Honda Powersports Unveils 2020 Talon 1000X and Talon 1000R

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Honda Powersports recently announced that it will add new four-seat Talon sport side-by-side vehicles to its lineup in the form of the Talon 1000X-4 shown here and the Talon 1000X-4 FOX Live Valve. (Photo courtesy of Honda.)

It was only in November that Honda Powersports announced its entry into the sport side-by-side segment with the new two-seat Talon 1000X and Talon 1000R, which Honda released in March. Since then, American Honda’s Chris Cox says “by far” the most common request received from customers was the ability for the Talons to handle more passengers. In early June at the Honda Powersports Power Lab 2019 dealer event, Honda unveiled new four-seat Talon 1000X-4 and Talon 1000X-4 FOX Live Valve sport side-by-siders that do just that.

Talons Exposed

Honda has also detailed its 2020 model year Talon 1000X and Talon 1000R two-seaters and the flagship Pioneer 1000 ($15,799), mid-level Pioneer 700 ($10,999), and entry-level Pioneer 500 ($9,199) multipurpose side-by-side vehicles. Of the Talons, Cox says as the two-seat models did, the four-seaters introduce new technology to the category that leaves Honda “confident that they'll set new standards, as well.” The 2020 model year Talons are set for fall availability with pricing to come, while the 2020 Pioneer models will be available this summer. Here’s a brief look at the 2020 model year Talons.

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Honda says that since releasing new two-seat Talon 1000X and Talon 1000R sport side-by-side vehicles last March, the request it has heard most frequently from customers is the ability to seat more riders, something the recently announced four-seat 1000X-4 (shown here) and Talon 1000X-4 FOX Live do. (Photo courtesy of Honda.)

Talon 1000X-4. The Talon 1000X-4 uses the same 999cc liquid-cooled four-valve Unicam Parallel-Twin engine and six-speed automatic DCT (dual-clutch transmission) with high/low subtransmission as the other 2020 model Talons. Honda says the DCT “efficiently puts horsepower to the ground and gives drivers the ability to switch between drive modes,” which include full automatic, a “more spirited Sport automatic,” and manual. Although based on the Talon 1000X, the Talon 1000X-4 integrates a longer chassis to accommodate four riders.

Talon 1000X-4 FOX Live Valve. As Honda says, while this model uses the same engine, frame, and body as the Talon 1000X-4, it also introduces a semi-active electronic suspension Honda developed in concert with FOX and Bosch. The system takes in data from various sensors to adjust all four shocks 16 times per second for the Normal or Sport driving options available. “The result is an incredible ride and unmatched handling with minimal body roll and stellar high-speed tracking in rough terrain,” Honda says.

Talon 1000X. Honda constructed the Talon 1000X to “excel in situations where precise changes of direction are paramount.” To that end, the vehicle incorporates 2-inch (5.08-centimeter) body FOX Podium Quick Switch 3 shocks triggered by a double-wishbone front suspension and three-link rear suspension system, thus respectively providing 14.6 inches (37.08 centimeters) and 15.1 inches (38.35 centimeters) of front and rear travel.

Talon 1000R. The Talon 1000R differentiates itself from the Talon 1000X by using larger 2.5-inch body FOX QS3 shocks, as well as a four-link rear suspension system and longer 17.7-inch (44.96-centimeter) front and 20.1-inch ( 51.05-centimeter) rear travel. As the other Talons do, the 1000R includes I-4WD traction-aiding technology, hill-start assist, and electronic brake-force distribution.

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Although similar in many regards to the four-seat Talon 1000X-4, the new Talon 1000X-4 FOX Live Valve features a semi-active electronic suspension that Honda worked with FOX and Bosch to create. Using sensors, the system adjust all four shocks 16 times per second for “unmatched handling.” (Photo courtesy of Honda.)

Source: Honda