78 Invader 340 - Carb Setup

[jskal]

It is snowing like crazy today in Aitkin MN!  I have an invader that was setup for oval racing and I would like to bring it back to stock settings, as I am guessing there was a lot of tweaking done.  I have a PDF of the 78 Invader tech manual, but I'm unable to read the tiny TINY print in the carb assembly section.

Basically I am looking for stock 34mm carb setup and any tuning advise.
Pilot:
Main:
Needle:
Needle Jet:

Also, any benefit to running 38's on this machine? If anyone has other input it is very much appreciated!

[jskal]

Oh - And I was told the pipe is from a 440 Invader.  A 'known' performance improvement?!?

[gixxer6]

It was/is common to put a 440 top end on a 340 for a performance upgrade.  I've never heard of using just the pipe.  I'm no expert, but I would think it would hurt more than help.

[mswyka]

I believe the pilots in the VM 32 are 25 and the mains are 175.  Not sure on the needle.  Will need to look that up.

[rminier]

I have a 1979 Invader manual. I can only ASSUME that the carb settings for '78 was the same....gotta be close. Here is what '79 manual shows for 340:
   VM 32
   Main 175
   Jet Needle   6DH4-2
   Needle Jet   P-4
   Throttle Cut-Away   3.0 mm
   Pilot   30
   Air Screw   1.5 open

[Interceptor398]

A 78 340 Invader has carbs marked 32/122 and are set up the same as the 79 340 carbs stamped 32/139.

[rminier]

I have some parts manuals for the Invaders and the Intruders. I looked at both the 1978 and the 1979 manuals and was surprised to find that the 340 and the 440 Invader call for the exact same part number (39083-3501) for the tuned muffler and the exact same Y-pipe (39178-3501). The fan cooled Intruder does show a different part # for the y-pipe and muffler.
  Obviously the pipes were the same for both Invaders. I think that Kawasaki may have updated the tuned muffler for the '81 Invader, which they only offered in the 440 version. Whatever your 340 has on it, if came off of an Invader it sounds like it would be good to go.

[jskal]

Thanks for all the info and response!  Very surprising info on the pipes! 

I didn't know a good source for Mikuni parts, so after scouring the Internet for an easy click-and-pick site I made a few calls.  Contacted a site called SmartPowerSports.com and they were EXTREMELY helpful.  Went over and above to locate the right parts and ship same day.  Needle jet appears to be 159-P4.

The slides I have are 3.5mm.  What impact will running these have?

Looking forward to getting this 340 up and running this winter.

[rminier]

There are several on here with way more experience dialing in carbs...I have just dealt with the stock carbs on my sleds. Here's my limited opinion.  The throttle cut-away influences the fuel/air mix from idle to 1/2 throttle...it's effect quickly diminishes as you approach 1/2 throttle. If yours are 3.5 mm and stock was 3.0, you will be getting a bit more air through the carbs coming up from idle. Perhaps a larger pilot jet would compensate initially, or dropping the jet needle clip one notch on the needle (raising the needle one notch) would help. I would think that it is worth trying the 3.5 slides. Others on here may have some better suggestions.

[rminier]

Dang cool picture, too. And a nice '82 LTD in the background?

[jskal]

TY - Found the LTD at swap this fall.  Just got it converted to Mikuni's with some help from Tory and looking forward to running some drags and vintage rides with it this winter.  I'm working on a rear suspension swap (from an Indy trail), a track with some bite (from an Edge), and getting some height on the bars . 

[foxspoiler]

that is one nice sled, I like the green, I want to paint one of mine like that. maybe this winter some of us kawi guys can get together at one of the local rides. I was bitten this summer by these sleds and just can't get enough of them. I got the chance to meet Trucker and buy all his used stuff he had left. still picking thru it. hope to see some of cool rides this winter.

Mike

[jskal]

Would be great to meet & get out with some locals.  The Frostbite vintage show in Monticello has been growing nicely the last couple years, I've been the only Kawasaki representation so far.  Most of our riding is in the Mille Lacs area.

Another LTD I've been playing with. 

[foxspoiler]

been thinking of going to the Frostbite this year, sounds like a good time. how long of a ride is it ?

[jskal]

They are still dialing in the ride, as the event matures.  2 years ago the ride was 12 miles, with a stop at a local bar & grill.  It was fun, but a bunch of sleds got stranded due to break-downs and the event suffered as attendees & sleds disappeared for the ride.  Last year they did a leg out 2.5 mile west, then back 2.5 miles east and came back to the event.  A little cheesy but fun nonetheless.  The turnout was impressive though.  They had an area roped for the vintage show, and so many sleds showed up that they almost doubled the anticipated area.  Also had free manufacturer sponsored test rides.  It was the first time I had ever gotten to ride a new Cat/Polaris/SkiDoo/Yamaha back to back in identical conditions.  An eye-opener for sure!!!!