Are you already thinking about next summer’s vacation? How about a Montana Talon Adventure? For us, the answer is always yes—especially if it involves dirt, mountains, and machines built for exploration. We’ve overlanded across Oregon, dirt biked through Idaho, and pedaled mountain bikes in Canada. On an upcoming episode of Off-Road Travel TV, airing on the RACER Network, our need for adventure once again pulled us behind the wheel of UTVs. This time, Off-Road Travel TV teamed up with UTV Off-Road Magazine and pointed the Honda Talons north, setting our sights on the wide-open trail systems of Montana, where remote routes, mountain views, and small-town hospitality set the stage for an unforgettable ride. Viewers will see how two very different Talon models handle Montana’s diverse terrain, what makes this trail system so accessible for UTV travel, and why this part of the country keeps calling us back for more.
Montana Talon Adventure
One of the best parts about planning an off-road adventure is how easy it is to research trail systems before you ever leave home. Apps like onX, Garmin’s Tread, and Gaia make it simple to locate legal trails near your destination. If camping is part of the plan, most of these apps also show campgrounds, dispersed camping areas, fuel stops, restaurants, and even bike shops along the way.
For this trip, Montana checked every box. The state is loaded with legal OHV trails, many of which are wide enough for UTVs. It’s the perfect place to explore mountain dirt roads, old mining camps, river-side trails, and routes that climb to high-elevation fire lookouts. The trails in and around the Kootenai National Forest delivered exactly what we were hoping for, while the town of Libby provided everything else—fuel, lodging, meals, and supplies. Rural areas of the Pacific Northwest still feel like Los Angeles and other major cities did in the 1970s: slower, quieter, and refreshingly laid back.
Montana Talon Adventure
According to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (www.fwp.mt.gov), non-residents must purchase a temporary OHV use permit that is valid for the entire calendar year. The permit allows OHVs on designated trails only, and vehicles must be street legal to operate on public roads. Non-resident permits cost $35 and are available at www.ols.fwp.mt.gov.
The terrain wasn’t the only thing offering variety on this trip—the two Honda Talons we tested brought their own unique personalities. Both models use Honda’s DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission), eliminating the CVT belt concerns that many UTV owners are familiar with. While the system is complex, it has proven to be extremely reliable and is easy for new drivers to get comfortable with. In automatic mode, it feels much like driving a car, but drivers can also take full control using the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Power comes from a 1000cc naturally aspirated twin-cylinder engine producing over 100 horsepower, perfectly matched to machines weighing under 1,800 pounds.
Montana Talon Adventure
While the Talon is capable of reaching speeds up to 75 mph, the tight, wooded trails kept our pace more conservative. Even so, the fun factor never dropped. Our two-seat Talon 1000R features a wider stance and shorter overall length, along with increased wheel travel that really shines in rough terrain. The four-seat model offers a longer wheelbase that smooths out the bumps, but its narrower width demands a bit more precision from the driver. Catherina quickly adapted to driving a UTV and just as quickly discovered how fun it is to throw the Talon’s weight around and drive it aggressively when conditions allow.
Brad Howe, a Baja 1000 UTV class champion, joined us on the trip and gravitated toward the wider Talon 1000R. He prefers open terrain, and running through the gears in manual mode makes anyone feel like a race car driver. The 1000R’s Sport Mode tells the computer to hold shifts longer for more aggressive driving. This particular model was also equipped with Fox Live Valve shocks, allowing the driver to switch between comfort and sport modes at the push of a button. The system automatically adjusts shock stiffness based on terrain and speed. While we love the raw, open-air experience that UTVs provide, there’s no denying that smart technology is becoming part of the ride—and Honda is leading the charge.
Montana Talon Adventure
Ken, who has spent decades riding nearly every type of powersports vehicle imaginable, prefers a more relaxed pace these days. He appreciated the smooth ride of the four-seat Talon and its comfortable Showa suspension. The added rear seating also makes it easy to bring friends or family along for the adventure.
No matter which way you look at it, UTVs like the Honda Talon are opening the door for more people to get out and explore the outdoors. Whether it’s accessing remote mountain trails, discovering forgotten mining roads, or simply spending quality time outside with friends and family, these machines make adventure more approachable than ever. Montana proved to be the perfect backdrop for that experience, offering endless terrain and a slower pace of life that invites exploration. You can watch this entire adventure unfold on an upcoming episode of Off-Road Travel TV, airing on the RACER Network, and see how the team from UTV Off-Road Magazine brings the ride to life both on screen and in print. We can’t wait for the next adventure—and we hope to see you out on the trail.
