A different kind of Versys

[tonymorr]

Update......current pic:


Story:

I kinda like the new Versys. I wish Kawasaki used a 19" front so we could choose from some dual sport oriented tires for dirt road meandering. Even if I bought a Versys I would probably upgrade the suspension(the rear at least). I also wouldn't mind if it was a little bit lighter. I like what this German company did with this ER6N (Naked Ninja sold in Europe)



I believe they were trying to make a supermoto type of bike if I read the translation correctly. Basically I'd like to take what they have done and add....

1.'05 WP 48mm forks that I got on Ebay, shortened a little.
2.Custom rear shock (Wilbers, Hyperpro, WP, ???)
3.Custom exhaust that goes next to the oil pan instead of under it and then up just under my StormCase panniers (like pelicans).
4.I'm hoping I can modify the long drain plug extension on the bottom of the oil pan so it doesn't hang down as far.
5.Skidplate (Homemade aluminum).
6.Givi engine guards.


7.Radiator stoneguard.
8.Vstrom wheels (already have a rear, need a front).
9.Small fly screen.

So I picked up a bike yesterday. Here it is in the unmutated form.........



And stripped......



Weighed (fuel tank empty)



All the stuff I took off was about 24 lbs. The gauges are still laying up on the handlebars. Need to add a headlight. Of course lots of things are gong to change to add and subract from the weight but I'm hoping to keep it under 400 lbs WET WEIGHT. I think I will call it "Mutant Ninja II" or perhaps "Versys GS"

Ref: Mutant Ninja I ......... Twin Sport 500

[zadok]

I think they are a nice looking bike. I'll be interested in seeing how you transform your bike. Keep us updated.

[Papa Pete]

+ 1
keep a running photo journal of the project.

[FXRocket]

What was the price difference between the that and the Versys?

Also, what is the front wheel size on that Ninja?


I like what you are thinkin.

[tonymorr]

Originally Posted by FXRocket

What was the price difference between the that and the Versys?

Also, what is the front wheel size on that Ninja?


I like what you are thinkin.

Ummm, I think you can get a Versy for around $6k. I paid $4300. The Ninja comes with a 17" front wheel. (The same exact wheels that are on the Versys)

[pilot]

I have a Wee Strom front wheel in my garage waiting for me to pull the Versys wheel off to see if it fits. Right now, it doen't look good. I won't be able to use the Versys rotors, the bolt holes are wrong.

[ginnioz]

looks like a great project - when do you expect it done? (can't wait :))

[tonymorr]

Originally Posted by ginnioz

looks like a great project - when do you expect it done? (can't wait :))

Thanks;

I expected it done a month ago I going to get going on it again this week and really figure some things out. I suspect it won't be done when I start riding it. I'm thinking it will evolve into what I want.....slowly.

[tonymorr]

I'm going back to using the WP forks. Machining my own triple clamps, using the stock stem and ignition switch location.

[Coelomate]

Awesome idea! I'd be tempted to do something simmilar, but the wheel and fork swaps would likely be way out of my mechanical range...

[tonymorr]

Well, I know it's been awhile. I've been busy with other things :-( The latest developement is that over the weekend I realized that the '08 KLR forks are 41mm, they will fit right in the triples of my Ninja. I have some on the way along with caliper, master, and axle. I'm still going to use the Vstrom 19" front wheel. Initial measurements are very promising. The weight of the naked Ninja is not too far off fromthe '08 KLR so spring rates should be close. I really wanted to use the WP forks but in the interest of time I'm going ot go a different (easier) route for now. Forks won't be here till early next week. I'm going to work on relocating the footpegs in the meantime. Also need to figure out which bend bars to get........

More info coming soon.

[ride2little]

Originally Posted by tonymorr

Update......current pic:

Looks pretty cool, except for that nut-busting tank. Well done, btw.

[smash81]

Thanks. I get better...

I have my jargon wrong it seems. Wondering if I can take tubes and internals out of the lower forks of a KLR and put them in the lower Ninja forks. Would like to retain my Ninja front wheel and dual calipers (and doing the Versys front end swap is $$!). Looking a pics, it looks like the lowers on my Ninja are shorter than the lowers on the KLR. I don't have a set of KLR forks to measure or try this out.

Thanks for the swift response!


EDIT: looking at more pics on the computer today. Looks like the KLR fork lowers are longer than the Ninja lowers, which rather defeats much of the purpose of the swap. Just trying to keep those brakes.

Tony, I might PM you with some specific questions in a few months if that's alright.