You have to put one foot on a high platform and one straight out or bend both legs on a high platform if you are sitting in the right seat of the Talon. The results were similar this time. It’s hardly noticeable, so it’s not a huge issue, but compared to the others, the Honda feels rough. The YXZ tends to push in situations where the Talon carves. The Talon has a repurposed anti-lock brake manifold that operates constantly as a traction-control system.
Although the YXZ is not available with an automatic transmission, it comes in a close second when driven at slow speeds. Yamaha never intended the YXZ to be a rock climber, but it can make it through almost any situation in stock trim. Like the X, the Talon R tops out at 75 mph and the YXZ keeps pulling up to 80 mph. The computer can pop the clutch to get up steep ledges, but the driver does have to be more aggressive to make it through the technical sections. We have been waiting a long time for someone to challenge Yamaha and its manual-transmission-equipped YXZ1000R. It has the least suspension travel but is the most predictable, forgiving and tuneable. Here, confidence is key, and sitting lower in the YXZ and being able to flick the car around helps. On the Honda, the engine and sub-transmission oil dipsticks can be reached without tools and checked when the machine is cold. Although the low range helps the Talon in slow rocks, you have to use manual mode. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Using a screwdriver, we could turn the slow-speed compression out and get an even plusher ride once again in the Yamaha. Of course, if you don’t need the legroom, don’t care to shift or really drive hard in rough terrain, go for the Talon 1000R. It’s not cramped by any means; it just needs a little more legroom. In the September issue, we brought you the first complete comparison between Honda’s Talon 1000X and Yamaha’s YXZ1000R SS.
The Talon hooks up better, but the YXZ has smoother power across the board. The engine oil can be checked without tools; although, since it’s a dry-sump engine, you need to let it warm up before checking the oil. There’s nothing notably wrong with the Honda, and we love to drive it. We also did the normal drag races and trail rides to see what else might stick out about the two models. We are constantly trying to move the driver’s seat back in the Honda. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Standard engine work or maintenance on either machine is basic and can be done at home on either machine.