Need advice on naked/flat tracker mod
Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2016 1:37 pm
Hello! I have a very nice '97 VTR, 43k km, never had a single problem with it. Runs smooth, is fast and reliable. My only gripe is the weight and the fact that in tight bends/bad roads the riding position kills me and makes the bike pretty hard to drive. I love custom bikes and good looking mods but I'm not into mechanics enough to make a wonderful job, so my first thought was "Sell it and get something else".
I got a KTM Duke 2 supermoto (the third KTM for me). It handles perfectly, everything on it is just great but it's pretty slow, of course, if compared to the VTR (that has twice the ponies of the Duke).
The VTRs down here (Italy) aren't very sought after, peoples usually look for 4 inline. So I'm considering to modify it and keep it, maybe sell the Duke if the mod is successful.
This is what I was considering: LSL kit (or 2" high risers on the original top yoke), high bars, braided brake lines and everything needed for the high bars to work.
Then, remove the fairings and replace the huge tail with a flat-track unit (driver only). I'd keep the lights to a minimum (small headlight and maybe a led rearlight). I'd also remove the front mudguard and would probably add fork boots for a slightly retro look. I'd also change the gearing to make it short (200km/h are enough for me and would like shorter gears).
I know the side rads won't look great but... I'm just trying to find out if the mod is worth it or if I should simply stick with the bike as is and only ride it when I know the road is wide/long/decent enough.
For example, I like this:
How much could I get close to the Duke for the driving position and weight? The VTR should be something like 190kg as is, maybe a bit less. How much would I shave removing all the fairings and lights to use the smallest units available? Thanks in advance!
I got a KTM Duke 2 supermoto (the third KTM for me). It handles perfectly, everything on it is just great but it's pretty slow, of course, if compared to the VTR (that has twice the ponies of the Duke).
The VTRs down here (Italy) aren't very sought after, peoples usually look for 4 inline. So I'm considering to modify it and keep it, maybe sell the Duke if the mod is successful.
This is what I was considering: LSL kit (or 2" high risers on the original top yoke), high bars, braided brake lines and everything needed for the high bars to work.
Then, remove the fairings and replace the huge tail with a flat-track unit (driver only). I'd keep the lights to a minimum (small headlight and maybe a led rearlight). I'd also remove the front mudguard and would probably add fork boots for a slightly retro look. I'd also change the gearing to make it short (200km/h are enough for me and would like shorter gears).
I know the side rads won't look great but... I'm just trying to find out if the mod is worth it or if I should simply stick with the bike as is and only ride it when I know the road is wide/long/decent enough.
For example, I like this:
How much could I get close to the Duke for the driving position and weight? The VTR should be something like 190kg as is, maybe a bit less. How much would I shave removing all the fairings and lights to use the smallest units available? Thanks in advance!