#hondatalon

CHASSIS

Both Talon models feature a frame and suspension components that were engineered and developed at Honda R&D America's Raymond, Ohio, campus, for a plush ride, maximum ground clearance and precise steering response. A 44% front-end weight bias is ideal for handling and a balanced feel as well as automotive-industry design concepts that bring a new level of engineering to the category. The frame itself is identical in both models, and whereas the Talon 1000X's suspension and wheelbase are intended to emphasize maneuverability and precise handling, the Talon 1000R's are tilted more toward high-speed tracking and large bump absorption; both are suitable for a broad range of terrain types.

Frame

The all-new, one-piece frame was designed and developed incorporating Honda's vast off-road design knowledge to achieve optimum handling properties by maintaining appropriate levels of stiffness and compliance to retain consistent geometry even when pushed under the hardest loads. As a result, the vehicle behaves and responds predictability for a more controlled, confidence-inspiring ride. In addition, the frame undergoes a state-of-the-art process that includes an e-coat dip, oven baking, powdercoat spraying, and another oven bake, all of which guarantee the quality of the paint and ensure the rust-prevention needs are met.

Suspension

The front suspension is a double-wishbone design with a balance of rigidity and tuned flex for maximum precision. The 1000X has 14.6 inches of front-wheel travel; the 3 Link rear system has a high-positioned trailing arm for improved ground clearance and provides 15.1 inches of travel.

The Talon 1000R's double-wishbone front suspension provides 17.7 inches of front-wheel travel; at the rear, a 4+ Link suspension design limits toe change to only 0.3 degrees through the entire 20.1 inches of stroke, for excellent alignment control.

Shocks

Both Talon models are equipped with Fox Podium Quick Switch 3 shocks, developed and tuned through rigorous testing (much of it with professional racers) and in extreme terrain. Each model's suspension is designed with its specific performance mission in mind.

The Talon 1000X uses 2.0 inch-body shocks for quick response, and the Talon 1000R is outfitted with 2.5 inch-body shocks for minimal fade during aggressive driving, along with robust 7/8 inch rods (vs. 5/8 inches) to handle the high loads of sport side-by-side use. The shocks use dual-rate springs at each wheel for a progressive suspension feel, with plushness at the beginning of the stroke and strong holdup and stability near the end of the stroke.

Each shock incorporates the user-friendly QS3 adjustment system for tool-less selection between three significantly different damping settings (comfort, sport, and aggressive/loaded). This simplified tuning system encourages adjustment for changing conditions and also allows a quick visual check to ensure all ends are running the same settings.

Tires

The front 28x 9-15 front and 28x11-15 tires are specific to the Talon and the result of a joint effort between Honda and Maxxis to develop ideal traction, damping, feel and wear characteristics.

Brakes

In the Talon, endless well-thought-out details create a satisfying driving experience previously unavailable to sport side-by-side enthusiasts, and that approach extends to the braking system. Bringing a higher level of braking performance to the sport side-by-side market, particularly with regards to vehicle stability under braking, the Talon utilizes 34mm twin-piston front calipers and 34mm single-piston rear calipers, with 250mm brake rotors at all corners. The system uses low-expansion brake hoses and a 17mm master cylinder, resulting in precise braking feel so that drivers can effectively modulate force to suit the conditions.

The brake pads feature a new compound developed to achieve performance-level friction and feel, along with excellent wear life. Brake noise is reduced through the placement of rubber shims between the brake pads and calipers/pistons. Even the pedal was given careful consideration, resulting in a trapezoid shape and a position that's 4.3 inches to the side of and 1.3 inches back from the accelerator pedal, for seamless transitioning between the foot controls.

Technology

Honda's I-4WD, introduced on the Pioneer 1000 LE, is the powersports industry's first and only off-road brake traction control system (BTCS), and it has been specifically adapted to sport side-by-side use for the Talon. The system manages the amount of slip between left and right front wheels, applying torque to the wheel with greater grip. The result is excellent traction and tracking performance in tough off-road conditions, with reduced steer effort and kickback compared to a standard differential lock.

The system also incorporates an Electronic Brakeforce Distribution system (EBD), which strategically applies braking force to optimize stability under braking, minimizing rear-chassis lift when in two-wheel drive.

To simplify re-starting after stop on ascents, the driver has the option of pressing a Hill Start Assist button (HSA) on the dash, thereby temporarily holding the vehicle in place without needing to apply pressure on the brake pedal. As a result, more mental bandwidth can be dedicated to effectively modulating the throttle to resume motion. As a separate feature, when the driver brakes aggressively, the vehicle hold gears longer for real engine braking.

Protection

The Talon comes with integrated, injection-molded skid plates to protect components and help the vehicle glide off of obstacles. The rear skid plate has labeled access holes to the tow hook and engine-drain bolts so that removal of the plate isn't necessary during oil changes.

The driveshaft boots, traditionally components that are susceptible to damage in off-road driving, are well-protected on the Talon, as outboard guards provide maximum coverage, even during turning and through the full range of suspension travel, whereas inboard boots are positioned behind the suspension A-arms.

A number of protective parts are available as Honda Accessories, including a choice of aluminum or steel front and rear bumpers, high-molecular-weight polyethylene front and rear A-arm guards, trailing-arm guards, frame and skid plates, steel nerf bars and floor mats.