HOW TO CHANGE REAR SHOCK HONDA CRF300L

[@RoiaMoto]

Here is how I carry my tools: www.roiamoto.com/toolroll Thanks for checking it out! Would love to hear your feedback!

[@RoiaMoto]

Hey guys! That’s the first video of the channel. Thanks for taking the time to watch it and hopefully it has been useful to you! If you like this type of content consider subscribing. Cheers

[@n111254789]

Explained it better than the actual service manual, and you explained it so concisely and clear still, despite getting caught out in the rain. Damn good fella' you are. There were no videos like this first time I replaced the shock and spring now I'm doing a full shock replacement and I just wanted to check up and see if I was doing everything right and man you saved me some time and I learned a few things thank you so much partner! Liked and subscribed, cheers from the USA hope life is well!

[@RoiaMoto]

Thanks a lot for the supportive comment, mate! Wishing you good rides from Austria 🇦🇹!

[@inthesupernovashadow]

GREAT video. Clear and concise. Thanks for making it!

[@RoiaMoto]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@horeica]

He was wet by the middle of the video and he just kept on going, that kind of comitment you just don't see often. He deserves more subscribers!

[@RoiaMoto]

😂😂😂 you wouldn’t believe the struggle I had this day! Your comment put a smile on my face 😂😂. Thanks for support and hope the video was useful to you! Cheers

[@Loverpeace09]

Thanks this was super helpful. The torque specs were icing on the cake👌

[@nigelcolintreacy]

Great video. So clear and to the point. My new shock arrives tomorrow and I am now confident to change. Well done Roia

[@RoiaMoto]

Thanks for the comment, Nigel! Enjoy the new shock!

[@keithj8437]

your videos are very helpful and thought out! New to Motorcycling and CRF300l. Thanks for helping!

[@RoiaMoto]

Thanks, Keith! Enjoy your new CRF!

[@keithj8437]

Its so fun! I did the Barkbusters and will do a shock soon! Cheers ​@@RoiaMoto

[@motocamel]

What a great tutorial. High class CRF300L content you have on your channel! I've also got a Wilbers shock, bought it like that. Unfortunately it's their cheapest option. But it's way better than stock.

[@RoiaMoto]

Thanks! If I remember well, with the original shock my rider sag was about 60% of the total suspension travel! It’s not a cheap upgrade but well worth it.

[@kite-fan]

Helpful video, thank you.

[@RoiaMoto]

My pleasure! Glad to hear it was useful!

[@lemoinexavier]

Just what I needed. Installed YSS Top line Thank you!

[@RoiaMoto]

Nice one! Glad to hear the video was helpful!

[@ivanbrambarov3022]

You have great videos, man! Really well though out and explained! Thank you!

[@RoiaMoto]

Glad you like them!

[@lukefish7562]

Can’t wait to finally do this! Thanks for sharing! 🏍️💨

[@RoiaMoto]

The difference is really night and day! Sure you will enjoy it! Glad to hear the video was useful. Cheers

[@richardkenna149]

Fantastic! I'm doing mine this weekend and this video is a great help.

[@RoiaMoto]

Glad it was useful, Richard! It’s not hard at all.. the trickiest part might be to install the new shock if it has the adjustment reservoir. The rest is just patience and attention. Which shock did you get?

[@richardkenna149]

@RoiaMoto I got the YSS, no reservoir. I don't ride a lot so didn't want to spend too much, just wanted to get rid of that soft saggy unit, I'm 100kgs. I'll do something with the forks in a few months when the budget allows

[@RoiaMoto]

Heard great things about the YSS shock! I actually got lucky with mine buying second hand. Have fun and good luck with the installation!

[@richardkenna149]

@RoiaMoto I followed your video whilst putting the shock in a few hours ago. It was dead easy, hardest part was taking off the plastics on my Rally to access the bolts easier. I didn't realise one of the lower linkage bolts actually screwed into a thread on the other side, couldn't work out why I couldn't tap it all the way thru when I was reinstalling it but I soon worked it out! Thanks again for a great instructional video. The YSS has transformed the CRF! Still plush but now with much more travel available for the bigger bumps. Can't wait to try it out off road, then I need to get the front end sorted but that might take a while. Cheers from Australia!

[@RoiaMoto]

Great stuff, Richard! Glad the video has helped! Upgrading the rear shock makes a huge difference on this motorcycle. Ohh, you are in Australia! This must be an amazing country to own a motorcycle! I’m in Austria and 5 months of the year is too cold to ride 😂. Cheers

[@thedailyruns6046]

Best video on the subject so far.

[@RoiaMoto]

Thanks mate

[@rosarioroberto5823]

Greetings, As always another brilliant detailed video 🇺🇸🍾🎉🇺🇸 Would you provide me with the link to purchase the rear shock, thank you so much for assisting me. Keep producing more videos about the CRF.

[@RoiaMoto]

My pleasure! Glad to hear the videos have been useful! I post less the link to this rear shock in here: roiamoto.com/crf300lsuspensionupgrade/

[@rosarioroberto5823]

Thank you so much for the quick response, but I have another question. What is your weight, height and inseam. These details will assist me to order the rear shock, again thank you.​@@RoiaMoto

[@RoiaMoto]

Hi Roberto I’m 82kg. + riding gear 8kg Therefore total rider weight 90kg. You should also consider luggage weight. The luggage weight is usually a compromise and you have to estimate an average. Sometimes you might ride without any luggage = 0kg additional. Sometimes fully loaded = 20kg extra Sometimes 5kg, 10kg, etc… I’m 1,75m. I definitely recommend the -30mm lower shock if you have a similar height. My inseam is about 80cm. If you go for the 30mm lower shock then you also need to lower the front suspension. The best way is to lower the front suspension internally. Some people just lift the front suspension in the triple clamp but the perfect solution is to lower it internally with new springs. Hope that helps

[@rosarioroberto5823]

​@@RoiaMotothank you so much for the quick response but I have another question. Did the shorter shock affect the ground clearance?

[@hstefan]

Very good tutorial, thank you!

[@RoiaMoto]

Thanks, Stefan! Glad it was helpful!

[@RonniesRambles]

Very well done, neat and tidy. I don't have the 200l yet but considering it. I'll sub for more because of your quality and give you support. Thank you.

[@RoiaMoto]

Thanks a lot! Very encouraging to read your comment. I already have more videos lined up that will be released weekly here on the channel. Cheers!

[@RonniesRambles]

@@RoiaMoto you're welcome. I hope I can get organised to put out as clean a product as yours.

[@tonyrdr7207]

Great video easy to follow well done 👍 subscribed

[@RoiaMoto]

Thanks, Tony and welcome to the channel!

[@enduro1701]

Hallo! dank deiner Anleitung überlege ich mir schon ob ich es auch selbst machen werde (sobald ich ein Federbein habe). LG aus Wien 😃

[@RoiaMoto]

hallo! gern geschehen! Das kannst du auf jeden Fall schaffen! Es ist wirklich nicht schwer, das in ein paar Stunden zu erledigen.

[@MrChvincent]

Très bonnes explications !

[@chrisforbes]

Thanks for making this. Excellent video and explanation!

[@RoiaMoto]

Cheers, mate. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@thomasdoe6768]

Bruder, dass du den shit auch noch im Regen für uns gemacht hast, überragend! Direkt mal ein Abo da gelassen. Hat sich das Upgrade für dich gelohnt? Ich überlege auch. Bin aber nur 1,70m und hab Angst, dass meine Rally dann im Gelände zu hoch für mich wird.

[@RoiaMoto]

Hi Thomas! I’ll reply in English as my German is not good enough 😅. My pleasure! This was the first video of the channel and I couldn’t let the rain stop me from doing it 😂. I bought this rear shock and front spring second hand. Luckily the set up was perfect for me (spring rate). I paid 500€ for everything. The difference is substantial. I can definitely notice the suspension is much better. I just came back from motorcycle trip with a friend of mine that has the 300 Rally with the stock suspension and the difference when riding on the same terrain is noticeable. The increase in performance is more accentuated when going over large consecutive bumps and holes. The rear shock simply reacts faster, doesn’t bottom out and it does not “kick” you up. Also the higher the speeds the more you will notice the improvement. My friend with the stock rear shock could complete the trip just like a did. So, is it a noticeable upgrade? Yes. Is it mandatory? No. You can enjoy the stock rear shock to complete any trip you want. Regarding the height. I’m 1,75cm and my rear shock lowers the motorcycle by 30mm. In my opinion this is a must also for you. You have to consider that the stock rear shock is extremely soft. When you sit on your 300 Rally, your body weight will lower the motorcycle by some 50-70mm. If you install an upgraded rear shock this will not happen. So even though my rear shock is 30mm shorter, in practice it feels about the same as the stock rear shock when I sit on it. If you don’t install a lower rear shock the motorcycle will feel much taller.

[@knappe3223]

Great job Roia

[@RoiaMoto]

Glad the video was useful! Cheers

[@yoldayizbiz]

Thank you for sharing this video.

[@RoiaMoto]

My pleasure!! Glad to hear the video was useful!

[@Fromatic]

Great tutorial, never imagined a shock with external reservoir would fit in the 300L. Had mine just over a year now and thinking of replacing the shock as I weigh about 110kg and definitely hit its limits as my experience and speed has increased. What do you think about only replacing the shock? As I dont have any complaints about the forks, just dont like the really hard kick I get from the rear as it rebounds from a full compression, thanks

[@RoiaMoto]

Thanks for the comment!! With all of my protective gear my rider weight is about 90-95kg. Depends how much I’ve been eating 😂. I just came back from a motorcycle trip with a friend of mine that has the 300 Rally with the stock rear shock and the difference is substantial. You will notice the difference the faster you go, larger bumps and holes and specially if there are consecutive holes/bumps where the rear shock has less time to re-estabilize. At 110kg you are probably losing close to 60-70% of your suspension travel just with your body weight. I think you will benefit a lot from it. With that said, my friend with the stock rear shock was able to complete the motorcycle trip just like I did. If you’ve got the extra cash to splurge I don’t think you will be disappointed. There is no problem to upgrade only the rear shock and leave the original front spring. However changing the front spring should not cost too much. Can be done with +- 100 U$. If you are already pulling the trigger on the expensive upgrade for the rear shock, might as well just add a bit more for the front spring as well.

[@Fromatic]

@@RoiaMoto ah you're a featherweight then! But good to hear you think the resr alone should be ok cheers, I'll probably just do the shock to begin with as it looks a fairly easy job compared to the forks, if I feel the forks are letting me down I'll think about them later, but I then wonder if I got a stronger/stiffer spring up front if I'd start to have the same rebound problems without any changes to rebound damping, but I'll take it one step at a time I think, hopefully the shock will let me keep pace with the others through the whoops on the trails without the worry of being kicked up and off the bike by the rear!

[@koningflorian2346]

Thanks, very elaborate. Can you make a clip about all the tools that are most used for work on the crf and how they work

[@RoiaMoto]

Thanks a lot for the first comment of the channel! 😁 Great suggestion! I’ve just completed a 20 day trip( TET Trans Euro Trail), similar to BDR in the US, and I have a tool kit which pretty much lets me disassemble the entire CRF. I’ll make this video.

[@airadaimagery692]

I’m looking for the most lightweight version of a tool kit. I tried a while back to get a few different content creators to start a competition to see who could create the most versatile, yet the lightest weight tool kit possible. I don’t think too many creators were interested. Lol.. I know that a lot of riders are though...

[@fuhrparkoptimierung9676]

Are there any user experiences with the WILBERS 640? It is said to have the same technology as the fully adjustable 642 model, but mainly only adjustable in rebound. Basically what are the opinions or experiences between linear (Wilbers) and progressive like Hyperpro? Note: Honda Prolink already has a progressive character.

[@teejaymcglynn]

Who makes the rear side plates/guards ?

[@enjoy-the-road]

Hi, What spring strength do you suggest for a 300 pound weight including rider and gear for a Honda CFR300? You put 10.5, right? thanks

[@RoiaMoto]

Hi mate, There are some guidelines how to choose the correct spring rate but it also depends of what you want to achieve. First define how much load/weight you ride with. Your weight, gear, and any additional luggage. A typical spring rate is chosen based on a target sag (the amount of compression under the weight of the rider). For the CRF300L riding offroad I like a sag around 30-35%. The spring rate can be determined using: Spring rate = Weight Load / Desired Sag In other words. Take your total weight (with gear and luggage) and devide by the sag you want to have. This will give you a ball park number to work with. Stiffer springs (higher spring rate) are better for aggressive riding and handling heavier loads, while softer springs (lower spring rate) suit lighter riders and comfort-focused setups.

[@march7979]

Bonjour de Belgique ! Merci pour ce tutoriel clair et explicite. Je souhaite remplacer l'amortisseur arrière de ma Honda CRF Rally 300, mais je je mesure 1,90 et ne souhaite pas rabaisser l'amortisseur. Auriez vous SVP un lien de l'amortisseur qui pourrait convenir ? D'avance merci pour votre retour.

[@RoiaMoto]

There are many options which will be suitable for you. It would be good to have an idea of how much you are willing to spend. RallyRaid is great and very expensive. Willbers has a few options. YSS is a good budget option.

[@march7979]

Merci ! 👍

[@SpeakerKevin]

If the shock is 30mm shorter, that would lower the bike in the rear about 90mm. Does the rear tire bottom out into the fender now?

[@RoiaMoto]

Hi Kevin, The total lowering is really 30mm. It does not interfere with any other part of the motorcycle. At least this model I got it’s also “validated” (norm) for the motorcycle. In other words, it has been validated by the authorities to be used with the CRF300L.

[@maxflight777]

Please May I ask , what did you do for the forks ?

[@RoiaMoto]

Hi Max, This rear shock is provided as a lowering kit. In addition to the rear shock being 30mm shorter, the kit also included a front fork spring for my weight and the required spacers for lowering the front by 30mm. With this kit there is no need to raise the mounting position of the front forks on the triple clamp. The lowering is done internally.

[@bobpopelka]

That's great. I installed Kouba link and lower seat from Seat concepts. Rally sits now 2.5" lower. I would love to install suspension kit like yours to set it even lower. Would you please share exact description of back and front shocks? Thank you for great videos.@@RoiaMoto

[@RoiaMoto]

Here is the exact model I have installed: Wilbers shock absorber type 642 competition. Art. No.: 642-1311-00. When ordering the product you have to option to keep the height standard or lower it. I chose 30mm reduction. I would recommend you to remove the Kouba lowering link and make the lowering only via the shock and front fork. They also have an option to lower it by 60mm. Once you choose the lowered option then the cost will be slightly increased as they include a lowering kit for the front fork as well. The springs will be new. Can I ask you about the seat concepts. How is the comfort honestly speaking. I find the original seat very uncomfortable. Have you noticed a real improvement in comfort? What is the longest you have riden with the Seat Concepts. Thanks!!

[@PostcardsfromAlaska]

Is the original shock rubbish? I rode a friends 300, and it felt like rebound damping was pretty weak, in addition to excessive sag. I’m 200#, but he’s closer to 150, so maybe it’s ok for him.

[@RoiaMoto]

It’s definitely rideable, specially if you are not an aggressive/fast rider. Upgrading it will without a doubt be a noticeable change.

[@thewrightchannel938]

I have the 23 crf300l I’m 275 what’s a good stiffer shock I should look at?

[@RoiaMoto]

Hey mate, Wilbers, YSS and K-tech all offer a budget option at around 500U$. This will already help a lot. If you want full adjustment then I do recommend the version shown in the video. Just keep in mind that once upgrade the rear shock, the motorcycle will feel much taller when you sit on it. That's why in my case I have lowered it by 30mm. Any other questions just let me know. cheers

[@crfadv]

Hi @RoiaMoto, can you please compare seat height on stock and your setup under load (with rider on a bike)? I'm asking because I'm not sure should I also pick -30mm option or default one. I like the stock seat height under load. Thanks

[@RoiaMoto]

Hi Djordje That’s a good suggestion! I don’t have the stock suspension anymore to make a side by side comparison but here’s what I can tell you. This shock has been set up for 80kg. I’m now able to set my preload correctly on the CRF300L. The motorcycle sag is now about 5%. When I sit on it, the rider sag is about 18%. And the available suspension travel is 78%. With these parameters my CRF is now as tall as the original set up when I am seated on it. The CrF300L is a “fake” tall bike. On paper it should be a tall motorcycle, but once you sit on it, the suspension is so soft that you lose about 50% of the suspension travel and the motorcycle feels low. With this suspension you manage to maintain the seat height while at the same time setting the proper sag. So, if you want to maintain approximately the same feeling when seated on the motorcycle, I would recommend 30mm lower set up. Does this explanation help?

[@crfadv]

@@RoiaMoto This is exactly the information I need. I'm about the same weight and I want to keep the same seated feeling as stock. Thank you a lot!

[@RoiaMoto]

Glad to hear it helped! Just 2 final tips. To determine the rear shock spring rate, you should consider the weight with which the motorcycle will be mostly riden on. For example: your weight + gear, luggage, accessories…. I know it always changes but you should take a good average for it. And off course everything I have described requires you to have the correct rear shock spring ;) Good luck!

[@crfadv]

@@RoiaMoto Currently, on Wilbers website there is a form to enter weights with/without luggage and percentage of time ridden with luggage. I hope we can trust that form and they will pick correct spring rate for us

[@RoiaMoto]

Hey mate. How is it going? Just curious to know. Have you bought the shock upgrade in the meantime 🤩?

[@bobhannah9944]

Could you also use a res shock off a CRf MX bike?

[@RoiaMoto]

Assuming the size fits it should be possible. You also need to test that there is room for the reservoir and it makes no contact with the motorcycle in full range of the suspension.

[@janinajankowska8965]

I am wondering why did you choose Wilbers? Did you consider any other options?

[@RoiaMoto]

Hi there I was looking for something fully adjustable and also with lowering option, on this case 30mm lowering. I found a a guy selling a used one for 500€ including the front suspension spring. It was really about price and functionality.

[@janinajankowska8965]

Thanks for an answer. You have been using it for some time. So how do you find it? Are you happy? Would you recommend it?

[@RoiaMoto]

I’m definitely satisfied with it. It’s night and day! With that said, enjoy the bike! It’s an expensive upgrade and the bike is totally rideable for most riders. I know it has become a thing to complaint about the suspension of the CRF300L, but to call it unrideable like in many reviews is not accurate. If you are a super skilled rider going fast on tough off-road then yes, a suspension is needed but that’s not the reality of most of us :).

[@janinajankowska8965]

One last thing. Since front is not adjustable have you ever thought it might be a bit better if it would be? Thank you.

[@RoiaMoto]

Hi mate, Absolutely, it would be better 👍🏻. Still, if I had to pick only one to upgrade first, I would say that in most cases upgrading the rear will bring more noticeable results.

[@siscoramingo8536]

Hi ROIA Moto....WE NEED a SUPERPINION for our CRF300L / THX

[@RoiaMoto]

Hey mate, what do you mean by superpinion?

[@siscoramingo8536]

@@RoiaMoto kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpTIeIKvh6lsrM0si=FKk49TgQPTLJTeoT

[@siscoramingo8536]

@@RoiaMoto the CRF300L have the same problem but not exist a SUPERPINION for her kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIjIoXqMdtZlgtEsi=0pttZ_rPJi_YcKgW

[@RoiaMoto]

Thanks for sharing. Interesting. I had never heard about that!

[@ryanhidalgo4834]

do you have link for the suspension? thanks

[@RoiaMoto]

Hi Ryan. Sure; it’s in here: roiamoto.com/crf300lsuspensionupgrade/

[@mirkoscalabrini8903]

Out of curiosity, can I ask how tall you are?

[@RoiaMoto]

Hi Mirko Im 1,75m

[@mirkoscalabrini8903]

Thank you, i'm 1,65​@@RoiaMoto

[@bobhannah9944]

What is the stock length of the shock?

[@RoiaMoto]

Hey mate. I’m not at home now but I have this info in my laptop at home. I can tell you already that it is 30mm shorter compared to the original shock. This measurement is taken from the centre of holes for the top and bottom bolts.

[@Bigshow857]

If you buy a bike and you have to put on new shocks.you bought the wrong bike...fyi

[@RoiaMoto]

Hi Mike Definitely not mandatory on the CRF300L but it makes a huge difference/improvement.

[@krasky]

Stupidest comment of the day.

[@Jlk-rm1jv]

Exchange is the wrong word, it should be ''How to change the rear shock...'' You could also use the word ''replace''.

[@RoiaMoto]

Thanks a lot for the recommendation! I've updated the title to "How to change...." cheers!

[@PrimoStracciatella]

I'd also use "bolt" instead of "screw" - as in "nuts and bolts"... :) Good video, thumbs up!

[@RoiaMoto]

thanks! Will consider that for the next video ;)

[@tg8150]

OR, just buy the KLX300 to begin with, which comes with more than just a non-adjustable mountain bike rear shock.

[@RoiaMoto]

We haven’t got the KLX300 here in Europe so unfortunately I can’t personally judge. On paper also looks to me to be a good choice. 👍🏻