V649HP-Kawasaki's new gravel runner

[jdrocks]

i continue to get many inquiries, primarily from Versys riders, about swapping in the DRZ400 49mm conventionals. the fork swap is easy, the wheel and brake setup also fairly easy, with the variables mainly revolving around wheel selection.

the photo of the 52mm to 49mm sleeves required to reduce the ID of the Versys lower clamp is way back in the thread, so here it is again. the sleeves are upside down in the photo, but you can see that a lip was left on the top so that the sleeve self aligns and self trims when placed in the clamp.



the sleeves are slotted top to bottom, with the slot aligned with the pinch slot on the clamp to achieve concentric clamping pressure, very important. the sleeves were set in the clamps with a few drops of Loctite cylinder sleeve locker.



the upper clamp was reduced from 50mm to 49mm with roll formed sheetmetal of the appropriate gauge and cut to size, only takes a few minutes, and was not glued in place.

[MTrider16]

Well I'm back home, another 2500 miles on the F8. After following all those moto's around, I'm going to take back my harsh words about the Ohlins suspenders. I think they kept the ride as soft as could be expected, and kept the pig pointed in the right direction most of the time. I didn't think I'd make it a couple times.

David

[jdrocks]

Originally Posted by MTrider16

I think they kept the ride as soft as could be expected, and kept the pig pointed in the right direction most of the time. I didn't think I'd make it a couple times.

David

i thought that was the gripe against the OEM forks...too soft.

[MTrider16]

Sounds about right. I didn't feel them bottom, but yet it soaked up some pretty rough stuff. Centerstand hit a couple of times on g-outs.

David

[kajj]

Hey JD. Do you any close up pic`s on how the versys caliper bolts to the adapter and DRZ fork?

[jdrocks]

Originally Posted by kajj

Hey JD. Do you any close up pic`s on how the versys caliper bolts to the adapter and DRZ fork?

spacer is nominal 1/4", 6.3mm steel. layout, then drill and tap as necessary for full pad contact on the rotor. spacer mounting bolts may need to be clearanced to avoid interference with the rotor.

[jdrocks]

Originally Posted by MTrider16

Sounds about right. I didn't feel them bottom, but yet it soaked up some pretty rough stuff. Centerstand hit a couple of times on g-outs.

David

at least they're adjustable now. too soft, and the front end wants to dive into Montana trouble before ya can get on the gas to yank it back out.

[MTrider16]

Originally Posted by jdrocks

at least they're adjustable now. too soft, and the front end wants to dive into Montana trouble before ya can get on the gas to yank it back out.

I'll keep that in mind. My lack of suspension knowledge is now out for everyone to see.

David

[kajj]

Originally Posted by jdrocks

spacer is nominal 1/4", 6.3mm steel. layout, then drill and tap as necessary for full pad contact on the rotor. spacer mounting bolts may need to be clearanced to avoid interference with the rotor.

Ok. Thanks.

I did manage to find a used swingarm bolt from a ER6 to use as the front wheel axle.

The build will continue in a few weeks when it gets to cold to ride.

[jdrocks]

Originally Posted by MTrider16

I'll keep that in mind. My lack of suspension knowledge is now out for everyone to see.

David

lucky for you, it's a very small world in here. you're safe.

[jdrocks]

Originally Posted by kajj

Ok. Thanks.

I did manage to find a used swingarm bolt from a ER6 to use as the front wheel axle.

The build will continue in a few weeks when it gets to cold to ride.

that's the easiest and least expensive solution. cheaper than buying a bolt or turning a custom axle. it's a true 20mm, no slop on the bearings.

i thought you guys mounted studded tires and rode all winter.

[kajj]

Originally Posted by jdrocks

that's the easiest and least expensive solution. cheaper than buying a bolt or turning a custom axle. it's a true 20mm, no slop on the bearings.

i thought you guys mounted studded tires and rode all winter.

hehe. When will I have time to work on the bike then. I guess it would work for a while.
But when the temperature drops down below -30 degrees Celsius in mid January It`s a bit to cold to ride.

I would be fun thou.

[jdrocks]

i was riding at Michaux yesterday, just scouting the gravel since i hadn't been there before.

stopped for fuel on the way back, and a twenty something guy in a beat to crap Jeep Cherokee leaned out the window...

"does that bike really have 649 horsepower?"

"yeah son, it really does."

"oh, way cool."

[kajj]

Originally Posted by jdrocks

i was riding at Michaux yesterday, just scouting the gravel since i hadn't been there before.

stopped for fuel on the way back, and a twenty something guy in a beat to crap Jeep Cherokee leaned out the window...

"does that bike really have 649 horsepower?"

"yeah son, it really does."

"oh, way cool."

[ben2go]

Originally Posted by jdrocks

i was riding at Michaux yesterday, just scouting the gravel since i hadn't been there before.

stopped for fuel on the way back, and a twenty something guy in a beat to crap Jeep Cherokee leaned out the window...

"does that bike really have 649 horsepower?"

"yeah son, it really does."

"oh, way cool."

Some peoples kids.