Honda has long been the undisputed titan of the powersports world. With a legacy etched in innovation and a customer loyalty bordering on reverence, the brand’s every move is watched with rapt attention. The Talon, their high-performance Side-by-Side, was no exception. Now, after multiple iterations in Talon evolution, Honda has once again raised the bar with the latest upgrade. 2024 Talons are available with SHOWA shocks.
TALON COMMON FEATURES
The 2024 Talon lineup boasts seven models across two and four-seat configurations. Tailored for diverse adventures, the R series excels in wide-open spaces and desert landscapes, while the X package conquers tight trails and mountain terrain. No matter your off-road passion, there’s a Talon perfectly suited to your style.
All Talon models share common features, most notably the engine and drivetrain. The details are:
- Powerful 999cc engine mated to Hondas DCT transmission
- Sturdy, steel tube chassis double coated for corrosion protection
- Smooth riding, long travel suspension
- Sweeping body styling with large open spaces above the wheels, and continuous beauty lines flowing from front to back.
- Interior styling that creates two individual cockpits, each with comfortable, secure spaces for the driver and passenger.
- Excellent sight lines outside the vehicle for both driver and passenger
- Full skid plate that’s marked for drain holes and tow hook attachment points.
- Excellent attention to detail!
While the Talon R and X package share a common main chassis, engine, and transmission package, the primary difference between the two is found in the suspension.
TWO DIFFERENT SUSPENSIONS
Honda’s commitment to engineering excellence led to the development of unique rear suspension systems tailored to the specific demands of each Talon platform.
The Talon 1000X is the nimble trailblazer of the duo. It’s 64-inch stance and 3-link rear suspension is perfect for carving through tight corners. For those craving wide-open exhilaration, the 68.4-inch-wide Talon 1000R is a desert missile thanks to a 4+ link rear suspension that soaks up bumps with ease. Both the Talon 1000R and Talon 1000X are available with either the new SHOWA shock package, or FOX Live Valve technology. Every Talon features dual A-arm front suspensions, ensuring precise handling and confidence-inspiring performance.
BRAKE BIAS
One unique feature of the Talon is the brakes. Honda’s Talon takes a page from its workhorse cousin, the Pioneer 1000, with a groundbreaking brake-based traction control system. Working in reverse of traditional traction control which often times cut power, this system cleverly senses wheel slip at each wheel, and instantly balances power by applying subtle braking force until the loads at each wheel are matched. The result? Unmatched grip and stability at any speed. This intelligent system even integrates with the transmission, automatically adjusting downshifts for aggressive engine braking on descents, giving you total command of the terrain.
ENGINE and TRANSMISSION MAGIC
The Talon 1000X and 1000R share a potent, 999cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, a close relative to Honda’s legendary Africa Twin. Mounted longitudinally for maximum efficiency, this powerplant delivers a thrilling, commanding performance. But the real star of the show is the transmission.
The Talon’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) is a technological marvel. It employs two clutches to shift gears with lightning-fast precision. While one gear is driving, the next is already staged, ensuring seamless power delivery. The ECU-controlled system offers three shift modes (standard, sport, manual) Standard for cruising, Sport for spirited adventures, and Manual for complete control via paddle shifters. The magic happens when you mix it up, switching between automatic Sport mode and manual downshifts via the paddle shifters for an exhilarating driving experience. At any time, you can override the system with the fingertip paddle shifters. Kick it into Sport mode, then unleash your inner racecar driver with precise paddle-shifted downshifts. It’s a blast!
NEW SHOCKS FOR ’24! HONDA – SHOWA HISTORY
Honda and Showa’s partnership is a testament to time and innovation, going back to when both companies were transitioning to new products in the immediate aftermath of WW2. While Honda was picking up leftover Imperial Army generators at bargain basement prices and installing them on bicycles, SHOWA was on the wrong end of the now extinct Japanese military aircraft industry. As love and luck sometimes happens, the two found each other and entered the motorcycle business. It was cheap, and Japan was in need of affordable transportation. The match has lasted the test of time, and this legacy lives on in the cutting-edge suspension technology of the 2024 Talon.
SHOWA SHOCK PACKAGE
Honda’s obsession with perfection knows no bounds. The Talon had already been through several rounds of updates thanks to this continual improvement regimen, but a stiffer-than-ideal ride became the focus. Honda turned to its trusted partner, Showa, to engineer a solution that would elevate the Talon’s comfort without compromising performance.
Engineered in collaboration with Honda R&D, the new Showa shocks overcome the shortcomings of their predecessors, delivering…
- 12 Position, Dual Speed Compression Adjustment
- Stainless Steel wear sleeve for durability and corrosion resistance
- Fixed Preload to simplify setup
- Improved Comfort and smoother ride over rough, choppy terrain
- Bottoming Resistance over larger impacts and jumps
SHOWA SHOCKS REVIEW – TALON TEST RIDE
The King of Hammers Off-Road race is notorious for its punishing terrain. It would also serve as the perfect proving ground for the new Showa suspension on the Talon. From jagged rocks to endless whoops, the racecourse would throw every imaginable obstacle at the machine.
Honda’s mastery of ergonomics shines through in the Talon. The spacious, supportive seat cradles you in comfort, while the perfectly positioned steering wheel and intuitive controls put everything at your fingertips. It’s that unmistakable, intuitive Honda feel, whether you’re gripping handlebars or holding a steering wheel. Passenger experience is also not an afterthought on the Talon. The passenger gets a well-designed, comfortable cockpit with ample leg room, and a pair of angled foot rests that act very much like a foot peg. We also like the passenger handhold which is adjustable and doesn’t rattle around on the trail. It would be the SHOWA suspension that provides the most comfort, however.
Terrain dictates shock tuning. For slow, rocky trails, a softer setup absorbs impacts. Back off the Showa shocks with low-speed compression at 2-3 off the bottom setting, and set the high-speed at 1-2 off the bottom. This will still provide bottoming resistance over big hits, but will soak up choppy sections. On wide-open desert, stiffen things up: low-speed to 6+, high-speed at 3. Since almost every trail we ride has a little bit of sand, rocks, tree roots, and everything else, we almost always end up somewhere in the middle. Most trails demand a balance, around 4-6 on low-speed, 2-3 on the high-speed adjuster. Remember, shocks must work together. We almost always use a slightly stiffer setting on the front to transfer weight to the rear, improving jump control and reducing nose dive. The key to optimizing any suspension is experimentation. The Talon’s user-friendly, quick to adjust Showa shocks make it easy to find your perfect setup. Start in the middle and fine-tune from there based on your terrain and riding style.
TALON IMPROVED
The SHOWA shocks provided a noticeably smoother, softer ride than previous Talon base model shocks. Delivering reduced bottoming, a smoother ride, and precise handling, these shocks perfectly align with Honda’s design goals. They exemplify Honda’s obsessive attention to detail and rigorous testing, and the brand’s commitment to excellence. With a few tweaks, you can dial in your perfect Showa setup.
https://powersports.honda.com/sxs/sport/talon-1000x-4
https://powersports.honda.com/sxs/sport/talon-1000x
Check out our full ride review of the previous Talon from Sand Hollow, Utah.
https://atvillustrated.com/content/the-honda-talon-1000r-first-ride-and-review/
