional ride quality with reduced lateral roll and longitudinal pitch – but with no need for a ride-compromising stabilizer bar, and improved tracking and steering response. There are two suspension modes, “Normal” and “Sport”. In “Normal”, the shocks stay subtler to absorb small irregularities, while in “Sport” the shocks ride higher in the travel to keep more stroke in reserve for big impacts.
To simplify re-starting after stops on ascents, the driver has the option of pressing a Hill Start Assist button (HSA) on the dash, temporarily holding the vehicle in place without the need to apply pressure on the brake pedal. As a result, you can focus on modulating the throttle to resume motion.
The Talon’s one-piece frame was designed and developed incorporating Honda’s vast off-road design knowledge to achieve optimum handling properties by maintaining appropriate levels of stiffness and compliance even when pushed under the hardest loads. As a result, the Talon behaves and responds predictability for a controlled, confidence-inspiring ride.
The Talon 1000X-4 and 1000X-4 FOX Live Valve models have four seats (two in the front row and two in the back row), so you can bring family and friends along to share the fun.
On the three standard Talons, the Quick Switch 3 adjustment system offers tool-less selection between three significantly different damping settings (comfort, sport and aggressive/loaded). This simplified tuning system encourages adjustment for changing conditions and also allows a quick visual check to ensure all corners are running the same settings.
Integrated skid plates protect components and help the vehicle glide off of obstacles. The rear skid plate has labelled access holes for the tow hook and engine-drain bolts, so removal of the plate isn’t necessary during oil changes.
The driveshaft boots, susceptible to damage in off-road driving, are well-protected, as outboard guards provide maximum coverage, even during turning and through the full range of suspension travel, whereas inboard boots are positioned behind the suspension A-arms.
A great deal of engineering went into integrating rear passengers in the riding experience. Considerations for rear ingress/egress include an opening that is wide enough even for passengers wearing bulky winter gear. The “stadium seating” layout offsets the rear seats 50mm inboard and 75mm higher compared to the front seats, improving visibility and enabling a more engaged experience for rear passengers, while also situating them away from tire spray.
Honda’s i-4WD is the powersports industry’s first off-road brake traction control system (BTCS), and it has been specifically adapted to sport SXS use. It manages the amount of slip between left and right front wheels, applying torque to the one with greater grip. The result is excellent traction and tracking performance in tough off-road conditions, with reduced steer effort and kickback compared to a standard differential lock.
