CRF's Only Blog · CRF300L Rear Suspension
CRF300L Rear Shock Upgrade: K-Tech, Race Tech G3-S and Öhlins
Compare spring selection, damping controls and fitment to choose a rear shock for your CRF300L, your load and the way you ride.
← All CRF's Only Blog ArticlesA CRF300L rear shock upgrade can address two things riders often want more of: spring support for their actual load and damping control over rough terrain. If your bike sits too far into its travel, bottoms frequently or continues bouncing after a bump, the rear suspension deserves a closer look.
At CRF's Only, the choices include the K-Tech Razor-R Lite EVO, the Race Tech G3-S and the Öhlins STX 46 HO 213. Each offers a different route to the setup: advertised rider-weight options, a custom build using your rider information, or a shock with an external reservoir and compression adjustment included.
The right choice starts with your exact motorcycle and the load it carries. Here is how these shocks compare, which product links to use and what to settle before ordering.
K-Tech vs. Race Tech G3-S vs. Öhlins: what changes?
A shock's spring supports the load; its damping controls how the suspension moves. Spring preload changes the spring's installed compression and helps establish sag. Rebound damping controls extension after compression. Compression damping controls resistance as the shock compresses.
All three options provide spring-preload and rebound adjustment. The key differences are how the shock is specified for you and whether external compression adjustment is included, optional or unavailable.
| Shock | Spring and setup approach | Controls and reservoir | Main reason to consider it |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-Tech Razor-R Lite EVO | Four advertised rider-weight bands in the standard-height range below. | Manual spring preload and rebound adjustment; internal nitrogen reservoir. No external compression adjuster. | A weight-selected shock with straightforward external settings. |
| Race Tech G3-S | Built to order with spring selection and internal valving based on rider information. | Preload and rebound adjustment with the base internal-reservoir configuration. Optional remote reservoir adds compression adjustment. | A custom starting specification for your size, ability and riding. |
| Öhlins STX 46 HO 213 | Confirm the supplied spring suits your rider, gear and luggage load. | Manual spring preload, rebound and compression adjustment; external hose-mounted reservoir included. | Compression adjustment and an external reservoir as part of the listed shock. |
More adjusters give you more ways to tune the response. Correct spring selection still comes first. A shock without an external compression knob still has compression damping; that damping is established internally.
K-Tech Razor-R Lite EVO: choose your spring range
The K-Tech Razor-R Lite EVO uses a 46 mm shock body, 16 mm damper rod and internal nitrogen reservoir. It provides manual spring-preload and rebound-damping adjustment in a compact configuration without a remote reservoir to mount.
For a rider who wants a replacement shock with a spring option selected for their weight and a manageable set of controls, the EVO is a strong place to start. Preload establishes the initial sag setting; rebound adjustment lets you tune how the rear suspension extends.
| Advertised rider-weight band | K-Tech part number | Product links |
|---|---|---|
| 65–80 kg / 145–175 lb | 246-021-130-009ES | Shop the 145–175 lb K-Tech EVO |
| 80–95 kg / 175–210 lb | 246-021-130-010ES | Shop the 175–210 lb K-Tech EVO |
| 95–110 kg / 210–245 lb | 246-021-130-011ES | Shop the 210–245 lb K-Tech EVO |
| 110–125 kg / 245–275 lb | 246-021-130-012ES | Shop the CRF300L 245–275 lb listing Shop the Rally 245–275 lb listing |
The two 245–275 lb links are separate CRF300L and Rally listings for the same 246-021-130-012ES part number. The table preserves both model-specific shopping routes.
Use the weight bands as a starting point. Send us your rider weight without gear, your gear weight and your normal luggage load separately so we can confirm the spring choice. If you sit near a band boundary or alternate between unloaded trail rides and camping trips, explain both uses before choosing.
These links are for standard-height shocks. If lowering is part of your plan, discuss the complete bike setup with us; the dedicated low-height products are separate choices.
Race Tech G3-S: a shock specified around your riding
The Race Tech G3-S rear shock for the CRF300L is built to order. Race Tech selects the spring and configures the internal valving using your size, ability and type of riding. That makes the information supplied with the order a central part of the upgrade.
A rider traveling light on local trails and a rider carrying luggage over rough backroads can have different priorities. Describe the terrain, your pace and the load you normally carry. This helps establish a useful starting specification before you begin adjusting the finished shock on the bike.
Choose the reservoir configuration before ordering
The base G3-S has an internal floating-piston reservoir and external preload and rebound adjustment. The optional remote reservoir adds compression adjustment. Choose it if you want that additional tuning control, and plan the reservoir mounting and hose routing during installation.
The linked CRF300L listing requests rider weight without gear, skill level and riding terrain. Supply gear and luggage information separately. For a Rally or an altered suspension configuration, have us confirm the appropriate application before placing the order.
Plan this as a custom order. Check the current build estimate and finalize all specifications first. Once the build order has been submitted to Race Tech, the shock order cannot be altered, canceled or returned.
Considering fork upgrades at the same time? Our Race Tech Pro Suspension Package guide explains the G3-S, fork spring and Gold Valve combination.
Öhlins STX 46 HO 213: compression adjustment included
The Öhlins STX 46 rear shock in this comparison is the HO 213, listed at CRF's Only as CO-HO213. Its gas-pressurized monotube design uses a 46 mm piston and an external hose-mounted reservoir.
The HO 213 includes rebound and compression damping adjustment, plus manual spring preload adjusted with a tool. The external reservoir is part of this shock's configuration. The unit is fully serviceable.
This is a useful option when you want to tune both compression and rebound from the outset. Begin with the setup information supplied for the shock, then make measured changes based on what the motorcycle is doing on familiar terrain.
Confirm that the supplied spring is appropriate for your weight, riding gear and luggage. This listing should not be treated as a promise of individually selected spring and valving specifications. Also confirm your exact model, year and market: Öhlins application details distinguish between motorcycle versions.
View the Öhlins HO 213 shock and current application details at CRF's Only.
Get fitment and load right before choosing a shock
The standard CRF300L, CRF300L Rally and CRF300LS need to be identified accurately when ordering. Include the model year and country or market, plus any lowering link, suspension shortening or other relevant modification. A shock listed for the standard model should not automatically be assumed to fit every version.
Some product URLs retain older model-year wording. Use the current product details and confirm your exact application with CRF's Only if the title and fitment text differ. Do this before ordering, especially for a custom-built shock.
Give us the complete riding load
- Rider weight without gear: a clear starting figure, and the input expressly requested for the G3-S.
- Riding gear: boots, helmet, protection, hydration pack and other equipment you wear.
- Bike-carried load: tools, racks, luggage and camping equipment normally carried.
- Use: terrain, skill level, pace and how often the load changes.
Preload helps set sag, but it does not change the spring rate. Increasing preload is not a substitute for a spring that suits the load. Equally, a stiffer spring is not automatically the right answer for every rider who wants better control.
At CRF's Only, we can help you compare these routes using your actual bike and rider information. Start with the CRF300L Rider Guide or CRF300L Rally Rider Guide to see the wider selection for your model.
Finish the upgrade with installation and setup
Arrange installation using the shock manufacturer's instructions and the applicable Honda service information. Reservoir-equipped shocks also require correct bracket placement, hose routing and clearance checks. Use an installer with the appropriate suspension experience if you are unfamiliar with the work.
Once installed, establish sag with your normal riding gear and load, record the shock's supplied baseline settings and test on a familiar route. Change one setting at a time. Our CRF300L Suspension Setup Guide explains the measurement and trail-testing process.
You can upgrade the rear shock first. Keep front-to-rear balance in the plan: stronger rear support can make limitations in the fork easier to notice. If both ends need attention, compare the spring, damping and package options in our CRF300L Suspension Upgrade Guide.
CRF300L rear shock upgrade FAQs
Which rear shock is best for my CRF300L?
Choose around spring suitability, application and the controls you want. K-Tech offers defined weight bands; Race Tech provides a custom spring-and-valving specification; the Öhlins HO 213 includes compression adjustment and an external reservoir.
Does the K-Tech Razor-R Lite EVO have compression adjustment?
It has internal compression damping, but no external compression adjuster. The rider-adjustable controls are spring preload and rebound damping.
Is the Race Tech G3-S remote reservoir included?
It is optional on the linked standalone shock listing. Adding that option provides external compression adjustment.
Does the Öhlins HO 213 include hydraulic preload?
No. Its spring preload is adjusted manually with a tool. It includes compression and rebound adjustment and a hose-mounted reservoir.
Do the K-Tech weight bands include riding gear?
The linked listings do not clearly define that basis. Give CRF's Only your rider weight, gear weight and luggage load separately so we can confirm the appropriate option.
Will one of these shocks lower my bike?
The K-Tech options linked here are standard-height models. If you want a lower seat height, ask about the correct lowering configuration for your bike. Reducing preload to make the bike sit lower is not a substitute for a planned lowering setup.
Can I keep my original forks?
Yes, a rear-shock upgrade can be a first step. Evaluate fork support and damping afterward, and plan complementary front upgrades if needed.
K-Tech · Race Tech · Öhlins
Choose a rear shock around your CRF300L
Tell us your model, year, rider weight and riding plans. CRF's Only can help you choose the application, spring option and adjustment features that suit your build.