CRF300L / CRF300L Rally Race Tech Fork Gold Valve Install Guide (2021-2026)

Upgrading your Honda CRF300L or CRF300L Rally with a Race Tech Gold Valve Fork Kit is one of the best ways to improve front-end control, plushness, traction, and bottoming resistance. This guide reformats the Race Tech installation process into a cleaner, easier-to-follow format for CRFsOnly.com customers.

✅ Fits

• Honda CRF300L (2021-2026)
• Honda CRF300L Rally (2021-2026)
• Compatible Race Tech instructions are based on the FMGV 2002C CRF250L fork platform.

💡 What This Kit Does

• Improves oil flow through the fork piston
• Moves valving control to the shim stack instead of the restrictive stock piston
• Improves control, traction, plushness, and bottoming resistance
• Provides more tunability than the stock fork valving

⚠️ Before You Start

• This install requires suspension disassembly and revalving knowledge.
• If you are unfamiliar with rebuilding and revalving forks, have the work performed by a qualified suspension technician.
• All shim measurements in the Race Tech instructions are metric.
• An inch-pound torque wrench is required for correct assembly.

🧰 Tools Required

• In-lb torque wrench capable of accurately measuring 0-50 in-lb
• Hi-strength Loctite
• Metric calipers
• Micrometer
• General fork service tools

🔧 Fork Layout Notes

The CRF fork platform used in the Race Tech instructions is a Single Function Fork (SFF) design:

• Left fork leg: damping cartridge only
• Right fork leg: spring only

This matters because the Gold Valve work is performed in the left fork leg compression assembly.

🛠️ Installation Overview

Step 1: Disassemble the Left Fork Leg

Disassemble the left fork leg and remove the compression assembly from the bottom of the cartridge. Push the assembly in far enough to expose the circlip, then remove the circlip and compression assembly.

Step 2: Clean and Disassemble the Compression Valve Assembly

Disassemble the compression valve assembly and clean all parts thoroughly before beginning Gold Valve assembly.

Step 3: Start the Gold Valve Assembly

Install the sleeve washer, check spring, and check plate onto the valving bolt.

Step 4: Orient the Gold Valve Correctly

Install the Gold Valve with the recessed side facing the bolt first. The recess is the circular pocket on the top face of the Gold Valve piston.

Step 5: Check for a Compression Bleed Hole

If your DVS setup sheet calls for a compression bleed hole, verify whether the piston is already pre-drilled. If not, drill the bleed hole in the recessed side of the piston as instructed by Race Tech.

Step 6: Build the Shim Stack

Assemble the valving stack exactly as specified on your DVS setup sheet. This may be either a single-stage or two-stage stack depending on your settings.

Step 7: Install the Base Plate

Install the base plate on the shaft. Some applications may require two base plates. Verify the total stack height so you do not run out of thread during tightening.

Step 8: Add Spacing Shims if Needed

If stack height needs adjustment, add spacing shims above the base plate as required. Spacing shims must be larger in diameter than the smallest shim in the stack.

Step 9: Apply Loctite

Apply Loctite to the compression base thread before final assembly.

Step 10: Install and Torque the Valving Bolt

Install the valving bolt and tighten it carefully with an inch-pound torque wrench.

Step 11: Verify the Shim Stack Layout

Inspect the completed stack and verify proper single-stage or two-stage arrangement. If using a two-stage setup, the crossover gap should be clearly visible.

Step 12: Check the Check Plate

Make sure the check plate moves freely up and down against the spring.

Step 13: Perform Final Visual Inspection

Hold the completed compression stack up to the light and visually inspect the assembly. Confirm proper shim alignment, cleanliness, and correct assembly order.

Step 14: Verify Port Coverage

Make sure the shims next to the Gold Valve completely cover the piston ports on both sides. If the ports are not fully covered, damping performance will be reduced.

Step 15: Continue with Fork Reassembly

Once the compression stack is complete, return to the main fork instructions and continue with rebound valving and final fork assembly.

⚠️ Critical Torque Note

Race Tech specifies that the 6mm valving bolt must be tightened with Loctite to 30 in-lbs and warns not to exceed that torque.

🔥 Why Upgrade to a Gold Valve on the CRF300L?

• Improves damping control compared to the restrictive stock piston
• Helps deliver better traction and front-end feel
• Improves plushness without giving up bottoming resistance
• Gives more tuning flexibility for rider weight and terrain
• Pairs perfectly with fork springs and a rear shock upgrade

Shop CRF300L Race Tech Gold Valve Fork Kit

👉 Shop CRF300L'21-26 - Race Tech Gold Valve Fork Kit