A different kind of Versys

Update 12/23/14 It looks like the site that hosted my pictures bailed out on me. I'll have to reload the pics and post new links. Soon....

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

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

+ 1
keep a running photo journal of the project.

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)

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.

Hey Pilot;

Good thing those MT60's will be there tomorrow Does the Wee wheel have the rotor on it? If you can't get it to work and want to sell it keep me in mind? I had a Wee, sold it to my buddy. He's in Daytona with it now but when he gets back I'm going to size it up. I'm sure I can get it to work for my application.

Have you thought about using KLR wheels?

that has a 21" front...I think he's looking for a 19"

should be a sweet set up, 650R's are good bikes. looking forward to it's mutated form

A 19" wheel can be laced up to a KLR hub.

I decided to go with the 19" vstrom wheel for now because I wanted tubeless. I want to take this bike on a trip to northern Quebec the end of May. I don't have a lot of time. I checked into the Alpina tubeless spoked wheels but had a tough time getting info. Even on stuff that was in their online catalog. I will keep pursuing them. Hopefully down the road that's what I'll end up running.

Great project mate!
wish I could help you with that wheel issue, but with the new forks you have, you're into a fabbing operation any way you turn.

The wheel I have doesn't have rotors on it. I borrowed it, so I can't sell it. I may get around to looking at it today. If I can get off the site long enough.

Looks good!

A simple round headlight, and maybe a small smoked sport screen, and it'd be a done deal, to my tastes.

I've been thinking that Kawa should have done the same exact thing you are doing.

Can't wait to see the results.

Luckily I have a few CNC mills and lathes at my disposal

Tonymorr,

Looks like a fun project, and I can't wait to see the outcome. I love my Versys. That motor is a genuine grin making machine.

HIJACK-If you are not going to use the plastics I would be interested in buying them. I have a 650R that took a fall and could use them. Thanks.

That's what I'm thinking, maybe an SV round headlight and this screen (would only use the flip-lip on long rides).



One of the reasons for building this bike is a trip to Goose Bay in July. (and many more like it) Where in Labrador are you?


(ManVersysNature.....PM sent about plastics)

, it's the bike I'm interested in, of course.
Are you planning on installing a bash plate and crush bars? And if so, which ones?

Yup, #5,6,7 from first post.....

5.Skidplate (Homemade aluminum).
6.Givi engine guards.


7.Radiator stoneguard.