The 2019 Honda Talons Are Out!

Honda has been in the game of off-road for many years, and to start 2019 on the next level, the Ride Red engineers have developed their first true sport-focused SxS. The Talon 1000 is the long-awaited dip into the ever-increasing pool of go-fast off-road. The Talon 64" Talon 1000X and 68" Talon 1000R and is powered by Honda's 999cc Unicam fuel-injected inline twin-cylinder engine that is longitudinally mounted in the all-new chassis. This engine has large vibration-isolation mounts that are tuned to be the best possible anchor for this powerplant without transferring the shakes to the cab. This powerplant is indeed the direct descendant of Honda's Pioneer 1000 engine, but it has been specifically tuned to fill the needs of the Talon platform. From the aggressive cam profile offering more duration and lift to the injector size that adds more than 18 percent more fuel to the cylinder, you know it will build great power. Add in the 46mm throttle body (up from 44mm on the Pioneer) and unshrouding of the intake valves in the head, and you will notice not only performance but fuel economy increases as well.

The Talon 1000X’s transmission carries that same DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) heritage of the Pioneer but with several upgrades to suit the new machine’s aggressive riding style. Talon includes the popular I-4WD system which is basically brake traction control with a torque-biasing differential. This gives you an ease of steering with no kickback in the wheel. This program also optimizes the Talon for individual situations, such as rock crawling at low speeds, mud, or snow riding as well as high-speed, flat-footed fun in terrible terrain.

Transferring all of the power in the 999cc mill to the ground is the three-point suspension behind Talon’s incredible cab. For the 2019 Talon 1000X, Honda has installed a trailing-arm-style system that has radius rods much like other machines on the market today. The chassis’ damping is handled by Fox Podium 2.0 shocks that have a very simple triple-click adjustment knob known as the QS3 clicker. From the harsh, fast-paced riding style of the advanced user to the intermediate and even learning drivers this shock package has most ground covered. Quite literally.

Speaking of the cab, inside the Talon’s cockpit you’ll immediately notice the high-back seating for your comfort and safety. This surround style is fully bolstered for side load comfort and can accommodate four-point harness installation from the showroom floor. It is truly ready to shred when you are. The driver seat is adjustable for most drivers, and the tilt steering wheel adjusts as well to fit the reach from any approved drivers.