The stock suspenders on ADVMoto’s Honda CRF 250L project bike were very basic, offering non-adjustable front forks and only pre-load adjustability on the rear. They both lacked enough compression dampening for any serious off-road riding. While suspension upgrade options are limited for the 250L, Race Tech has kits available for our bike as well as most other bikes on the market. Their website helps buyers make the correct choice in shock and fork upgrades by making calculations based on rider weight and riding style. 

 

The Honda CRF 250L utilizes separate function forks, meaning one fork has a spring in it to offer rebound and pre-load while the other fork has a piston and dampening rod to add compression. The front end would dive under hard braking and bottom-out easily on even the smallest of jumps. Race Tech sent us the RT Hi-Performance Spring kit to help with these problems. 

 

The rear shock on the CRF is actually quite plush and comfy on the road.  It soaked up potholes and stayed compliant transitioning on and off sidewalks. Off road is really where the shock suffered, almost giving-up on fast fire-road whoops.  Race Tech supplied us with a GS-3 Custom Shock with an internal floating piston and internal reservoir. Remote and piggyback options are available to adjust high and low speed compression.   

 

 

During the test ride the difference was felt immediately at the end of the driveway. Instead of a "squish, squish" the bike reacted with a soft "thump, thump". We couldn’t help but to jump it off curbs, pop over speed bumps and take it down a flight of stairs, having fun with what felt like a completely new bike. The front and rear compresses and rebounds evenly. Well done, Race Tech!

 

After the urban enduro we took the little CRF to Wicomico Motorsports Park. This would be a solid proving ground for the new suspension, as it offered multiple motocross tracks and a tight, technical hare scramble loop through the woods with a lot of elevation change. On the track the 250L felt compliant clearing small doubles and even stayed composed when we miscalculated the jumps.  Through the trails we were even more surprised. The 250L is no doubt heavy for single track but the little red pig tractored through. Michelin T63 tires and lower gearing also helped the bike survive the deep woods. It’s no KTM EXC but an experienced rider on the Honda wouldn’t be left too far behind. The LRP then travelled to March Moto Madness in Tennessee. During our 4-day stay we romped on the little bike, scaling up and down mountains on gravel and fire roads. It had no problems keeping up with the fastest bikes in our group despite it being the smallest. The CRF felt balanced as we felt confident braking later into corners, aiming for ruts, bumps and puddles all without a hint of instability. 

 

It seems that this bang for the buck doesn’t involve a bang at all. If you’ve got the cash to upgrade your dual-sport, consider suspension upgrades over power mods. GS-3 Shock MSRP: $749.99 RT Hi-Performance Spring Kit MSRP: $99.99 RaceTech.com

 

PROS	CONS
▲ Easy install (for this bike)	▼ Wishing the bike felt this good from the factory
▲ Adjusted perfectly from the factory
▲ Increased bike's overall feel and traction