Honda Talon 1000R vs Kawasaki Teryx KRX
Overview & Introduction
Are you having a hard time picking between the Honda Talon 1000R and Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000? In this article, we’re going to compare and contrast the two, and only the most important details. This way, you can make an informed decision while not letting analysis paralysis stop you from enjoying the next riding season.
Engine & Performance
Both have 999cc parallel-twin cylinder engines, but the KRX is advertised to produce 110HP, while the Talon makes 104HP. The discrepancy is likely due to the KRX having a higher compression ratio and DOHC instead of the SOHC (Unicam) system found in the Honda.
The tradeoff for the extra ponies also comes with extra weight: around 200 lbs depending on the exact configuration. This means that the KRX isn’t that much faster, although it has a higher top speed–around 5-10 MPH.
Unicam is cool technology in theory, but in practice, the slight weight and space savings amount to little more than marketing stat padding. Where it actually counts is the MSRP. The less complex SOHC design definitely contributes to the lower cost of the Talon.
One more point: We see many references to the KRX having a dry-sump lubrication system. If true, that would be awesome, but as far as we can tell, both the Talon 1000R and KRX 1000 use a regular wet sump.
The way in which the two put power down is quite different. The KRX uses a CVT (pretty standard in the UTV world), while the Talon uses a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), similar to the likes of the Can-Am Maverick. A DCT has fewer drivetrain losses and offers an all-around more visceral experience, while in comparison, a CVT is smoother to operate. Furthermore, the DCT lets you manually shift using paddles, whereas CVT is effectively a single gear.
For purely recreational side-by-sides, like these, we’d prefer a DCT any day of the week–things would be different if we were talking about working rigs.
To summarize the performance of the two, it comes down to whether you prefer engine or transmission. The Talon scores points for its DCT, while the more powerful engine in the KRX 1000 is a clear winner. We’d give the win to the Talon, the reason being you can always up the power with performance modifications (exhaust, intake, tune, etc), but there’s nothing you can do to make a CVT transmission feel like a DCT.
Suspension & Handling
The first thing you should know about the suspension & handling is that the KRX 1000 is all around bigger–that means taller, wider, and longer. This is where most of those extra pounds come from. The wheelbase and ground clearance of the KRX are 98.8” and 14.4”, respectively; compare this to 92.7” and 13”, and we see that the two have a substantial difference in stature.
How does this translate to actual riding? The KRX 1000 feels more stable at speed. Paired with the larger 31” tires (instead of 28” on the Talon) and a softer suspension with more travel, you have an all-around smoother ride.
The Talon 1000R shines on smaller, more technical trails–think of something more suited to ATVs. While it won’t crawl rocks like the KRX, it has a lower center of gravity and will feel more planted in the corners. Naturally, the turning radius is also a lot better (19.4ft compared with 21.3ft), making it more maneuverable.
Who wins in this category? It has to be the KRX. Unless you are riding super tight, technical trails, the KRX is easier to tame for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or advanced rider.
Interior Comfort & Design
So the suspension is more comfortable on the KRX. How about the interior?
The seats are one of the strong points of the KRX. There’s enough of a bolster to hold the occupants securely without feeling like they’re sinking into a beanbag chair. Both passenger and driver seats are adjustable, and there’s a decent amount of space behind them for a small cooler or toolbox.
The Talon has a larger glovebox, but this comes at the cost of fewer cup holders. The Talon is one of few machines to get a factory roof and window netting. While Kawasaki doesn’t provide these on the KRX from the factory, the aftermarket has you covered(StarKnightMT makes them!).
Both machines come with a passenger handlebar.
Comfort isn’t the main reason to get a sport SxS, therefore, we wouldn’t put as much weight on this category. The main thing to know is that the KRX is overall a bit more roomy–a product of the machine's overall larger frame. Overall, this category is a draw.
Build Quality & Durability
Since the Talon’s release in 2019, Honda has made incremental but consistent improvements to its suspension. The current crop of Talons uses Showa shocks instead of Fox. Travel is about the same, but where we see an improvement is the 12-way slow-speed compression adjustment and 4 clicks of bump-rebound adjustment. This gives a whole lot more personalization potential than the previous setup.
But, besides some small stuff, this is where improvements to the Talon end. The interior, exterior, and engine remain mostly the same as in 2019.
The KRX, on the other hand, has had updates to the brakes, interior, suspension, and, possibly most important, the clutch. One of the only gripes from the KRX was a failing clutch ‘one-way’ bearing. The primary clutch is now a 3-arm design instead of 4. This seems to have fixed the problem, plus it makes the clutch feel a bit tighter.
There’s really nothing wrong with the build quality or reliability of either machine, we just see a bit more innovation from Kawasaki. For that reason, we give them a win in this department.
Price & Value
Prices are the ultimate driving force. The KRX 1000 is listed at $22,199. The Talon 1000R comes in at $21,399, almost a grand cheaper. The Talon is a bit rougher around the edges, but the price is attractive. You can easily put that $1000 to good use on upgrades, or a tow setup, or just add it to the beer fund.
Here, we’re focusing on the base models, although as you go up in trim level, the general theme stays the same: the Talon beats the KRX in price.
Which One Should You Choose
Is the KRX worth the extra money? It’s a hard call as both are excellent machines. We’d say that the KRX is a bit more refined and user-friendly. If you’re a beginner to sports SxSs, it’s probably worth dropping a bit more for the user-friendlyness. However, if you like a more intimate riding experience–one where you feel the bumps and gear shifts–the Talon might be the way.
Tips & Conclusion
Seeing as we’re in the off-season at the time of writing, you have some time to ponder your decision. These rigs share a lot of the same features, and either way you go, you won’t regret picking one up. Of course, there’s also a chance that Honda will be updating the Talon for 2026–something that the engineers have hinted at. In that case… welp, be on the lookout for an updated comparison of the two!
FAQs(3~5)
Q1: Does the Kawasaki KRX1000 or Honda Talon 1000R have more bed capacity?
A1: The Kawasaki KRX has a larger bed AND more payload at 350lbs, compared to 299lbs on the Honda Talon.
Q2: Can you upgrade the 28” tires on the Honda Talon 1000R?
A2: Yes, popular sizes range from 30-32”, similar to that of the KRX. Larger tires will soak up the bumps better. Note that going to larger sizes can noticeably reduce the torque.
Q3: Are there any problems with the Talon’s DCT transmission?
A3: Other than it generally feeling a bit more clunky than a CVT, the transmission can experience clutch overheating when heavily loaded at low speed for an extended period (such as going up a steep hill).
Honda has included a temperature gauge on the cluster so users can monitor this and stop their machine if necessary.
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