2023 HONDA TALON 1000 R-4

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Updated suspension tune improves on the Talon R

• New steering components offer increased strength, decreased effort

• Stock wiring harness accepts a lot of accessory integration easily

• Full doors with storage!

• Signature snappy but smooth engine and transmission performance

Before we dive into the individual details, here is what Honda changed on the Talon 1000 R before they stuffed two more seats in it:

• Wheelbase on the R is now 2.7 inches shorter, reducing turning radius by nearly two feet. This was done by shortening the length of the trailing arm and changing some of the rear suspension geometry. Honda does not claim a difference in suspension travel.

• Full-coverage doors with netted storage pockets and cup holders.

• New power-steering unit and tuning with better return to center feel.

• Updated ignition mapping.

• Improved accessory integration, with a second ground added to the front of the vehicle for simpler wire routing. (Previously, there was only one ground, at the vehicle’s rear.)

• New wheels and 28-inch Kenda tires with thicker sidewalls for increased protection from pinch flats.

• Twelve new Honda Accessories available.

• Painted plastic in exciting new colors (Pearl Red and Matte Navy Blue). All four FOX Live Valve versions have color-matched frame and suspension.

Engine

Besides the updated ignition tuning, this is the same 999cc parallel twin that powers the rest of the Talon lineup. It makes around 105 horsepower, and has plenty of personality as well. It feels light and responsive, revving quickly and freely thanks to its wide mix of gear ratios to choose from. The Talon R-4 uses its power efficiently, and it makes easy work of hauling its occupants around at speed. Honda’s Unicam cylinder head design uses a forked rocker arm that follows a single cam per cylinder, reducing the overall size of the top end, as well as its mass and weight up top.

TRANSMISSION/DRIVETRAIN

Honda’s rev-happy twin is coupled up to a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The most advanced transmission in the class by far, Honda’s DCT is technically capable of 12 speeds, as it includes a high and low-gear sub transmission. The Talon is capable of 2 or 4 wheel drive, relying on Honda’s i4WD system to keep traction engaged. This system uses a variety of wheel speed, engine speed, and other sensors to determine which wheels have traction so they can send power there. In our practice, it works well most of the time. Some things will trip it up, like trying to climb steep faces from a stop.

The Talon is shifted with a standard automotivestyle gear selector, and individual gears can be selected via the paddle shifters. Honda offers manual and automatic driving modes with an optional Sport mode for the transmission that increases its responsiveness.

Suspension

This is where the Talon 1000 R-4 differs from the X. While the X is 64 inches wide, this R is 68, matching the KRX. The wider stance and revised geometry allow the R to cycle a few more inches of suspension travel front and rear versus the X, which improves bump compliance in really nasty terrain. The R-4 is a much better fit for the Southwestern trails with deep whoops and G-outs. For the 2023 model year, Honda has only released a Fox Live Valve version of the Talon 1000 R-4, but a non-Live Valve equipped model with new Showa shocks is rumored to debut soon to fill the spot below it in the lineup.

The Talon’s suspension is adjustable via a two-position rocker switch, offering Normal and Sport modes. The FOX Live Valve system is constantly monitoring things like vehicle speed, pedal position, steering wheel angle, and yaw/ motion to provide what it thinks is the best mix