this would be something that you would need to be more specific about. what kind of mods are you thinking about? typically, modifying a motorcycle can be done in more ways i can think of. from simply removing the plastics, and adding a slip on, to custom builds that are done from the ground up.

modifying a motorcycle will have an impact on the performance of the bike. changing the geometry of the forks for example, can increase, or decrease the turning radius, as well as change the suspension characteristics of the front end. or increasing the amount of airflow with upgraded intake, exhaust, jetting etc... to see gains in hp, and torque.

some mods come at a price. like chopping the tail, and eliminating the rear seat. you will lose some weight, but you also lose the option of added luggage, or a passenger. frame extensions will widen your turning radius, and will change the way the bike handles. i have not ridden a bike with a longer swingarm. i think it would hurt the bikes handling.

as far as difficulty, again, it depends on your experience with mechanical tasks, and knowledge of engines, and motorcycles. i think things like different bars, fairing removal/swap, and external engine mods are easier than tasks like painting, chopping, bobing, ratting, etc... i would hope that if you arent confident in doing even the easier mods you find a friend that has some practical knowledge of mc's, and get them to help, or at least look over your shoulder.

i hope this helps.

 

I see what you're saying about the extension increasing the turn radius. I wouldn't like that. But simply removing the body panels, does that affect anything other than aerodynamics, and would the seat need to be fabricated to fit the frame without the panels?

 

removing body panels will only change the aerodynamics of the bike. you would have less protection from the elements, and this would mean more for your body to take on long trips.

if you are referring to just removing the plastics from the tail, i dont think you would need to change the seat, but it may look funny. if you cut the frame, then you would need to fabricate, or swap the seat so it would fit the frame.

 

Awesome. Thanks for the info. I like the chopped tails. Makes the bikes look more like large minibikes.

 

I think any savings in weight will be nullified by the decrease in the bike's aerodynamics. The Ninja is light enough already that there's really no need to try to shave even more off.

 

+1, you really don't save that much weight by getting rid of the fairings.

 

if i had plastics to remove, i would do it to expose the beautiful engine underneath. forget the aerodynamics...

 

I'd love to streetfighter my bike... but, I also love my windscreen! My KZ550 didn't have a windscreen, so it was useless on the interstate.

 

i wont give mine up either... i thought about adding lights similar to the speed triples, and one of those little windscreens, but decided against it because the stock lights, and screen are awesome!