2021 HONDA TALON 1000X

The Honda Talon family of side by sides have shown the world just how good a sporting side-by-side can be . . . if you build them the Honda way. And with the addition of our FOX Live Valve-equipped models, they’re even better. Here’s what you need to know: Every Talon in our lineup—the newest four-seaters and our two-seat Talon 1000X and the Talon 1000R models—all share the same industry-exclusive Automatic DCT Transmission, i-4WD technology, complemented by our powerful, high-output engine. And they all offer the combination of performance and rider comfort you expect from a Honda. The differences between our two-seat models? The Talon 1000X is a little narrower and a little shorter (64 inches wide and an 87.6-inch wheelbase). It also uses a three-link rear suspension, which makes it a natural for owners who prioritize maneuverability and quick handling. With a Honda Talon, life is better, side by side.

• CHASSIS DIMENSIONS: The Talon 1000X’s 87.6-inch wheelbase contributes to this sport side-by-side’s tracking, and also gives you a super-smooth ride. At 64 inches wide and shorter than the Talon 1000R, the Talon 1000X places an emphasis on quick handling and maneuverability.
• LONG-TRAVEL THREE-LINK SUSPENSION: The Talon 1000X features Honda’s three-link rear suspension, with a whopping 15.1 inches of rear-wheel travel for a smooth ride and superior control.
• HIGH-PERFORMANCE DISC BRAKES: A high-performance side-by-side needs high-performance brakes. The Talon 1000X’s power, chassis and suspension travel helps take these side-by-sides to the next level. Front and rear the Talon 1000X features 250mm discs, with 34mm twin-piston calipers in front and 34mm single-piston calipers in the rear. Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) optimizes front and rear braking power under dynamic chassis conditions in two-wheel drive.
• INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION: Dual A-arm suspension gives you 17.7 inches of travel in the front. Pair that with stellar ground clearance and you begin to understand two reasons why the Talon 1000X handles so well and is so comfortable in rough terrain.
• TIGHT TURNING RADIUS: It’s all about superior maneuverability here. The Talon 1000X offers a narrow 17.4-foot (5.3 meter) turning radius for superior maneuverability on tight trails.
• WHEELBASE: The Talon 1000X’s 87.6-inch wheelbase contributes to this sport side-by-side’s tracking, and also gives you a super-smooth ride. A bit shorter than the Talon 1000R’s, it places an emphasis on quick handling and maneuverability.
• FRONT/REAR WEIGHT BALANCE: Exhaustive testing shows that for serious sport driving, a slight rear weight bias is best. That’s why we set the Talon 1000X up with 44 percent of its weight over the front, and 56 percent over the rear. Uphill, downhill, over whoops and in g-outs, the Talon 1000X just flat-out works.
• DUAL-RATE SPRINGS: The Talon 1000X’s suspension springs offer soft initial travel, yet resist bottoming for both comfortable ride and control—the best of both worlds.
• SKID PLATES: Off-road driving is a tough pursuit, and Mother Nature can be harsh. Not to worry—we have your Talon 1000X covered. Literally. Generous skid protection armors vulnerable undercarriage and suspension components. Want even more? Check out our accessories lineup.
• DURABLE FRAME FINISH: Your new Talon’s frame looks great, and it will keep looking good for a long time. That’s because we fully dip it in an electrostatic surface treatment inside and out during manufacture, and then powder coat the whole thing to help resist chipping.
• FRONT BUMPER: Here’s something you can see and experience for yourself. The Talon 1000X’s standard front bumper offers a degree of vehicle protection some other side-by-sides lack. But this smart design doesn’t compromise performance, because it’s designed to slide smoothly over obstacles in rough approach conditions, enhancing off-road clearance and maneuverability while still offering good protection.
• RECOVERY HOOK POINT: Built in to the Talon 1000X’s chassis design, this attaching point makes it easy to secure your Talon 1000X for transport, and also makes it easy to hook up a recovery strap when your buddy on some other brand of side-by-side gets stuck. Make him buy you lunch as a payback.

DESIGN

• DRIVER/PASSENGER PROTECTION: The Talon 1000X’s Occupant Protection Structure uses large-diameter tubing, and meets ROHVA’s rollover protection standard. The standard-equipment hard doors and quick-clip side nets help keep debris from entering the cabin. Auto-style three-point seatbelts are equipped with an emergency locking retractor mechanism, to help optimize passenger security. (The Talon 1000X’s seats are also four-point compatible for competition use.)
• ADJUSTABLE DRIVER’S SEAT: Honda has a ton of data and experience on seats, thanks to our auto division. And while just about every sport side-by-side has an adjustable driver’s seat, only the Talon gets it this right. Designed to fit a wide range of operators, it also locks positively in position without wobble, helping make you feel more connected to the vehicle.
• PAINTED BODY: Why paint and not color-molded plastic? Because the Talon 1000X’s painted body parts resist scratching better, and we know that where you’re going to be driving this side-by-side, you won’t want to slow down for a little brush by the side of the trail. Plus, they just look better—the first time you see a Talon 1000X in person, we’re sure you’ll agree.
• TILT WHEEL: With a tilt steering wheel, you’re ensured an even more comfortable experience, especially under high-performance driving conditions. The tilt-wheel function can also make getting in and out of the Talon easier.
• PASSENGER “T” GRAB HANDLE: Your passenger needs a solid way to hold on, but it took the Talons to get this feature right. The passenger “T” handle is quick adjustable, but just as important it adjusts solidly and rattle free.
• LCD DISPLAY: The multi-function LCD dash display is large enough to host loads of information, like speed, fuel level, engine speed, transmission mode, fuel gauge, coolant temperature, trip information and more. It even includes a clock, so you’ll always know when it’s time for some fun.
• HARD DOORS: The Talon 1000X’s wide doors (standard equipment) make entry and exit easier. Plus, the doors use an automotive-style double-latch design that provides a secure, rattle-free feel.
• ROOF: Typical of Honda’s attention to detail, the Talon 1000X’s roof is specially designed to divert rainwater away from occupants. And unlike some others, it’s also designed to be aerodynamically cooperative when transporting the vehicle, whether you’re trailering it forward or backward. Standard equipment.
• TWIN-LEVEL PASSENGER FOOTRESTS: Some side-by-sides treat their occupants like they’re flying in economy class. Not the Talon 1000X. You’ve got acres of legroom here, even for six-foot-plus passengers wearing bulky boots. The special two-level passenger footrests let you brace yourself solidly over rough terrain, and stretch out when just cruising along. Designed to accommodate a wide range of passengers in comfort.
• COMFORTABLE SEATS: The Talon’s seats have been designed to be the most comfortable in the industry. They feature a wide seatback and an even wider seat bottom. They don’t rattle. They don’t hold water. They offer tons of lateral support. And the driver’s side is positively adjustable to fit a wide variety of operator heights. They’re even compatible with four-point harnesses for competition use. Your connection to your side-by-side starts here, and even before you start moving, you’ll know the Talon 1000X is the right ride for you.
• INTEGRATED INNER DOOR HANDLE: Another “small” detail, but one you and especially your passenger will come to appreciate. The integrated inner door handle is another example of the premium the Talon 1000X puts on comfort and convenience. You’ll use it dozens of times each weekend, and wonder why all side-by-sides aren’t built this way.
• LARGE CARGO BED: Lunchtime? We’re on it. The Talon 1000X’s cargo bed sits up high, out of harm’s way and where it’s easily accessible. Big enough to easily hold a large 45-quart cooler with room to spare, it has a 299-pound capacity (that’s a lot of burgers) and features six strong tie-down points.
• DOOR NETS: A small detail? Not when you’ve wrestled with some other designs or aftermarket add-ons out there. On the Talon, our door nets are standard equipment. They latch and unlatch quickly and easily. Performance counts, and we’ve made it easier to protect yourself from the elements.
• GENEROUS, SECURE CUP HOLDERS: Hey, we’re out here to have a good time, and who wants to be thirsty? And that means taking something to drink with you. The Talon 1000X’s twin cup holders securely hold the 30-ounce off-road standard, as well as plenty of other travel cups.
• FLAG MOUNT: On other side-by-sides, things like a flag mount are an afterthought. Not on the Talon. No detail escapes our designers’ full attention. The Talon’s flag mount is fully integrated into the design, and easy to use.
• BUILT IN THE U.S.A.: The Talon 1000X is purpose-built for the American market, right in America. Domestically and globally sourced parts are all assembled at our plant in Timmonsville, South Carolina, and once these side-by-sides roll off the line, they’re ready to explore every corner of the country.

DRIVETRAIN

• AUTOMATIC SIX-SPEED DCT TRANSMISSION: The convenience of an automatic with the strength, control, and efficiency of a manual, Honda’s DCT lets you drive the way you want. Choose between manual mode or fully automatic. Plus, the addition of Sport Mode increases the fun, shifting at higher RPMs for a spirited, full-performance driving experience. DCT puts you in control as to what engine speed you want, and what gear ratio. Or you can let it do all the thinking for you. In addition, you also get genuine engine braking and a more efficient power delivery than a belt-driven CVT.
• i-4WD: The Honda Talon 1000X showcases the second generation of our exclusive i-4WD system, specifically tuned to respond quicker and capable of delivering even more drive force. Think “i” for “intelligent,” because that’s exactly what it is. An industry-first brake-traction control system for side-by-sides, it simplifies operation, increases drivability and optimizes available traction. Based on proven, advanced technology from Honda’s automotive division, you get the benefits associated with a locked front differential with none of the downsides. That means it helps maintain front-wheel traction even if one wheel wants to spin on ice or mud or if it’s in a hole. But at the same time, you get the lighter steering, better tracking at high speeds, tighter turning radius, and reduced kickback associated with unlocked front differentials. Special software tunes the i-4WD system for sport use.
• RELENTLESS DURABILITY: When it comes to strength and toughness, the Talon 1000X leads the way. The oversized 87mm CV joints, beefy 39.7mm driveshafts and strong U-joints are all built to survive the loads that low-speed rockcrawling can generate—and which cause driveline failures in so many other side-by-sides.
• PADDLE SHIFTING: Steering column-mounted paddle shifters add a serious dose of performance in every drive. In Manual mode, they let you shift without ever taking your hands off the steering wheel, and in Automatic mode, they let you override the current gear with a quick up or downshift, holding that gear for several seconds before returning back to Automatic mode.
• HIGH/LOW SUBTRANSMISSION: With a full 42-percent gear reduction between High and Low, you get the torque you need in all six gears. That’s sure to come in handy when driving over difficult terrain, scaling hills or rock crawling.
• HILL START ASSIST: Need to stop while going uphill? Honda’s Hill Start Assist automatically holds your Talon 1000X in position while you move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator—there’s no roll-back drama. It even works on the downhills, too!
• 2WD/4WD/SHIFT ON THE FLY: Want to access all of the available traction? Put it in i-4WD. Need maximum power at all four wheels? i-4WD eliminates the need for traditional locking differentials. Want to use 2WD for lighter steering or specific terrain? The Talon 1000X lets you do it all, and the best part is, you can do it all with the push of a button.
• CV JOINT BOOT PROTECTION: Tear a CV boot, and it’s only a matter of time before you’ll be making a costly replacement. That’s why we give the Talon 1000X’s CV joints double protection: First, we design them to tuck up tight covered by the suspension arms. Second, the CV joints themselves get a special guard to offer even more protection.
• ADVANCED TRANSMISSION LOGIC: The brain of the DCT, Advanced Transmission Logic, senses how you drive and adapts. Relaxed drivers get earlier shifts for a quieter ride at lower engine speeds. Sportier drivers will hold each gear longer for higher RPM shifts. And when going downhill, you get true engine braking. Now that’s a smart transmission.
• SPIRAL RING AND PINION REAR FINAL DRIVE: Spiral-cut gears in your Talon 1000X’s final drive mean the load is shared over several teeth, not just one, and that means they’re quieter and produce less vibration too.
• CONNECTED DRIVE FEELING: Compared to a CVT transmission, the Talon 1000X’s positive automatic DCT gearbox gives you a far more connected feel with your side-by-side. Combine that with the Talon 1000X’s responsive engine, and you’ll see why a Talon 1000X gives you a superior sense of control.
• ENGINE LOCATION: Balance is the key to great handling, and that’s why we put the Talon 1000X’s engine where we do. Mounted behind the cab, it results in an excellent, neutral weight distribution.
• LOW-EXPANSION BRAKE HOSES: By fitting the Talon with low expansion brake hoses, you get better pedal feel and rock-solid braking performance.
• ELECTRIC POWER STEERING: Standard equipment on all Talon models, our Electric Power Steering system helps eliminate bump steer through rocky and rutted terrain, which reduces fatigue. What makes it even better is the added assist you get when you need it most, like when you’re in 4WD, driving at lower speeds, or maneuvering over rough conditions. And on the Talon 1000X, the system is specially tuned to give you the right amount of feedback for sport-driving.

ENGINE

• POWERFUL 999cc TWIN-CYLINDER ENGINE: Sport side-by-sides need power, and you’re sure to find the Talon 1000X offers plenty of it. The Talon 1000X’s 999cc liquid-cooled inline twin delivers the kind of powerful torque and quick-revving horsepower you’d expect from a flagship sport model, but is equally responsive in lower revs and in the critical midrange too. Set longitudinally in the chassis and managed by Honda’s sophisticated PGM-FI engine-mapping system, it delivers the kind of refinement no other side-by-side can match.
• UNICAM CYLINDER HEAD DESIGN: The Talon 1000X’s 999cc liquid-cooled inline twin uses the same proven Unicam® cylinder head design found in our championship-winning CRF450R motocrosser. That helps make the engine more compact, which lets us position it for optimal weight distribution and ground clearance.
• ROLLER ROCKER ARMS: Roller-tip rocker arms in the Talon 1000X’s valve train help reduce engine friction, facilitate higher, faster revs, and contribute to more efficient engine operation and power. They’re another example of Honda refinement you may not see, but that you’ll feel with every ride.
• HIGH LIFT, LONG DURATION CAMSHAFT: Giving the Talon 1000X’s engine a camshaft with high lift and long duration helps transform the engine. Better breathing helps the Talon 1000 make more power, and keeps that power coming all the way to redline.
• INCREASED THROTTLE BORE SIZE: Complementing the Talon 1000X’s potent camshaft specs, our engineers also gave the engine twin 46mm bores for more airflow and better breathing. You’ll feel it the first time you floor the throttle, and you’ll hear it too, with the Talon 1000X’s throaty intake roar.
• HIGH-FLOW FUEL INJECTORS: Here’s a math lesson that’s anything but boring: More air plus more fuel equals more power. With the hot cam, throttle body and high-flow fuel injectors, the Talon 1000X’s engine is the total package for total off-road performance.
• OFFSET DUAL-PIN CRANKSHAFT: The crankshaft seems such a simple part, but it’s here that so much of the engine’s character is determined. By offsetting the cylinders’ two crankpins by 270 degrees, the Talon 1000X’s engine delivers a wide powerband and abundant torque. Counterbalancers keep everything running smooth.
• TUNED EXHAUST: The final part of the Talon 1000X’s balanced power equation: better breathing and more fuel delivery require an equally tuned exhaust system. The Talon 1000X delivers. Not only does it deliver some beautiful mechanical music, but it helps the engine deliver smooth, even power from partial throttle to wide-open running.
• HIGH-CAPACITY COOLING SYSTEM: Rock crawling, deserts, dunes, and high-altitude operation can all challenge your side-by-side’s cooling system. That’s why we gave all our Talons a high-capacity system. Tested under some of the most arduous conditions we could find, you can rest assured your engine will remain cool, calm, and collected when the going gets tough.
• OIL-JET PISTONS: Another invisible example of Honda’s race-winning engineering. Squirting oil up onto the underside of the Talon’s pistons help them run cooler and seal better. The combination makes for longer piston life, and more power. The design also lets us use lighter pistons, for a faster-revving engine.
• 10MM CYLINDER OFFSET: By building the Talon 1000X’s engine with the cylinder bore 10mm in front of the crankshaft, we change the thrust forces on the pistons’ skirts and faces. That helps the rings seal better. It’s all part of the Honda story—numbers only tell a small part; design details like these make your Talon 1000X the best in class.
• SPINY SLEEVE CYLINDER LINER: Another example of Honda’s attention to detail and unmatched engineering. This unique system positively locks the steel cylinder liner and the aluminum cylinder block together. The result is more contact surface area, and that means better engine cooling and heat transfer for superior engine performance.
• SEMI-DRY-SUMP LUBRICATION: Proven in Honda’s racing engines, keeping engine oil away from the crankshaft helps eliminate windage losses. The semi-dry-sump design also helps ensure more positive oiling under the extreme driving conditions a Talon 1000X driver can experience. Better engine lubrication and longer engine life are the result.
• ENGINE AIR INTAKE: To get the most out of your engine, you need the best air going into it. That’s why we positioned the air filter up high over the engine in the rear, and the air intake off to the side. It helps ensure a clean air supply, even at deeper fording depths.
• RUBBER-MOUNT ENGINE AND EXHAUST: Some of the most impressive Talon 1000X features are those you’ll never see. In addition to the suspension and ground clearance, we rubber-mounted the engine and exhaust system to insulate the cabin against excessive vibration. We also gave them four engine mounts to add strength under high-performance driving operation.
• POWER: Because Honda’s all-gear Automatic DCT Transmission is so efficient, it has more rear-wheel horsepower than some of the competitors in the class.