Honda Unveils All-New Talon 1000X And Talon 1000R

For decades, Honda has set the standard for high-performance dirt bikes with its CR and CRF lineups, and more recently the Pioneer family has introduced unmatched capability to the multipurpose side-by-side category. Now, Honda's highly anticipated Talon models marry the two worlds, bringing a new level of off-road excitement, precision, performance and quality to sport side-by-side driving. Drawing on countless hours of collaborative development in both two- and four-wheel design and racing, as well as automotive and motorcycle manufacturing knowhow and safety expertise, the Talons push the envelope of what is possible in a production sport side-by-side.

Aware that a single offering would be a compromise for some conditions and driving styles, Honda developed two versions of the Talon, each of which works across a broad array of conditions but specializes in a different area of the off-road spectrum. The two vehicles share a common frame and engine but have wheelbases and suspension configurations that are designed to shine in different applications. Both models function at a high level in a wide variety of terrain types, bringing a new level of control, style and refinement to a sport side-by-side market that is hungry for innovation, reliability and an improved driving experience.

"For some time now, our customers have told us they're ready to purchase a high-performance sport side-by-side from Honda, and I'm particularly pleased that we're now able to offer them not one, but two all-new models," said Chuck Boderman, Vice President, Motorcycle Division at American Honda. "We know that many sport side-by-side enthusiasts own Honda powersports products of other types or have a strong emotional connection with our brand. Now, the Talon 1000X and Talon 1000R-both U.S.-developed and -produced sport side-by-sides that are uniquely capable and incredibly reliable-connect these worlds."

Pricing information will be announced in January.

TALON 1000X
At 64.0 inches wide, the Talon 1000X is maneuverable and precise. Its 2.0-inch body Fox Podium Quick Switch 3 shocks (QS3) have 5/8-inch shafts and combine with the double-wishbone front-suspension design and 3 Link rear system to offer suspension travel of 14.6 and 15.1 inches, front and rear. The one-piece frame retains consistent geometry even when pushed under the hardest loads, for a controlled, confidence-inspiring ride. A performance-tuned 999cc four-valve Unicam® parallel-twin engine works with Honda's high-tech, geared Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which offers two automatic modes (Drive and Sport), plus Manual with steering-column-mounted paddle shifters. Honda's I-4WD, the powersports industry's first and only brake traction control system, manages the amount of slip between the front wheels in four-wheel drive, and electronic brakeforce distribution strategically optimizes brakeforce to the most effective wheels during braking in two-wheel drive. Hill-start assist temporarily holds the vehicle in place when stopped on an ascent, simplifying the process of resuming motion. As a package, the Talon 1000X is incredibly agile and sure-footed, yet it performs admirably in a broad range of applications.

• Colors: Pearl Red/Metallic Gray; Metallic Gray/Metallic Blue
  
• Availability: Spring 2019
  
• Info: powersports.honda.com/2019/talon1000x.aspx
  

TALON 1000R
Designed to excel when bump absorption and high-speed tracking are the priority, the Talon 1000R shares 85% of its parts with the Talon 1000X, including the entire 999cc parallel-twin engine and one-piece frame, yet it diverges when it comes to vehicle width (68.4 inches-4.4 inches wider than its sibling), wheelbase (5 inches longer than the X) and suspension arrangement. The Talon 1000R has a double-wishbone front-suspension layout and a 4+ Link rear configuration, while the shocks are 2.5-inch body Fox Podium QS3 units that have 17.1 and 20.1 inches of front and rear suspension travel, respectively, or 2.1 and 5 inches more than the 1000X. The combination results in remarkable performance in diverse situations, but is particularly impressive in high-speed, rough conditions.

• Colors: Pearl Red, Pearl Green
  
• Availability: Spring 2019