I am fairly convinced that there is just no way to *seal* the cockpit dust-tight. There are just too many holes/openings in the Talon. It is a delicate balance between stopping unwanted dust while keeping enough air flowing through to maintain some level of comfort on hot, sultry days. What I have done to try to mitigate the dust issue is to:
- Add a rear window to keep dust from rolling in the back
- Add a SuperATV folding windshield
The windshield has three positions: 1) closed, 2) vent, and 3) open (see pics).
Admittedly, I have not had a chance to test these items yet. But, in a cursory run around the block I was able to test how well the windshield works. I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of air that came through in the vent position.
My back window is the Honda soft version
I believe the combination of a windshield and back window will do about as much as one is able to do toward minimizing dust. I think we'll like the options afforded by the SuperATV folding windshield. However, it does put the seam between the two panels right at eye level for my wife and she's already expressed some concern about it. I'm 6'4" and it doesn't bother me at all. The whole package does, however, tend to make the rig feel a bit more confining - especially when looking out the front with the windshield up. It's somewhat like having the bill of a giant baseball cap in your vision. I do worry some about catching/scratching it on low-hanging limbs.
BTW - I have tried to minimize the dust routes in the floors (re: HUGE, gaping holes in proximity to the rear seat mounts) by temporarily covering them as best I could with black Gorilla duct tape. If this seems to make a noticeable difference I will try to cobble together a more permanent solution.
As I get some miles under me with this set up I'll report back. Fortunately for me, my wife has spent LOTS of miles in dust clouds on the Grizzly 700's and is used to the dusty mess. Not saying she likes it, but it isn't a surprise for her, so there's that.
Steve
