2023 Honda Talon 1000R4 Review

2023 Honda Talon 1000R4 Review 

Competition:

The Talon 1000 R-4 has a ton of competition. The $28,499 Kawasaki Teryx KRX 4 1000 eS is its most direct competition and a few thousand more expensive. The KRX does have a smoother-riding suspension and more interior room than the Talon, but the Talon has a better engine and transmission package. Polaris’ new RZR XP 4 is also a contender. In terms of options, the RZR XP has no Live Valve model, so the $26,999 Premium trim is a good substitute for a heads-up comparison. Polaris’ 114 horsepower RZR XP 4 Sport is $27,799, albeit with no Live Valve. Yamaha has yet to release a four seat YXZ (we are still holding out hope), and Can-Am’s 135 horsepower X3 Max DS Turbo slots in at $25,099. That puts this Talon in very deep waters – there are a ton of great cars for around $26,000 right now. 

ALSO, SEE: Kawasaki KRX4 Review

Impressions:

We came away impressed with the Talon 1000 R-4. We had gone into this thinking we knew exactly what it would be like, considering we have spent so much time in two-seat R and four-seat X Talons. The overall package came together a little better than we had anticipated, especially in regards to the new steering. The more robust parts feel just that from the wheel, allowing you to focus more on driving the Talon hard. The suspension settings are also very good for fast-paced driving. Honda has the R-4 set up to carry weight, so it feels a little stiff in Sport unless it is weighed down. 

The Talon’s retuned ignition map makes for a slightly smoother power delivery down low, making the car a little easier to drive in U-turn and loading situations, as well as when crawling. It did not seem to detract a bit from the power of the Talon’s twin cylinder engine. The Talon still has one of the all-time greatest-sounding UTV engines. Hearing it rev out and crack off a lightning-quick dual clutch shift is just awesome. Honda has spent a lot of time fine-tuning the transmission’s driving modes, and it shows. The Talon seems like a well-orchestrated machine, offering a fun driving experience and comfort at speed. It handles big bumps and rutted turns well, and only improves when you get the right weight balance and suspension adjustments done for your gear and passengers. 

The 2023 Talon 1000 R-4 is a great 4-seat UTV for the driver that wants an engaging experience coupled with Honda build quality and something different than a CVT-equipped machine. The Talon’s engine and transmission are its standout qualities, but the R’s suspension is a close second.

ALSO, SEE: Honda Talon Genuine Products