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UTVNEWS.COM 79 Honda's Parts and Accessories division for installation. And if Honda didn't make something we wanted to try, we brought that along, too. This isn't a full race rig build, or even an over-the-top, magazine-style, build-off behemoth with no regard for real people's budgets. We wanted to accessorize the Honda Talon 1000R within reason, add things people would actually do to improve the comfort and capability of their everyday rides without excessive modification. We also installed a set of System 3 Racing wheels and tires, outfitted KLIM Helmets with Cardo communica- tion systems and went out for another joy ride! Honda Talon 1000R Final Grade After the end of our multi-day test, Real World Rides testers Brent and Haley came away impressed with the Honda Talon 1000R. From a background of off-road, the Honda Talon seemed to fit their needs and desires for a fun, reliable and capable SXS vehicle. Honda's DCT Continues to Shine Brent and Haley have a lot of friends with SXS, and even they were somewhat surprised in the Honda's performance compared to the others in their group. While the Honda Talon doesn't have the horsepower numbers to blow the competition away in comparison charts, Brent felt the power delivery, combined with the directness of the power delivery through the DCT, meant the Honda felt just as potent on the trails. The DCT was almost always a point of conversation in our talks. Brent loved how it shifted in standard mode and in Sport mode, the fun was simply elevated. He felt like the gear shifts were spot on and the downshifts helped the Talon settle into corners with a bit of engine braking. Likewise, the real engine-braking performance of the direct, gear-driven transmission meant less brake use on steeper downhills and a more confidence-inspir- ing experience all around. This was especially true when overriding the DCT with the manual shifting paddles. Here, Brent found he could drop a gear when needed and let the engine do the work for him. Although manual shifting was fun, even Brent admitted the DCT was so good at shifting that he started to not go manual much. Honda's i-4WD For the Win, Again. While most SXS use in the West is in 2WD mode, Hon- da's i-4WD system has proven itself in this test as an extremely useful tool in faster-paced situations. i-4WD means the Honda Talon 1000R simply moves forward, faster, in challenging and slippery situations. Our tes- ters really appreciated this as terrain got steeper and more challenging, as well. They weren't simply spinning wheels and hoping for traction. The i-4WD system ac- tually finds traction and puts the power to the ground. It's one of the most efficient traction systems in-play in the market, for sure. Handling the Hits The standard Fox Podium 2.5 shocks front and rear worked absolutely flawlessly in Arizona. Brent and Haley weren't exactly nice to them, either. But they also were riding trails they'd actually like to ride and not hitting sand whoops for miles on end. For mobbing the local stuff and hitting some rocky hill climbs, they didn't even touch the QS-3 quick adjusters. For most owners, these shocks are serious performers. And in our testing at the launch, we felt they worked great when pushed to the limits we were comfortable doing. Honda Talon 1000R Tucson - Ep 3