Published on September 7th, 2025 | by Joe
Honda Talon 1000R Turbo Build Test | Jackson Racing Turbo, Suspension & More
CT Racing has years of experience with Side x Sides, especially the Honda Talon. Allen from CT previously built a standout Talon that was featured in 4Wheel Action Magazine. Now he’s back with an even better project — this time featuring a Jackson Racing Turbo kit, along with upgrades to suspension, protection, lighting, wheels, and comfort.
Turbo
The Jackson Racing Turbo is the centerpiece of this build. At higher elevations, naturally aspirated engines lose 3.3% of horsepower for every 1,000 feet of elevation. That’s a 16.5% loss at 5,000 feet — and rides often take us above 10,000 feet. The turbo not only boosts horsepower at sea level but also keeps most of that power at altitude.
The kit doesn’t turn the Talon into a wheelie machine — it delivers a reliable, usable horsepower increase that makes the Talon competitive with Polaris Turbo models without overstressing the drivetrain. The instructions are excellent, installation is straightforward for a careful mechanic, and aside from double-checking exhaust bolts early on, it’s plug-and-play. In the sand or at altitude, this upgrade transforms the Talon.
Roll Cage & Front Bumper
Long Travel Industries built the cage, and their race influence is obvious. Features include a spare tire carrier, race-style mirror guards, and top-notch fit and finish.
They also designed a pre-runner style front bumper with a skid plate and mounts for lighting. We outfitted it with All Terrain Concepts cube lights, with some aimed downward to light steep descents — a big safety advantage where traditional forward-facing bars fall short.
Suspension
We turned to Double E Racing for a rework of the Talon’s Live Valve shocks. Stock, the Talon felt harsh in chop and too stiff for its travel. George White of Double E, a Talon racer himself, re-valved and re-sprung all four shocks and replaced the rear pistons.
After break-in, the suspension transformed. The car now hooks up off corners, absorbs small chop, and takes big hits with confidence. This upgrade unlocks the Talon’s potential and is well worth the investment.
Lighting
Lighting came from All Terrain Concepts, a trusted brand in off-road racing. The build uses a 38” Race Series Light Bar with amber sections for dust, plus four pod lights on the bumper. Two amber pods improve visibility in dusty conditions, while two white pods enhance cornering vision. A rear-facing amber light adds crucial safety for group rides.
Skid Plate
A full Factory UTV skid plate system protects the Talon from hard hits. Factory UTV is known for producing some of the strongest and most comprehensive skid plates available.
Communication
A Rugged Radios two-way system with intercom allows car-to-car communication and easy conversation with passengers. Staying out of dust, calling obstacles, and chatting comfortably with your co-pilot all make long rides safer and more enjoyable.
Wheels & Tires
The Talon rolls on GBC Terra Master tires, which excel in hardpack, sand, and mixed desert terrain. Their dual-tread design and flexible sidewalls provide excellent traction exiting corners.
We paired them with Metal FX beadlock wheels — the Hitman Cast Beadlock in Raw finish. Beadlocks are essential for serious off-roading, allowing the car to keep running on a flat. We’ve logged over 50 miles on a flat with beadlocks, and the Talon handled it without issue.
Interior
Inside, PRP suspension seats provide added bolstering and comfort, keeping drivers and passengers fresh over long rides. A helmet pumper with particle separator pumps clean air into helmets, reducing dust inhalation and improving comfort in group rides.
Graphics
The graphics kit was designed by Roxanne from CT Racing and produced by All Motor Graphics. Using thicker material than wraps, the pre-cut kit is easier to install and customizable with sponsor logos.
Final Thoughts
With over 700 miles on the build, this Honda Talon 1000R Turbo Build by CT Racing has proven reliable, powerful, and fun. The turbo adds the power the Talon was missing, while the suspension, wheels, tires, lights, and protection make it precise, stable, and trail-ready. This is how the Honda Talon should be built.
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