KLRsys - Versys powered KLR

KLRsys · #1 06-10-2012, 12:07 PM

A few pics of what I did with my Versys and KLR.

I bought this '09 model last October. I had been looking for a used one but couldn't find one at a decent price, but found this new leftover and got an excellent price, so I bought it.

A week later it looked like this.

Figuring out how to fit it in the KLR frame. The motor is hanging from the ceiling.

Several weeks later.

Exhaust routing, engine mount, upside down throttle bodies and home made bell crank.

The almost finished product.

I still have a lot to do but it's ridable and so far I'm pretty happy with the results.

Versystole · #2 06-10-2012, 12:32 PM

Very curious about riding/handling characteristics as compared to either bike stock?

kenr74 · #3 06-10-2012, 12:47 PM

Awesome. I've had a couple KLRs and was never happy with the power. Looks like a lot of fun.

**Bear on a bicycle** · #4 06-10-2012, 01:59 PM

That's pretty damned cool!!

KLRsys · #5 06-10-2012, 02:00 PM

It rides and handles pretty much they same as my other KLR, but the engine is much smoother and quieter, and its quite a bit faster. It also creeps around at low speeds better than it did before which will help with certain types of off-road riding. As far as comparing it to a stock Versys, it's apples and oranges. The KLR is a dual sport and the Versys is a street bike (at least in my opinion).

wampuspacker · #6 06-10-2012, 03:12 PM

Good looking job. I've always admired people who are willing and able to try changes. Looks very well done. Do I forsee Versys parts for sale?

fasteddiecopeman · #7 06-10-2012, 04:52 PM

Having had an '04 KLR (for 77,000 kms), as well as my two Versi - I absolutely applaud what you've done! BEAUTY job!

Did you make up the exhaust or get someone else to 'bend' it up for you?

(Maybe your next mod could be following jdrocks with a DRZ front end....)

Retro Rocketeer · #8 06-10-2012, 04:56 PM

I was hoping to see somebody do this. Nice job. Now get a proper KX front end installed and compliment it with a real shock. After that, KTM's should be concerned.

KLRsys · #9 06-10-2012, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wampuspacker

Good looking job. I've always admired people who are willing and able to try changes. Looks very well done. Do I forsee Versys parts for sale?

Thanks. Yes, there are parts for sale. I posted in the classified.

http://www.kawasakiversys.com/forums...ad.php?t=19771

KLRsys · #10 06-10-2012, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fasteddiecopeman

Having had an '04 KLR (for 77,000 kms), as well as my two Versi - I absolutely applaud what you've done! BEAUTY job!

Did you make up the exhaust or get someone else to 'bend' it up for you?

(Maybe your next mod could be following jdrocks with a DRZ front end....)

For the exhaust I bought some mandrel bent J-tubes in two diameters and cut them up to make the exhaust. I bent the new frame members on a ratchet type Pro Tools tubing bender.

KLRsys · #11 06-10-2012, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retro Rocketeer

I was hoping to see somebody do this. Nice job. Now get a proper KX front end installed and compliment it with a real shock. After that, KTM's should be concerned.

A new front end is a possibility but I haven't looked into what other folks have done. I have another KLR that has Progressive components front and rear that is going to get raided for all it's cool parts as soon as I finished a few more things on the KLRsys. Besides the Progressive items, it's going to contribute paniers and a trunk, crash guards, a Corbin seat and a few other items.

oldkawboy · #12 06-10-2012, 05:31 PM

You Sir are a genius!

Very well done, thanks for sharing (and making me jealous).

Dan

kevrider · #13 06-10-2012, 05:36 PM

awesome! and it looks great, clearly not a hack job. strong work, wish i had one!

do you know how much the two motors weigh?

for anyone with deep pockets who is desirous of their own KLR twin, there is a place called Motomorphic, located out Cali way, that specializes in building one-off frankenbikes. for the rest of us, perhaps it's something to file in the back of our minds in case of inheritance.

KLRsys · #14 06-10-2012, 05:41 PM

I don't remember what they each weigh but as I recall early in the project I figured out that the Versys mill is only 7lbs heavier.

rrichard · #15 06-10-2012, 07:16 PM

Very clever. Looks good too.

Baron650 · #16 06-11-2012, 09:44 AM

Great job!
See Kawasaki, that's what everybody was asking for.

offcamber · #17 06-11-2012, 09:48 AM

Did you use the old KLR Radiator or did you swap over the Versys rad???

KLRsys · #18 06-11-2012, 09:51 AM

I tried the Versys radiator but it was a bit too wide. I used Ninja 650 radiator which is the exact same layout but an inch narrower. I couldn't use the KLR radiator because the new lower frame members got in the way.

tapntx · #19 06-11-2012, 12:02 PM

WOW, that is awesome!!!!

Todd

dfmcse · #20 06-11-2012, 02:05 PM

I had a 09 KLR for a bit but I didn't like the underpowered motor. Everytime I got in traffic I felt like I was about to be run over. I move to Versys and I'm much more comfortable in traffice. I still ride the back roads with the Versys but I do have to turn around more. If my KLR had had a Versys motor I'd still have it. I'm very impressed with what you've done.