V649HP-Kawasaki's new gravel runner

just a photochop made to look like a design study. still interesting.

Yep. Light bikes are always more funner-er.

Probably true... To be honest, looks prettier to me than the traditional café racers!

Seconded!!

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if you use this platform, the ptwin with either the Versys or ER6 frame, for a street bike build, the idea is to showcase that motor...don't hide it like is necessary with an offroad bias bike where you include protection, like bars and gravel guards.

that motor sitting in a minimalist frame is impressive, and it's hard to go wrong if you have a cohesive design concept.

about to add another small report in the 2012 section...



my bike builds have spent 90% of their miles hauling a full load of gear, and the bikes have done very well in that instance. it's fun to get that gear off once in awhile. it's like unsnappin' the leash from that big ol' hound dog and lettin' it run.

jdrocks

Could you give the pro and cons when choosing between the Versys or ER6 bikes for a conversion like yours...

if you want a bike similar to the V649 build, then you're looking for a Versys project bike for a very good price. the DRZ forks are an easy swap into the Versys clamps, then add an R1 shock/custom spring, put together a 17/19 wheel set with a brake solution and front fender, and you're riding a capable DS type bike. you can keep as much as you want of the stock lighting, or go naked with some other concept. 5 gallon Versys tank, better OEM seat, better footrest position. the work is all very well documented and easy to do.

if you're building a bike with a lot of custom features, then you're just looking for a cheap Versys or Ninja with a lot of OEM parts you can sell to offset the cost of purchasing the parts you intend to use.

Thanks JD.....I found and have been reading your other ADV articles and also the one on Versys forum....phew!

heck, in the same amount of time it takes to wade through all that stuff, ya could have built the bike and gone on a big trip.

... but as my father always said, ..."your getting an education son"

hope you kept notes, might be a quiz.

Need to send that durn hurricane this direction to give ol' Smokey the Bear a fighting chance with these fires.

David

The flattrack guys claim they are getting 80-90 HP from these motors...

http://stusshots.blogspot.com/2011/12/ama-flat-track-from-dream-to-desktop-to_24.html

no luck for you, that system stays east. how was the trip? i need some photos to remind me of the places the V649 didn't go this year.

the LSL was dynoed at 87, but i think for the rat DS builds, you could bump to 75-80 and be very happy. the bike runs fine at 70hp using the cop motor, so i wouldn't want any motor mods that would in any way decrease reliability.

some nice fabrication work in that link. i'd like to meet DeCoster too.

Trip starts the 7th. I'll try to keep the camera handy.

looks like some rain from a different system got to your riding area. you trailering or riding over there?

I'm riding, my friends are bringing smaller bikes and will trailer over with one of the guys toy hauler. Then we are going to ferry the trailer with us each day. Yep, we're hard core.

I think they got a little rain. We'll see how it goes.

David