17 minute read
2021 HOnda Talon 1000X
Excellent Choice
Story and photos by Stephen Elmer, additional photos courtesy of Honda
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The Honda Talon still feels unique in the sport side-by-side segment, thanks to one single piece of equipment: a dualclutch transmission. For 2021, the Talon has added some new graphics while keeping the basic recipe the same, and that’s not a bad thing.
Canadians going Talon shopping have fewer choices than those south of the border, as we are denied the wider, desert-focused Talon 1000R model and the four-seater, leaving us with the model we tested, the two-seat 1000X. The X comes in at 64inches wide and puts a focus on sharp handling on tight trails, something that Canada is certainly full of. Length measures in at 123.9-inches (3,147mm), overall height is 75.3-inches, and the Talon weighs in at 1,497 pounds.
Power comes from a 999cc parallel twin-cylinder engine putting out just over 100 horsepower, sent through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Unlike both Polaris and Can-Am, Honda isn’t chasing after insane horsepower numbers, instead offering plenty to have fun with without feeling scary like the Can-Am and Polaris turbocharged models sometime can.
And unlike every other model in the segment, which all use CVTs (Yamaha YXZ excluded), the Talon uses a dual-clutch transmission to quickly fire off shifts and power off the line. Accel OFF-ROAD Plus MAGAZINE OCT/NOV 2020 eration is immediate and shift points are well timed for getting up to speed quickly, helped further by a selectable Sport mode. At low speeds, it is fair to say that the Talon can be jerky and hard to keep smooth compared to a belt-driven transmission, but the tradeoff compared to a CVT is the immediacy of the power and the satisfaction of being able to shift your own gears using the paddles behind the wheel. The Talon even has a manual mode if you want to do all your own shifting without the Talon’s ECU doing any thinking for you. And it is a clever system, as the Talon will constantly monitor throttle position, rpm and brake input to decide how to shift, going more aggressive If you decide to drive it hard.
The four-wheel drive setup on the Talon also thinks for itself thanks to i4WD, employing a locking differential in the rear and front, with the front end locking up quickly when slip is detected. Climbing over our big rock pile proved that the Talon
is able to smoothly engage its front locker and make sure that power gets to both wheels fairly quickly, helping grab the rocks and pull us up and over.
Suspension underneath the 1000X is a set of Fox Podium 2.0 QS3s, offering 14.6inches of travel in the front and 15.1-inches in the rear. Three different settings are available for the shocks so you’re able to adjust exactly how soft, or stiff the machine will ride.
Taking off down the trail, the Talon 1000X’s handling feels quick, bordering on jumpy, but that makes it exciting to drive. Plenty of power is available under your foot to steer this machine, which will willingly rotate when you need it to. Hitting whoops hard allows you to find the limit of the Talon 1000X fairly quickly, though the suspension still does a great job at taking the edge out of the hardest hits.
It’s at moderate speeds in tight corners where the Talon
truly shines, combining its quick, sharp steering with hard bite on turn-in and direct power delivery to provide a ton of smileinducing thrill. A wheelbase at 87.6-inches also contributes to the sharp handling, though that’s also a reason why the Talon can get bucked back-and-forth pretty hard if you take whoops at speed. At 64-inches wide, the Talon still feels pretty big on tight treed trails, but doesn’t come across as overwhelmingly wide like the big 68- or 72-inch machines can.
Sitting inside the Talon, the seating position is a little more upright than some other sport machines like the Can-Am Maverick or Polaris RZR, but the sight lines are generous so you always know exactly where your wheels are around you. Legroom for someone standing at 6-foot 2-inches is just enough, while my personal preference left me wanting a few more inches of seat adjustability out of the Talon. Honda also has a great passenger-side grab handle, allowing the passenger to set it at any distance that works and then simply lock it into place using a pressure system. Honda includes nets as standard equipment for maximum safety, and the doors on the Talon offer decent coverage, although the opening near your lower leg on the driver’s side can allow water and mud to get on your pants. A standard roof also comes with the 1000X to keep the sun and other weather off your head.
Storage is comprised of a glovebox, cubby in the centre stank and a pair of cupholders. The open bed on the back of the Talon has a D-ring in all four corners to make sure you can tie-down your gear back there, and because this is a sport machine, there is no hitch, so don’t plan on towing anything.
Hill start assist is another feature packed into the Talon, operated by a switch in the centre stack. Hit it and the Talon will hold itself on a hill using the brakes, giving the driver a few seconds to get to the throttle, making sure that the machine will not roll forward or backward until you are ready.
Pricing for the 2021 Honda Talon 1000X is $300 more this year, coming in at $27,299.
Honda did its homework with the Talon and offers a sport sideby-side that is exciting, fun to drive and comfortable enough for a day on the trails. It is disappointing that Canadians don’t get all the different Talon variants that are found in the U.S., but with just the 1000X, Honda is offering an excellent choice
in the sport side-by-side segment.
TECH: NEW PRODUCTS GEARING UP
All-New Toyota Tundra LED Tail Lights from Anzo USA NEW PRODUCT
New from Anzo USA are LED Tail Lights for the 2007-2013 Toyota Tundra which are 100-percent street legal and aftermarket DOT compliant. They feature superior, high-powered SMD LEDs which are designed to meet or exceed OEM specifications. They are made to remain operational in extreme hot or cold temperatures, are fully sealed to keep moisture out and feature an internal constant current and waterproof inductive driver.
For more information please go to www.anzousa.com Bully Dog GT Gas and Diesel The Bully Dog GT Gas and Diesel tuners unlock more horsepower and torque to meet the unique demands you put on your vehicle. With preloaded tuning, you can plug ‘n play. The built in “Driving Coach” feature helps improve driving habits for better fuel mileage. Customizable gauges track performance, and a wide variety of hauling and off-roading, all while giving you plenty of power to take on tough jobs, or improved fuel economy for long highway hauls.
Bright Source 20-In. LED Light Bar The newest BrightSource LED Light Bar is a 20-in. Heated Lens model, which is perfect for use in winter. Unlike most LED Light Bars, which freeze up under a thick coating of ice and snow, this powerful and street-legal light bar automatically switches on and keeps your lens clear, so you can see in the ugliest of weather. This is a low-profile, attractive product that will enhance the appearance of your vehicle, and installation is easy with your choice of side-mount or base-mount brackets.
For more information please go to www.brightsource.ca
Eibach’s PRO-LIFT-KIT Springs for the 2019-2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro model is designed to provide a suspension lift on
your FOX shocks-equipped vehicle while retaining the factory look and feel. The spring’s height and rate have been optimized within each shock’s bypass zone, which allows you to retain the factory ride characteristics and a lift ready to tackle tough terrain. Each PRO-LIFT-KIT is engineered and manufactured using the same technology found in Eibach’s championship wining ERO Off-road race springs. They provide an additional 1.6-in. of height in the front and 1.0-in. in the rear.
Enthuze Helix Wheels
Enthuze’s Helix wheels offer a multi-spoke, rugged design that is sure to enhance the appearance of your truck, Jeep or 4x4 instantly. They are available in a few different sizes, widths, bolt patterns and offsets in order to fit on a wide variety of applications. They feature a black milled finish and are available in 18- and 20-in. sizes in a number of different bolt patterns and offsets.
For more information please go to www.enthuze.ca
HyperTech Max Energy Spectrum Power Programmer
With more power-per-dollar than any other bolt-on product, the Hypertech® Max Energy™ Spectrum Power Programmer gives your vehicle optimized engine tuning for maximum power and performance for any kind of driving, as well as application-specific performance features including automatic transmission adjustments, throttle response, and top-speed/rev limiter. The Max Energy Spectrum Power Programmer also has Quick Command features for Jeep, and the ability to reads, display and clear DTCs.
Husky Liners FormFit™ Mud Guards
Husky Liners® FormFit™ Mud Guards are made from durable, impact-resistant all-weather thermoplastic that’s as tough as nails (or rocks for that matter). They’re easy to install, conform perfectly to your fenders, and protect your ride and those around you from the rage of the road. The mud guards are made from Husky’s durable, impact-resistant all-weather thermoplastic material that holds up to whatever road debris you may come across. They are available for many full size trucks and SUVs.
For more information please go to www.huskyliners.com
ICON Vehicle Dynamics Suspension Systems for 199-2002 Toyota Runner
ICON Vehicle Dynamics has announced new suspension systems
for the 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner that go from the baseline Stage 1 to the all-out Stage 5. The staged systems were developed to provide optimal performance for several unique driving styles but feature quite a few constants such as coil springs, shock absorbers, vehicle-specific shock-valving, FK Rod End Bearings and highquality CNC-machined components. The systems yield 0-3-in. of front lift height and 0-1-in. rear lift height which results in a bolder, leveled-off stance.
Iron Cross Hardline Series Front Bumpers
The new Hardline series bumper from Iron Cross Automotive offers a clean, aggressive look while allowing you more control over the customization of your setup. Available with or without the bar, the Hardline bumpers are sensor-ready, come with bolt-on plates, have 11 slotted holes for maximum customization on the outside openings, as well as two 6-in. and a 20-22-in. centre light bar cut-out. They are available for most 2010 and up Chevrolet, Ram, Ford, GMC and Toyota applications.
For more information please go to www.ironcrossautomotive.com N-Fab RSP Front Bumper N-Fab’s RSP front bumper is built for extreme off-road use and comes with a skid plate for additional underbody protection. The bumper offers the capability to mount conventional or LED light bars and some models also come as a winch-ready model. Additionally, the bumper features anti-theft hardware for LED bars. The bumpers feature a one-piece design constructed from .120-in. wall tubing for strength and durability. Given that removable Jeep Wrangler doors are an easy target for theft, McGard offers Jeep door locks that simply replace the lower hinge nuts with the McGard door lock. They are very easy to install and for maximum security, the spin-collar turns if they are attacked by gripping tools to further protect your vehicle. The locks match the OEM hinge nuts so no modifications are necessary and they are available for both 2 or 4-door Wranglers.
For more information please go to www.shop.mcgard.com
Nitto SN Winter Tire
NEW PRODUCT
Nitto’s SN3 winter tire incorporates an advanced tread design with studless technology for better handling and driving security in severe winter conditions. The deep inner alternating blocks add stability while also allowing the tire to dig into deep snow or slush and the large outer blocks are made to increase performance by adding grip while cornering. The advanced construction of the tire is made to withstand road hazards while maintaining its handling during cold temperatures.
NEW PRODUCT
Quality Gear’s Predator Axles
Made from 4340 Chrome-Moly high-strength alloy steel, Quality Gear’s Predator heavy-duty front axles are designed to withstand the punishing demands of rock crawling and serious off-roading. Predator axles are 39-percent stronger than stock front axles and are extremely hard to twist and break. So if you want to upgrade and take your off-roading to the next level, equip your rig with Predator Axles, which are backed by one of the strongest warranties on the market.
For more information please go to www.qualitygear.com
Rugged Ridge Venator Front Bumper with Overrider, Jeep Wrangler JL/JLU & Gladiator JT
The Rugged Ridge Venator Front Bumpers are made out of muscular strength steel and come in a tough satin black powder-coat finish that helps resists rust and corrosion. These bumpers are compatible with most aftermarket winches and feature integrated D-Ring mounts. NEW PRODUCT Additionally, these Venator Front Bumpers will work with your Jeep’s factory fog lights thanks to the octagonal pockets. All Venator Front Bumpers come with all required hardware and feature a direct bolt-on installation for both Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator models. Best of all, it includes an integrated skid plate, a stylish, sculpted overrider and is covered by the manufacturer’s 5 year limited warranty.
Rugged Ridge Bed Mount Spare Tire Carrier, Jeep Gladiator JT
Rugged Ridge’s “pre-runner”-style Bed Mount Spare Tire Carrier is not just striking in appearance, but engineered to deliver the goods with a hefty load capacity, handily hauling up to a 40-inch wheel & tire combo. Built from muscular 2-inch, .120 wall steel tubing and ¼-inch thick CNC cut & brake-formed steel plate, this carrier is rock-solid and designed to survive in harsh off-road conditions. The integrated wheel mount is adjustable to accommodate a variety of wheel offsets, while the carrier assembly installs to factory mounting locations for maximum strength & rigidity, with no drilling required.
For more information please go to www.ruggedridge.com
Steelcraft’s New Wrangler Replacement Doors
Steelcraft’s all-new Wrangler Replacement doors are made from 1.25-in. tubing and come with a heavy-duty striker latch that is meant to be long-lasting and durable for an extended period of time. The doors allow for the use of the OE mirrors and provide an open-air environment that Jeeps are famous for. Available for the Wrangler JL, the doors are finished in a textured black powder-coat finish for the ultimate durability.
The SCT X4 Performance Programmer connects high-performance tunes to your vehicle for a boost in horsepower and torque. Awaken your engine to its real potential with pre-loaded, dyno-proven tune files through the easy-to-use functionality. Modify a variety of parameters at the touch of a button, all while monitoring gauges on a customizable display. Read vehicle performance data on a full-colour LCD display for easy viewing, day or night. Preloaded, street-tested, dyno-proven tunes boost horsepower, torque, and throttle sensitivity. Data log engine functions for playback using SCT’s LiveLink software. For more information please go to www.sctflash.com TrailFX Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover for Jeep Gladiator TrailFX is now offering its Hard Tri-Fold Tonneau cover for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator mid-size pickup truck which will provide complete protection and cover for your entire pickup bed, but is also able to be folded up and out of the way when access to the full bed is needed. Moisture seals are featured to help keep your cargo dry and protected, while foam pads and rubber seals surround the bed to keep out dust and other debris. The cover is non-lockable and is made from a lightweight yet strong aluminum. SPC’s adjustable, direct-fit control arm adds both strength and articulation flexibility to your stock height or lifted Jeep Wrangler JK.
SCT X Performance Programmer
NEW PRODUCT
It utilizes SPC’s xAxis sealed flex joints to provide bind-free twist
between the frame and axle during articulation. The DOM steel construction and forged link provide strength for larger wheel and tire packages and aggressive gearing. The dual-threaded adjuster and jam nut makes caster/pinion angle adjustments quick and easy without the need to disconnect the arm or mess with cams and slotted hole knock-outs.
For more information please go to www.spcalignment.com
Superlift .5-In. Lift Kit for the 2019-2020 Ford Ranger WD
Superlift’s 3.5-inch UCA Lift kit is a simple solution for adding more height than just a “leveling kit”. These kits have a strong, modern die-formed design constructed of DOM tubing, beefy gussets and
include CNC-machined ball joint cups. The UCAs include a pre-in-
NEW PRODUCT
stalled MOOG® ball joint and bushings for long-lasting performance and durability. By using the UCAs, this lift offers a better ride quality and performance over taller leveling spacers. This kit also includes a differential drop spacers, rear block kit, and rear Shadow Series Shocks. All parts are included to make sure your Ford Ranger handle and performs just like a stock truck.
Toyo Observe GSi-
NEW PRODUCT Toyo Observe’s new GSi-6 studless performance winter tire features significant performance improvements over its predecessor, utilizing its directional tread design with staggered tread blocks to maximize traction and handling while also improving ride comfort. Crushed walnut shells are embedded into the tire tread compound to dig and bite into the ice or snowy surfaces for improved traction. The tires are available in many different sizes from 14-in. all the way up to 22-in.
For more information please go to www.toyotires.ca WeatherTech AlloyCover - Hard Tri-Fold The WeatherTech AlloyCover Hard Tri-Fold Pickup Truck Bed Cover is a lightweight, low-profile foldable bed cover that maximizes protection from harsh weather conditions without compromising style and strength. To protect your cargo from unwanted access or vulnerabilities, the bed cover incorporates strong aluminum panels with durable, watertight, reinforced vinyl coated hinges. Retractable storage clips hold the cover secure, while rigid standoffs with rubber pads keep panels properly spaced in the folded position. No adjustment needed.
Warrior Products Mod Series mid-width bumper with a brush guard for the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator is made using heavy-duty steel and are finished with a two stage powder coat not only for good looks but also for unmatched protection. The bumpers include a recessed mount with included brackets for factory fog lights which protects them from damage with an easy bolt-on installation and simple plug-and-play wiring. The bumper is made from 3/16-in. steel and features built-in off-road jack lift points.
For more information please go to www.warriorproducts.com
WINCHIN’ OUT
This outing took a nose dive real fast.
Wet sand and heavy trucks cleary didn’t mix on this day.
Hard to say if this was an accident or they meant to go down there.
Judging by the snow on the ground, bet that water is really cold!
Guess they thought this ice was a little thicker than it tunred out.
They look way too clean to have come out of that Jeep.
