Talon x4 or pioneer 1000-5 trail

[406 bowtie]

Hey guys and gals.
I didnt find what I was looking for in a search, and I am brand new here. I have been a quad rider for many years, and motorcycles before that. Will be 50 in 5 months. Looking to pick up a sxs in the next couple of months. I really like the idea of the pioneer 1000-5 for my wife and I. I have a 13 year old son, and a quad for him. However, we took a trip to hatfield mccoy's rockhouse trails last week, with the son and wife. Let's just say everyone is safe, but neither one of them, is looking to go ride quads in the mountains anytime soon. Unfortunately, they are both fairly new riders, and I was not sure they were ready for the trip. We only rode 20 minutes, before they both said uncle. Anyways, I like the length and the utility aspect of the pioneer, but wonder if the talon is a better option. We plan on mostly trail riding in upper an lower michigan. But they still like the idea of going back to hatfield mccoy, but not on a quad. I ride a honda 520 pioneer now. But came from a polaris sportsman. I get the honda ride can be a little rough. But how bad is the ride going to be on a pioneer, with the trail suspension. The dealer told me, we probably wouldn't like the pioneer for mostly trail riding. I realize the talon would definitely be smoother, but it's like 3 feet longer. I see some of the 4 seaters sxs having to do 3 point turns on the switch backs. They just seem so long. And then there is no utility to them. Is the pioneer just going to beat my wife and I up? I want her to be comfortable, and not wore out from a beating. But with a younger child, I think we need a 4 seater. Otherwise, I would get a 2 seater talon, and let him follow. But not in the mountains. Lol.
I know this is a personal choice and one man's rough is subjective. But wanted some educated opinions.
Thanks

 

[Admin]

 

[TxDoc]

Welcome 406bowtie
Lotta nice and helpful folks here.
You will love whatever HONDA you decide on.

Sent from my motorola edge plus 2023 using Tapatalk

 

[NTCPrezJB]

Hey guys and gals.
I didnt find what I was looking for in a search, and I am brand new here. I have been a quad rider for many years, and motorcycles before that. Will be 50 in 5 months. Looking to pick up a sxs in the next couple of months. I really like the idea of the pioneer 1000-5 for my wife and I. I have a 13 year old son, and a quad for him. However, we took a trip to hatfield mccoy's rockhouse trails last week, with the son and wife. Let's just say everyone is safe, but neither one of them, is looking to go ride quads in the mountains anytime soon. Unfortunately, they are both fairly new riders, and I was not sure they were ready for the trip. We only rode 20 minutes, before they both said uncle. Anyways, I like the length and the utility aspect of the pioneer, but wonder if the talon is a better option. We plan on mostly trail riding in upper an lower michigan. But they still like the idea of going back to hatfield mccoy, but not on a quad. I ride a honda 520 pioneer now. But came from a polaris sportsman. I get the honda ride can be a little rough. But how bad is the ride going to be on a pioneer, with the trail suspension. The dealer told me, we probably wouldn't like the pioneer for mostly trail riding. I realize the talon would definitely be smoother, but it's like 3 feet longer. I see some of the 4 seaters sxs having to do 3 point turns on the switch backs. They just seem so long. And then there is no utility to them. Is the pioneer just going to beat my wife and I up? I want her to be comfortable, and not wore out from a beating. But with a younger child, I think we need a 4 seater. Otherwise, I would get a 2 seater talon, and let him follow. But not in the mountains. Lol.
I know this is a personal choice and one man's rough is subjective. But wanted some educated opinions.
Thanks

A P1K5 is quite a bit plusher ride than the baby brother P5. If you get the Fox shocks especially the P1K5 is perfectly comfortable for the trail if you ride mostly under 25mph on the trails. If you like higher speed riding then the Talon will give a better ride for that.

Backseat on the Talon is more comfortable than the backseat of the P1K5.

I wouldn’t let having to make a few extra maneuvers on switchbacks have any bearing on your decision though.

If you can make it to Pioneer, TN for Takeover weekend of June 1st I suspect you could get a ride in several options of SxS.

 

[P1K5Dave]

I can't speak for the Talon, but for the Pioneer 1000 you definitely want the Fox shocks. When I bought mine used it had base shocks and rode like a brick (PO also f'd it up with a bracket lift.)

It was unbelievable how much better it rides with the Foxes.

Also, you want to think about how often you have back seat passengers. I only use my back seats 3-4 times a year, the rest of the time I'm loving having a bed.

There are ways to make those back seats more comfortable, from adding a simple riser pad to the rzr seat bottom brackets.

 

[406 bowtie]

Thanks for the replies. A local dealer has a test track, but neither of the machines to try them out. Would love to make it to pioneer TN. Sounds like a great time. We'll see. For the money, I don't want to make the wrong call. But either machine is likely to be great choice.

 

[ChadD]

Thanks for the replies. A local dealer has a test track, but neither of the machines to try them out. Would love to make it to pioneer TN. Sounds like a great time. We'll see. For the money, I don't want to make the wrong call. But either machine is likely to be great choice.

Welcome from the 👍 😎

 

[ChadD]

Maybe @906UP can help you out with your questions. He has both 🤘😎

 

[906UP]

What part of MI you from @406 bowtie ?

As far as a comparison.....there isn't. The P1K and Talon are apples & oranges as they say. The P1K is nice, we love ours but it doesn't compare to the comfort & ride of the Talon. I have a '19 T1Kx and a buddy has a '23 T1Kr4, the 4 is even smoother yet due to the added wheel base.

 

[Remington]

Thanks for the replies. A local dealer has a test track, but neither of the machines to try them out. Would love to make it to pioneer TN. Sounds like a great time. We'll see. For the money, I don't want to make the wrong call. But either machine is likely to be great choice.

Welcome fellow Michigander from the clutches of Big Gretch!

Where bouts you located in the Mitten?
Like @906UP said they are apples and oranges different. I started with a P1 and still have it. Then got a Talon X2 they are both good machines but the P1 will be more versatile. If u get a P1 get one with the fox shocks from the factory. Makes all the difference

 

[Scrappapotamus]

Welcome. I have both as well and concur. I'm hoping to bring the Talons and P1K-5 to TO this year. I would think the Talon wins but I had a blast at TO 23 in the Pioneer.

 

[gparks]

I have had both. First the pioneer then the Talon 1000X4. I can honestly say for trail rides and comfort Talon 💯 if for working around the house then the Pioneer. The Talon makes things easy compared to the pioneer on the trails.

 

[Plumber32]

X2 own both my kids hate the back seats in the Pioneer anymore since we got the x4 they love riding all day! The talon is way better suited for riding with multiple passengers adults and kids. There's the Pioneer 6 seat too

 

[406 bowtie]

Thanks everyone,
I'm from the barry county/dowling area. We do road riding and enjoy riding the fire roads in the U.P Newberry area. Also plan on hitting some Grayling trails. I love riding in the mountains of West Virginia, and my bucket list is going out to Utah. I will probably be going to Utah next spring. Im old enough to feel all the aches and pains from my younger days, but still young enough, I like to drive a little on the spirited side. Although I don't see ever getting much over 40 on any kind of trail/road. Most riding would probably be closer to 25/30. I don't plan on necessarily attempting the escalator, or any of the bigger obstacles in Utah, but I definitely want to get to them and see them. Again, my spirited driving can be left to my quad, or hot rod, when the family are not in with me. Lol

 

[cschannuth]

Hey guys and gals.
I didnt find what I was looking for in a search, and I am brand new here. I have been a quad rider for many years, and motorcycles before that. Will be 50 in 5 months. Looking to pick up a sxs in the next couple of months. I really like the idea of the pioneer 1000-5 for my wife and I. I have a 13 year old son, and a quad for him. However, we took a trip to hatfield mccoy's rockhouse trails last week, with the son and wife. Let's just say everyone is safe, but neither one of them, is looking to go ride quads in the mountains anytime soon. Unfortunately, they are both fairly new riders, and I was not sure they were ready for the trip. We only rode 20 minutes, before they both said uncle. Anyways, I like the length and the utility aspect of the pioneer, but wonder if the talon is a better option. We plan on mostly trail riding in upper an lower michigan. But they still like the idea of going back to hatfield mccoy, but not on a quad. I ride a honda 520 pioneer now. But came from a polaris sportsman. I get the honda ride can be a little rough. But how bad is the ride going to be on a pioneer, with the trail suspension. The dealer told me, we probably wouldn't like the pioneer for mostly trail riding. I realize the talon would definitely be smoother, but it's like 3 feet longer. I see some of the 4 seaters sxs having to do 3 point turns on the switch backs. They just seem so long. And then there is no utility to them. Is the pioneer just going to beat my wife and I up? I want her to be comfortable, and not wore out from a beating. But with a younger child, I think we need a 4 seater. Otherwise, I would get a 2 seater talon, and let him follow. But not in the mountains. Lol.
I know this is a personal choice and one man's rough is subjective. But wanted some educated opinions.
Thanks

I started off with a base utility Yamaha rhino and then went with a new base model John Deere gator 590 because I had a buddy who worked at a John Deere dealership. I used to have a golf cart that was a four seater and we used that to haul people around in the woods when we would spend time at our property, but I sold that when I bought the gator. I missed the four seats ever since. All three of my previous vehicles rode slightly better and smoother than the Honda 700–4 and the build quality was much better on all of them compared to the Honda, but I still love the Honda because of its versatility. 95% of the time I need the bed but for the 5% of the time I need to haul passengers there’s nothing else like it. All of the other two row side by sides were way too long and cumbersome, and usually the beds were very small.

 

[Remington]

Thanks everyone,
I'm from the barry county/dowling area. We do road riding and enjoy riding the fire roads in the U.P Newberry area. Also plan on hitting some Grayling trails. I love riding in the mountains of West Virginia, and my bucket list is going out to Utah. I will probably be going to Utah next spring. Im old enough to feel all the aches and pains from my younger days, but still young enough, I like to drive a little on the spirited side. Although I don't see ever getting much over 40 on any kind of trail/road. Most riding would probably be closer to 25/30. I don't plan on necessarily attempting the escalator, or any of the bigger obstacles in Utah, but I definitely want to get to them and see them. Again, my spirited driving can be left to my quad, or hot rod, when the family are not in with me. Lol

@406 bowtie You sound mike the rest of us.
Soooo its been a month since your last post and asked the question and our well informed members gave you there best edumicated answers.
Have you decided? Did you get one? If so what did u get? POIDH!
Dont be like Epstine and leave us Hanging?

 

[CID]

Thanks everyone,
... and my bucket list is going out to Utah. ...

I will probably be going to Utah next spring.

Welcome from the once great state of Colorado.

Utah sux, but I hear Iowa is nice.

Click on the pics for larger image -

... I'm old enough to feel all the aches and pains from my younger days, but still young enough, I like to drive a little on the spirited side.

#metoo I'm retired and thought I had outlived my need for speed until I rode with another Talon ... found out I still haz it.

Talon R-4 for the win (for you, I have the 2 seater).

Although I don't see ever getting much over 40 on any kind of trail/road. Most riding would probably be closer to 25/30. I don't plan on necessarily attempting the escalator, or any of the bigger obstacles in Utah, but I definitely want to get to them and see them. Again, my spirited driving can be left to my quad, or hot rod, when the family are not in with me. Lol

No, it can't. 😍

 

[Robobrainiac]

I have driven Drummond Island Michigan a few times. My family and I will be heading up there again in July. It will be my wife and I with 5 family members.

We have taken 2 family members in the past and stuck them in the Pioneer 1000-5. They enjoy the ride but really dislike the rear seats.

This year my wife and I decided to go big and purchase another side by side.

Locally in MO the trail parks can have alot of trees. Some areas are in-accessible in what I call limosines. We have watched the limos that follow us turn back.

The Pioneer @13.8ft has one of the best turn radius you can find while the talon 4 seater @22.6ft is almost the worst.

The Pioneer is definitely more comfortable with fox shocks. I have never been in a talon.

My wife and I purchased the Kawasaki Teryx4 for the family to use. Very comfortable machine. The noise level drives us crazy. I assume all belt drive machines are loud. The Honda DCT will spoil you.

Yesterday my family took their first ride in the Teryx4. They were glowing when done. They absolutely love the comfort. They are very excited to drive themselves as well.

The day before yesterday I semi cobbled together the Rugged Radio 696 with alphabass headsets into the Teryx4. My wife really likes the Rugged Radio. The family got to ride with the Rugged Radio and really enjoyed it. They appreciate the noise reduction and music enjoyment. The comments I got were that they feel like a helicopter flying in a cloud with the headsets.

For me and my house: turning radius is an essential factor. It was a factor in the pioneer purchase and is a factor in the Teryx4 purchase.

Your typical road is 10ish ft wide per lane. So a talon 4 would be in the ditch before it could make a turn on a road without shoulders.

A jeep wrangler can turn @16.35ft

 

[ChadD]

I have driven Drummond Island Michigan a few times. My family and I will be heading up there again in July. It will be my wife and I with 5 family members.

We have taken 2 family members in the past and stuck them in the Pioneer 1000-5. They enjoy the ride but really dislike the rear seats.

This year my wife and I decided to go big and purchase another side by side.

Locally in MO the trail parks can have alot of trees. Some areas are in-accessible in what I call limosines. We have watched the limos that follow us turn back.

The Pioneer @13.8ft has one of the best turn radius you can find while the talon 4 seater @22.6ft is almost the worst.

The Pioneer is definitely more comfortable with fox shocks. I have never been in a talon.

My wife and I purchased the Kawasaki Teryx4 for the family to use. Very comfortable machine. The noise level drives us crazy. I assume all belt drive machines are loud. The Honda DCT will spoil you.

Yesterday my family took their first ride in the Teryx4. They were glowing when done. They absolutely love the comfort. They are very excited to drive themselves as well.

The day before yesterday I semi cobbled together the Rugged Radio 696 with alphabass headsets into the Teryx4. My wife really likes the Rugged Radio. The family got to ride with the Rugged Radio and really enjoyed it. They appreciate the noise reduction and music enjoyment. The comments I got were that they feel like a helicopter flying in a cloud with the headsets.

For me and my house: turning radius is an essential factor. It was a factor in the pioneer purchase and is a factor in the Teryx4 purchase.

Your typical road is 10ish ft wide per lane. So a talon 4 would be in the ditch before it could make a turn on a road without shoulders.

A jeep wrangler can turn @16.35ft

I don't own a talon but would think you could turn tighter with a heavy throttle 😉🤘😎🤪🤣🤣🤣

 

[CID]

I have driven Drummond Island Michigan a few times. My family and I will be heading up there again in July. It will be my wife and I with 5 family members.

We have taken 2 family members in the past and stuck them in the Pioneer 1000-5. They enjoy the ride but really dislike the rear seats.

This year my wife and I decided to go big and purchase another side by side.

Locally in MO the trail parks can have alot of trees. Some areas are in-accessible in what I call limosines. We have watched the limos that follow us turn back.

The Pioneer @13.8ft has one of the best turn radius you can find while the talon 4 seater @22.6ft is almost the worst.

The Pioneer is definitely more comfortable with fox shocks. I have never been in a talon.

My wife and I purchased the Kawasaki Teryx4 for the family to use. Very comfortable machine. The noise level drives us crazy. I assume all belt drive machines are loud. The Honda DCT will spoil you.

Yesterday my family took their first ride in the Teryx4. They were glowing when done. They absolutely love the comfort. They are very excited to drive themselves as well.

The day before yesterday I semi cobbled together the Rugged Radio 696 with alphabass headsets into the Teryx4. My wife really likes the Rugged Radio. The family got to ride with the Rugged Radio and really enjoyed it. They appreciate the noise reduction and music enjoyment. The comments I got were that they feel like a helicopter flying in a cloud with the headsets.

For me and my house: turning radius is an essential factor. It was a factor in the pioneer purchase and is a factor in the Teryx4 purchase.

Your typical road is 10ish ft wide per lane. So a talon 4 would be in the ditch before it could make a turn on a road without shoulders.

A jeep wrangler can turn @16.35ft

I don't own a talon but would think you could turn tighter with a heavy throttle 😉🤘😎🤪🤣🤣🤣

Once upon a time, I thought the 4 seat busses with 200" wheelbases would be unusable in the woods. Turning radius and breakover angle seemed to be insurmountable hurdles for those really looooooooong vehicles. But after watching many Blown Budget Offroad videos (since retired from SxS's), I'm not so sure. Those guys filmed some 4 seaters in impossible conditions and, at times, the longer wheelbase helped getting over really difficult obstacles. If you're riding in really tight woods, it probably matters but for a lot of guys, it doesn't. Note that I'm not speaking from experience, just an innerweb opinion.

Tramgauge1 rides with Hondasxs and Adam490 (I think) in his R 4, both known lunatics and seems to go where they go.

There aren't any absolute answers.