I received my Ermax hugger from Frog Specialties (http://www.frogspecialties.com/index.php?categoryid=26). I ordered the unpainted version. Its actually a shiny black plastic.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Picture062.jpg


Well, of course, I didn't want shiny, I wanted flat, so a trip to the local Advanced Auto was in order...

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Picture068.jpg


After washing & drying it, I applied a few coats of the adhesion promoter & paint...

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Picture066.jpg


The finished product!! TA DA!!!

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Picture070.jpg


Installed...

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Picture077.jpg


I really like the way it looks on the bike... :D

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Picture078.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Picture079.jpg


Total installation only took ten to fifteen minutes, including putting lock-tite on the screws. The instructions are a little sparse, but anyone with even a hint of mechanical ability should be able to install this thing. Very easy.

As far as the quality of the hugger, its pretty good, not a 10 out of 10, but good. I definitely recommend the unpainted version from a bang for your buck perspective. Its quiet a bit cheaper than the painted versions, unless you just gotta have red.

One last but very important thing, Frog Specialties is top notch in my book. Their web site isn't currently set up for ordering online, you just shoot them an email with what you want, they'll get back to you fairly quick. My part was on my doorstep four business days after I emailed my order. If you're not comfortable emailing them, call them. I'm sure they'll be just as willing to help that way too. I am very happy with the level of customer service. *I wish there was a thumbs up smiley, I'd put a few of them here*

http://http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b129/drzdave58/DSC00075.jpghttp://http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b129/drzdave58/versy5.jpg

I can't get the pictures to work........

Looks great. I just ordered one from Frog Spec too. Very friendly to deal with.

I'm planning to paint mine with pickup truck bed liner. It's tough and has a bit of texture.

-Alan

Looks great. I just ordered one from Frog Spec too. Very friendly to deal with.

I'm planning to paint mine with pickup truck bed liner. It's tough and has a bit of texture.

-Alan


I thought about doing that. I may still paint the under side with "bed liner in a can" depending on how well this paint holds up...:D

Looks awesome.

BBM

Their website shows parts for the '07 bike. Will there be a problem with the hugger on an '08 bike?

Can I have the email for Fog Specialist? Wonder if they can ship to Penang, Malaysia

Their website shows parts for the '07 bike. Will there be a problem with the hugger on an '08 bike?

No problem fitting, the bikes are the same for both year models.

Can I have the email for Fog Specialist? Wonder if they can ship to Penang, Malaysia


Here ya go:

frogspecialties@gmail.com

Bear, how much does the unit weigh? Any difference you notice in the bike, anything? Also, how much protection does it offer, if any experience?

Thanks for the feedback, will probably be ordering one of these pretty soon either way.

Its VERY light. I don't think it weighs more than a pound or so. You can't tell its installed when riding. As far as protection goes, it seems to be designed more for keeping the under tail area clean. If you look at the picture, you can get an idea of how much protection is given. I feel its a worthy add on!

Two questions.....has anyone bought the red version yet? Curious how close it is to original color. Also, Is there any drilling and tapping of the swingarm, to get it mounted?

Don't know about the red, but no drilling or tapping is required. In fact, here's a couple of pics to help clear it up:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/huggerhelp.jpg


You need to remove the bracket that holds the rear brake line on the swing arm:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Picture071.jpg


Take off the stock chain guard. The Ermax hugger has two holes that line up here for mounting:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Picture072.jpg


Fit the hugger in place. You'll notice a slot in the hugger on the right side for the brake line bracket. Slide the bracket through & secure it to the swing arm in its original location:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Picture075.jpg


Install the three screws & one zip tie & you're done. On a side note, the kit comes with three plastic washers. I put the washers between the swing arm & the hugger. The hugger doesn't fit perfect on the swing arm, so the washers take up the difference. Its very secure when installed this way:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/ziptie.jpg

...has anyone bought the red version yet? Curious how close it is to original color...

The guy I spoke with said that he can't easily get the red version. I guess the manufacturer won't make red ones unless there's a big enough order to make it worthwhile. I think he said there needed to be and order for 30.

I ended up getting a black one. I may try to paint it with Color Rite to match the red. It looks like it would cost about $100 to get all the stuff at Color Rite (primer, base color, top color, and clear coat).

-Alan

:I got mine from www.twinshacks .com its carbon fibre style and looks real neat, as there`s no need to paint it. it fits really easy with all the holes ready drilled just follow Bear on a Bicycles excellent picture show..:cool:
cost in the uk was ｣99.00 US$186 approx I will try to post some pics,,,,;)

Just a quick question from all the bikes ive seen on this forum their only seems to be Black or Red over there in the states. is that correct ! I have a silver one and you can now get Kwaka Green,, Blue,, plus!!!!

Only red in the states...

The guy I spoke with said that he can't easily get the red version. I guess the manufacturer won't make red ones unless there's a big enough order to make it worthwhile. I think he said there needed to be and order for 30.

I ended up getting a black one. I may try to paint it with Color Rite to match the red. It looks like it would cost about $100 to get all the stuff at Color Rite (primer, base color, top color, and clear coat).

-Alan


I'd like to get the red one too, so I'll make a call next week. However, in the event I can't get it in red, what are the painting options to match the red? Does anyone know the paint code(s) so a body shop could match the color?

Color Rite offers "Passion Red" as a match. They say they are factory matching. http://www.color-rite.com/

-Alan

Can anyone tell me if there would be any issues with fitting a rear hugger
if I put on Pirelli Corsa MT60 or Scorpion tires.

I went on wet gravel last weekend & had a mess to clean up.

Was that "wet mess" on the underside of the Versys . . . or you? I ask this because when I'm sliding through unexpected gravel patches and fighting to stay upright and aboard, I'm screaming, "Oh, SH*T!" . . . and hoping that I don't soil myself (or the bike). :eek:

Seriously, I have the same question. I've already got the MT60s mounted, but I'm not sure if they present a higher/wider profile (compared to the stock tires) that would present a problem for a rear hugger.

Thanks,
Kevin

Was that "wet mess" on the underside of the Versys . . . or you? I ask this because when I'm sliding through unexpected gravel patches and fighting to stay upright and aboard, I'm screaming, "Oh, SH*T!" . . . and hoping that I don't soil myself (or the bike). :eek:

Seriously, I have the same question. I've already got the MT60s mounted, but I'm not sure if they present a higher/wider profile (compared to the stock tires) that would present a problem for a rear hugger.

Thanks,
Kevin

There should not be any problem with fitting a hugger with your tyres as the hugger is fixed to the swing arm, this means the distance between the hugger and tyre should stay the same as it all moves together and the distance remains constant,,, you could always fit some spacers if you thought it was to close but ive never encounted that problem in the past...

There should not be any problem with fitting a hugger with your tyres as the hugger is fixed to the swing arm, this means the distance between the hugger and tyre should stay the same as it all moves together and the distance remains constant,,, you could always fit some spacers if you thought it was to close but ive never encounted that problem in the past...

YoYo,

Didn't think about spacers. Sounds like a plan.
Thanks.

I envy you: heres why. after searching for a decent hugger for awhile i saw yours, and loved it compaired to the others, so i ordered an ermax through some folks who had a pretty decent price, and after 2 weeks, at 6 am thismorning i get a call from the east coast, ermax discontinued it! ermax no longer makes thier beautifull hugger and now some east coast company owes me 200 bucks! too bad.... let me know if you find another that looks decent! thanks

Any sources in the states for a hugger?

Any sources in the states for a hugger?

I got mine off of Ebay.

I got mine off of Ebay.

Thanks, I'll go take a look!

Any sources in the states for a hugger?

Read this thread, the first post:

http://forums.kawasakiversys.com/showthread.php?t=214

Read this thread, the first post:

http://forums.kawasakiversys.com/showthread.php?t=214

That's what I was looking for....Thanks!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b129/drzdave58/versy5.jpg

hey hooligan.......bears is nice.,,.....but mine is nicer........:yeahsmile:http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b129/drzdave58/versy5.jpg

hey hooligan.......bears is nice.,,.....but mine is nicer........:yeahsmile:http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b129/drzdave58/versy5.jpg

I like that one....more rounded. Where did you get it?

hey hooligan.......bears is nice.,,.....but mine is nicer........:yeahsmile:http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b129/drzdave58/versy5.jpg

You finally post a picture of your hugger, & bash mine in the process!! :D:cheers:

It looks good! Is that the Pyramid?

If it's not the Pyramid, it might be the one from "Poly26". Twinshack (I think Dave said he ordered from them) doesn't list a manufacturer, but it looks like the one on Poly26's website (http://www.poly26.com/modele.php?mq=3&md=320)(in French).

-Alan

got the hugger and front axle sliders from Twinshackhttp://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b129/drzdave58/versys8.jpg

Can it be painted?

the one I got from twinshck was fibreglass and came unpainted......I sanded it down , primed and painted it.

This may be a dumb question, but, is the purpose of the hugger just cosmetic? or does it perform an actual purpose?

I received mine from Twinshack yesterday. Did you have to add a bolt? There is a threaded hole on the front right side. Otherwise it seems to fit fine. Gotta paint it now.

-Alan

if I was given the choice of green I would be riding a green one ... sad that Kawasaki did that to me but so impressed with this bike

The hugger looks great. If you were to do a "Tail" mod, to move the license plate and brake/turn signals and get rid of that terrible looking appendage.

Red

This may be a dumb question, but, is the purpose of the hugger just cosmetic? or does it perform an actual purpose?

Huggers are intended to keep road grime off the under-seat area. For the Versys, it should keep the rear shock cleaner. I got an Ermax hugger for the additional protection from chain fling. And yes, I suppose it does look cool, too. :)

I just got my mine from Pyramid! WOO HOO!

Here's mine, finally done! From TwinShack, painted red.

Looks good! (Looks like mine!)

-Alan

Here's mine from Pyramid. Warning! Had to modify mine quite a bit to make it fit, and also, the chain touches the hugger on "rough" roads. Will have to sand a bit of because of that. IMHO it looks good though... ;)

the ermax hugger i fitted to my candy lime green versys was painted by them and it was a perfect match ,well worth the extra ｣｣｣ spent . A slight adaption needed on front to fit brake pipe clip. ( ABS model , see my Photos )

I think the Ermax is the one I've decided on. Throw an R&G tail tidy on and I'll be happy.

I have the Pyramid. Installed with very little modification (cleaned up screw holes).

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x281/bicyclebob/100_0122-1.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x281/bicyclebob/100_0123-1.jpg

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x281/bicyclebob/100_0124.jpg

The twinshack hugger is sweet. I just need to fit and paint mine. :thumb:
.
.

I put the Pyramid hugger on yesterday, no modification required. It went on in five minutes. Very nice fit, looks good. No pics, Sorry. Wife was bugging me to go shopping. I will ride it today and make sure all is well. In fact gonna put a couple hundred miles down with Kster.
Keep the shiny side up!
Bob

I've been trying to get my Ermax fitted, but when it's on it seems uncentered over the tire, and reeeeally close to the tire on the left side. Has anybody else had this problem? I put some spacers under the screws between the swingarm and hugger, but then the screws don't want to fit. I can find longer ones, but still, has anybody else had to do this?

Also, there's a sizable gap between the swingarm and the hugger in the front. Is this normal as well?

pictures of both sides & a view from the rear would help tremendously. Seems odd, I don't remember reading about fitment issues with the Ermax.

Actually I think I know what the main problem is now... mis-placement of that sticky bracket thingy, I think. Still, there's quite a gap at the front of the swingarm. Granted, the zip tie isn't in place, but it would only tighten it up at that point.

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/4659/img1493h.jpg (http://img14.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img1493h.jpg) http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/img1493h.jpg/1/w849.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img14/img1493h.jpg/1/)

The gap in front is normal, that's just the way it fits. So you've fixed the lop-sidedness?

I thought I'd had the lopsidedness figured out, but I don't. The problem is that sticky-backed plastic bracket thingy. When I put it where I thought the instructions said to, then the brake bracket wouldn't fit again. I took it off and then the lopsidedness happened.

Here's a photo that shows it the best. At one point, the narrowest gap is only 1/4". I'm pretty sure hot tires will start to rub.

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/2295/img1487m.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img1487m.jpg) http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/img1487m.jpg/1/w849.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img19/img1487m.jpg/1/)

Another perspective...

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/1954/img1491y.jpg (http://img18.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img1491y.jpg)
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/img1491y.jpg/1/w849.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img18/img1491y.jpg/1/)

The sticky-backed bracket for the zip-tie? It shouldn't interfere with the hugger. Put it under the swing arm, not on top...

If I remember correctly (and that assumes that I read it correctly in the first place and that's always subject to question), my instructions told me to put it under the brake bracket. D'oh.

So what's that bracket supposed to do, anyway?

I didn't get instructions with my hugger (2nd hand), I put my sticky backed bracket on the inside of the swingarm near the front left corner to locate the zip tie. Probably not required, but I couldn't think of anything else to do with it.

I had the problem of the lop-sideness too (and still do, but only slightly now). Fixed it by loosening the screws, pulling it in the required direction (I think I pulled the front right corner forward) and retightening the screws.

I'll give that a try... thanks!

For the one's that use bedliner coating on the under side of the hugger, I was planning to spray the stuff onto the under side of the plastic of the trim around the gauges to eliminate the buzzing. I put the double face accustical tape on the underside last year and it helped a lot, but when you put your hand on the top, you can still feel the fibration. I put the the bed liner on my Pinzgauer and it is very durable.

So hubby and I futzed and futzed with the hugger last night and just couldn't come up with a way to make it fit well enough. I'm convinced that the tire will start to rub along the left edge once it heats up. I've emailed Frog Specialties and hopefully they'll have some advice for me.

And, I re-checked my instructions, and sure enough it said to put the sticky pad under the brake hose bracket. The only sticky pad I had was attached to the zip tie guide (which was never mentioned otherwise) so I thought that's what they meant. Ugh. The one farkle I thought would be a snap to install turns out to be the most frustrating. Even the engine guard went on easier than this thing.

Ok, I just went & looked at mine. The sticky thing does NOT go on the side of the brake hose, or under the bracket. Its for the zip tie on the forward left corner of the hugger. The corner with a hole, but no screw.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Hugger/hugger001.jpg


http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Hugger/hugger002.jpg

Yup, I installed mine exactly the same as Bear. Did you try loosening the screws and bending it to shape? It's quite flexible. Once it's bent to shape you can tighten the screws to hold it in that shape. As I mentioned before mine still sits a little crooked, but there's more than enough clearance to make sure it doesn't rub...

We did try re-bending it, but it never stayed enough to make me comfortable. I'm emailing with Frog Specialties and they say it may just be a bum one. They need better pix before making that determination.

By the way, you all have been just awesome helping me out like this. Thanks so much!!

I can understand why the directions state to place the sticky pad under the break line bracket. After installing my hugger, I noticed that there was a small gap between the break line bracket and the hugger. This caused some rattling. Nothing a small piece of sticky foam couldn't fix. Everything else was easy, and it lined up perfectly. Great product.

Ok, I just went & looked at mine. The sticky thing does NOT go on the side of the brake hose, or under the bracket. Its for the zip tie on the forward left corner of the hugger. The corner with a hole, but no screw.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Hugger/hugger001.jpg


http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Hugger/hugger002.jpg
You are correct Bear,thats how I installed my Ermax,the stick pad i didn't use ,the holw was good enough for me

Has anybody tried the PowerBronze hugger. I got the fake carbon one and will install soon. (My soon could be a while) I just thought it curious that a lot of folks had the ermax and pyramid, but no mention of powerbronze. Hope I didn't err.

Went with a Techshape hugger and Pyramid front fender extender. Both fit nicely!

Went with a Techshape hugger and Pyramid front fender extender. Both fit nicely!

Where did you purchase the hugger and extender?

The front extender came from http://www.amotostuff.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=053420&Category_Code=

The rear hugger I got off ebay, from a Greek outfit called e-drive.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Kawasaki-Versys-Quality-Mud-Guard-Rear-Hugger-New_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1205Q7c66Q3a2 Q7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293Q3 a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem 260400577542QQitemZ260400577542QQptZMotorcyclesQ5f PartsQ5fAccessories

Installed the Powerbronze hugger Friday, took pictures too! I haven't ridden with it yet, but I'll keep you posted. It seems to have plenty of clearance for the tire, but I don't know what will happen if I bottom the suspension...
The directions aren't very good, but installation is pretty straightforward.

Here's what comes with the hugger:
http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss23/ctoons/Mike/P5010165.jpg

The bike naked:
http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss23/ctoons/Mike/P5010168-1.jpg

First step is to install the rubber grommets and metal sleeves into the holes on the hugger. Put the rubbers in first:
http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss23/ctoons/Mike/P5010169.jpg

Next install the right side bracket. You have to unbolt the rear brake hose bracket on the swingarm and use that. (10mm wrench) The kit comes with a slightly longer bolt, but the stocker was long enough so I just used that. I had to play with it a little to figure out how to orient the bracket:
http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss23/ctoons/Mike/P5010170.jpg

I then loosely bolted the hugger to that bracket so I could line up the left side brackets. (10mm wrench, same size allen wrench as the windscreen bolts) The left side brackets are two piece jobs that clamp to the swingarm when the hugger is bolted on. There are two rubber strips you use to protect the swing arm from the brackets. It takes some finagling to get them together when there on the swingarm, and they aren't easy to move because of the rubber strips. It took me about 4 or 5 trial and error attempts to get them about right:
http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss23/ctoons/Mike/P5010172.jpg
http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss23/ctoons/Mike/P5010173.jpg

Done:
http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss23/ctoons/Mike/P5010176.jpg

I wanted a hugger, not for looks, but to keep mud off of the underside of the bike. I like the rear fender on the Weestrom - it does a great job of keeping mud off of the underside and also off of the rider behind you. Of course, it doesn't have the sport bike look, but to me, functionality is beautiful. I went with the Ermax and have been really pleased with it. I also has the lopsided thingie, but fixed it easily with a spacer made from a piece of bicycle inner tube. It's strong, and though shorter than what I wanted, does a pretty good job. I wonder if I could add a fender extender to it...

Went with a Techshape hugger and Pyramid front fender extender. Both fit nicely!

How did that Pyramid front fender extender attach? I don't see any screws, etc. in the picture? Thanks.

The extender comes with a couple strips of adhesive tape already on, and some small screws. I applied some high strength silicone adhesive, and used the peel and stick tape to hold it all in place to cure. No need to use screws or drill holes.

YoYo, can you show a picture of the Kawasaki green ?

Hey Folks,

I知 trying to decide between the Ermax and the TwinShack (Adrenalin-Moto) Huggers.

I kinda prefer the look of the Ermax because I think it will go better with the more angular trim on the 2010 V but I知 not wild about the Zip-Tie mounting solution on the front/left point, so...

My questions are:

On the Ermax, how critical is that Zip-Tie, i.e., if it broke... is the hugger rigid enough that the remaining points of attachment would keep it from contacting the tire or anything else it ought not be touching?

On the TwinShack, what secures that section?

Also, does the TwinShack provide significantly more protection to the back of the engine area? From the pictures, it appears to go a bit further back over the radius of the tire but I知 not as concerned with getting a little more road kill on the underside of the stock fender as I am with protecting the Regulator/Rectifier, etc.

Oh, and one more thing (and then I promise I値l stop...). :) I致e never run a Hugger but from the pictures they all appear to sit very close to the tire, a lot closer than front fenders usually do. Can this be a problem? I mean I was only kidding about the road kill but I do almost all of my riding on back/country roads and there痴 often gravel and the occasional cow pie etc., so I知 wondering about picking something up in the tread and what値l happen when it reaches the Hugger...

Thanks...