Another Ninja Mutation

[pilot]

Originally Posted by Snr Moment

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

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

[ktmklx]

Originally Posted by sanjoh

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?

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.

[WVdyhrd]

Originally Posted by jdrocks

that was me at Laurel Forks...

thought it looked familiar

[ktmklx]

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?

[beechum1]

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

[DSM8]

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)

[WVdyhrd]

Originally Posted by beechum1

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

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

[sanjoh]

Originally Posted by ktmklx

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.

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.

[ktmklx]

Originally Posted by sanjoh

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.

[ktmklx]

Originally Posted by jdrocks

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.

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

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

[ktmklx]

I started mocking up the peg relocation today. Here is the shifter side, this moves the pegs forward 7 inches and down 2 inches. The first photo has the stock pegs in place so you can see the comparison. The second photo shows the peg and shifter in place, this is how I am planning on running it. I will not have passenger pegs on the bike. That is an old GPZ 550 shifter and linkage. There will be new hiem joints installed before it gets put on the road.

[sanjoh]

Originally Posted by ktmklx

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.

Right around 12" of travel on the forks. No clearance/bottoming issues with a 21" rim.

First day out riding. Full compression test


The challenge with using the mx/usd spec forks will be matching the rear shock length/height to front height. I have the forks as high as they will go in the clamps ie the front is as low as possible. With a 12" (eye to eye) long shock, it is still a bit wheelie happy. I will get the longest shock possible that will not put the swingarm/chain geometry at an extreme angle.

[Wheedle]

What is the reasoning behind starting with a 650R over the Versys?

[jdrocks]

Originally Posted by ktmklx

...what size Pelicans did you use on your bike?

1450

[jdrocks]

Originally Posted by Wheedle

What is the reasoning behind starting with a 650R over the Versys?

dirt cheap purchase price, cop motor, and the suspension gets changed anyway in this example.