Testing My New YSS Suspension | HONDA CRF300L | Fixing The Soft Suspension Part 3

[@timothyherweynen6210]

Adam at YSS is a great bloke. He communicates with customers and is always happy to help at any stage of the sale. I’ve had a very good personal experience with YSS with a different motorcycle and I highly recommend their product and staff.

[@ashmite]

Dude, you are spot on. I have a CRF250L and I sent my suspension out to a suspension shop here in the USA. They resprung and revalved both front and rear for my weight and riding style for $800 USD, and I would have paid double. It was totally worth it and more! I'm a shorter rider, so the 250L fits me better (and my budget) vs buying a 450L for $10,000 and spending $1000 to have it lowered 3-4". Plus who wants the maintenance interval of a 450L? I'm shopping for a DR650 for longer ADV riding, and I'm going to do what you did with YSS, but with Cogent Dynamics.

[@infernotrout7801]

Hey mate, I only got the rear done on my Rally with the same YSS. It made a huge difference. The front is still standard but ok as long as the front wheel stays on the ground. All depends on rider and terrain i guess

[@dickvankoughnett2331]

Thanks for making the video . I only have 1300 kilometers on my new 300l . But I am loving this bike so far. The stock suspension is not as bad as people are making it out to be . But because I am sorta big guy 235 lbs I will need an upgrade . I had one panic stop ,guy pulled out in front of me when I was going about 55 MPH. Excessive fork dive right to the bottom and the bike did start to get a little sideways . It did stand right back up when I let off a bit . Luckily buddy saw me at last minute and jammed on his breaks . Sort of wish I had gotten a Rally ,but they are not available until 2023. And that is only because of the bigger gas tank , needing gas every couple hours is annoying

[@edwinarmstrong9175]

I knew you would like a new suspension made for your weight, height & riding abilities. I know it worked for me & my short height. If you don’t meet the ideal rider weight, height & abilities of the manufacturers ideal rider, the bikes abilities just won’t be there for you & your needs. I know it cost extra money but if your like most people who don’t fit the manufacturers ideal rider they designed the bike for, you will be disappointed with any bike not made for you. So glad you have found your unicorn. Now continue to enjoy riding & please be careful. We don’t want to be missing you because of so miner mistake on your judgment of your riding abilities or others on the road not paying attention to us. I know I missed your banter when you were recovering. Stay safe!

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Will do Edwin 😎

[@stitch3163]

Comment for the algo… glad that you’re happy with the suspension upgrade, Solid.

[@user-se7vt5ow4e]

I had just the opposite experience with the YSS suspension components. The clickers have little to no effect on the cartridge kit. I would highly recommend not upgrading with this kit if you mainly ride off-road. For me it was a waste of money and over very rough ground it feels as if the forks are hydro locking. The bike is now for sale.

[@WDGFE]

I’m the dirt noob, and got the Rally to get training and experience on. I’m very much aware that the suspension is soft, and definitely under-damped in the back - BUT - the bike from the factory is more capable than I am, so the biggest improvement I can make is to become a better off-road rider. Then, when I do make upgrades, I’ll be better able to make use of them.

[@samhill3496]

Hell yes it's worth it. Anything is better than stock. It's control is non-existent. Get the springs sized to your weigh/load. A lower front is available if needed. This is a great motorcycle. Dependable and light. I like the Rally model best with larger tank. Acerbis has this covered too. Safe riding.

[@AzTurboMini]

I'm on an Africa Twin that's has it's suspension gone through. One of the most pleasing aspects of having new cartridges/springs and valving done on the front forks is no more severe noise diving when applying the front brake at any speed both on the street and on the trails. It makes such a huge improvement. 👍

[@niceguyrides]

Always good to see you riding!!! Think I’m going Rally-raid when I get mine. Your review still makes me nervous about YSS stiffness and I haven’t heard any complaints on those. Also, definitely want a remote preload. Camping gear on camping gear off…

[@1964mjc]

Good review solid. For anyone worried about budget (or just don’t have that much) on the front end which (for my weight and height 170 and 80kg wasn’t too bad) try just swapping to 15w oils in both shock and overfill by 10-15% . Did this on both my Crf250l and my crf250 rally (with cbr300r motor) both run now for 2 years -70% off-road with no issues - just put brand new OEM fork seals and dust covers in whilst you have the fork off the bike. Works very well for 80-100kg range about $15 in oil and $60 in new seals (does both sides) - if heavier you’ll need $$$$s

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Great tip 👍

[@chrisenduro125]

Hey Solid, and cheers from Germany. I finally got my CRF300L last tuesday after eight months of waiting. I had the opportunity to testride the Rally version before i purchase the bike so i knew what i get. But to be honest over the months i have forgotten how much power this unicorn has. I still take it easy on my rides to break in the engine in, so i haven't used the full power yet but I'm pretty excited to use it and my fingers are already tingling. This week is shopingweek for aftermarket parts skid plate, handgards, mirrors, reckless pannier, etc. I hope i get everything in time because i have vacation in september and i hope that i can go on a road trip with my new bike. Suspension is planned but will come later once I have ridden the bike extensively. Last but not least keep up the good work👍🤙It is always a pleasure to watch your videos. P.S. sorry for some grammar errors, it's all free hand texting with a little translation help from Google, I don't have that much experience writing English comments✌

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Hi Chris, congrats mate🥳 Yer the little L has a great bottom end for a 286cc engine. I am not the person to have a go at grammar. Good luck with your trip!

[@chrisenduro125]

@@chroniclesofsolid Thanks mate. Yer the bottom end power is pretty cool also the 300L has general more torque as my last motorcycle which makes a big difference as well. I am appreciate the grammar thing. And the trip will take place with more or less Offroad depending on the parts that are there in time. 🤙

[@zeddez3342]

Glad it all worked out so well and thanks for all the vids. I've just recently picked up my motorcycle permit and I'm planning on getting a crf300l as my first bike.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Nice one Zed 👍

[@osimnod]

Sounds like you made the correct decision on your upgrade and glad you're satisfied, as that's all that matters.

[@gregjoubert5118]

Congrats on the new set up! I wonder how the YSS compares to the Rally Raid selections.

[@michaelanderson3771]

Hey Solid. I have seen lately a lot of guys now putting the CB300 carb venturi and the CB300 cams on the CRF 300- The shorted larger ID of the carb end allows much better breathing from the restricted air box. Apparently lifting performance across the whole rev range and provides a more even torque curve across more of the rev range - The Unifilter replacement air filter and the shortened snorkel or even enlarging the snorkel hole and use some Silicone tube and a pre filter air filter sock over that enlarged inlet.

[@bpdslayer]

I'm on the same YSS rear and waiting for my front YSS cartridge kit to arrive. Can't wait now that I've seen your review! :)

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Hope you enjoy it! Let me know how you find it👍

[@simonbravo2825]

@COS Great news mate. I'm glad the mods exceeded your expectations. I hope the smiles it provided soften the complicated none of our business parts of your life that delayed this update. To be honest, I know I'm the problem. I mostly do home to home 1 day trail rides (+-200km) I started with too heavy for me (KLR, Africa Twin), humbled down to CRF250L. I loved the configuration except the lack of power and way too soft suspension. I'm now on my 2nd season on a DRZ on which I added a bigger tank. You know that beast as well. I just wish it was lighter or at least carry its weight lower. Most say, including you that the 300L "feels" and "handle" lighter and easier to flick around than the DRZ. Bottom line: Did the increased in height on your CRF300L kept that balance and "lighter feel" of the bike?

[@TheBigBraap]

Good & honest advice, my next step for my own CRF3OO. Still rides well standard for a dual sport and is a great basis for a custom build bike for exploring 👌

[@pawelwolski1316]

Thx for the vid and stating the details of part numbers and spring rates. The stiff 20 mm cartridge comment most likely comes from "theoretical" size limitation of 20 mm piston vs something bigger. The truth is that well flowing 20 mm piston can provide good dampening control. I also rented a 25 000 km Rally 250 two years ago, at that point the rear dampening was almost gone and the springs were bubble gum soft, so eventually upgraded suspension might become a must.

[@DaveDayve]

Great video. Happy 4 u that it all turned out perfect 4 u. Fab stuff. I've a crf 300, I've had KTM exc, KTM 1290 super adventure, GS 800, Honda XR 600 r - now an Africa twin and myamazing crf300. I love my 300, light flickable economical go anywhere bike. U can use it as it is or spruce it up. Anything u like. It's always a great bike for the masses. Great few videos yr pouring out. Glad yr health is OK. Looking forward to the adventure.. 💪🏆🤙😎

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks Dave, that’s a great bike combo 👍

[@TommyNitro]

Glad it's working out well for you.

[@sakariputtonen2683]

Many people do this front is too stiff when in reality rear is too soft and this makes front feel stiff. Proper way is to check rear sag and set it. Only after this you can judge frontend.

[@nigel2447]

Great job, I enjoy your videos. Always very objective and well-thought-out. Can't go wrong with suspension and tires. I would imagine a spring change, if you wanted to try, would be easy. All the hard work is done, you got good cartridges, valving, adjustable rebound and compression. Sounds awesome.

[@ginotremblay739]

Nice job!now you have a near perfect bike. I just installed my new Hagon rear shock ordered from U.K. It is the far best upgrade i’ve done. Keep riding!

[@joseynovember6503]

I dream of doing my own build. That bike looks just right. 😍

[@adamrichards2072]

Glad you're happy with your suspension Solid. Sounds like you had done your research well.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Cheers Adam

[@OneOldManRiding]

Glad to hear your suspension is working out. I have the YSS in the rear, and cheap progressive for the front. Been very pleased with them both. - Frank

[@scottloudon14]

It feels expensive when you're paying for it but it only takes a few rides to make it all worth it. I'm glad yoy enjoy it.

[@stevencarter7031]

I put YSS suspenion on my cb500x...the rear shock transformed the way it rode...the front was to stiff and felt every bump on the road so I ended up going back to factory springs and removed the valving...🤷‍♂️

[@steveh545]

awesome. and as long as you're happy, that's all that matters in the end

[@karlis-blums]

Hey Adam, It's been a year since Part 3, looking forward for Part 4

[@marshalbird2480]

Look forward to hearing more before I pull the trigger on an upgrade. Specifically I will be interested in hearing how the front tire does or does not deflect compared to stock in lose/hard rocky terrain. IMO the stock forks do an excellent job of tracking thru rocky trails (obviously at lower/modest speeds but that's how I ride a fully loaded bike...). I hate losing my line due to a sudden/sharp side front tire deflection when climbing up long steep rocky trails and am concerned a upgrade will give up this one redeeming feature of the stock forks.

[@petewebb5149]

Your WR250R had bog stock suspension correct? If only you had put some money towards a re-valve front and rear before selling it you would have been blown away with how much better it would have been for only $1K outlay. But being pragmatic I realise as a content creator the WR has headed the way of the Dodo and the flavour of the month is the CRF300L/rally which is guaranteed plenty of hits for your vids. Viva la small bore adventure bike revelations.

[@joaquinandreaguilaroviedo4290]

I'm glad you liked the suspensions despite having some doubts hahahaha... and the next videos you post will be very useful... greetings from Chile

[@Scoottoots]

It would be interesting to see how much of the travel (10.2") you are using when pushing the bike as hard as possible. Put a zip tie on your fork and hit the front end super hard on a ride through whoops and such. That will tell you quite a bit and it will interesting to know the percentage of travel you managed to use. I have the K-Tech shock and the RaceTech fork spring kit. I've had some issues with the spring kit. Cheers. Always good to hear your thoughts on the bike 🙂

[@mikedenton6485]

Hey Solid, looks like the investment paid off. Did you look at Ohlins suspension set up? I haven't pulled the trigger yet on buying but I think that's what I'm going with. Anyway great to see some more update on your unicorn. Cheers from Florida.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Did not really look into Ohlins too much TBH. Can't see why it would not be great given their racing pedigree.

[@west_adv]

..and now it is the time to add 15 ponies to the engine xD Congrats on good upgrade and I'm looking forward for more :)

[@byronlemay2166]

I'm quite interested in the larger tank you mentioned installing.

[@KentwoodWarrior]

WR still 🐐 lol

[@mollygrubber]

I got my brand new 300L last week, average weight, average skills. OK, less than average skills lol. From my experience so far, the stock suspension will work for quite some time. I'm not going to be going balls deep either, being 55 and damaged.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Congrats Peter 🥳

[@hodgmoe]

You've done a stellar job of sorting through this bike. Could you please share a list of all the mods and accessories currently on your crf300l? much appreciated mate!

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Noted

[@martygut]

Hello, I have the same feeling from front fork. I bought MH01388_CO208-900TRC ENDURO: Sandy roads and heavier Enduro tracks. 86-100 KG or 188-220 LBS. The first time I had only spring LO388N090S545 and it was more comfortable. Question - I have 93kg and which setup ( preload, compression, rebound) do you have? Do you have a recommended level of oil or less? Thank you for your advice Martin

[@elquemontabicicleta]

Next upgrade. Get the tail tidy and the acerbis short front fender. 👌

[@mikeisland7382]

Sadly there's lots of parrots on the net repeating things they have no personal experience with. Glad to hear it's a good fit for you. Once you have good suspension it's hard to go back.

[@TommyNitro]

Looking at the CRF. I know I need to upgrade. Would just using a stronger spring and heavier oil be enough or is it worth it going all the way? I'm afraid just increasing the spring rate will not do much for the damping.

[@user-mi4zw7qz8n]

Say, do you have an exact product code for that cartridge kit by any chance? YSS seems to have four different ones. Specificity on the rear shock would be cool too. Cheers.

[@AJM-0205]

"This is my Unicorn" 😂😂. Hit some big bumps at speed and that front end is probably going to be too soft.

[@moemuggy4971]

Sadly, I had to let my CRF300L go. After finding out IMS is only going to make a 2 1/2 gallon tank , and they're only taking pre-orders now. And it might be next year before they even start shipping. Not to mention the bike is terribly under spung for my size. I just couldn't see putting all the cash into upgrading the suspension for a bike with so little fuel range and power. It just wasn't my Unicorn. Luckily I got all my money back as they're still in short supply and in high demand. I'm presently looking at a low mileage 2020 WR250R. Or maybe even a DRZ400 supermoto converted to an S model with dirt tires.

[@mcdonaldslover52]

acerbis is releasing 14L in october

[@moemuggy4971]

@@mcdonaldslover52 Not listed anywhere I can see in the US. Got a link to that?

[@mcdonaldslover52]

@@moemuggy4971 not listed on site yet. People have been sharing screenshots from acerbis on forums all confirming 14L tank in October

[@moemuggy4971]

@@mcdonaldslover52 Yeah, that's kinda what I thought. People were sharing the same gossip last year. I wouldn't get your hopes up, or they would be taking pre-orders also.

[@mcdonaldslover52]

Was thinking YSS but looking at rally raid now after this. I don't trust those fork cartridges anymore

[@godfreytomlinson2282]

Hey Solid. Thanks for another great video. I was just wondering your thoughts on your new (and stock) suspension when riding standing up vs sitting down. Personally, when I'm riding on a bumpy gravel road sitting down, a suspension setup can feel to hard/harsh and jarring. But that same suspension setup will feel too soft when riding fast standing up on the rough stuff. Was just interested to hear your thoughts.

[@H3avyHaul3r]

i’m about to yank the yss carts out…even after the change to softer 3.5n springs, the harsh diflection on small bumps was unresolved (i can see it on yours by the handlebars jarring in the video)….a suspension specialist who’s set up safari bikes/mx teams told me that the yss carts have twice the amount of compression dampening at 100mm than their nearest competitor on their suspension dyno…..though i have the next level yss shock which is excellent

[@PP-wz7mp]

Actually, rubbish...go with ÖHLINS

[@H3avyHaul3r]

@@PP-wz7mp 😆

[@tylersignorelli]

Are these fully adjustable suspension upgrades for the front and back for this bike? I want this bike but want to make the suspension fully adjustable

[@aron9869]

hey mate can you make video how you wash detail your crf300l thanks mate cheers from Brunei😉

[@ericstephenson3607]

Is the 300l going to be a keeper, wondering what you thought of the ridgity of the frame/chassis, always thought the 450l with the 300l engine would have been best of both worlds I.e long service intervals ect.

[@Bandit-Iggy]

Thanks for the video, looking forward to upgrading my 250 Rally, i know the shock which is basically the Technoflex - Promax design from the Netherlands, devoloped by Gert Jan van Doorn and Harry back in the ninetees on his Vertemati in GP 500 Motocross, just wondering if anyone tried the dual piston hi - low speed shock from YSS and if its worth the extra cash, thanks!

[@rcjg24]

Thanks for the info. If I did anything I'd just do the rear cuz its so soft. Are you still on stock tires? Or what did u put on it. Sorry if I missed that video

[@grizzlybear8250]

Thanks for your great content Solid! I'm wondering how you got those springs for a 80-95 Kg rider setup? Here in Thailand are only setups from 60-80 and 80-105 Kg available and im struggling which i should choose because i nail exaclty 80 Kg with gear. May i ask you for the Partnumbers of your springs (Shock and Fork)? Thanks Buddy!

[@javi.b1864]

Good video. I have a cuestion. I see there are two versions of it, the 405mm and the 415mm. Do you know about the differences? Im a 6.2. Thanks!

[@n03m9]

Hi Solid, happy you like your new suspension! I am watching your videos for quite some time and love that you are building up your unicorn. Got my CRF300l a month ago and it is just awesome. Sometimes I ride with my girlfriend on the CRF and we are still able to climb up some hills, sand streets and so on ... The only thing that bugs me, the seat is so damn uncomfortable that sometimes I do have to suffer from it for a day. How is it for you, any ideas to upgrade your seat?

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Congrats on the bike Nils. I actually like the seat😅 In the spectrum of dual sport seats its pretty good. I would look at a Seat Concepts replacement if it were bothering you. Ridden a few bikes with them on, plus I always hear good things about them

[@alexapostoli569]

I’ve just put down a deposit on the Rally and hoping to have it by September. At about 105 Kg with gear I think I will need to do a suspension upgrade. It was very gratifying to see how your upgrade worked out. I may have let a loud cheer out. Do you know what your seat height is now? I’m 6’ with a 34” inseam but I think I would also add the Seat Concepts Comfort Low seat, cause I’m old! Thanks.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Congrats Alex🎉 The seat height is now higher after the upgrade. We are roughly the same height and I don't have any problems but I never worried about tall bikes. It now feels like the WR250R in seat height. Low seat as you say would sort it out or you could go with the lower set of what I got as they have that option👍

[@mrmu9877]

Hey solid. Always look forward to your bids mate 👍 Just about ready to get my YSS done, just a bit concerned re height. How much taller is the bike and do you need the extended stand? Cheers

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Hard to gauge exactly but bash plate is a bit over 10mm higher off the ground than showroom ground clearance. Stupidly I didn’t measure what height mine was with all the accessories and bags on it. Long way of saying 10-15mm...ish. Kickstand, yer you will want a longer one eventually. It’s not dangerous in its lean but you have to be picky where you pull up off road. Planning on getting myself a kickstand from rally raid 👍

[@mrmu9877]

Thanks mate

[@orpaztron]

thanks for sharing. Did you tried to ride off road with only the new rear suspension - with the stock front?

[@simonbravo2825]

@chroniclesofsolid did the suspension upgrade affected the balance of the bike? Do you still feel the CRF300L still carries its weight lower than the DRZ now that the CRF stands a little higher?

[@suzyamerica4679]

You will get used to the stiffness .. and in truth it needs to be broken in somewhat. Enjoy! It took me two suspension guys to get it done right.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks Suzy

[@suzyamerica4679]

@@chroniclesofsolid True story: This summer I was leading a ride, and when we got to a waypoint, we realized one of the five was missing. Two of us went back to search for him. I rode my Honda faster/harder than I'd ever done - the same speed I'd use on the KDX - and, surprisingly, it took it quite well. So I encourage you to do the same. Crank up the speed and enjoy!

[@motobulhar]

Hi, when i change only rare back suspension, you think doesn't work? This front suspension is really bad for 95kg super beginner off road rider? Thanks

[@remysaville2771]

How close is it to a keeping up with an enduro race bike like the crf450 or KTM bikes?

[@Harddeckmyass]

Hey Solid, I'm glad the new suspension is working well for you (and no doubt you are relieved as well!). On a side note, are they Double Take mirrors?

[@chroniclesofsolid]

They are indeed Double Take mirrors 👍

[@Harddeckmyass]

@@chroniclesofsolid Cheers bloke 👍

[@bbaz6729]

Is this suspension available in the U.S. mate?

[@ggs0605]

What is the weight of driver and any equipment on this bike?

[@EricBanner571]

Having a mismatched fork and shock set up is not a good idea. Your suspension should compress and rebound at the same or near same rate. If the forks are stiffer than the shock, you are riding a bucking bronco. Grab the bike from the handle bar and seat and push down aggressively. Take a look at the rebound and compression and adjust accordingly.

[@mortenskovborg1518]

What is the seat hight after the upgrade?

[@Johnsmithabcde]

Hey mate, do you have any off road recommendations for ACT Canberra?

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Unfortunately not mate 46hr ride from my place 😅 and I have never met a rider from the ACT to ask. Maybe drop a question into advrider.com in the Australia/act sub forum. State forests a good start but not sure of the laws there.

[@PP-wz7mp]

What spring rate for forks?

[@bygdaddee1011]

You will get sick of those forks bashing you up

[@parans95]

For the price, YSS is as good as shocks made by companies like Wilbers. $2090 is way too much all in though...

[@MichaelTucker]

10ml of oil in the forks can make all the difference to stiffness of suspension. Still it's really dumb that you get a bike from Honda and have to fix it up; been down that road before.

[@tobybrickwoodfiggins]

Does your guys CRF 300ls rattle like hell at 5k revs?

[@MikesGarageReviews]

It did until I got the ecu flashed

[@64maxpower]

dude, get rid of that hideous license plate bracket!

[@keithquinn5624]

Sell that pathetic weak money pit and get a dr650, better in every way

[@humzilla707]

My e bikes faster bro

[@lukestringer2177]

Hi Mate! I had the same sensations as you I mounted the YSS cartridge code : CO208-900TRC-02 and YSS RearSHOCK code : MG456-415TRC-06-858 on my RALLY300L The rear shock it's awesome but the front cartridge needs some time riding for understand it.... They are a MotoRally suspension ! Born for a fast ride in a dirt , not technical enduro or slow offroad ... (it's my2cents olny) Can you tell me what is your PRELOAD turns ? ( my weight is 73kg ) I set 4 clicks = 2 complete turns -from zero- of PRELOAD springs for left and right fork/ and 3 clicks from zero of compression and 5 clicks rebound-from zero) My first feeling in the garage , after YSS PRELOAD recommended , was CRAZY - terribly nailed and HARD = 10 preload turns (!!!) ..... in the following days and during the 2 weeks after, I find my correct setting and I love the YSS now! 😘 All Best and happy new year Mate! 💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥 Luca (Milan-Italy)