GPR Stabilizer: Install and Review

[FZ1inNH]

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.

[FZ1inNH]

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.




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



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


And after installing the SSN. Note the mosquito that wanted in on the shots!

[FZ1inNH]

Here is the post installed where the bolt was removed from the tank cover.




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.




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

[FZ1inNH]

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.

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

[jlewis02]

I like it I want it.
I want a used one tho.

[FZ1inNH]

Originally Posted by jlewis02

I like it I want it.
I want a used one tho.

Why used? I guess you can e-mail them and ask about a refurb? Maybe they had a returned one and you can get it cheap?

[jlewis02]

Originally Posted by FZ1inNH

Why used? I guess you can e-mail them and ask about a refurb? Maybe they had a returned one and you can get it cheap?

I dont want to pay $500 for one.
O well it looks nice hope it works out good.

[NJFZ1]

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.

[va_rider]

Just as I thought... would totally work on the Gen 1 as well... they should send me one too... I'll install on the Gen 1, and they can broaden their market.

[FZ1inNH]

The red knob, for me, would have nicer in blue or the brushed silver. I don't have gold forks, got the black ones. But, I don't mind the red accent there... draws attention to it on a blue/black bike!

So, the GEN I has the exact same top triple, clearances and tank cover mounting bolt Aaron?