The convenience of an automatic with the strength, control, and efficiency of a manual, our Honda gear-driven DCT lets you drive the way you want. Choose between manual mode or fully automatic. Plus, the addition of Sport Mode increases the fun, shifting at higher RPM for a spirited, full-performance driving experience. DCT puts you in control as to what engine speed you want, and what gear ratio. Or you can let it do all the thinking for you. In addition, you also get genuine engine braking and more efficient power delivery than a belt-driven CVT.
The Talon 1000XS showcases the second generation of our exclusive i-4WD system, specifically tuned to respond quicker and capable of delivering even more drive force. Think “i” for “intelligent,” because that’s exactly what it is. An industry-first brake-traction control system for side-by-sides, it simplifies operation, increases drivability and optimizes available traction. Based on proven, advanced technology from our automotive division, you get the benefits associated with a locked front differential with none of the downsides. That means it helps maintain front-wheel traction even if one wheel wants to spin on ice or mud or if it’s in a hole. But at the same time, you get the lighter steering, better tracking at high speeds, tighter turning radius, and reduced kickback associated with unlocked front differentials. Special software tunes the i-4WD system for sport use.
Nobody wants to get beat off the line, and with a Talon 1000XS FOX Live Valve model you’ll be the one doing the laughing. It’s the only side-by-side with both a gear-driven automatic transmission and a Launch Mode. And it’s easy to use: Just hold down the brake, press the Launch Mode switch, hold both paddle shifters back, floor the gas pedal, and release the paddles. Hold on tight, because you’re going to be feeling serious acceleration. The DCT automatically shifts up too, so you keep going through all the gears. Launch Mode even features a special yaw control, so you launch straight and true.
When it comes to strength and toughness, the Talon 1000XS leads the way. The oversized 87mm CV joints, beefy 39.7mm driveshafts and strong U-joints are all built to survive the loads that low-speed rockcrawling can generate—and which cause driveline failures in so many other side-by-sides.
Steering column-mounted paddle shifters add a serious dose of performance and a handful of fun in every drive. In Manual mode, they let you shift without ever taking your hands off the steering wheel, and in Automatic mode, they let you override the current gear with a quick up or downshift, holding that gear for several seconds before returning back to Automatic mode.
One of the great aspects of our Talons’ automatic DCT transmission is how much control you have. We made manual shifting even more fun, by reshaping our paddle shifters and making them larger too.
With a full 42 percent gear reduction between High and Low, you get the torque you need in all six gears. That’s sure to come in handy when driving over difficult terrain, scaling hills or rock crawling.
Need to stop while going uphill? Hill Start Assist automatically holds your Talon 1000XS in position while you move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator—there’s no roll-back drama. It even works on the downhills, too!
Want to access all of the available traction? Put it in i-4WD. Need maximum power at all four wheels? i-4WD eliminates the need for traditional locking differentials. Want to use 2WD for lighter steering or specific terrain? The Talon 1000XS lets you do it all, and the best part is, you can do it all with the push of a button.
Tear a CV boot, and it’s only a matter of time before you’ll be making a costly replacement. That’s why we give the Talon 1000XS’ CV joints double protection: First, we design them to tuck up tight covered by the suspension arms. Second, the CV joints themselves get a special guard to offer even more protection.
The brain of the DCT, Advanced Transmission Logic, senses how you drive and adapts. Relaxed drivers get earlier shifts for a quieter ride at lower engine speeds. Sportier drivers will hold each gear longer for higher RPM shifts. And when going downhill, you get true engine braking. Now that’s a smart transmission.
Spiral-cut gears in your Talon 1000XS’ final drive mean the load is shared over several teeth, not just one, and that means they’re quieter and produce less vibration too.
Compared to a belt driven CVT transmission, the Talon 1000XS’ positive automatic gear-driven DCT gearbox gives you a far more connected feel with your side-by-side. Combine that with the Talon 1000XS’ responsive engine, and you’ll see why a Talon 1000XS gives you a superior sense of control and a connected feel.
Balance is the key to great handling, and that’s why we put the Talon 1000XS’s engine where we do. Mounted behind the cab, it results in an excellent, neutral weight distribution.
By fitting the Talon with low expansion brake hoses, you get better pedal feel and rock-solid braking performance.
Standard equipment on all Talon models, our Electric Power Steering system helps eliminate bump steer through rocky and rutted terrain, which reduces fatigue. What makes it even better is the added assist you get when you need it most, like when you’re in 4WD, driving at lower speeds, or maneuvering over rough conditions. Plus, this next-generation system is specially tuned to give you the right amount of feedback for sport-driving.
Because our DCT is built with steel gears inside, there are no drive belts to slip, break, or burn up, and there’s no torque converter. It's as tough and efficient as any manual gearbox.