[Happyguy304]

i'm starting to think about the 2023 Versys.

Excited to see it! I just crashed my versys the other day, thinking of modding it out this winter


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[Happyguy304]

let the build begin, we'll need some photos.

Depends how ambitious I get! We’ll see, I also like the gen 3 klrs, just worried about lack of power


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[Happyguy304]

a built Versys outperforms any generation KLR.

yes im just not sure i have the patience to build my versys

 

[Happyguy304]

you can always sell your wrecked bike to me for really, really, really cheap money...and i do mean really cheap.

Now I don’t know about that! It’s just the fairing and coolant tank that’s broken. Fairing will probably be zip tied .


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[Happyguy304]

coming soon, partial Versys Gen2 part-out. first up are wheels, swingarm, Givi TRK33 panniers with Givi mono key racks. i'll post some photos and asking prices when i get a chance. parts from a low mile bike.

You build your own racks for the mod bikes right? I’ve been thinking of doing the same because I’m worried the aftermarket racks wouldn’t handle slamming the ground


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[Happyguy304]

probably 99.9% of riders do just fine with factory pannier racks, but i have a short list of criteria for racks, and they are not met by the racks available commercially so i started building my own. i'd still fab them myself for a stock bike, but this work is not for everyone. it's frustrating fab work to get everything straight on a complicated left and right mirrored assembly...no jigs available, lots of clamps and welding in place.

my racks are built to survive, but then i try to build the whole bike the same way.

Right, ive done fab work in the past but not a lot where im needing it to look nice. I dont have a tubing bender but ive needed one many times. My main complaint with the versys is the stock suspension, If id do something to get the suspension performing better it would be pretty great. But shes one project im juggling with the rest lol

 

[Happyguy304]

yeah, better look nice, then there's function and durability. it's x-y-z work, and to get it right you're trying to hold all three at the same time. the V649 custom racks have been on the ground dozens of times...it speaks to the design, the places these bikes have been, and my sometimes lack of riding skills.

much written about the Versys 650 suspension, it's been a topic for discussion since day one. the solution is dictated by how you use the bike. i've settled at 8" front and rear, seems like the sweet spot for both on and off pavement use, at least for me, but is not required by most riders.

Yep and I like the look of your fabbed racks much better than the aftermarket options.

And yeah I’ve read about the suspension a few times but figured I’d wait to really look into it until I was ready to disable the bike long enough to get it done. Sounds like the r1 rear shock is everyone’s go to mod though for the rear. My forks leak a decent amount but should still have enough oil in them. But they bottom out far to often. While the forks are to soft, the stock rear shock is blowing my back out lmao


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[Happyguy304]

you might be into those forks sooner rather than later.

don't feel bad, i've bottomed the DRZ400 forks many times, and they have 300mm travel. stuff happens when you're roamin' around out there.

now i bottom my KX450 forks, but i shortened them 50-60mm. what can i say? rough roads, or start picking a better line.

Mine just feel way to soft for my weight and the weight of the bike

 

[Happyguy304]

forks are apart for seals, check the bushings while in there, and now would be the time for different springs and fork oil.

lots of reading found on this forum.

yeah I know race tech sells parts for em. I havent tried to adjust the clickers or anything yet. I just know they need some love

 

[Happyguy304]

@jdrocks Im not sure if its covered on this thread but do you ever modify the steering stops to gain tighter steering? ive noticed just pushing my bike around my garage and driveway and riding around my scrap pile that i really need more angle

 

[Happyguy304]

the turning radius of the Versys is a subject that gets some discussion occasionally. take a look at the clamps/forks when turned hard against the stops, any more movement and you get into interference issues in one or more locations. in terms of degrees, you might gain a few by shaving the tab, but i've looked at it a few times myself and decided it wasn't worth it.

the complications are easier to see with all the plastic out of the way, but the tank still on, although it's not on in the photo.



i'm now running KX450 clamps/forks, so a steering stop mod was necessary. the hubs on the dirt bike wheels are narrower than a typical cast wheel, so the centers of the clamps are closer than the OEM Versys clamps. without the new steering stop, the KX clamps and fork tubes hit the Versys frame and tank.



the new V649 scooter build goes back to OEM Versys clamps.

Oh ok, yeah that makes sense. The turning radius sucks lol but dont want the forks smacking the tank