A different kind of Versys

[intheways]

Originally Posted by tonymorr

I'm going to pull up a chair and stair at it tonight. Maybe a beer or two will help get the creative juices flowing.

That's the way to work!

[tonymorr]

Not much progress this weekend or today. I was sick . I made a rack to hold the bike while I work on it. I took a bunch of measurements so I can make some calculations. I need to figure out how much I'm going to raise the rear, the front, and what offset triple clamp I will need to get good rake/trail numbers.

[duckrider]

Originally Posted by tonymorr

Nice shop! Way cleaner than mine.

Keep us posted, great project.

[tonymorr]

Originally Posted by duckrider

Nice shop! Way cleaner than mine.

Keep us posted, great project.

Thanks. I have a big shed to keep the bikes in but it's cold out there. I need to build a garage. Buying bikes keeps getting in the way I really think I'm going to get to build it this year one way or another.

[dancolin]

I actually think a bike in the house is a beautiful thing..like fine art..

[llamapacker]

Originally Posted by pilot

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.

I would be interested in a picture of the hub if you can get one. We can machine an adaptor out of T6 to adapt the different bolt patterns for the rotors and wheel to the Versys.

The hub width, axle size would also be a concern.

[kevrider]

Originally Posted by tonymorr

I'm trying to make (pick one)

A twin cylinder KLR
A Versys with better dirt road suspension/more clearance.
A cheaper, lighter, less BMW-ish (sorry) F800GS

worthy goals. i've been waiting for someone to ADV a versys, knew it had to happen sooner or later. i don't understand why you started with a ninja instead of a versys, but i'm sure much that you learn will be transferable.

[dancolin]

Originally Posted by kevrider

worthy goals. i've been waiting for someone to ADV a versys, knew it had to happen sooner or later. i don't understand why you started with a ninja instead of a versys, but i'm sure much that you learn will be transferable.

i dont think you can pickup a versys for a lil over 4k...

[Rode2Nowhere]

Just as long as she's done by June 7th

[kevrider]

Originally Posted by dancolin

i dont think you can pickup a versys for a lil over 4k...

roger, that!

[intheways]

Originally Posted by tonymorr

A twin cylinder KLR
A Versys with better dirt road suspension/more clearance.
A cheaper, lighter, less BMW-ish (sorry) F800GS

I'm a bit confused with Kawasaki's lineup in this area. It seems like there is too much overlap between the 2008 KLR and the Versys. Suzuki has more versatility in their 650 category with the 650 Vstrom and DR650 SE. The DR is clearly a dirt-worthy steed and the Vstrom has a pretty substantial following for road -oriented tours.

Kawasaki seemed to go the wrong way with the KLR. I don't know why they would push the KLR toward more road worthiness and introduce the Versys as the same time. They would be better off combining them as you intend to do. A Versys engine in the 2008 frame with a set of 19/17 spoked wheels for $6500 would have my attention. They could even have two models that use the same frame: one with the single cylinder and a twin.

Good luck with the project!

[scarysharkface]

Originally Posted by freetour

I'm a bit confused with Kawasaki's lineup in this area. It seems like there is too much overlap between the 2008 KLR and the Versys. Suzuki has more versatility in their 650 category with the 650 Vstrom and DR650 SE. The DR is clearly a dirt-worthy steed and the Vstrom has a pretty substantial following for road -oriented tours.

Kawasaki seemed to go the wrong way with the KLR. I don't know why they would push the KLR toward more road worthiness and introduce the Versys as the same time. They would be better off combining them as you intend to do. A Versys engine in the 2008 frame with a set of 19/17 spoked wheels for $6500 would have my attention. They could even have two models that use the same frame: one with the single cylinder and a twin.

Good luck with the project!

To make the KLR more dirt-centric they would need to apply the suspension changes of the 2008 to a lighter frame, imho, which would be pretty much a complete re-design. Of course, dropping that Versys engine into a KLR frame might be fun...

[tonymorr]

REAR: A 12" long rear shock (5/8" longer than stock) will raise the rear 1.8" and give approx 6.7" wheel travel compared to the stock 4.9". Chain doesn't look like it will rub on the guide much and everything else LOOKS like it will be ok as far as clearance.

FRONT: Shrortening the WP 4860 forks 2" will still give me 9.8" of travel in the front. I'm going to make one attempt at doing this myself by shortening the spring and installing spacers. (I still don't know exactly what I'm doing inside the forks but I'm a fart smellar) I hear that cutting fork springs increases their force . These forks came off of a 525SX so I'm thinking that they are too soft anyway. If the first attempt doesn't get me close to the sag # I need (2.5"-3") I'll just send them out to a pro shop and let them handle it. I should be able to raise the forks 1.5"~2" in the triple clamps without the 19" tire bottoming out at full compression.

If this all works the way I figure I'll be changing the rake from 25 to 26.5~27 degrees and the trail should fall between 4.0"-4.5"

[intheways]

[joe a]

OK...........It took me a while but I finally found the thread...

Did last nights beer,wings and pizza help get ya focused...??