2023 Honda Talon 1000R4 Review
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. This system worked flawlessly around MidAmerica’s tight, technical, wet terrain with a bunch of steep climbs. You can feel the system working beneath you as you crawl up anything.
The Talon is shifted with a standard automotive-style 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 of compression stiffness at all four corners in real time. It makes the Talon feel extremely flat and stable in almost any terrain, but it can get pretty stiff at times. The Talon 1000 R-4 does feel like a great improvement versus the earlier Live Valve equipped Talons from a ride quality standpoint.
