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drive transmission. The CVT belt rides in a drive pulley (on the crankshaft of the engine) and a driven pulley (on the in- put shaft of the transmission) as the engine RPM increases the drive pulley begins to pinch the belt, raising it in the drive pulley and the driven starts to spread apart lowering the belt to the input shaft of the transmission. This is how you get your simulated gearing. Although these systems have performed well in the past the belt seems to be the weak link in the mix. If you are wondering just how these two com- pare its simple, the only similarity is that they both deliver the power to the ground from the crankshaft of the engine. Some of the advantages we find in favor of the Dual Clutch Transmission when compared to the CVT transmis- sion are that engine braking is so much more consistent. Making our way through the slick rock of Sand Hollow in Hurricane Utah or the steep, rocky hills of Montana, it was evident that the gears never let go or free wheel like a traditional CVT might do at lower RPM. It was also noted that on a steep downhill, tapping the gas did not result in any abrupt back shifting like some CVT components would typically give you. Instead, the Honda Talon DCT transmission maintained consistent engine breaking all the way through the descent. We also like the fact that if it was determined to need a taller or shorter gear during our ride, all we had to do was select up or down on the paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. It just seems to give the driver more confidence and a feeling of total control of the transmission should he or she desire it. This dual clutch transmission also shifts without losing power like some traditional manual shift transmission do. Simply put, it has been our experience that DCT allowed us to focus on the trail ahead but with the flip of a switch or paddle we were immersed in the sporty feel of a fully manual transmission. It brings a connected feel when you want it and allows you to enjoy more of the adventure when the sights and sounds of the trail take over. Whether we experienced the DCT transmission in the Honda Talon or in one of the Honda ATV's it always gave us great performance and confidence knowing that it is built with Honda reliability. DCT gives you drive you can count on, every time. No belts to break or burn as you get out and adventure. 28 TALON GUIDE