HONDA VS. POLARIS: SPEC SHOOTOUT

HONDA VS. POLARIS: SPEC SHOOTOUT

The 2020 new models are flooding in and Honda sent us through a loop with their recent release. We expected to see some modest hard-working UTV from the Ride Red company. Instead, they graced us with a Turbo kit for their Talon line and sent two all-new four-seat models our way: Talon 1000X-4 and 1000X-4 Live Valve.

Polaris was the first major UTV manufacturer to release a sport UTV with FOX Live Valve suspension installed from the factory. We were excited to test the capabilities of the system on the first two-seat version of the RZR XP Turbo Dynamix.

The first rendition worked well, but it needed some kinks to work out of the system. Not long after did the wider, longer travel, and ultimately more plush 2018 Polaris RZR XP Turbo S come out. We can’t praise Polaris enough for how well the system works on the S.

They changed the shocks to have 5 points of automatic electronic adjustments while driving instead of just three. Switching between Comfort, Sport and Firm modes on the fly was just as easy.

2019 models came around last year, and Polaris decided to include their Dynamix set up on some of their lesser powered and suspended models, like the RZR XP 4 1000 Dynamix.

HONDA VS. POLARIS: SPEC SHOOTOUT

The all-new 2020 Honda Talon 1000X-4 Live Valve model comes with 2.5-inch FOX Podium Live Valve shocks just like the Dynamix 4-seat RZR 1000. However, the shock lengths differ.

Now, we haven’t had a chance to pilot either of these machines, but we have the fast facts to compare the 2020 Honda Talon 1000X-4 Live Valve against the Dynamix. Let’s look at the specs!

SPECS:

2020 HONDA TALON 1000X-4 LIVE VALVE
Engine…UNICAM Parallel-twin, 4-stroke, Liquid-cooled
Displacement…999cc
Starter…Electric
Fuel system…EFI
Fuel capacity…7.7 gal.
Transmission…6-speed dual-clutch w/ high/low sub trans
Final drive…Shaft
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front…Dual A-arms w/ 14.6”
Rear…3-link Trailing-arm w/ 15”
Brakes:
Front…Dual hydraulic discs
Rear…Dual hydraulic discs
Tires:
Front…28×9-15
Rear…28×11-15
Overall measurements:
Length/width/height…152.6”/64”/78.5”
Ground clearance…12.8”
Wheelbase…116.4”
Curb weight…1735 lb.
Payload Capacity…N/A
Cargo bed capacity…299 lbs. max
Towing Capacity…N/A
Colors…Metallic Grey/Pearl Red
Contact…www.powersports.honda.com
Price…$24,000 estimated

2019 POLARIS RZR XP 4 1000 DYNAMIX
Engine…DOHC Parallel Twin, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled
Displacement…999cc
Starter…Electric
Fuel system…EFI
Fuel capacity…9.5 gal.
Transmission…Automatic CVT
Final drive…Shaft
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front…Dual A-arms w/ 16”
Rear…Trailing arm w/ 18”
Brakes:
Front…Dual hydraulic discs
Rear…Dual hydraulic discs
Tires:
Front…29×9-14
Rear…29×11-14
Overall measurements:
Length/width/height…146”/64”/73.75”
Ground clearance…14”
Wheelbase…117”
Curb weight…1670 lb.
Payload Capacity…900 lbs.
Cargo bed capacity…300 lbs. max
Towing Capacity…N/A
Colors…White Lightening
Contact…www.polaris.com
Price…$26,499

HONDA VS. POLARIS: SPEC SHOOTOUT

OUR THOUGHTS

It’s hard to say that the Honda Talon will have the winning ticket between these two machines. So far we know that the Talon weighs more, has a smaller fuel tank, is longer and taller, has less suspension travel, smaller tires but bigger wheels, and has less ground clearance.

We do believe that the Talon will be cheaper in price, but aren’t sure yet. The upsides to the Talon are its reliability and solid construction, a mechanical auto/manual transmission with a dual-clutch transmission (no CV belts to break!) barely shorter wheelbase, and without a doubt, the I-4WD system should beat out the Polaris’ On-Demand system.

Our time spent in the 2019 Honda Talon 1000X taught us that it handles quite well, power is potent and it is fun to drive. The machine feels tight and responsive, and the transmission works well. The standard FOX QS3 shocks, that the 2020 Talon 1000X-4 standard model also comes with, are worthy but the lack of suspension travel is a little rough on the 64-inch wide machine.

 

 

HONDA VS. POLARIS: SPEC SHOOTOUT

We have spent hundreds of hours in Polaris’ 64 inch wide RZR XP 1000/Turbo and XP 4 1000/Turbo models. Their UTVs are fun to drive, relatively smooth, and comfortable. They do feel a bit loose while drive, but that can add to the comfort level if you aren’t a racer.

Without getting to drive the 2020 Honda Talon 1000X-4 Live Valve, or the 2019 Polaris RZR XP 4 1000 Dynamix, this is certainly not a shootout, it is hard to say which we would prefer.

We love Honda’s reliability and how well built the machines are, but the specs are stating that the Polaris will ride smoother with some better characteristics. Stay tuned for a proper test in the future of either of these machines!

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