GPR V4D Stabilizer Kit Reviews

GPR 4 stabilizer on an Africa Twin Adventure Sports model.

Until now,  I never knew that I was making my off road riding more difficult by not using a steering stabilizer.  Anyone that has ever been dirt riding with me, knows how much I dislike loose gravel, deep sand and how silly I look trying to ride in it. I always feel as if I am about to tuck the front end and disengage from the bike. I also need to rest frequently due to fatigue because I am fighting my handlebars constantly.

I recently installed a GPR stabilizer on my 2018 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports (ATAS) and I can honestly say that I have found what I have been missing on all of my ADV bikes. I should have done this mod earlier in my life.

First off, the GPR kit is top notch product. Each piece feels as if the tolerances for fit and finish were taken seriously. None of the bolt alignment issues I have faced with other big bike product. Just placing the pieces together, fresh out of the packaging, and you will notice that the alignment is great.  The directions for mounting them to my 2018 Africa Twin Adventure Sports were spot on. GPR does have a “Riser” option that is mandatory for the ATAS due to its taller handlebar positioning. The fuel tank on the ATAS, it is taller and wider than the base model. I would like to add that if you have any installation hiccups, the technicians at GPR are friendly and fast with regards to solving them and will return a phone call in a timely manner. The disassembly and installation were a breeze and the GPR unit is nestled snugly in the machined bar mount brackets. The position knob is easy enough to get to with gloved hands.

On the freeway I didn’t notice a massive improvement in handlebar twitch. The concrete grooves still move the bars slightly. Passing through patchy construction areas with alternating concrete, asphalt, plates, compacted dirt, and what not, are smoother. By this, I mean that the handlebars twitched less than normal. I then rode up to Palomar Mountain Observatory without any negative feedback and the bike felt very solid in the twisties. Transitioning from left to right at speed was smooth. 

When it comes to the dirt review portion, I have to say that it transformed my riding experience and placed a massive smile on my face. The loose gravel now seems to be much less of a problem for me. The front end is more planted and stable using settings 4 and 5. When it comes to the sand I tested settings 4 through 8 and found each of them fantastic. My normal handlebar fatigue was delayed by nearly half an hour, which is monumental for a 50+ year old rider. The deep sand, at just above the wheel rim, with setting 7 was the sweet spot for me. The weaving and wobbling that I normally felt in the handlebars is now reduced to a nuisance. I am no longer fighting as hard for control of the big bike and I actually get to stand on the pegs with more confidence. The occasional large rock, tree limb or debris that catches the front tire, causes less of dramatic handlebar snap than normal. The end result for me was being able to carry more speed confidently through rougher terrain than I normally could have without the steering stabilizer. Thus increasing the fun factor, which is why we ride in the first place

This review was not without a mishap and it was 100% rider error. As I was changing the GPR compression settings and getting a feel for it in the loose dirt, I failed to stop and reduce it back to 2 before attempting a slow speed u-turn.  As I was driving up a trail, I slowed down and started the u-turn. I was expecting a nice easy turn but encountered some resistance that made me panic. I went to put my foot down, at an angle and  I dropped my bike. The stock ATAS handguard and the lower 1/3 of my clutch lever broke. Again, complete idiot move on my part and I learned my lesson. This normally would not be an issue if I had substantial time riding with a steering stabilizer and knew what I was doing. Lesson learned and bark busters have been installed! 

In conclusion, if you want to add stability and comfort to your big ADV bike (or any off-road bike), a steering stabilizer is the way to go. My money is on the GPR 4 for my next adventure bike project.

If anyone has ever been on the fence about adding a steering stabilizer to their bike, I hope this helps.  And for all of those that have been suggesting that I try one one my own bike, I finally get it now.