Hondasxs
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Mid July, Honda flew us out to MidAmerica Outdoors in Jay Oklahoma to test drive the new 2023 Honda Talon 1000R4. Upon arriving at the venue, we were presented with a dozen shiny new Talon 1000R4s, as well as cars sponsored by Honda Factory Racing and RaceCo USA. We spent time exploring and pondering over these vehicles. Detailed pictures are available at the link below.
LINK --> Photo Gallery of the Talon 1000 R4
LINK --> RACECO Talon 1000 Race Team Machine Photo Drop.
LINK --> Proctor Race Teams Honda Talon 1000 photo drop.
After dinner, we attended a full presentation of the new R4, which you can watch below. Several representatives from Honda covered the full details of its design and the reasoning for the changes made to this model. Most notably the R part, meaning a wider stance than the previous Talon x4. You can watch the slide presentation below.
Breaking down the TWO - 2023 Talon model lines.... (Yes, they are different!!!)
Before we get too deep, I think it's important we break down the full current 2023 line as these changes do not apply to them all. Without this understanding of the differences, you can easily be misled about which unit has these updates and which does not.
2023 Talon "S" Models...... (shown above)
In February, Honda announced the 2023 Honda Talon "S" model. This model was specially released to help relieve backlogged build inventory, supplies, and older 2022 parts held up due to ongoing Covid-19 issues. Honda said the "S" models were built to exactly 2022 model year specs. This allowed for more units to hit the market before the official 2023 Talon models were ready to be released. This "S" line will most likely be washed out in 2024 once all the backlogged 2022 parts are exhausted.
NOTE: For the sake of confusion, any reference to a Talon "S" model should be considered a 2022 unit by design.
2023 Talon 1000 - not "S" models (shown above)
Released in early June, The new 2023 Honda Talon 1000 LV (not "S") models delivered a host of changes and updates to the Talon line. Including the anticipated Talon 1000R4. Currently, this updated Talon is only available in Live Valve to include the Talon 1000 R2LV, X2LV, X4LV, and R4LV. Honda mentioned releasing the updated non-LV models "at a later date" but we expect that to just be with the release of the 2024 models. Yet, if sales go well Honda may choose to introduce the updated non-LV models once the previous issues get resolved.
Updates, Changes, and New Features for the 2023 Honda Talon Line.
Before we get too deep into the R4. let's discuss what's new with the 2023 Talon 1000 LV models.- NEW ESP UNIT
- A new and updated ESP unit delivered 87% more torque assist than the previous models.
- New "return to center" as previously seen with the 2022 Pioneer 1000-6 lineup. This allows for more effortless recovery when making sharp turns.
- On-Center assists with gradient detection to deliver ultra-smooth turning in challenging environments.
- Shorter Wheelbase - The wheelbase on the 2023 R2 model is two inches shorter than the 2022 R2.
- This was accomplished by combining the X steering rack components with a shorter wheelbase.
- 2-foot better-turning radius for the R2 vs the 2022 Talon R2.
- This was accomplished by encompassing the X steering rack components combined with a shorter wheelbase.
- Full coverage doors were introduced due to user feedback.
- The new doors include storage pockets and cup holders. We found them to be very useful out on the trail.
- New aluminum wheels.
- New Kenda tires feature a thicker sidewall for increased protection from pinch flats.
- Full-painted plastics with color-matched frame and suspension.
- Sport mode now works in High OR Low. This is said to maximize responsiveness with moderate to heavy loads.
- ROPS tubing thickness increased from 1.5mm to 2.3mm
- New and stronger holding differential seals.
- Helical Spline axles and hubs.
- Axle nut is +2mm sizing over the 2022 my and updated torque specs.
- Note: 2022 was increased +2mm over the 2021 my .
- Recap: 2023 is +4mm axle nut upsizing over the <2021 my .
- I4wd brake-traction control system updated for better function.
- It was also mentioned the programming was improved for better oversize tire acceptance.
R4 Live Valve available now - $25,799
X4 Live Valve available now - $24,799
R2 Live Valve available now - $23,499
X2 Live Valve available Mid-August - $22,499
What about the updated NON-Live Valve models?
Honda said the non-LV models would be announced and released "at a later date". It was unclear if "later" was this year. We expect these will be announced for 2024 as the "S" models are phased out.
Talon X4 vs R4 Notable specs.
Suspension Travel:
X4 - Front 14.4" - Rear 15"
R4 - Front 17.7" - Rear 20.1"
Wheelbase:
X4 - 116.4"
R4 - 118.7"
Width:
X4 - 64"
R4 - 68.1"
Weight:
X4 - 1,795 lbs.
R4 - 1,843 lbs.
Turning Radius:
X4 - 21.7 ft.
R4 -22.6 ft.
Now, Let's talk about test driving the NEW TALON 1000R4!!!!
We had the pleasure to run a few miles of trail around MidAmerica. Once we were able to cut loose, we noticed what a difference the power steering made. We expected to have trouble in some tight turns, but it seemed the R4 was able to make most of them with no issues. Owning a 2021 Talon R2, I know how big the turning radius was and I honestly can't say the R4 felt any wider. My R2 often required 2 hands to make a hard turn, especially on pavement, but with this 2023 R4, I was able to make the turns with ease due to the new power steering unit.
As for suspension, it has been known the current Talon X4 units ride better than the R2 units. This new R4 unit rides even better with the additional suspension and travel. The length of the unit helped with some of the roughness I experienced in the 2 seaters. Front or back seat this unit road well. Just like the current line, this machine is built to get up and go. The suspension excelled at higher speeds and was able to soak up many of the bumps and challenges we put it against. Taking a few hot laps around MidAmerica is where this machine was able to shine.
We noticed some shift point changes, with the clunkiness of shifting at lower speeds seemingly reduced. The Honda technician indicated that modifications were made to the shift points specifically to deliver improvements. These were welcome changes, as the jerkiness of the previous models was a drawback. The smoothness of the shifting added to the enjoyment of the test drive.
Overall, we expect an R4 in our garage before too long. Having a family, this machine would be a blast to take out for an adventure. And being a Honda, we are confident the right decision was made by choosing the 2023 Honda Talon R4.
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