Honda UTV Action Award Talon
UTV Action, ATV.com applaud Honda’s exclusive DCT technology in selecting their respective products of the year
With 2019 drawing to a close, Honda’s all-new sport side-by-side and upgraded multipurpose ATV were named winners of important awards by a pair of influential endemic media outlets. The Talon 1000R and 1000X earned UTV Action’s “New UTV of the Year” award, while the Honda Foreman Rubicon 4×4 DCT EPS was named ATV.com’s “Utility ATV of the Year.” The announcements bring an exciting end to a fast-paced year that saw Honda’s Powersports Division come to market with the Talon 1000X and 1000R two-seat sport side-by-sides; the Talon 1000X-4 and Talon 1000X-4 FOX Live Valve four-seat side-by–sides; and a revamped lineup of multipurpose ATVs, including the Rancher, Foreman and Foreman Rubicon.
When listing the Talon’s notable features, UTV Action’s editors mentioned Honda’s industry-exclusive Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which offers two automatic modes (Drive and Sport), plus Manual with paddle shifters. “Unique items like full, easy-to-operate window nets and a transmission that you can shift or let it shift make the Honda Talon stand out from the crowd,” they wrote. “The beltless design provides confidence, very little power loss to the rear wheels and great fuel economy—all things we look for in a UTV.”
The 2019 Talon 1000R and Talon 1000X share a common frame and engine but have wheelbase and suspension configurations that are designed to shine in different applications. Both models feature Honda’s I-4WD technology and a sub-transmission with high and low transmission ranges, technological features that help the vehicles excel in a wide variety of conditions.
Honda’s DCT technology is also used on the Foreman Rubicon 4×4 DCT EPS, which earned praise from ATV.com. “The DCT or Dual Clutch transmission is also worth noting as this gear-on-gear automatic clutch system is proven reliable over many years of off-road use,” wrote contributor Rick Sosebee.
Introduced as a 2020 model, the latest-generation Foreman Rubicon also features a larger-displacement engine for more mid- and low-range torque, an all-new reverse lever for quicker transition between drive and reverse gears, and a new rack system, which works in conjunction with Honda’s new Pro-Connect accessories.
“We’re pleased to have Honda four-wheel powersports products earn these prestigious awards from our media friends,” said Chris Cox, Manager of Experiential Marketing & P.R. at American Honda. “It’s been a busy year in terms of new-product announcements and media launches, and earning recognitions like this makes all the hard work worthwhile. We’re excited for what promises to be a fun and successful 2020.”
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ABOUT AMERICAN HONDA
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and Side-by-Sides in the United States. American Honda’s Powersports Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.
