Everyone has to make their own choice. I narrowed it to the same two then bought an RLV. Price had nothing to do with my decision and I bought the machine that I wanted the most. Pretty much everyone on this forum chose the Honda for some or all of the reasons you mention, so the answers here will likely be biased. Close to 4000 miles now and absolutely zero problems (one front dif seal leaked, but resolved on its own), and zero regrets.

The Kawi has very good suspension, yes, but is louder and slower (because it is heavier). Heavier does not mean stronger either--parts need to be beefed up to accommodate the greater weight. Have no idea about the KRX filter system, but it is a simple inexpensive fix on the Honda, and I would expect the Honda filter is the higher quality unit between the two; it just needs a pre-filter to make it last longer. Honda gets better mileage because of the trans, and...because it is lighter. Honda tank also holds more fuel than stated if the baffle is removed from the filler neck.

You just need to decide and buy one. Either would be a fine choice.

 

Mine was also down to these two. It was the weight of the KRX that swayed me and the gears in the talon. I still can't help but smile every time I mash the throttle in the talon and it runs thru them gears while swinging me sideways! And only issue has been the air filter, I snorkeled and went k &n been fine since

 

Ready to order, but still unsure. We plan to do mostly trails, no crazy or fast riding, we are old so ride quality and safety is important. We used to ride motorcycles over the last 30 years. I prefer the Talon due to the engine trans and build quality, reliability.
KRX +
Better suspension and ride
Roomy interior
larger fuel tank
Built stronger
KRX-
$4k+ more than similar equiped Talon
Shorter warrantee
Belt drive
Heavier larger

Talon +
Transmission vs belt
Engine and Trans built in Japan
Lighter and smaller
1year warranty
$4k+ cheaper
Talon -
Stiff ride
Smaller tires
Smaller gas tank
Air filter sys sucks
No available retractable harness

For what you say you'll be doing I think the KRX is a no brainer. Better low-range, locker, and far softer suspension.

If it was available when I bought my Talon X4 FLV I may have gone that direction but I probably would have regretted it. We do a lot of desert running, dunes, etc. The Talon's trans and lighter weight helps a lot with the mild amount of power. And the Talon has great low-end torque so 0-40 feels pretty good.

As you noted, the list price of the KRX4 ES is a lot more than a Talon FLV and it's very hard to get a Talon. If the KRX4 is available to you and you can get it without a markup I'd pounce on it. Plus, I hate the looks of the '22 front end on the Talon.

If you need some more power on the KRX you can get a Kraftwerks supercharger [emoji6]

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Thanks for the advice! I've always admired Honda products over the years having owned almost every brand motorcycle and most cars/trucks brands over the last 50 years. My favorite is Ducati, fit, design and finish is exceptional, even in the concealed areas. I could imagine what a Ducati SXS would look like.

 

Thanks for the advice! I've always admired Honda products over the years having owned almost every brand motorcycle and most cars/trucks brands over the last 50 years. My favorite is Ducati, fit, design and finish is exceptional, even in the concealed areas. I could imagine what a Ducati SXS would look like.

I have a bias for Honda but Kawi has always been great, too. My dad purchased Kawi mules for years at his work and they were tough as nails and Kawi service was awesome. He was forced to switch to Rangers at one point and they were trash, in comparison. And Polaris service was impossibly bad.

Fact is, they're both tough, well made machines.

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Honda all the way!!

 

Having researched a bit on SXS's which are quite similar to sport motorcycles, I don't see the concern for weight reduction for performance. I spent a lot in carbon fiber, titanium, forged wheels, light tires, Lipo batteries, exhaust etc... to reduce weight which equates to approx 1 HP for every 18 lbs lost.
Why is that?

 

Honda or you’ll be sorry

 

It is a several hundred pound difference.

 

My pops is old and has back problems but doesn't complain about my 2 seater R sitting on 32s because he doesn't know any better. The Kawi will ride much smoother but with 2k spent at shock therapy the Honda will ride pretty darn plush as well. I went Honda for reliability and the fact I think CVTs are ridiculously boring. Good luck - you'll be happy with either one.

 

Go with first response from Togr I felt same way. I owned a 2019 Talon and went and test drove the KRX unbelievable ride. I was constantly looking for a paddle to upshift due to rpm and noise. I bought the Talon Live valve at the end of the day. I’m 70 and mostly ride trails in Arizona and works for me. I love this thing!

 

Ready to order, but still unsure. We plan to do mostly trails, no crazy or fast riding, we are old so ride quality and safety is important. We used to ride motorcycles over the last 30 years. I prefer the Talon due to the engine trans and build quality, reliability.
KRX +
Better suspension and ride
Roomy interior
larger fuel tank
Built stronger
KRX-
$4k+ more than similar equiped Talon
Shorter warrantee
Belt drive
Heavier larger

Talon +
Transmission vs belt
Engine and Trans built in Japan
Lighter and smaller
1year warranty
$4k+ cheaper
Talon -
Stiff ride
Smaller tires
Smaller gas tank
Air filter sys sucks
No available retractable harness

krx for me i have 2020 talon4x the ride is stiff the doors are poor just saying krx for me next time

 

The Honda is proven tranny is a no brainer in my opinion I’m a die hard kaw fan rode there dirt bikes all my life I’m 43 but the Honda talon is proven an the 4 seat Kawasaki just came out I dnt think that’s ur best bet but gotta do what’s right for u I choose a 4X Honda bc I didn’t want stranded with belt issues with my family on a trail in the middle of BFE an god knows what time of day or night or weather conditions. Money isn’t a issue if ur spending that much to begin with if it was probably shouldn’t make the leap to sxs’s. Good luck !!! Hopefully you enjoy which ever choice u make.

 

I mean... I'm on team Talon, as well. But the 4 seat KRX is exactly like the 2 seat in every way besides the stretch. The KRX is pretty reliable and the belts seem to be a non-issue with the level of power it has.

Like I said in my first post, I'm glad I have the Talon. I think it's great out of the box but I also think it's a great platform to build from. But for trail rides and comfort I think the KRX might fit the bill better.

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The way I see it in motorcycle terms is , should I get the the big heavy nice riding Goldwing (KRX), or the lighter, faster, technology advanced engine/trans Ducati (Talon)

 

Iv always had the opinion of ur gonna ride a couch u may as well stay at home on the porch! I wouldn’t mind taken a weekend to “test out” a KRX. Just cause. Other wise I want the Talon for a family rig BUT I think I want an X3 wider model 2 seat. For those big horse power speed needs an handling I’d like to have.

 

I'd definitely take a new XRC Turbo RR. Awesome car. Wish I could.

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Ready to order, but still unsure. We plan to do mostly trails, no crazy or fast riding, we are old so ride quality and safety is important. We used to ride motorcycles over the last 30 years. I prefer the Talon due to the engine trans and build quality, reliability.
KRX +
Better suspension and ride
Roomy interior
larger fuel tank
Built stronger
KRX-
$4k+ more than similar equiped Talon
Shorter warrantee
Belt drive
Heavier larger

Talon +
Transmission vs belt
Engine and Trans built in Japan
Lighter and smaller
1year warranty
$4k+ cheaper
Talon -
Stiff ride
Smaller tires
Smaller gas tank
Air filter sys sucks
No available retractable harness

We have the Honda Talon 1000X4 Fox and 2021 and love it. Purchased it after a lengthy evaluation between Polaris, Cam AM, etc. We too are "old" and ride mostly Michigan trails lower n UP. Did HMT last year no issues.

 

After the latest of KRX easter rotten eggs, jumping out of gear during decents, I'm loosing confidence in the Engineering talents of Kawasaki. Looks like it will be the Talon on the shopping list. I figure wheels and taller tires,TP springs and a Particle Separator will make up the $4k+ difference in price and give me a nice riding quieter UTV for our use.

 

I think you nailed it. If you are willing to spend the 4K extra on the kawasaki, I think you could get the talon and spend the $4k to eliminate the negatives you see in the Talon and have a great machine for yourself.

 

If the KRX 4 had been available when I bought my ‘21 1000X4, it would have been a tough choice for me for sure. Better suspension vs better power train. One of my riding buddies has a KRX and for the trails we ride in the PNW Cascade mountains, it is extremely capable. But, so is my Talon, especially since I put 31” Maxxis Carnivores on it (which were factory take offs from a KRX).

I love shifting through the gears at high speed, and I am much more in tune with car as I drive than the CVT Can-Am I had before. I also like that I can up shift when driving at lower speeds to keep the rpms and engine noise down. The DCT really is a thing of beauty! With bigger tires and some suspension work/tuning, the Talon to me seems to be the closest SXS to a mini trophy truck vs the myriad of CVT driven machines.

I plan to keep this machine for a long time. If I feel the need I can upgrade it over time from the base platform (turbo kit, Shock Therapy, track kit for the winter, etc.).

 

I love to look at the KRX when I see one on the trails. I don’t have a 4 seater. I have an x 2 seater.
I think the savings between the two will be spent on 32’s, shock therapy stage one springs which will give you excellent ride quality.
Everything else the other machines require as well like skid plate, windows, radio etc.
The 2 upgrades I mentioned gave my Honda an awesome comfortable ride. I’m 55 so I do appreciate the luxury the KRX offers.
The ability to shift adds to the fun factor. Nothing wrong with leaving it in automatic and cruising.
Coming from a price stand point, for half of the price difference you can obtain the ride quality and clearance difference.
In behalf of the KRX for you can upgrade the clutches, weights and build a reliable belt system. 2k, I like gilomen products.
Ducati is an awesome machine but when riding wheelies it has an oiling issue that can compromise it’s engine longevity. So, all machines have their quirks. The trick is to know the cons and Pay the price to get in front of them. (Research).
I for one am excited for you. I love the feeling and process of your delima. Good luck brother, which ever way you go be proud of your purchase and get your butt on the trail. Pack out what you carry in and take moment to enjoy the fresh air.

 

We just went on a 6 hour ride in a rented General at Island Park. (We have zero experience on SXS's), only years on Bikes. I could not get used to the clutch racket and riding lawn mower like power delivery. The GPS sys was nice though. To be honest, if I wasn't told the noise is normal, I would have honestly thought the clutch was on the verge of scattering . We enjoyed the ride and learned plastic windshields suck and dust is as inevitable as taxes and death. We are heading to Columbia falls and plan on renting again but still haven't found a rental that rents Talons. We probably will have to travel to buy a Talon as our small local dealers allocations are low.

 

honestly thought the clutch was on the verge of scattering . We enjoyed the ride and learned plastic windshields suck and dust is as inevitable as taxes and death. We are heading to Columbia falls
That’s hilarious, but part of it. A stock suspension talon is stiff but can be fixed.
I love the idea of renting the ride before you buy. After that, know its reliability stats and fore mentioned fixes. There is not much of a choice after that.

 

Pierre, I loved the Ducati wheelie comment!

Mojogoat--NW MT?

 

SE Idaho, We escaped from Calif a year ago. Love it here!

 

@mojogoat Welcome to the site from the once great state of Colorado.

After 50 years of dirt bikes, I aged out right as the Talon was introduced. It's been the perfect 'next step' for me, I LOVE THIS THING. It's a dual range, 6 speed, paddle shiftin' dirt kart and as close as I'll ever get to a trophy truck. I'm either in the desert (spring and fall) or Colorado high country (all summer).

I do find the mechanical noise uncomfortable and wear foam ear plugs all the time but that's simply a carryover from biking so no big deal for me.

 

I've got 4 levels fused in my low spine, 1 herniated disc above that, 3 surgeries on left shoulder, 4 on right w no cartilage and major arthritis in right. I've got the '21 LVX4. 32's at 8psi and Shock Therapy dual rate springs. Still stiff in my opinion but I ride around 35-40ish mph in extremely rough sharp rocky desert mountain terrain. Love the machine, just not the suspension. If I had it to do again, go non live valve, use the 2k savings and get very good revalving. Now you're back to still being 4k less than the Kawi. Spend 5k on a long travel for Talon w those really good shocks and now it's all the plusses of the Kawi and the Talon. Super plush ride, 6 speed transmission, "No" belts and Honda quality.

 

I have had the chance to drive Talons and one KRX in Baja. Go with the KRX!! Don't worry about the final drive, the KRX is much easier on belts than RZRs because it also has an internal clutch which makes belt engagement much smoother. There is NO comparison in ride. Hands down, the KRX wins this contest. The KRX is just as reliable as the Honda. And BTW, either is better than an RZR!

 

I have had the chance to drive Talons and one KRX in Baja. Go with the KRX!! Don't worry about the final drive, the KRX is much easier on belts than RZRs because it also has an internal clutch which makes belt engagement much smoother. There is NO comparison in ride. Hands down, the KRX wins this contest. The KRX is just as reliable as the Honda. And BTW, either is better than an RZR!

Call me when a KRX wins the Baja 1000 (Talon:'20 in 2 classes,'21), Baja 500 (Talon:'22), King of the Hammers ('22), Best in the Desert Parker 250 ('22 1st) Best in the Desert Mint 400 ('22 1st and 2nd)...

The list goes on.

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It may come to which one I can actually buy. I see an R in Utah marked up $5K. Dealers pretty much say finding a Talon 4x is like finding Hilary's Emails or Biden completing a coherant sentance.
Comes down to one that runs nice and one that rides nice.

 

It may come to which one I can actually buy. I see an R in Utah marked up $5K. Dealers pretty much say finding a Talon 4x is like finding Hilary's Emails or Biden completing a coherant sentance.
Comes down to one that runs nice and one that rides nice.

Talons are not known for their ride quality. At least try a KRX before you buy. And, I feel your pain with dealer markups. I live in SoCal and Baja, but found an Arizona dealer that will sell KRXs at MSRP. Most have the integrity of Hillary Clinton and mark them up at least 5K.