Another Ninja Mutation

There has been ADV guys that have built some pretty cool ADV bikes based on the Ninja 650. Thay have inspired several other inmates to mutate Ninjas as well.

tonymorr was the original

jdrocks followed up with these killer looking bikes

jdrocks other ninja mutant

The concept makes sence. Most of us heavily customize our adventure bikes so why not start with a low cost base bike that has a great engine, light weight and good handling. Customize to taste. A poor man's GS800.

I was so inspired, that there is now a 2007 low milage ninja in my garage and would't you know it, it is now naked.

This is what I am planning,

17" wire rear wheel
upswept exhaust
modified oil pan
twin pelican cases
19" wire front wheel
forward and lowered pegs
Pro tapers

I am struggling with the front suspension. I think I want about 8" of travel USD with twin rotor capability. I would like to spend 3-400 dollars for the forks and triple clamps. Any suggestions out there?

Like this?

Money has nothing to do with it. If you build your 650 with weight savings in mind it will weight significantly less than the 800 and outperform it.

I'll offer some suggestions but most importantly - What type of riding do you want to do with the bike?

Most of the folks who have built the 650r start with some idea of what they want it to do. JDRocks wanted a gravel runner, I wanted a bike that I could ride 1000 miles then do some single track. Each bike looks very different.

Not.

if he wanted a versys, he would have bought one. it's more fun to build a custom 650R around that cop motor. a rat 650R will outrun a versys, more HP, more torque.

i agree with sanjoh, the intended use dictates the design to an extent. there are plenty of ways to take this build.

wooohoo! love em and have seen it at LF of course (jdrocks maybe? cant remember the inmates name), if any of you are from around our way

Not a ninja but I'm begining of the process of mutating a suzuki gl500 and a Frankenstein ninja was a big part of the inspiration

What are these forks off of?

I thought they were all Versys?

that was me at Laurel Forks...

nope, all the builds in the photos are 650Rs, same bike the OP is building.

Why are they in the Versys thread then?

:

So what are the good years to start such a project with?

This is not the Versys thread, this is a mutant Ninja thread under Beasts....

LOL, I know but they are also in the Versys thread.

Sounds like a fun project!

One item I think I'd try to address are the ergonomics wrt the seat/tank setup. I personally wouldn't be happy doing serious enough dirt to require the other mods with that setup, seems the tank would be seriously in the way,not to mention an, umm, safety issue.

Close, but no cigar. I am lookin for a little more suspension travel, wire wheels and something much different for a headlight (don't want to affend the Versys guys, but my opinion, that thing got hit hard by the ugly stick).

I think I will be able to build this ninja for quite a bit less than what I could but a Versys for. Like the others have mentioned in other threads the Ninja can be had cheap.

For me, money has a lot to do with it. If I had $14,000 burning a hole in my pocket I would buy a 990 or GS800 in a heart beat!