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situations and this process functions seamlessly without removing the drivers focus from the trail ahead. As we have learned even more about i-4WD it was very clear that the system was not just effective for the literal forward or reverse traction of the Talon. And, as you can imagine, combing FOX Live Valve suspension tech to a i-4WD equipped machine makes a potent combination. But even without the electronic suspension, Honda is deliv- ering a very advanced ride. Having experienced all of the i-4WD features in different terrain we can attest to their ability to perform. Our first ride in the Talon was at the Honda testing grounds located in Cantil California just a few months before the machine had even been seen by the public. This half day ride was just enough to experience i-4WD. The Honda Talon didn't miss a beat climbing at slower speeds through rough rocky sections of the desert type terrain, The ground below our ride was constantly changing but traction was never an issue. Fast forward to the terrain of Sand Hollow in Hurricane Utah and the various outcroppings of slick rock there we found ourselves climbing steeper grades with little trouble. Of course, being smooth on the throttle in the rock-climb- ing section gave us the best result for our testing and it was clear that the i-4WD system functioned as Honda had intended. Many hardcore rock crawl aficionados will say that a true locked front differential is the only way to go but in my experience in the Honda Talon, the general public will never miss a full lock front diff. Let's be real here, if you can get the same or very similar results of a locked front differential without all of the drawbacks that come with it then why wouldn't you want too? The same held true for our tests in Arizona in 2019 on the Talon 1000R, there, in the wide-open outskirts of Tuscon, we held the Talon wide open in i-4WD mode and let the machine grip around corners and through sand washes. It really helped drive the ride forward at all times, not just when we thought we wanted four-wheel-drive. We were "Honda's i-4WD makes all-terrain navigation automatic and effective" surprised, honestly, that we didn't leave it in 2WD more often – it's that good. Finally, our most recent test of i-4WD came in Montana on the 2021 Talon 1000X Fox Live Valve model. This machine is the cream-of-the-crop for mountain-bound sport sxs's and the combination of technology really works. With i-4WD, loose and rocky Rocky Mountain terrain was a distant memory as the machine moved over it without trouble. In tighter, more technical mixed-surface driving, the machine was ultimately predictable. Truly, we think i-4WD is a game changer across the board. And we won't be surprised if almost all manufacturers come out with technology to try to catch Honda on this one. It's just better. 54 TALON GUIDE

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