GPR Stabilizer: Install and Review

FZ1inTX

FZ1inTX

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The folks at GPR Stabilizer creates world class steering dampers for sportbikes, dirtbikes & ATVs, GPR Stabilizer approached the Admin and asked for someone to test the new GEN II GPR stabilizer on their FZ1. I stuck my hand up and was fortuntate enough to be the lucky guy to get the job. Admin was able to talk them into letting me keep the unit as well. Thanks Dennis!

Here is the unit both in and out of the package.

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So, tonight, I set about the 10 minute task of installing. Yes, 10 minutes! That was even taking my time!

First, remove the Sterring Stem Nut, referred to SSN from here on.

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Next, you will remove the bolt for the tank cover.

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The instructions clearly state that the base of the GPR base is to replace your washer so do not install the stock washer beneath the SSN. Here is the base in place
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And after installing the SSN. Note the mosquito that wanted in on the shots!
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Here is the post installed where the bolt was removed from the tank cover.

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Next, you install the stabilizer to the base using the two provided bolts. Torque to the specs for your bike. Now, this would have been easier with the handlbars removed but it can be done without, just a bit tight with straight Allen wrenches.

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The final step is to tighten the bolt to hold the lever in the stationary post. This completes the install.

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Initial thoughts:

I spoke in the VIP lounge to the management team about how difficult this is to operate with your hands... on 10 (50% dampened), I could barely move the lever and on 20 (100% dampened), it was impossible to move. I obviously know that the steering of the bike provides a lot more leverage and didn't worry about this at all.

True to physics, leverage plays an important role in this device.

The engineering of this stabilizer is excellent. The fit and finish are spot-on with no slop or play once properly torqued into place. I really think the overall appearance of this unit over the standard piston (I call them mini shock absorbers) style is very modern and almost as if it belongs there.

For instance, the base of the unit which the SSN hold in place... This was precision machined to fit in the well of the top triple with almost zero tolerances. After installing the SSN and torquing, the base was rock solid.

I was initially concerned about the stationary post because of the mount point and a single bolt. However, the design of this was engineered to fit the GEN II extremely well. There are two legs for this to stand on the frame head to stabilize the post even with the single bolt. The tolerances provided allowed the bolt to press these two legs against the frame just enough to make it immovable. Lock to lock steering shows that the legs left just enough space for the top triple to clear them. Well thought through!

Placement of the stabilizer on the base was the only small set back. It was a bit difficult to line up the bolt holes and get the bolts started properly. This would have been easier with the handlebars undone and moved but there's enough freeplay to get a straight #4 Allen into each of the two bolts and get then torqued properly without disrupting the handlebars. For anyone with bar-backs installed, I'm afraid you will need to undo the clamp and move the bars.

Last was to tighten the post bolt that clamps to the stabilizer lever. That concluded the install. It took me three times as long to write this and post the pics. If I had not stopped so often for pics, this would have been about 5 minutes and over with. :D

I was not able to ride the bike tonight but will tomorrow provided the weather is good.

My initial experiment was to work the bars while sitting on the center stand and try differing adjustments. At the lowest setting of Zero, you almost cannot tell the unit is installed. It does offer a very slight resistance but anyone not paying attention wouldn't notice at all.

On a setting of 5 or 25% dampened, the steering offers some resistance but again, nothing that would interfere with city riding.

At the 10 mark of the dial, 50% dampened, you really start to notice the resistance and have to work the steering a bit. It felt very controlled but still manageable. Thus approaching the 8 mark and up, I'd not recommend a setting this high for very low speed riding. Remember to dial back if you are stuck in traffic and need to quickly turn out of a situation. But, this is also where it starts to assist in cornering.

From here, I need to get out on the bike and actually ride it while adjusting for some performance data. That review will come after this weekend in VT.

-Eric
 
Well it looks easy and simple enough for anyone with basic tools and mechanical abilities to install. It would be nice if the red knob was gold instead. Would go better with the gold forks on the bike IMHO.

Can't wait to hear how you like it out on the road.
 
The red knob, for me, would have nicer in blue or the brushed silver. I don't have gold forks, got the black ones. :tup: But, I don't mind the red accent there... draws attention to it on a blue/black bike! :D

So, the GEN I has the exact same top triple, clearances and tank cover mounting bolt Aaron?
 
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extremely similar... to the point where very would be needed to make this work on the Gen 1.... same basic design... recessed hole in top triple clamp... front tank bolt dead center, not far away from triple clamp.... I really doubt anything would have to be changed at all... it's a shame you don't live closer.... it'd be nice to pop it off the Gen II and just test fit it to the Gen 1 to confirm my suspicions ... I'm pretty damn sure though.
 
eaglefrq said:
It doesn't look like this will work with the SV650 risers.
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Please check their site because these are engineered per bike/model. Unsure about the SV650 but I'll bet that you might get lucky enough to test one should you inquire, they don't have it yet, and you offer to protoype one for them. :D
 
FZ1inNH said:
Please check their site because these are engineered per bike/model. Unsure about the SV650 but I'll bet that you might get lucky enough to test one should you inquire, they don't have it yet, and you offer to protoype one for them. :D
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I don't think he was referring to an actual SV650 bike. He was referring to the popular mod of using the SV650 handle bar risers. These are shorter than the factory FZ1 and lower the bar a bit. From looking at the pictures I doubt that the SV650 risers will work with this steering damper.
 
only thing I question is the spacing between the risers.....

and the wax did wonders for the bike --- you ever going to get full pics??
 
FZ1inNH said:
Please check their site because these are engineered per bike/model. Unsure about the SV650 but I'll bet that you might get lucky enough to test one should you inquire, they don't have it yet, and you offer to protoype one for them. :D
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I was talking about the SV650 riser mod. They are about 1" lower than then stock risers. I might have to switch back and then go with the SM bars to get the lower feel.

How much clearance is there between the GPR and the bottom of the riser?
 
va_rider said:
I think it'll work on the Gen 1.....
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Well I agree with you to a point. I think the actual unit will work with the Gen I and probably the top mount. However the piece that attaches to the bolt holding the gas tank will have to be modified to fit properly. Don't forget the Gen II bikes don't use a tubular frame so the section where the bracket meets the frame is flat.
 
I think if a flat piece of steel was placed across the top of the frame and bolted down with the bracket from GPR, it would work.... but it'd help to have one in my hand to check it out.... I can see it working though... without much modification... the only thing that may be different is the height from the tank bolt to the yoke nut... and that could be fixed with the flat steel plate on top of the frame.... I have access to machining equipment... I'm willing to bet I could take a piece of 1/2" aluminum and mill the edges down to fit inside of the frame rails in the center, and on top of the rails on the edges to give it a nice tight fit....
 
va_rider said:
I think if a flat piece of steel was placed across the top of the frame and bolted down with the bracket from GPR, it would work.... but it'd help to have one in my hand to check it out.... I can see it working though... without much modification... the only thing that may be different is the height from the tank bolt to the yoke nut... and that could be fixed with the flat steel plate on top of the frame.... I have access to machining equipment... I'm willing to bet I could take a piece of 1/2\" aluminum and mill the edges down to fit inside of the frame rails in the center, and on top of the rails on the edges to give it a nice tight fit....
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Agreed...it wouldn't take muck work for GPR to just make a new bottom mount for the Gen I bike.
 
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