V649HP-Kawasaki's new gravel runner

[MTrider16]

The suspension did its job. I would say it was better. It certianly didn't make me a Dakar rider though, so I'm a little disappointed. $2000 better? I couldn't tell. The harsh bumps are absorbed better, and it seems more stable. It has some "bling" appeal.

Some upgrades are such a mixed bag. I'm trying different things and seeing what happens. When I'm old and wise like you, I'll know better.

David

[MTrider16]

lol, I almost missed your "mountains" reference there. Have fun. -David

[jdrocks]

Originally Posted by MTrider16

lol, I almost missed your "mountains" reference there. Have fun. -David

hey, ya have to be local before you can disparage those, besides, if ya squint a little and use your imagination, they really are mountains.

my rat had some bling once.

[jdrocks]

i'm thinking of starting a new thread.

Travels With jdrocks 2012

the most recent, i kinda ran outta road...



from earlier...



might be time to write up the stories.

[kajj]

Originally Posted by jdrocks

i'm thinking of starting a new thread.

Travels With jdrocks 2012

the most recent, i kinda ran outta road...



from earlier...



might be time to write up the stories.

That would be great

I am thinking about painting my ADversys white as well.

The R1 shock is mounted to. Just need to find a roadstar spring and that seems to be kinda difficult here in sweden.

[2fast4u]

That would be cool JD but you need to get a Go pro so we can have videos of your adventures

[jdrocks]

Originally Posted by kajj

I am thinking about painting my ADversys white as well.

WHITE? ok, as long as you're way the heck over there. the bike does look real good in white, i'll admit that.


why not just have the correct spring custom made for you. there has to be some company locally or in the Euro market that can do it for you at reasonable cost, or just order the spring from the States, still cheap for a custom shock. the R1 with the right spring is hard to beat on the Versys, even at twice the cost.

[jdrocks]

Originally Posted by 2fast4u

That would be cool JD but you need to get a Go pro so we can have videos of your adventures

i can't keep the V649 right side up WITHOUT a camera on my head. besides, it would just be one more thing i'd end up breaking.



ok, i wrecked the bike again, but the story of this day starts with SPANX and French Guyana...a GoPro wouldn't help me there.

[kajj]

Originally Posted by jdrocks

WHITE? ok, as long as you're way the heck over there. the bike does look real good in white, i'll admit that.


why not just have the correct spring custom made for you. there has to be some company locally or in the Euro market that can do it for you at reasonable cost, or just order the spring from the States, still cheap for a custom shock. the R1 with the right spring is hard to beat on the Versys, even at twice the cost.

Hehe. Not all white, I think I will try a combination with white and the blue.

I don not think there is any company locally but maybe further down the country.
There are a few roadstar springs on ebay but they only ship to the states.

What is the cost for a custom spring in the states?

[jdrocks]

Originally Posted by MTrider16

...missed your "mountains" reference there...

our mountains...



only 300 miles away, not 3000. some very rugged roads that push my skills and the rat's capabilities.

[jdrocks]

Originally Posted by kajj

What is the cost for a custom spring in the states?

contact these people cannonracecraft.com

they have the build sheet for the 07/08 R1 shock spring, and can wind a spring in whatever weight you want. i'm using a 16kg spring, others have ordered their springs in different rates. cannon will also powdercoat in your choice of color.

if prepaid, no reason they can't ship to Sweden.

[kajj]

Originally Posted by jdrocks

contact these people cannonracecraft.com

they have the build sheet for the 07/08 R1 shock spring, and can wind a spring in whatever weight you want. i'm using a 16kg spring, others have ordered their springs in different rates. cannon will also powdercoat in your choice of color.

if prepaid, no reason they can't ship to Sweden.

Ok, thanks

[KEN PHENIX]

Originally Posted by MTrider16

Oh yeah, you asked about the suspension. Meh, 95% of the riders couldn't tell the difference between good suspension and bad suspension. I'm part of that 95%, so if it works better than stock I couldn't tell you. I'd already fubar'd the front so didn't feel bad replacing the guts. The rear, well its on, I'm not going to take it off again.

I have a theory about the bent shock bolt problem, but we'll see if I'm right when I take it apart next winter.

Regards,

David

Bravo! That's quite a profound admission.

Same here. I just did 4,000 miles on my minimalist suspension mods and I still don't have a clue but the bike worked fine for the type riding I'm doing. The ergos however, had me suffering toward the end of the ride - so that's what I'm working on next.

[MTrider16]

Originally Posted by jdrocks

our mountains...


only 300 miles away, not 3000. some very rugged roads that push my skills and the rat's capabilities.

They don't need to be tall to be rugged or have difficult roads. Glad your back, and mostly in one piece.

David

[pjm204]

Just did 60 miles of sand riding in the Pine Barrens, NJ. The dirt ninja is a handful back there and I couldn't keep up with my buddy on his ktm 450xc but it was still a lot of fun. I'm glad I made it through the "puddle" I decided to ride through, turned out to drop to 2 feet in the middle abruptly, I had muddy water shooting over my head (awesome). I love the sound the exhaust makes when it is submerged, however I definitely need to re-route it since this occurs too often.