Versys engine in Indy flat tracker?

[TNC]

I haven't seen this mentioned here, so I thought it might be interesting.  If I'm not mistaken, the Versys engine was in the Expert Twin class winner at the Indy Mile Flat Track race last weekend.  This is the class just under the big boys that Chris Carr won.  This is pretty big stuff in those circles and quite an accomplishment.  Of all things it sounds like Bill Werner, the famous Harley flat track guru, built this bike.  I wish I could provide a link, but I don't know how to do that.  A search of "bill werner kawasaki" in Google provided the story, along with others.  The part I liked mentioned that Harleys in this class cost about $20,000, but this Kawasaki effort was built for about $6,000 and could be accomplished by any privateer.  It wasn't a high tech factory effort if I understand correctly.  Pretty good stuff for a Versys engine.

[dewdneyklr650]

Actually it's based on a Ninja 650 here's a link to the article in The Kneeslider.
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2007/11/30/kawasaki-ninja-flat-tracker/

As usual for Bill Werner a very tidy m/c and one with lots of potential.

Here's a link from Superbike Planet with a photo of said racer at the Springfield Mile
last weekend.
http://superbikeplanet.com/image/2008/mgp/indy/mile/Dirt06.htm

[TNC]

Actually it's based on a Ninja 650 here's a link to the article in The Kneeslider.
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2007/11/30/kawasaki-ninja-flat-tracker/

As usual for Bill Werner a very tidy m/c and one with lots of potential.

Here's a link from Superbike Planet with a photo of said racer at the Springfield Mile
last weekend.
http://superbikeplanet.com/image/2008/mgp/indy/mile/Dirt06.htm

OK...what's the difference in the Ninja motor and the Versys?  I'm not up on either of these bikes to speak of, but I thought their engines were basically the same.  How many watercooled parallel twin 650's does Kawasaki have?

I looked at the Versys yesterday at the shop I used to work at.  An old timer...yes, older than me ...who was at the Indy race said that was the engine that was in the winning class bike.  One of the owners at the shop said it was basically the same engine.  I went home and read a little on the net about the Werner bike, and the pics of the engine that I could see did "look" like the same engine.

But hey...I've been riding a KLR for the last 15 years, so what do I know about new technology.

[dewdneyklr650]

As far as I know the Ninja 650 engine puts out more HP up top. The basic
architecture of both engines is the same ~ some of the internals are different,
cams, timing, I think the CDI box is also slightly different to go with the other
items. There may also be some slight chassis differences.

[TNC]

As far as I know the Ninja 650 engine puts out more HP up top. The basic
architecture of both engines is the same ~ some of the internals are different,
cams, timing, I think the CDI box is also slightly different to go with the other
items. There may also be some slight chassis differences.

I did a little more research.  Yeah, they are basically the same engine.  Cam profiles, timing, and other obvious tweaks to change the power band.  And yes...the chassis are dramatically different.

I tell ya...that's pretty impressive to get that performance of that engine.  It speaks well of it.  I sat on the one at the dealership, and it had really comfortable ergonomics.

[PO-SLOKE]

I've been telling folks about that engine ( cuz I have one ) and they just blank stare me thinking , " noob " .

 That'll show 'em huh ? LOL

[drgibson]

Note that the highest placing HD in that class is fouth. In an HD dominated sport that ain't to shabby. Both the Kawasakis Bill is racing, the Aprilias from Aprilia USA, and the KTM Sherb Racing is running in that class are still considered experimental. This is sort of their proving grounds. I saw the Sherbs trying to ride that KTM when they first got it and they looked like school girls trying to ride a Bucking Bronc, scarry fast.

[SPANKY]

  Hell, I always thought that Jr. and Werner wrote the AMA dirttrack rulebook.  No matter the horsepower...if you can't get it to the ground it ain't no good. That has always been the issue. Smooth delivery is the key.  The XR motor has years of experience at that. Back in the day the TZ could roost the straights and really all you had was a nice straight furrow. Ronnie Jones couldn't get the Honda HP to the ground. Same issues with the Suzuki's.
I have a 360 Astro with a slightly retarded ignition that will pull an XR out of the straights on a half mile. Then the XR starts doing it's thing and it's ..."see ya!"  Now,  I ain't nay sayin'... I would love to have another builder give HD a good run! The issue then and now has been sustaining that run.  HD builds flattrackers and it's presence at the track is as important to them as chrome, sissy bars and dew rags!  And simply put.. the rule book favors the Harleys.   ...IMHumbleO ! 

[dewdneyklr650]

I wondered when you two would see this thread. You're right Spanky getting
the power to the ground is the deal. Henry Willes and the Aprilia have gotten
tantalizingly close. A few weeks ago Henry led the main from the start and got
nipped just before the finish line. Jake Johnson got the pole at Indy on Sept 20
so he's over due to put it on the top of the box as well.
Back in the day when Bubba Shoebert won the GNC a moto-reporter mused to
Springer that it looked like Honda had outspent Harley to win the championship.
Jay retorted "Hell no! They just spent it all this year" The year before was when
American Honda had sent a complete XR-750 engine to Japan so the engineers
could study it.
I think it's great that folks are working with other "Big" engines, time will tell
how successfull their efforts are. 

[drgibson]

Suzuki finally got smart and went from the TL (SV line) based engine to the DL (V-Strom) engine. The DL is a very detuned version of the TL. Even at that is is still vey powerful.

As for the rules... let's just say there's a new Kidd in town and testing has already begun to level the playing field.

And Spanky they could go back to runnin' the 8883s. 

[SPANKY]

 Yeah,  the 883's would be great... Hell, while were at it lets toss in a de-tuned VR1000 and see what happens. I will NOT get on a 8883!    ... well, maybe!!! ... you first!

[Darth]

Suzuki finally got smart and went from the TL (SV line) based engine to the DL (V-Strom) engine. The DL is a very detuned version of the TL. Even at that is is still vey powerful.

As for the rules... let's just say there's a new Kidd in town and testing has already begun to level the playing field.

And Spanky they could go back to runnin' the 8883s. 

"...new Kidd in town...??
As in Mike?
That have anything to do with upcoming vintage races at his old track?
Is he messin' with bikes again? Last I heard he was promoting races for...Advanstar I think.

[SPANKY]

  I've been sneaking peeks at the Aprilias... good looking effort!

[dewdneyklr650]

Daytona Motorsport Group is now running most of the AMA's various
racing programs ~ dirt track included ~ DMG has farmed that out to
Mike Kidd and Co. Hopefully the best racing show on earth will now get the
attention, support and stewardship it has lacked for so, so long.

[SPANKY]

One of the finer recent showings dirttrack has had was when ESPN was broadcasting them...even tape delay had an effect on butts in the seats!  Amen to that dewdneyklr650 !!!
 

[Darth]

Daytona Motorsport Group is now running most of the AMA's various
racing programs ~ dirt track included ~ DMG has farmed that out to
Mike Kidd and Co. Hopefully the best racing show on earth will now get the
attention, support and stewardship it has lacked for so, so long.

Incredible! What a great move.
Who better than Mike...former AMA National No. 1 and knows track promotions, track prep and a ton of other stuff stem to stern! And a damn nice guy to boot.

[dewdneyklr650]

The Aprilia looks good ~ but this IMO is way tastier. Yes there is a certain nostaligic thing going on.

[drgibson]

"...new Kidd in town...??
As in Mike?
That have anything to do with upcoming vintage races at his old track?
Is he messin' with bikes again? Last I heard he was promoting races for...Advanstar I think.

Oh my   haven't you heard? AMA sold all of it's Pro racing sanctioning to DMG (Daytona Motorsports Group NASCAR for short). DMG has handed all of Flat Track over to Mike Kidd. As most know Mike started Arenacross sold it then bought BooKoo Racing (Avanstar) which he sold at the beginning of the year (interesting timing).

At this time He and his team are reviewing all the rules, testing different platforms, and putting in place the foundation for the Future of Flat Track. On January 1, 2009 a new day will dawn for the sport that began it all.

[SPANKY]

  That Triumph is "in the den" purdy!  I saw some Willes video this weekend. Verrry Racy!  Someone told me the Aprilia is so neutral out of the box...the rest is nothing but fun!  ...but I have to add..the Triumph is art!

[drgibson]

The Aprilia looks good ~ but this IMO is way tastier. Yes there is a certain nostaligic thing going on.

Just how in the hell did that #72 get on Jason Tyer's Triumph?   He better not have sold that bike. Prez what is going on?

[drgibson]

Ok I've calmed down, it looks like the 72 is a temp covering up the 12.

This Triumph was built by Kirk "The Prez" Tyer, the paint was done by his son GNC #12 Jason Tyer. This is a beautiful example of craftmanship.









Jason has had a rough time this year new baby, new job... not as much time for racing.

[dewdneyklr650]

What a neat lookin' bike. How well does it work?

[drgibson]

His lap times on the Waco 1/2 mile were nearly as fast as the more modern framers, since then they have tweaked it. Jason used to work less then a mile from where I work so we chated all the time but since the job change I don't get to talk to him as often. I hope to see him at Boyd this weekend.

[coolskunk]

Hi, I caught this forum looking for some info on the 650 and bumped into this dirt track thread....so here is a couple of pix .....the rider is my 17 year old son James Rispoli. Last season he rode for Lloyd Brothers Motorsports/ApriliaUSA as well as the Cycle Dynamics Moto-ST team that won the March Daytona 300...

enjoy

[SLO-KLR]

Great pics coolskunk!