Kawi Invader 440

[dirtbag]

Hello All.

Early last year, after being out of sledding for decades by buddy got the Kawi bug and now has who knows how many. Late last year he suggested I go to see an 80 440 Invader that he thought I should buy. Long story short I did.

After putting new float needles and seats in the carbs along with new gaslines and an inline filter it runs great. Starts with just a pull or two. It has the oil pump disconnected so I'm running premix and I'm fine with that. It also has a set of velocity stacks in place of the airbox and sounds amazing when you punch it.

I've been riding motorbikes for 30 plus years and this sled is more of a handful than any bike I've owned. Hit the trigger and it's right there! The back end breaks loose, the front end starts to float around, Hold on and enjoy the rush.

Can't wait to get out again soon this year. Over the summer I pulled the suspension and refurbed it. Now I'm in the process of putting on a better (but not new) track.  I have some questions about the drive axle removal which are detailed in a separate post in the tech section.

Forgot to mention that I think the hide away headlight and useless low windshield makes for a dead sexy sled. They might go way faster and be way smoother but none of those new sleds can hold a candle to this thing in the looks department.

[Interceptor398]

They are a great sled!  On running pre mix in the Invader the oil pump lubricates the center crank bearing so in the long run not using the oil pump can be a problem.  The windshield helps to make a vacuum over the vent under it to create air flow thru the radiator so even if it is low it has a purpose.  The taller Intruder windshield is nice on really cold days.

[gixxer6]

Interceptor398 is right about the oil injection...It might be running great now, but without lubing the crank bearings, it won't last long.   

If the crank seals haven't been changed recently, its a must on these old sleds. 

Be careful, these Kawasaki's are addictive.  You think you're just buying one cool old sled, and next thing you know you've got 12 of them and a basement full of parts.  And find yourself looking behind barns and garages while driving around the countryside in an attempt to feed your addiction.  lol

[Dandb7]

Gixxer6 is so right about the Kawasaki addiction....those sleds grow on you and become part of your senses....

Let the good times roll.....

:-)

[dirtbag]

Just how bad is the premix deal? I put 300-400 miles on the sled last winter with no problems. Am I in trouble this winter??

Thanks

[Tory944]

  If you like the sled why risk it?

[gixxer6]

The center crank bearings days are numbered...