honda talon 1000x in Utah

First Drive: Honda Talon 1000R and 1000X

The UTV world is blowing up. Multi-purpose units are sales kings, but the sports segment is rapidly becoming more crowded. Honda has waded into the fray with its new Honda Talon two-passenger sport SxS.

There are two options here; the 1000R and the 1000X. Both are powered by the same 999-cc inline-twin, which makes 104 horsepower at the crank. It’s backed up by a dual-clutch gearbox and sends power out to the wheels via 2WD or an intelligent 4WD system, which is selectable via a switch on the dash.

The 1000X is for more narrow trail running, while the 1000R is for open-desert blasting. Honda have fitted both with Fox Podium suspension. But the 1000R gets more rear travel. Four inches more, in fact, with 20-inches of travel in total.

Each version rips. Honda will sell you a 1000X for $19,999 or the 1000R for $20,990. You’ll have a blast in either one.

I certainly did.

[DisclaimerHonda flew me to Vegas then quickly shuttled me out to St. George, Utah. I was put up in a hotel and fed. Also, we were given alcohol in the evening, but the law shut the taps down at 10pm… Utah, you’re pretty but your laws are lame.]

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2 responses to “First Drive: Honda Talon 1000R and 1000X”

  1. RobbieVT Avatar
    RobbieVT

    Jeff, you’ve made me a sinner because I envy no one else more than you right now. Where around St. George did you shoot this adventure pornography? The entire state of Utah is one giant playground of the most strikingly beautiful landscape and your video leaves me wanting to explore every corner of it by side-by-side. I’ve got it good in Maine, skiing on my lunch break, living where others go to vacation, but the Zion, North Rim, Bryce triangle and well beyond is another level.

    1. Jeff Glucker Avatar
      Jeff Glucker

      Honda shot most of the footage, which made my job a bit easier.

      This was at the Sand Hollow OHV park