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Honda Talon Specs and Everything you Need to Know

By Kavan Wright | Behind The Wheel on May 31, 2021
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The Honda Talon 1000X and 1000R are top notch UTVs that are still fairly fresh in the UTV industry. They’re gaining in popularity, but you’re less likely to come across a Talon than, say, a RZR at a ride park, but does that mean they’re any worse? Here’s the Honda Talon’s specs and some of the coolest features Honda’s packed into their premier sport side-by-side.

Top Features of the Honda Talon

Honda DCT Transmission

The best thing about the Honda Talon is, hands down, the Honda DCT transmission. Both the 1000R and 1000X models have a DCT, and it’s a huge improvement over the traditional belt-driven clutch setup that most side-by-sides use.

Not only does a Honda DCT transmission eliminate the belt as a failure point, but it also shifts incredibly quickly and smoothly. DCT stands for “Dual Clutch Transmission,” which basically means that the next gear is already engaged before you shift to it. It’s so smooth, you might not even feel it change.

The Talon takes advantage of the DCT by also including a manual transmission mode. By using the paddle shifters on the wheel, you can have reactive gear control similar to high-performance supercars. You can shift down before turns for extra engine braking. You can also decide when to shift up giving you a higher level of acceleration control. This kind of transmission control is rare in the UTV industry.

I-4WD

I-4WD is Honda’s solution for an automatic front differential locker. A front differential locker is key to getting traction in 4WD. If one wheel slips, a locked diff will give power to the other wheel so it can pull you out. If it’s not locked, all the power goes to your slipping wheel and you’re stuck. You can’t have your front diff locked all the time though because you sacrifice a ton of turning control. Each manufacture has to come up with a diff that locks when you need it to, and unlocks when you don’t.

Honda does it in a unique way with I-4WD.

When you switch your Honda Talon to 4WD, the rear axles use a traditional locking mechanism but the front axles do not. Instead of truly locking, the brakes are applied individually to each front axle when slippage is detected.

This braking action transfers torque to the gripping wheel without actually locking anything. The result is a subtle diff-lock feel that’s not as aggressive as other lockers, but still keeps you in control without harsh engagement.

FOX Live Valve

FOX Live Valve suspension isn’t a standard feature, but that doesn’t mean it’s not awesome. It’s similar to Polaris’ Dynamix or Can-Am’s Smart-Shox in that it takes input from the driver and key points on the machine to adjust shock stiffness on the fly.

It’s not as complex as the more expensive solutions on the market, but it does provide awesomely smooth suspension you’ll love.

Specs for the Honda Talon 1000R

The Honda Talon 1000R is the the Talon’s race-spec model. It as a 68-inch-wide suspension for high-speed cornering and stability. The novel combination of trailing arms, radius rods, and A-arms help stabilize camber through the suspension’s full range of motion.

Here are the rest of the Honda Talon 1000R specs:

Engine

ModelTalon 1000R FOX Live Valve
(SXS10S2RD)
Talon 1000R
(SXS10S2R)
Type999cc liquid-cooled Unicam® longitudinally mounted parallel-twin four-stroke999cc liquid-cooled Unicam® longitudinally mounted parallel-twin four-stroke
Horsepower104 HP104 HP
Valve TrainOHC, four valves per cylinderOHC, four valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke92.0 mm x 75.15 mm92.0 mm x 75.15 mm
Compression Ratio10.0:110.0:1
InductionFuel injection, 46mm throttle bodiesFuel injection, 46mm throttle bodies
IgnitionFull Transistorized Full Transistorized 
StarterElectricElectric
DrivelineDirect F/R driveshaftsDirect F/R driveshafts
TransmissionAutomatic DCT w/ 6 speeds + reverse & high/low sub-transmissionAutomatic DCT w/ 6 speeds + reverse & high/low sub-transmission
Clutch2-multiplate wet2-multiplate wet

Suspension

ModelTalon 1000R FOX Live Valve
(SXS10S2RD)
Talon 1000R
(SXS10S2R)
FrontDouble wishbone; 17.7 in. travel, Fox Podium 2.5 shocks w/ Live ValveDouble wishbone; 17.7 in. travel, Fox Podium 2.5 shocks w/ Quick Switch 3
Rear4+ Link trailing arm; 20.1 in. travel, Fox Podium 2.5 shocks w/ Live Valve4+ Link trailing arm; 20.1 in. travel, Fox Podium shocks 2.5 w/ Quick Switch 3

Brakes

ModelTalon 1000R FOX Live Valve
(SXS10S2RD)
Talon 1000R
(SXS10S2R)
FrontTwo hydraulic calipers w/ 250 mm discs; Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) systemTwo hydraulic calipers w/ 250 mm discs; Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) system
RearTwo hydraulic calipers w/ 250 mm discs; Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) systemTwo hydraulic calipers w/ 250 mm discs; Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) system

Tires

ModelTalon 1000R FOX Live Valve
(SXS10S2RD)
Talon 1000R
(SXS10S2R)
Front28x9x1528x9x15
Rear28x11x1528x11x15

Measurements

ModelTalon 1000R FOX Live Valve
(SXS10S2RD)
Talon 1000R
(SXS10S2R)
Length123.9 in.123.9 in.
Width68.4 in.68.4 in.
Height75.6 in.75.6 in.
Seat Height28.3 in.28.3 in.
Ground Clearance 13.0 in.13.0 in.
Wheelbase92.7 in.92.7 in.
Turning Radius21.3 ft.21.3 ft.
Fuel Capacity7.3 gal., incl. 1.1 gal. reserve7.3 gal., incl. 1.1 gal. reserve
Cargo Bed Capacity299 lbs.299 lbs.
Curb Weight*1,556 lbs. (1,561 lbs. CA)1,545 lbs. (1,548 lbs. CA)
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids, and full tank of fuel—ready to ride

Other

ModelTalon 1000R FOX Live Valve
(SXS10S2RD)
Talon 1000R
(SXS10S2R)
ColorsMetallic GrayPearl White
Honda Talon 1000R with SuperATV's High Clearance a-arms installed
That Honda Talon 1000R has a wide suspension and a unique combination of radius arms, trailing arms, and A-arms that make it ready for high-speed cornering. This one has Warrior Tires and a 3” lift kit from SuperATV to beef it up.
Photo by SuperATV

Honda Talon 1000X Overview

The Honda Talon 1000X is closer to a traditional trail model. With a narrower 64-inch-wide suspension, it’s more fit for trails than the 1000R. The 1000X also has a 4-seater option so you can bring the whole family.

Here are the rest of the Honda Talon 1000X specs:

Engine

ModelTalon 1000X-4 FOX Live Valve
(SXS10S4D)
Talon 1000X-4
(SXS10S4X)
Talon 1000X FOX Live Valve
(SXS10S2XD)
Talon 1000X
(SXS10S2X)
Type999cc liquid-cooled Unicam® longitudinally mounted parallel-twin four-stroke999cc liquid-cooled Unicam® longitudinally mounted parallel-twin four-stroke999cc liquid-cooled Unicam® longitudinally mounted parallel-twin four-stroke999cc liquid-cooled Unicam® longitudinally mounted parallel-twin four-stroke
Horsepower104 HP104 HP104 HP104 HP
Valve TrainOHC, four valves per cylinderOHC, four valves per cylinderOHC, four valves per cylinderOHC, four valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke92.0 mm x 75.15 mm92.0 mm x 75.15 mm92.0 mm x 75.15 mm92.0 mm x 75.15 mm
Compression Ratio10.0:110.0:110.0:110.0:1
InductionFuel injection, 46mm throttle bodiesFuel injection, 46mm throttle bodiesFuel injection, 46mm throttle bodiesFuel injection, 46mm throttle bodies
IgnitionFull Transistorized Full Transistorized Full Transistorized Full Transistorized 
StarterElectricElectricElectricElectric
DrivelineDirect F/R driveshaftsDirect F/R driveshaftsDirect F/R driveshaftsDirect F/R driveshafts
TransmissionAutomatic DCT w/ 6 speeds + reverse & high/low sub-transmissionAutomatic DCT w/ 6 speeds + reverse & high/low sub-transmissionAutomatic DCT w/ 6 speeds + reverse & high/low sub-transmissionAutomatic DCT w/ 6 speeds + reverse & high/low sub-transmission
Clutch2-multiplate wet2-multiplate wet2-multiplate wet2-multiplate wet

Suspension

ModelTalon 1000X-4 FOX Live Valve
(SXS10S4D)
Talon 1000X-4
(SXS10S4X)
Talon 1000X FOX Live Valve
(SXS10S2XD)
Talon 1000X
(SXS10S2X)
FrontDouble wishbone; 14.4 in. travel, Fox® Podium 2.5 shocks w/ Live ValveDouble wishbone; 14.6 in. travel, Fox Podium 2.0 shocks w/ Quick Switch 3Double wishbone; 14.4 in. travel, Fox Podium 2.5 shocks w/ Live ValveDouble wishbone; 14.6 in. travel, Fox Podium 2.0 shocks w/ Quick Switch 3
Rear3 Link trailing arm; 15.0 in. travel, Fox Podium 2.5 shocks w/ Live Valve3 Link trailing arm; 15.0 in. travel, Fox Podium 2.5 shocks w/ Quick Switch 33 Link trailing arm; 15.0 in. travel, Fox Podium 2.5 shocks w/ Live Valve3 Link trailing arm; 15.1 in. travel, Fox Podium 2.0 shocks w/ Quick Switch 3

Brakes

ModelTalon 1000X-4 FOX Live Valve
(SXS10S4D)
Talon 1000X-4
(SXS10S4X)
Talon 1000X FOX Live Valve
(SXS10S2XD)
Talon 1000X
(SXS10S2X)
FrontTwo hydraulic calipers w/ 250 mm discs; Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) systemTwo hydraulic calipers w/ 250 mm discs; Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) systemTwo hydraulic calipers w/ 250 mm discs; Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) systemTwo hydraulic calipers w/ 250 mm discs; Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) system
RearTwo hydraulic calipers w/ 250 mm discs; Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) systemTwo hydraulic calipers w/ 250 mm discs; Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) systemTwo hydraulic calipers w/ 250 mm discs; Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) systemTwo hydraulic calipers w/ 250 mm discs; Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) system

Tires

ModelTalon 1000X-4 FOX Live Valve
(SXS10S4D)
Talon 1000X-4
(SXS10S4X)
Talon 1000X FOX Live Valve
(SXS10S2XD)
Talon 1000X
(SXS10S2X)
Front28x9x1528x9x1528x9x1528x9x15
Rear28x11x1528x11x1528x11x1528x11x15

Measurements

ModelTalon 1000X-4 FOX Live Valve
(SXS10S4D)
Talon 1000X-4
(SXS10S4X)
Talon 1000X FOX Live Valve
(SXS10S2XD)
Talon 1000X
(SXS10S2X)
Length152.6 in.152.6 in.123.9 in.123.9 in.
Width64.0 in.64.0 in.64.0 in.64.0 in.
Height78.1 in.78.5 in.75.3 in.75.3 in.
Seat Height27.8 in.28.0 in.27.9 in.28.0 in.
Ground Clearance 12.6 in.12.8 in.12.7 in.12.7 in.
Wheelbase116.4 in.116.4 in.87.6 in.87.6 in.
Turning Radius21.3 ft.21.3 ft.17.7 ft.17.7 ft.
Fuel Capacity7.7 gal., incl. 0.9 gal. reserve7.7 gal., incl. 0.9 gal. reserve7.3 gal., incl. 1.1 gal. reserve7.3 gal., incl. 1.1 gal. reserve
Cargo Bed Capacity299 lbs.299 lbs.299 lbs.299 lbs.
Curb Weight*1,753 lbs. (1,755 lbs. CA)1,735 lbs. (1,739 lbs. CA)1,521 lbs. (1,523 lbs. CA)1,490 lbs. (1,492 lbs. CA)
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids, and full tank of fuel—ready to ride

Other

ModelTalon 1000X-4 FOX Live Valve
(SXS10S4D)
Talon 1000X-4
(SXS10S4X)
Talon 1000X FOX Live Valve
(SXS10S2XD)
Talon 1000X
(SXS10S2X)
ColorsPearl White/Pearl RedMetallic GrayPearl WhiteMetallic Orange/Metallic Gray
Honda Talon 1000X with SuperATV's High Clearance a-arms installed
The narrower Honda Talon 1000X can more easily navigate tighter trails than the 1000R. Check out the flip windshield and lift kit that are perfect for back country shenanigans.
Photo by SuperATV

Final Thoughts

The Honda Talon is an excellent member of the naturally aspirated UTV family. It makes the most of its 104 horsepower with smart Honda features that make driving it feel oh-so-good. And it’s hard to come by a DCT that feels as good as the Talon’s on or off-road.

Even with the Honda Talon’s modest specs, the starting MSRP of $20,999 combined with the kind of high-quality features that Honda excels at make it one of the coolest side-by-sides in the industry.

RELATED CONTENT: Honda Talon21 specs10
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4 Comments

  1. Avatar for Jeff Jeff says:
    May 16, 2022 at 10:52 am

    Suspension, A-arms, and lack of turbo model are weak on Hondas Part! I’m a Honda fan and own a Pioneer 1000-5 deluxe! It rides rough compared to competition. Love it! I can buy shocks and smooth it out, but have driven Talons, and want one, but suspension, a-arms, are sub par compared to Kawasaki! Just wish Honda would catch up, and still show competitors that they can still build the best

    Reply
    • Tyler Mingione says:
      May 19, 2022 at 3:08 pm

      Thanks for the feedback and honest insight, Jeff!

      Reply
  2. Avatar for Ann Duncan Ann Duncan says:
    September 10, 2022 at 12:12 pm

    Hello. i would like to buy a two seater a honda talon. i want to transport it in a two horse Hart King bumper pull. show much does the Tslon weigh?

    Reply
    • Avatar for Robert Robert says:
      January 12, 2023 at 1:51 pm

      1,521 lbs. (1,523 lbs. CA)

      Reply

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