My dad and I are looking at purchasing pioneer 1000s or talons and we are really curious how they would do on long distance rides, where we live they allow quads and side by sides. We would be doing 80-100 mile runs cruising a steady 40-45 mph. Would they handle it? No one has given us a yes or no if they would be ok doing long cruises at 40ish
The key to enjoying sxs' on long rides is comfort. A nice riding machine makes a world of difference. In that case you would be the happiest with the Talon R. The long travel suspension without modification is by far he best ride over rough terrain with superb handling. The seat is surprisingly comfortable.
The X rides very much like a Polaris 800/900 due to the design of its suspension. The pioneers also ride rougher due to their design. I spent $1300 to upgrade the suspension on my RZR 1000 and was pretty happy. But when I test drove the Talon R, it was far better.
What is rarely mentioned is the traction control i4WD. It really gives you control on slippery dirt roads. Where a non equipped vehicle would start drifting, the i4WD corrects that with electronically balanced braking. Also in panic or hard braking, it keeps the rear tires from locking up, preventing the rear end from fish tailing. Ever come into a turn too fast and have to get on the brakes? With my RZR, that would lock the rear and I would start counter steering and pumping the brakes to try and stay in control. That is why you always run in 4WD when on the dirt.
I routinely ride more than 100 miles, with the longest so far 155 miles. I pulled the plastic sleeve out of my fill pipe for ease of filling and added capacity. But I have a 10+ gallon replacement tank on order. On 45 mph rides you can see 16-17 regularly, and at higher altitudes and with 32" tires I saw 20-21 mpg. On normal trail rides 15-17 , slow low gear climbing trips 13-14. So for longer rides I carry a 3 gallon Rotopax gas can.
Oh also the Talon easily can handle running at 55-65mph all day. Top speed limited at 74 mph. Although in the summer time you will feel he heat from the radiator and radiator lines running to the engine.
