KawasakiTrax Community
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: doug440 on January 06, 2013, 05:52:17 PM
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i bought 2 invaders today. both will run def need carbs cleaned. one needs the track undercarriage put back on but it looks to small. they holes dont match up. don't know if i need to adjust the suspension brackets or replace. guy said it was the right one, but dont know myself. the other runs and had it running but feels like it is being held back, like the brake is on.however it's not. believe they are 78 or 78 build plate say built in 78. thx for ideas and suggestions
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At least you have one to compare it to when you assemble the other one.
The sled 'holding back' could be the track too loose or too tight, worn belt, dirty clutch, or maybe carbs out of balance. Of course you are going to do the seals right??
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As far as the suspension goes if you post some photos we can help identify if you have the right parts. The suspension is not always easy to install, it gets easier after you do it 10 or 12 times, but getting the second set of holes to line up with the weight of the track pulling on it is a challenge.
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the seals are on the list to be done, read up and seen thats the big one everybvody should do
. :) that carriage was only 15" wide i would have had to add extenders to the tubes and fab way more than i wanted too. i found a vari-ride from an 80-81 LTD I'm gonna use. seen an article here that some else was thinking of doing the same and thats what i got on here to look up and seen your replies. thanks for the advice, I'm sure i'll be back for more.lol
edit: seen where the rear wheels need replaced for adjustment and spring hooks need to be added for that suspension to work. way better than what i had to work with (looked like a runner sled with wheels and only 1 spring, with a 4" shock) should be a fun project.
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this is the one i'm doing the suspension on, the other is same but lower windshield. they are dusty, but no cracks or damage to the hood and lights all work. picked up new left ski too, so the screw driver holding that on my have to go... darn. seats def need replaced or re upholstered. what does a new cover cost?
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changing to a vari-ride is not an easy task, especially if you don't have a rear spring adjuster, I had one but it went with the sled I sold. Look for a scrapped out tunnel from an LTD and start drilling rivets.
Otherwise, go with the stock Invader suspension and add the lift kit. Gives you a good extra 3" of lift.
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I can't tell for sure, but from what I can see that skid frame in the photo does not look stock. If you can post a photo of the skid frame by itself it will be easier to tell.
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hmmmmm.......3" lift kit eh??? is there a post about that mod?
Heath
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There was a post around here somewhere. Actually there was a kit offered by Kawasaki that came with tunnel protectors and was intended to be added to sleds when they were studded. I have not been able to find any of those NOS kits so this is what I have done. Note that the new plate has not yet been drilled for rivets or bolts.
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While the lift kit will help you through the deeper snow, it doesn't add travel and won't improve ride quality.
The Vari-ride in my 81' Invader has a noticabley better ride than that of my 79' Invader. I might be able to help you out with the spring brackets needed for the Vari-ride.
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affirmative on the not stock skid frame, it was bought by the guy i purchased the sleds from, one of those " i bought it on ebay the guy said it would work" things, lol. i went to a place called Kneppers in somerset pa. and got a complete var ride with all everything and new ski for $100, which i think wasn't too bad (seen just springs on ebay for $40). yes the rear spring hanger are no big issue, i got the ones from the LTD but may do a plated eye bolt to drop it lower and lift the suspension. my building off road race trucks rigging should come in handy, lots of "this should work" when you race on a truckers budget.haha will get a pic up of the skid later on so you can check it out, maybe it could be useful to someone else.
I found it so odd looking at the sleds down there, the old trailfire, el tigre, txl's etc. when i was last really around sleds as a kid these were all the new ones, thats why i jumped on the invaders i saw for $550. i remember they were "the sled" when i was a kid. now when i was down there walking thru the old sleds i remembered Dad and his "Race Plugs" for the old cyclone, uncle Jeff's 440 Liquifire that i was to little to drive cuz I'd hurt myself. I know it may be a project to get these tip top shape, and if if the wife and i go out with the guys from work with their Yamaha XJZ 5 Billion we may be the back of the pack, but I just am glad i got a piece of that time back that makes me smile, maybe i will even look for the old open face helmet .... so to be long winded but I'm sure alot of you know just what i mean.
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where ya from in pa doug? i have been to knepper's myself and may be again soon!!! lol
Heath
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An old picture but you get the idea...
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An old picture but you get the idea...
nice i like that, never thought of going under the footboard like that. was gonna go thru the side, but that looks much better and easier access to work on.
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I live near Portage, Pa. here are pics of the rails the guy gave me and of the vari getting ready go in and also the other Invader.
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this is the one i'm doing the suspension on, the other is same but lower windshield. they are dusty, but no cracks or damage to the hood and lights all work. picked up new left ski too, so the screw driver holding that on my have to go... darn. seats def need replaced or re upholstered. what does a new cover cost?
Quick comment on the seats, I have had my last few seats redone by John's Upholstery. I found his ad on the John Deere site. He has done a nice job at reasonable cost.
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thank you for the seat info. if this weather doesnt start cooperating with some snow the sleds will be joining the JRL soon (jack stand racing league)