Honda's Launch Mode is a feature that gives racers at
heart, or those lining up to compete, a chance to chal-
lenge their friends and rivals off the line. This simple to
operate yet internally complex feature utilizes the two
paddle shifters as well as a dash mounted button, foot
brake and the gas pedal. So, let's say you have been
issued a challenge from your buddy in his or her SXS.
You know you might have a better chance in getting
the bragging rights because you have Honda's Launch
Mode stuffed inside your Honda Talon. Here's how this
is going down!
To operate launch mode, you would just pull up
alongside the first loser, hold the foot brake, press the
center console switch and look for the amber "Launch
Mode" light on the dash to come on. Then, you pull
both paddle shifters back to the steering wheel, let
off the brake and look over while you stand on the
gas. The serious tone from Honda's exhaust will
immediately catch their attention and put the first
brush of doubt in their mind. Then, on the "GO" sign,
releasing the paddles will catapult you into the lead
and into the next campfire discussion of, "How did you
do that!?" Unfortunately for your buddies they won't
be able to match you off the line.
Launch Mode allows the driver to launch anywhere along
the RPM range, but for the best result, tickling the limiter
is recommended. It's a bit nerve racking as your 999cc
fuel injected engine begins to rev but just know that these
58 TALON GUIDE
