2019 Honda Talon 1000X And 1000R Specs And Snaps

Honda officially entered the sport side-by-side segment recently, when it unveiled the all-new Talon 1000X and Talon 1000R at the L.A. Auto Show. Here is what we know about both models, along with some specs and a projected release date.

Talon 1000X

The Talon 1000X sits 64 inches wide, features 2.0-inch Fox Podium Quick Switch 3 shocks (QS3), 5/8-inch shafts, and double-wishbone front-suspension, along with a three-link setup out back. Suspension travel comes in at 14.6 and 15.1 inches (front and rear, respectively) and rests atop a one-piece frame.

A 999cc four-valve Unicam parallel-twin engine attaches to a Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with both Drive and Sport modes, and packs steering-column-mounted paddle shifters for additional control. Another unique feature is Honda’s I-4WD, the industry’s first and only brake traction control system, which manages slip between the front wheels when in four-wheel-drive. This electronic brake force distribution also applies brake force to the most effective wheels during braking when in two-wheel-drive.

There’s also hill-start assist for when quick stops on an incline are required, and while power numbers were not announced in Honda’s press release, we are confident that this platform will provide plenty of get-up.

Colors: Pearl Red/Metallic Gray; Metallic Gray/Metallic Blue
Availability: Spring 2019
Info: powersports.honda.com/2019/talon1000x.aspx

TALON 1000R

The Talon 1000R reportedly shares 85 percent of its parts with the Talon 1000X. It has both the both engine and one-piece frame at the center. At 68.4 inches across, it sits a full 4.4-inches wider than its 1000X brethren, and its wheelbase has been stretched a full five inches for greater suspension articulation.

Although a double-wishbone suspension remains out front, a full four-link layout now resides in back, with the Fox Podium QS3 shocks swelling to 2.5 inches in diameter. This means you get up to 17.1 inches of front and 20.1 inches of rear suspension travel, a full 2.1 and 5 inches more than the standard 1000X.