P98
FEATURE I HONDA CRF300L RALLY PROJECT
paired with Andreani's Rally
cartridge kit for the front forks
($829 MSRP, plus $225 installa-
tion). This represented the most
affordable option in Nitron's
four-shock lineup yet delivered
transformational results.
Tires and Wheels:
Dirt-Focused Grip
The stock IRC 50/50 street/
dirt tires gave way to IRC GX20
Gekkota tires—true knobby, dirt-
focused rubber that sacrifices
street legality for serious off-road
traction. While the wheels were
off, we added Motion Pro LiteLoc
II rim locks to prevent tire spin
and used our Rabaconda tire bal-
ancing tool for smooth operation.
Exhaust: Reduced
Weight with Improved
Performance and Sound
A Yoshimura stainless-steel
slip-on muffler replaced the
heavy stock unit, shedding
significant weight from the rear
while improving both sound and
performance.
THE $2000
PERFORMANCE
FOUNDATION>
Suspension:
The Game-Changer
The stock suspension, especial-
ly the rear shock, was too soft
and under-damped for aggres-
sive trail riding, with no adjust-
ment options on the rear. After
thorough research, we partnered
with Andreani USA, an Italian
suspension company with North
Carolina operations that special
-
izes in everything from MX to
adventure bikes.
Our choice was the Nitron
NTR R1 shock ($635 MSRP)
The Honda CRF300L Rally is
undeniably a great-looking motorcycle
and a good performer but is only a few
"clicks" from being a great performer.
We did the clicking for you.
