2023 Honda Talon 1000R4 Review
Interior/Exterior:
Not much has changed here besides the addition of the full doors with integrated storage. The Talon’s dash cubbies, inner door pockets, glove box and under seat storage offer quite a bit of combined area to store things you will need on the trail. Inside the Talon is a nice place to be, although it looks a bit dated parked next to the new RZR XP in this issue. Honda’s instrument cluster is slightly different than it was on previous Talon models as well. The Talon still features Honda’s window nets, which we like.
Minor plastic changes and lots more color matching make the 2023 Talon R-4’s stand out, especially in the Pearl Red colorway. Honda also fitted the Talon with a new wheel design this year. The wheel looks great, we just wish it was wrapped in a 30 inch tire instead of the Talon R’s tiny 28s.
Tires/Wheels/Brakes:
Honda plays very conservative with tire size. We get it, it lowers the center of gravity, makes the car handle a little sharper, and is much easier on components. However, in the Southwest, big tires are king. They roll over holes and obstacles better at speed, providing a more comfortable and more stable ride. Ground clearance in some of the rocky sections also improves. Despite having a smaller 28 inch tire, the Talon delivers a very capable and smooth ride, even in choppy, whooped terrain.
The new wheels look great, but some owners will lament the lack of a beadlock apparatus at this price point. In our opinion, the top trim UTV models should all come with beadlock wheels, although most Honda OEM wheels have insane bead grip strength. If you have ever tried to de-bead a tire on a Honda wheel at camp to replace a tire, you will know exactly what we mean- they just don’t come off the wheel. Brakes on the Talon are excellent. Great pedal feel and good progression allow you to slow the car without locking the wheels up.
