Silver Kookaburra 1 - Naked Versys Conversion

[AndrewB]

So, I've only got my Versys for a few weeks now and started taking it apart. I plan to install different headlight and brackets, but still it's taking a long time to get delivered, I decided to try and see what I can do with existing parts and some garage-junk.

So, I started with this...




And now I have this...









The bike hereby should be called "Silver Kookaburra", because it rocks a silver coin cover on the big frame hole, and it's the Silver Kookaburra coin.


I've changed the handlebars to lower Rizoma fatbars, drilled yoke and installed Rizoma clamps, also changed mirrors to rizoma bar-end mirrors.

Coolant bottle is an aluminium drink bottle with home-made nozzle.

I spray-painted the windshield from the inside, so it looks great from the outside now.

OEM headlight and blinkers were moved to new places using home-made brackets.

So, once I get proper brackets and a headlight the slightly messy stuff behind the headlight should be fixed.

What do you guys think about it?


--------------

SILVER KOOKABURRA 2

- Finally installed Aztec8 headlamp and windshield.
- Covered tank with Bagster tank-cover, modified with $50 help of local upholster.
- Seat modified by local upholster (about $200) - REALLY comfy now, can't get enough, hours of riding - no problem. Front raised 5 cm.
- Installed a small coolant overflow tank from eBay.
- Painted some parts black.
- Installed shorter/stronger (er6n) clutch cable - much smoother now.
- Put some plastic back (it looks cleaner this way, even my wife likes it now), so silver kookaburra isn't visible, but it's there!









I like everythign very much so far, except for the handlebars. Looks like the bars are for shorter riders, with narrower grip. The angle somehow feels wrong, and my palms start aching in about 1 hour of riding. I might try Woodcraft clip-ons some time soon.

[kvman50]

I like it! This bike just demands to be modified. It'll be cool to see how your bike looks in a year!
Dave

[Tigerpawed]

I like it too. Don't drop it!

[viral]

Looks awsome. Only fuel tank to change and job is done !
And indeed ! Windshield looks fantastic !

[AndrewB]

The second variant is here! I've updated the original post with new photos. Now on to Stage 3.

[AndrewB]

Does anybody know if side covers (the ones that go from under the seat to the tank) from pre2010 model would fit 2010+ versus? If yes, are they flush with the tank? As you may see I've cut mine, but would really love to have covers that look OEM.

[kiwi 41]

Wow, always appreciate a craftman at work.

[Tigerpawed]

Weigh it when you get done. Curious to see how much fat it's lost.

[Begbiie]

Hi Andrew, What part of Oz are you in? I'd like to have a look at you bike if you are in Sydney

[AndrewB]

Yep, I'm in Sydney. Castle Hill. PM me.

[viral]

Great idea with tank cover !

[Kawa007]

Lookin' good!

[Arion]

I was ready not to like it but, damn, it looks absolutely great! Well done, mate.

Oh sorry, I'm from Texas, even though my name isn't Billy-Ray or Jim-Bob, so that should have been "pardner."

[ultra]

Beautiful transformation, congrats!

[Hoghead]

Very tasteful
can you tell me exactly what parts you used from Aztec8 for the headlight and screen look, plus anything else to transform the front end

I just cannot take the anteater look anymore!!!!!

[AndrewB]

Thank you! I am enjoying the look and it looks like everyone likes it in person... the bike presents as some sort of tall cross between cafe racer and a streetfighter. Also the short windshield seems to work just fine for air distribution.

I've used this headlight kit - http://www.aztec8.com/catalog/i9.html (with 50mm brackets) and this windshield - http://www.aztec8.com/catalog/c44_p1.html .

To mount the instrument panel, I've just bent and drilled an aluminium stripe I had in my junkbox (it was a backpack insert). I've just spray-painted it to match the colors.

One little caveat is that after the conversion clutch cable was too long, because it was using the headlamp bracket in its old routing, so I've changed it to a er6n cable, which is also a little thicker. It may not be a problem if you keep the OEM handlebars and riser, though.

[Hoghead]

thanks
Those are the parts I spece'd out at Aztec8 but just wanted to make sure as I am in Thailand and once imported it is a once way trip and if anything is missing I am knackered

7 or 8" arms on the windscreen?

Added the LED turn signals to my list as well

[AndrewB]

Ah, yeah, I've got the turn-signals, too. They're small, but work and look fine.

I think I've taken the 7" arms, since the headlight is 7" and you screw the shield right onto it.

[Desidiosus]

what part of the tank bag is modified? I'm guessing where the plastics used to be? Did the upholster just add to it to wrap it around? Great build!

[fineout]

it looks like probably one of the simpler naked builds I've seen here but still one of the better looking ones! props!