2020 Honda Talon 1000X-4 and Updated Rubicon Preview

Leaning on the hashtag “Life is Better SXS” Honda has brought that into 2020 double time with the release of its latest in UTV, the 2020 Honda Talon 1000X-4 AND Talon 1000X-4 “Live Valve.” These two brand new machines will give any family a chance to find their own adventure in the outdoors.

Utilizing the same engine and transmission platform as in the two-seat Honda Talon, the next generation finds a stretch limo style seating component to add to the excitement. The seats in the two rear riding positions are exactly the same construction as the front, but these are raised up about 75mm and moved to the center of the Talon 50mm more to give that stadium-style seating. This gives the rear passengers the ability to see the road ahead and makes for a much better experience. The rear doors on this new Honda Talon 1000X-4 are wide and give ample room for entry into the additional passenger compartment.

If you look down the side of this new rig you will notice the tubular frame actually extends outside of the plastic and acts like a nerf bar of sorts. It is much more prevalent on the orange frame of the Honda Talon 1000X-4 Live Valve version of this model. Speaking of the Live Valve model, the team at Honda brought in shock experts from FOX and they developed a new shock system together to further the thrill of off-road for the family.

As you may remember, the original Talon has the Fox Podium 2.0 shocks with QS3 3-position adjusters mounted on the reservoir. The new Honda Talon 1000X-4 Live Valve has a shock package that is electronically controlled by many variable inputs and beefy 2.5 shock bodies are utilized for these shocks. This takes the adjustment of the suspension to a new level as well as right out of the hands of the driver. Unlike a similar system in the market, the “Live Valve” system does not currently give the driver any input and allows no changes to ride quality other than maybe spring preload adjustability. If that isn’t enough, the newest Talon 1000X-4 Live Valve also comes with Launch mode! This gives the driver something to lay it on the line with if he or she is ever challenged. Yes, there is another manufacturer with a version of this, but it’s still a very exciting addition to the fold!

According to Honda “The Talon 1000X-4 FOX Live Valve features advanced electronic suspension that incorporates all facets of the driving experience into a unified system that elevates performance. The system constantly monitors variables including compression speed, steering, braking, throttle position, rpm, vehicle weight, selected gear, vehicle speed and vehicle orientation (via a five-axis Inertial Measurement Unit, or IMU). Leveraging advanced algorithms and a sophisticated IMU with offering class-leading communication speed through enhanced signal quality, the system electronically adjusts the individual shocks accordingly, delivering optimal handling and performance that is appropriate for the selected drive mode.”

2020 Honda Rubicon Update

On the heels of the much anticipated and very well received Honda Talon 1000X4 release to the off-road community, Honda has also come back to the market again with many more updates to its ATV family. Some of the most notable points of interest would be the engine displacement changes to their popular Rubicon ATV. Building on the popular displacement, Honda brings the normally 487cc mill to a 518cc mid-bore machine. The power of this new engine is gained through displacement size as well as engine management through the fuel mapping that gives the Rubicon a bolder bottom and mid-range power gain.

From the power delivery side, we see the new DCT transmission programming that will give riders a better experience overall on the DCT and EPS equipped models. These two features allow riders to better focus on the trail ahead and adjust the machines gearing on demand with the left bar mounted buttons. As for getting out of that sticky situation, there is a new reverse gear engagement design as well. With the simple pull of a small lever, riders can go from first gear to reverse in a flash and then right back to first without ever removing their hands from the bars. This will benefit everyone in our humble opinion like those who live in the snowy sections of the states where plowing a driveway is a daily task in the winter time.

If you need to secure items to the rack system on your Foreman or Foreman Rubicon, Honda has designed what it calls its Pro-Connect rack system. The rack is designed with small square holes in the surface that are attachment points for Honda’s accessory boxes or other accessories. The snap-in style makes these racks very versatile and when not in use the Pro-Connect locations are well suited for simple bungee cord tie down locations.

Honda is on the gas for the 2020 model year and one thing it is getting across to the loyal Honda enthusiasts is that it is hearing what the enthusiasts are saying.