Another Ninja Mutation

I will use the bike for pavement, gravel, dirt road, two track trail, and an occaisional single track.

I have a KLR and like the bike. I would like to recreate the KLR traits I like on the ninja. I like the plush suspension, ergos and go any where ability of the KLR. What sucks on the KLR is the power and brakes.

Those are new generation KLR forks. Plug and play, don't even have to change the clamps. That may be a good way for me to go. I have an older KLR and don't like the fork twist when braking on that bike. One of the reasons I was thinking of something USD.

I think 2006 was the first year for the 650 Ninja twin.

I like this concept, but 4 carbs? Or am I missing something?

nice

This is SO freaking cool.

technically true, but take a look at the stock 650R clamps in comparison to the KLR clamps or any other clamps used on long travel forks. those stock 650R clamps are tiny, should work just fine for pavement, but i don't know about regular heavy duty use beyond that.

650R is a FI ptwin.

Just a thought for front forks for you 650. I'm building a rat bike out of a ninja and looking at the price for a new set of tubes or a springer to get the length I want, but if I start adding all the parts together it gets real pricey. So I started looking at whole bike, older dirt bikes to be exact. For a couple hundred you can find an older DP bike with a blown motor. Then you get the longer cables/ taller bars/ spoked rim all at once.

What's the mix of road/off road?

Any vertical challenges on the seat height? Proally not since you have a KLR. The 650r gets tall quickly.

Sounds like you want a more street friendly (vs KLR) bike or will this bike replace the KLR?

Basically, it is the same bike as my Versys. Twin fuel injected.

50/50

Don't want it to be any taller than a stock KLR.

This bike will replace the KLR, I want more power, better brakes and smoother engine. I really don't need it to be anymore off road capable than the KLR, no less either.

thought it looked familiar

Has anyone looked at using KX85 or CR 85 forks for a project like this? Full size MX forks may be alittle long for what I am trying to do?

in. I've been looking for a twin, DP bike solution that isn't orange flavored.

Here is a list of bikes that have 41MM forks you might be able to use one of these for your front end swap and get a 21" front wheel in the process.

41 Honda CR-250R (81)
41 Honda XR-250L (91-96)
41 Honda XR-250R (86-89)
41 Honda XR-250R (90-04)
41 Honda XR-350R (83)
41 Honda XR-350R (84)
41 Honda XR-350R (85)
41 Honda NX-650 (88-89)
41 Kawasaki KX-125 B1 (82)
41 Kawasaki KX-125 H1 (90)
41 Kawasaki KDX-200E5-E6 (93-94)
41 Kawasaki KX-250H1 (90)
41 Kawasaki KXT-250B1 (86)
41 Kawasaki KX-500 E2 (90)
41 Suzuki RM-125 L (90)
41 Suzuki RM-125 L (90)
41 Suzuki RM-250 K/L (89-90)
41 Suzuki RM-250 K/L (89-90)
41 Suzuki RMX-250 K/L (89-90)
41 Suzuki RMX-250 K/L (89-90)
41 Suzuki AN-400 K3/K4 (03-04)
41 Yamaha YZ-125 W (89)
41 Yamaha YZ-125 W (89)
41 Yamaha YZ-125 A (90)
41 Yamaha YZ-125 A (90)
41 Yamaha WR-200 RD (92)
41 Yamaha WR-200 RD (92)
41 Yamaha YZ-250W/WRW (89)
41 Yamaha YZ-250W/WRW (89)
41 Yamaha YZ-250A/WRA (90)
41 Yamaha YZ-250A/WRA (90)
41 Yamaha YZ-250 WRN (89)
41 Yamaha YZ-250 WRN (89)
41 Yamaha YZ-250 WRW/WRA (89-90)
41 Yamaha YZ-250 WRW/WRA (89-90)
41 Yamaha XT-600 L/LC/N/NC/S/SC/T/TC/U/UC (84-88)
41 Yamaha XT-600 W/WC/EA/EAC/EB/EBC (89-91)
41 Yamaha XT-600 ED/EDC/EE/EEC/EF/EFC/EG/EGC (92-95)
41 Yamaha TDM-850 D/DC/E/EC (92-93)

why not triple? not orange but still euro and fun :)

Sounds like you are on the right track.

Definitely purchase a complete front end, the pieces parts type approach will cost you a bunch of $. One of the limitations with the KTM front end I used is it has limited lock to lock steering.

Wheel choice-Stick with the 17" on the back for ease of conversion, switch to a cush drive 18" ktm for better choice of offroad rubber. The KTM uses the same size axle, I used the stock brake caliper with the KTM disk.

Rear Shock - A Versys shock will raise the back a bit. Keep in mind the swingarm will bottom on the muffler if you go too tall. I'm about to change out the shock for a custom one as the honda shock is barely adequate, not enough travel.

Do you know what the travel specification is for the KTM forks your used?

I have been looking at late model MX forks, but I have a concern with these. The MX bikes have 11 - 12 inches of travel, the adventure bikes bikes like the GS800 and the KTM 990 have about 8" inches of travel. I am wondering if the MX forks would be to much.

I agree, there is not alot of material in the stock Ninja clamps.

Changing subjects, what size Pelicans did you use on your bike?