Sanjohsaki the Build

[tragerbon]

I like it... and thanks for all the great information.

[sanjoh]

Another couple hundred miles on the bike today with a mix of single track, dirt, gravel and paved roads.

It can do it all pretty well. Thought the reduced steering (lock to lock) would be a problem in the tight stuff it isn't.



I do need a mud flap though and maybe some type of fender. Had some serious rooster tails of mud goin.

[sanjoh]

First 350 mile day on secondary roads. The bike loves to cruise 75mph, very little vibes from the the engine/drive train. With the stock gearing and the larger wheel the speedometer is reading 1-2mph higher than actual according to gps. No speedo healer needed.

Rode out to the Wright Memorial on the Outer Banks.



The headlight doesn't work well when the sun goes down, the 7" round headlight should correct that.

Oh me knobs

[jdrocks]

you need an airhawk with that seat.

where are you located, i thought you were in florida. you home based in NC?

when's the new headlight getting installed? i'd like to see how it looks.

[sanjoh]

The seat will be sent to Spencers to work on. Figure if he can make a XR650R seat comfortable then the Ninja should be a cakewalk.

NC on vacation

New headlight when we return home next week. Hopefully it will balance the look of the bike, it looks a little rear heavy with the small headlight/cowling. I've got a gs dakar windshield that will be grafted on after the headlight install.

Have near 1000 miles on the bike since conversion, no disappointments so far.

[mike1952]

I really like it. What size wheels? Where did you get them?

[skamikazee]

Love it!

but you should consider giving those header pipes some protection and move your exhaust to a higher position, you might get in trouble in a simple river crossing (or even in softer mudd)

cheers

[sanjoh]

The wheels are 21/18 off a KTM 640.

The exhaust will be changed to higher position. Will try a midpipe with some sort of can.

[itsatdm]

I thought about building one of those. The two major issues that stopped me was what appeared to be an inability to get more suspension travel in the rear without major modifications to the swingarm and what to do about the oil drain projection underneath the bike.
My goal was to increase ground clearance and more travel without needing a step ladder to mount up.
I have an unwilling KLX650c that could be used for donor parts if I thought that the swingarm and linkage could be grafted on. KLX swing arm is 8" wide at the pivot and 23" between pivot and axle. How does that match up with any of the 650 twins?.
I suppose the other way would be some mod to the swing arm brace to allow a longer shock. Anybody have any thoughts or measurements on that.
Fork length on the KLX is 33.5 at static sag, how does that measure up?

[PARIAH]

Unique and nicely done.

[sanjoh]

Thanks for all the replies.

This should light things up. Delkevic H4 headlight. Plenty of real estate on the mounts for blinkers, extra lights and windshield mount.

[sanjoh]

Headlight works great!

Added an oem muffler off a 05-06 gsxr 1000. Sounds great, much better performance with minimal noise. Connecting pipe compliments of the local Meineke shop.

New maaxis 6006 tires.

Stearns ATV seat pad until I get the stock seat reworked.

Rode 700miles over the weekend, the bike just keeps getting better.

[rider1150gsadv]

No flat tires!!
Glad the Frankenbike is working out !!!

[tobbik]

I have a question about the forks. I think the specs say 270mm travel. Did you shorten them or use harder springs in order to get more in line with the short travel and hard suspension used in the rear.

If not, does the bike feel still balanced?

[sanjoh]

Originally Posted by tobbik

I have a question about the forks. I think the specs say 270mm travel. Did you shorten them or use harder springs in order to get more in line with the short travel and hard suspension used in the rear.

If not, does the bike feel still balanced?

Forks are stock 01 640e

The bike is reasonably well balanced. Need to slow down for continuous deep whoops.