Cars

2019 Honda Talon: Exploring Utah in Honda's first sport side-by-side

Honda enters the sport side-by-side segment with the 2019 Talon, which packs an 104-hp engine with a dual-clutch transmission and Fox shocks.

Jon Wong

Jon Wong was a reviews editor for CNET Cars. He test drove and wrote about new cars and oversaw coverage of automotive accessories and garage gear. In his spare time, he enjoys track days, caring for his fleet of old Japanese cars and searching for the next one to add to his garage.

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Jon Wong

March 20, 2019 2:00 a.m. PT

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In addition to building automobiles, Honda is well known in the powersport space for its motorcycles, scooters and ATVs. The 2019 Talon represents the company's first sport side-by-side.

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To look the part, the Talon's exterior is styled after Honda's CRF dirt bikes, with a high beltline and functional shrouds and side vents on the painted plastic bodywork.

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The painted plastic bodywork covers a one-piece, powder-coated frame.

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Inside the Talon's cabin, comfort is the focus with automotive grade, steel frame seats, tilting steering wheel, adjustable passenger grab handle and cup holders.

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Powering the 2019 Honda Talon is a 999-cc inline two-cylinder engine making 104 horsepower.

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Bolting to the engine is a segment-exclusive six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

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With the I-4WD system, the Talon can operated in two- or four-wheel drive with torque-biasing front differential, brake-based traction control and hill start assist to make off-road adventures a bit easier.

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Both the smaller Talon 1000X and larger Talon 1000R models feature adjustable Fox shock absorbers and come riding on 15-inch Maxxis tires.

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In addition to the body being slightly larger than the 1000X's, the 1000R's suspension features more travel.

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The 2019 Honda Talons are trickling into dealers now with the 1000X starting at $19,999 and 1000R beginning at $20,999. Neither price includes $940 for destination charges.