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ERGOS & ARMOR
GPR Stabilizer v4 Sub-Mount Kit
Ergonomics are the first place to start in the personalization profile. Riders come in many shapes and sizes, and discerning consumers should not have to fit themselves into any mold. Therefore, the bike should be fitted to the rider. It’s a shame this is the exception and not the rule.
Upon our initial test of the “mortal” F, we were impressed but had to start nitpicking. Ergos were at the top of the list, and while the stock F doesn’t have a poor set up per se, it’s not the “ultimate” by any means. To get there, we had to re-engineer the controls to blend with suspension and stabilizers.
When the stock F8GSA left the tarmac on our initial test ride, deflecting off rocks and wobbly tracking in sand begged the question: why not put a steering dampener on the Ultimate Riding Machine? For this we turned to GPR Stabilizers and asked for help getting the right kit, ensuring proper fitment with the Flexx handlebars. The GPR V4 sub-mount kit went on the URM without issue.
In heavy OH use with the standard settings and adjuster in the mid-section, the bike felt stable and recoverable in both slow and high-speed situations. The submount kit also raises the handlebar perch slightly, improving the ergonomics without disrupting posture while seated.
Flexx Handlebars
The aggressive sweep angle on stock ADV bikes makes the rider feel like they’re operating a horse-drawn plow and is awkward, at best, in off-road settings. Killing two birds with one stone, FasstCo suggested mid-height Flexx handlebars with a passive sweep angle likened more to a café racer than a snow blower.
Normal handlebars each have their own natural flex characteristics but the Flexx handlebars allow the rider to personalize and control the up and down flex, not front and back. This translates to reduced fatigue, arm pump and cramping.
Older riders will certainly feel less stiffness in their hands and wrists after a few days off-road. The URM is based on 50% off-road riding with considerable time in the standing position and Flexx handlebars bring the rider’s shoulders and hands forward, adding stability and control.
