Honda Launches Talon Sport UTVs

Honda recently introduced the Talon 1000X and Talon 1000R UTVs. They are Honda’s long awaited entry into the sport UTV market. The Talon 1000X targets tighter wooded trails and rockier environments while the Talon 1000R aims for more wide-open dune riding. The models should be available in early 2019. I’ve seen sources mention January while others mentioned March. The first date might be production and the second could be arrival at the dealerships. In any case, the following specs are common to both versions.

• 104-hp, 999cc, twin-cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC engine
• Six-speed dual clutch transmission
• Power steering
• Hill Start Assist
• Hydraulic brakes with two 250mm discs;
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) system
• LED High/Low Headlights
• About 1,500 lbs in weight
• Tire sizes:  28x9x15; 28x11x15
• Bolstered seats with harness pass throughs
• Roof is standard

See the Talon in action:  Official Honda Talon 1000 video

Talon Model Differences

The two models have different widths, wheelbases, slightly different suspension systems with different suspension travel. a slight difference in suspension travel and different color options. The following specs are some of the key differences between the vehicles.

Pricing Update

In early January 2019 Honda announced pricing for the vehicles.

Talon 1000R — MSRP: $20,999; Availability: Spring 2019

Talon 1000X — MSRP: $19,999; Availability: Spring 2019

Talon 1000x Key Specs

• Double-wishbone front suspension, Fox Podium 2.0 shocks with Quick Switch 3
• 3 Link rear suspension with high-clearance trailing arm, Fox Podium 2.0 shocks with Quick Switch 3
• Front/Rear suspension travel:  14.5″/15″
• Red/Gray with red suspension accents
• Gray/Blue with silver suspension accents
• Width:  64.0
• Wheelbase:  87.6

Talon 1000R Key Specs

• Double-wishbone front suspension, Fox Podium 2.5 shocks with Quick Switch 3
• 4+ Link trailing-arm rear suspension with toe link, Fox Podium 2.5 shocks with Quick Switch 3
• Front/Rear suspension travel:  17.7″/20.1″
• Red with red suspension accents
• Green/Silver with silver suspension accents
• Width:  68.4
• Wheelbase:  92.7

Initial Reviews

The following are some initial reviews and analysis of the Talon from around the industry.

UTVonDemand

First Look Review (video). Provides fairly in-depth analysis of the engine and drive train and highlights many of the key features that the reviewer likes.

• 999cc twin cylinder SOHC engine should provide good low-end torque
• 270 degree firing order makes it run like a single cylinder
• Based on Pioneer engine but bigger throttle bodies, bigger injectors, different heads and more flow
• Claiming 104 hp but may have higher torque than other UTVs with more hp
• Rubber mounted engine to dampen vibration
• 3 Driving Modes:  Sport, Normal and Manual with paddle shifters
• Hill Assist – Push dash button and it holds the vehicle from rolling back for 3 seconds
• “Big deal” for this vehicle is the transmission has a dual high and low range so you can  go rock crawling without changing the gear set out
• Claim extra strong driveshaft and axles
• i-4WD system with electronic braking control to transfer power up front from a spinning wheel to the wheel with traction
• 68.4 1000R  Front/rear wheel travel 17.7/20.1
• 64″ 1000X Front/rear wheel travel 14.6/15.1- this may be a little short compared to competitors
• Can use 30″ tires – 28″ are standard and custom designed by Maxxis
• 15″ rims for bigger brakes
• 1000X has 3 link system podium 2.0
• 1000R has a 4 link for added strength and Podium 2.5;
• More suspension tuning with 3 mode QS3 compression on both models
• Power steering sport tuned for feedback and speed sensitive
• Standard roof is designed with rain gutters and air vents for trailering backwards
• Good seat sliders
• Holders in doors and t-bar has nice latching system
• Seats have pass throughs for harnesses
• Pedals laid out for two or one foot driving and passenger has different places to place feet at speed or more relaxed driving
• Cupholders with rubber for holding in drinks
• Good cargo capacity and design
• 1 yr warranty

Hondaprokevin

Provides specs in a nice layout and plenty of pictures

UTV Action

General overview of key specs and some commentary.

• Probably will competitively priced around $20,000
• Trail riders anywhere will like it but sand riders may wait for turbo option

UTV Driver

They provide a top ten feature list for the vehicles

• Bolstered seats with harness pass throughs and harness bar
• 15″ rims for larger brakes and 30″ tires
• Sizable cargo bed with tie-downs
• Dual Clutch six-speed transmission
• Paddle shifting
• FOX shocks
• Hill Start Assist
• 4-link trailing arm system on 1000R
• Engine
• Strong, durable build

SVR’s Take

Honda’s entry into the sport market has long been rumored so this isn’t much of a surprise. People may not have expected  two different models, but targeting the main sport sub-segments makes sense. The initial reactions are very positive and Honda’s reputation for quality and performance have riders expecting a good vehicle.

Increased Competition

Not surprisingly, Honda’s entry makes the sport end of the market now quite crowded. As a result, the competitive landscape raises the question of how Kawasaki will respond. They have been focusing more on the utility side of the market with their recent model introductions and have not made any really big changes with their more recreationally oriented Teryx product line. I would suspect they might come out with a new high-end sport vehicle in the next year and probably as a separate product line.