GPR V5 Steering Stabilizer Install on a Honda CRF450L (GPR V5D)

In this video, I show how I installed the new GPR V5D steering stabilizer on my Honda CRF 450L dual-sport adventure bike. I also installed a new ProTaper 1 1/8" handlebar while I was at it.
Now I know steering stabilizers aren’t for everyone, but I found that experiencing a lot of play in the motorcycle handlebars, especially at higher speeds through rocky terrain, freaked me out. The steering stabilizer gives me a huge confidence boost in my riding to be able to ride off-road, trails, and rougher terrain, faster. It also reduces the fatigue I feel on longer rides, reducing the amount of energy I have to put into steering and allowing me to ride further.
I chose the GPR steering stabilizer because I liked the single knob control (and that they were made in the USA, have great history, and are easily serviceable). While I certainly enjoy being able to ‘customize’ settings, I didn’t want ‘too many’ settings to be a distraction to my riding. After having the GPR V5 steering stabilizer installed on my CRF450L for a couple months now I have found it to be everything I could have hoped for. I keep it set to 3 or 4 during regular single track rides, but crank it up to 7+ when on long gravel grinds.
For the handlebar, I installed a ProTaper EVO bar with the Henry / Reed bend. I chose this bar because it was most like the stock handlebars, but with a little extra sweep. Since the GPR steering stabilizer kit raises the handlebars a few millimeters I didn’t want to get a bar with an more rise that would increase the height and change the riding geometry of the bike. So fare I am very impressed with the ergonomics of this new bar.
Installation took me a few hours, but is not particularly challenging. The hardest part was just getting all the existing hardware off my old handlebar (including the throttle, brake assembly, handguards, lighting, etc.) and putting everything on to the new handlebar. I bought the GPR V5d direct from GPRs website as a kit specific for the Honda CRF 450L and it came with everything I needed. Install of the GPR steering dampener unit itself was very straightforward - with everything fitting very nicely (a testament to the good craftsmanship of the kit) and requiring only typical tools I had in my garage (wrenches, sockets, allen keys, etc.).
I am very impressed with this steering dampener, both from a riding and controls perspective, as well as the build quality and functionality of the GPR itself. For me I can really notice the difference and appreciate what it is doing to keep me safer, faster, and push me further.
More info on my CRF450L as well as other projects, adventures, and interesting info at pointsunknown.com
Music Credits:
Earth - The Rhythm of Memories | • Earth - The Rhythm of ...

[@PointsUnknownTV]

Bultaco206 over on the ADV Rider forum (CRF450l Megathread) had a great "Pro Tip" : Loosen the bar mount bolts while the top clamp is still in place! That's a great tip! (whish I would have thought of it before I struggled to remove the bar mounts)

[@bva8252]

So what is your opinion of the Stabilizer? Does it help on the trail? How about the freeway at higher speeds? I was going to try a nice easy install of the Honda Progressive Damper that used to come stock on the CRF but it looks like it will not fit on my CRF450RL. Now considering the GPR, but I am not real excited about the installation and whether it is worth the pain factor. Opinion? Nice vid btw.

[@PointsUnknownTV]

I love the GPR stabilizer. I don't really notice it so much on the road, but on deep gravel and sand it really helps maintain confidence by reducing a lot of motion in the steering. Is it required kit? No. Not in my opinion. But if you get squeamish in loose terrain, it may give you more confidence to go faster. That's my experience anyway. And the install isn't too bad. Just takes a little time.

[@bva8252]

@@PointsUnknownTV OK. Any particular reason why you chose the GPR instead of the Scotts or Precision Racing?

[@PointsUnknownTV]

Cost and practically. Seemed like the thing to do at the time. Sorry, not much help. (Dare I say it was an impulse buy?)

[@burritto3883]

Cool Video. Love this bike. stabilizer looks sweet!

[@PointsUnknownTV]

Thanks! Agreed this bike is a keeper.