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Fellers, I figured I would write a short comparison on the X3 I picked up vs the Talon for anyone shopping. Obviously they don't really compete in the same category, except in Canada they have a very similar MSRP (X3 DS Turbo R has a $500 lower MSRP than a Talon X)
Initial impressions, the Talon clearly has a higher quality interior, with the exception of the nintendo gameboy from the 90's style screen it has, placed in a dumb spot right in the middle. I prefer the seats in the Talon, and I prefer the upright seating position to the X3's F1 cockpit style where you're almost laying down. The Talon's seats are more comfy, and easier to get in and out of, however the X3 has much more leg room and way more hip/shoulder room. The X3 has a lot more hard, sharp plastic in the interior, and the Talon generally uses better quality materials in the interior.
Now, that's about where the comparison ends. I really liked the DCT of the Talon in most situations, and would prefer it to the belt for a number of reasons, however the X3 has done a great job with the belt. It's also nice being able to shift into low with no issues whatsoever, where I had to fight it to get into low in the Talon.
The suspension on the X3 is light years ahead of the Talon X in every conceivable way. It rides like a dream compared to the dump truck like ride of the Talon. I didn't realize how bad the Talon's rear end bucked until I rode the X3 on the same trails, and it's like huh. I don't need to slow down or risk being bucked into the trees at 70mph. I also REALLY enjoyed actually using the suspension clickers to adjust it to my tastes, rather than sticking them on all soft and still hating life in the X. Obviously, 20+ inches of useable travel trumps the ~15 the Talon had.
The engine is one of the comparisons I hesitate to make, as obviously 172hp turbo > 110hp, however I am comparing them based on cost here in Canada. OMG is it crazy how much power this thing has. Sounds really cool too being a triple with a turbo. I really enjoyed the Talon's engine as well, I thought it was great, however for the price, it should have had a factory turbo.
Initial impressions, the Talon clearly has a higher quality interior, with the exception of the nintendo gameboy from the 90's style screen it has, placed in a dumb spot right in the middle. I prefer the seats in the Talon, and I prefer the upright seating position to the X3's F1 cockpit style where you're almost laying down. The Talon's seats are more comfy, and easier to get in and out of, however the X3 has much more leg room and way more hip/shoulder room. The X3 has a lot more hard, sharp plastic in the interior, and the Talon generally uses better quality materials in the interior.
Now, that's about where the comparison ends. I really liked the DCT of the Talon in most situations, and would prefer it to the belt for a number of reasons, however the X3 has done a great job with the belt. It's also nice being able to shift into low with no issues whatsoever, where I had to fight it to get into low in the Talon.
The suspension on the X3 is light years ahead of the Talon X in every conceivable way. It rides like a dream compared to the dump truck like ride of the Talon. I didn't realize how bad the Talon's rear end bucked until I rode the X3 on the same trails, and it's like huh. I don't need to slow down or risk being bucked into the trees at 70mph. I also REALLY enjoyed actually using the suspension clickers to adjust it to my tastes, rather than sticking them on all soft and still hating life in the X. Obviously, 20+ inches of useable travel trumps the ~15 the Talon had.
The engine is one of the comparisons I hesitate to make, as obviously 172hp turbo > 110hp, however I am comparing them based on cost here in Canada. OMG is it crazy how much power this thing has. Sounds really cool too being a triple with a turbo. I really enjoyed the Talon's engine as well, I thought it was great, however for the price, it should have had a factory turbo.
