[BIGWILLY]

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.

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.

 

[TalonFalcon]

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

 

[Pierre]

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.

 

[mojogoat]

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.

 

[Pierre]

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.

 

[TOGR]

Pierre, I loved the Ducati wheelie comment!

Mojogoat--NW MT?

 

[mojogoat]

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

 

[CID]

@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.

 

[Diesel_lv]

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.

 

[Bajarider]

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!

 

[IngoTheBarbarian]

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.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

 

[mojogoat]

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.

 

[Tebow]

Get a Honda or you’ll regret it. Krx weight,noise,heat,plus belt/trans issues.

 

[Bajarider]

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.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

You let brand loyalty get in the way of your thought process. Go back and READ what was said. The guy is looking for ride comfort, NOT to race. And FYI, I live part time in Baja and have been riding and racing Honda XR's and CRF's there for years. So I am a lot closer to what wins than you appear to be. Additionally, we still ride two wheels, four wheels (the KRX) are for the girls in the family. They won't be racing either, so room, ride quality and comfort, are points to consider. The KRX wins hands down in those categories. The KRXs in Baja seem to be very reliable, with very few issues. And if Baja can't break them, then not much will.

 

[Bajarider]

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.

 

[mojogoat]

It may take awhile to buy my SXS, I used to be in sales and those who pay full boat or more we called "Grapes". I don't mind paying MSRP considering my age, no green bananas, but I can't suffer unknowledgeable or dishonest sales people. Seems I know more about the Talon and KRX that all the sales people I've talked to. The Service departments I've visited at all the dealerships look like a Benny Hill skit. I'm quite skilled in mechanics but I worry about the damage a clown can do finish assembling and prepping a SXS. I view these machines the same as motorcycles, everything has to be right and correct to be safe.

 

[Bajarider]

Agree with your assessment of salesmen. I am part of the "over the hill" gang also, but still go pretty good. Ha! Anyhow, I don't trust service departments to prepare my rides either. They always cut corners trying to beat the time sheet and that will DNF a race or leave you stranded in Baja. The new "boutique" dealerships are a far cry from the old Triumph and Norton shops I worked in during HS. Anyhow, check out the KRX carefully. Notice how much stronger the suspension components are. Also notice the leg room and comfortable seats. A KRX owner I spoke with in
BAJA has been all over the peninsula with his KRX with only a sway bar link failure on "the goat" trail, a notorious Baja trail. The Talons are fast, but have their share of problems, ride worse than my old RZR XP 1000, and are not even close to the smooth ride of a live valve equipped KRX (the ES or special Edition).

 

[TOGR]

I spent all winter in Baja, putting my R's first mile on it in Loreto and pointing south, pre-running for the Baja 1000. I put over 3000 miles on it and not a single problem. Did trails much tougher than the Goat Trail (Agua Verde Back Door, across peninsula from Mag Bay to Punta Evaristo, for example) without issue. Oh, and everyone seems to pre-run in trophy trucks now--hundreds of miles of huge whoops.

I had no big issues with my RLV suspension. Rode as well as my previous V6 Acura Alumacraft and was just as fast! My read, having personally raced and won the 1000, is that high speed compression is not very compliant, but I already expected that from all the Honda motorcycles I have owned. The relatively simple fix is to re-valve, which I am sure some will do to their KRXs as well.

"Heavier" components do NOT mean stronger components. They are heavier to accommodate the additional weight. Hopefully (hopefully) the KRX has larger brakes to accommodate this weight also.

There are Baja tour companies that will cater a couple day or week long ride and offer both Talons and KRXs. Maybe see if they will give you their opinion. Are likely similar companies in the states. Either ask or, better, try both.

I put a lot of time in deciding between these two machines. I made the right choice!

 

[mojogoat]

Thanks all of you for the info, question, I don't see anyone working on their own shocks. My last Ducati I rebuilt, springs and modified the valving the front shocks and it wasn't that hard at at all. I have fun doing stuff like that. I still believe a novice can do as well or better job as they tend not to take shortcuts and generally are more meticulous because they don't know what they can get away with.

 

[Bajarider]

I spent all winter in Baja, putting my R's first mile on it in Loreto and pointing south, pre-running for the Baja 1000. I put over 3000 miles on it and not a single problem. Did trails much tougher than the Goat Trail (Agua Verde Back Door, across peninsula from Mag Bay to Punta Evaristo, for example) without issue. Oh, and everyone seems to pre-run in trophy trucks now--hundreds of miles of huge whoops.

I had no big issues with my RLV suspension. Rode as well as my previous V6 Acura Alumacraft and was just as fast! My read, having personally raced and won the 1000, is that high speed compression is not very compliant, but I already expected that from all the Honda motorcycles I have owned. The relatively simple fix is to re-valve, which I am sure some will do to their KRXs as well.

"Heavier" components do NOT mean stronger components. They are heavier to accommodate the additional weight. Hopefully (hopefully) the KRX has larger brakes to accommodate this weight also.

There are Baja tour companies that will cater a couple day or week long ride and offer both Talons and KRXs. Maybe see if they will give you their opinion. Are likely similar companies in the states. Either ask or, better, try both.

I put a lot of time in deciding between these two machines. I made the right choice!

Don't misunderstand me, I am NOT badmouthing the Talon (that would be kinda' dumb on this site). But based on Mojogoat's original post regarding comfort, stock, the KRX is a better choice for HIM, especially considering room and ride. Reliability of both machines is far better than any RZR and largely dependent on machine preparation and maintenance. Of course they can be modified, and a shock revalve is high on the list for any Talon. As any motorcycle rider/racer will tell you, handling is everything. An evil handling car is just slow, but an evil handling racebike will kill you! I used Precision Concepts for my CRF's. One more thought; citing race wins is kind of hollow. There are few stock or unmodified parts on any SCORE racer. It's kind of like calling any NASCAR a Chevy or Ford.