I had a big wish list for this thing... so far here are the things I think they did wrong:
-No trailer hitch receiver.
- i4wd (No manual diff lock version).
No hitch is just dumb, and the i4wd might be a deal breaker for me. As far as I'm concerned the manual diff locks/drivetrain on my pioneer is mostly a win (could only be better if the diffs were independently lockable). I don't care for the i4wd, the hill start assist, or the fancy braking deal they've got. In my opinion that will just be more stuff to stop working down the road.
Does anyone know if the 2wd setting will be a locked rear diff, or will it be open? I assume it will be open, which is how I drive the pioneer 90% of the time, but being able to run locked 2wd would be fun in the talon... course with i4wd I guess that isn't possible.
It gets me how people in general are so averse, even prejudice against new technology making things easier, better performing, etc. In particular all the I-4WD hate, usually from people who have never tried it.
First it was all manual transmissions with clutch lever / pedals then automatic clutches in ATC & Fourtrax, etc. Then fully automatic transmissions and dual clutch transmissions. How much easier is this technology making your off road driving experience compared to having to contend with a clutch pedal in a SXS trail riding.
Machines used to have carburetors and were cold nature startup b****es with chokes, now we have fuel injection standard. How much easier starting and improved performance results from this technology?
Used to have only recoil and kick starters, now electric starters are standard on everything. How much easier has this technology made getting your machines going? Imagine trying to start that 1000 cc twin ala Honda Odyssey style with a pull rope.
Honda came out with the ESP electronic shifter decades ago, still by and far a very reliable system. Then introduced DCT on the Fourtrax ATV and motorcycles, several years in now proving to work great in a variety of applications.
So while the uninitiated bag on the I-4WD for what they think it is or isn't.
I say enjoy yourself a simple SXS with ballon tires, no high tech suspension, recoil starter & manual choke so you dont have to rely on electronic technology while pumping that clutch pedal going up a Widowmaker type hill to keep from killing the engine.
Yeah all that simple stuff sounds like fun, no thanks. Sarcasm /off