Author Topic: 1st Time Kawasaki Owner  (Read 10128 times)

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rminier

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Re: 1st Time Kawasaki Owner
« Reply #15 on: October 21, 2018, 08:59:53 AM »
Very nice!
 Don't trust the stamping in the tunnel....both of my '79 Invaders show SS-440-A
The foil sticker at the back of the tunnel will show SS-440-A2...if it's a '79 and it is still legible.
Also the build date will confirm...
 2 differences between the 78 and 79 hoods:
The 78 Intruders and Invaders used fiberglass....the inner surface will show a rough appearance typical of fiberglass construction.
The 79 and later hoods have a smooth, gray finish.
I don't think the 78 hoods had the red pinstripe around the black headlight area....just the gold.
 The rear suspension changed from 78 to 79.
 The front arm spring adjustment on the 78's was a threaded eyelet bolt that you adjust the nut to change spring rate.
The 79's and later have a cam mounted to the skid frame and you change the spring rate by moving it to different notches inside the tunnel.
 You are right.....that engine is toast   ;)....hopefully the extra one is usable.
Good Luck bringing it back to life!   8)

75 SnoJet Astro SS, 79 Kawasaki Invader 440 (two of them), 81 Scorpion Sidewinder, 82 Blizzard 9500, 83 Yamaha Vmax 540, 97 MXZ 670....and holding...for now.

Vader440

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Re: 1st Time Kawasaki Owner
« Reply #16 on: October 21, 2018, 02:11:09 PM »
Unfortunately the foil tag is torn right where the build date would be. But based on what you've said, I'm going to say it's a 1979. The under hood is smooth and grey and it has the shock adjuster on the skid. It also looks like someone did some kind of modification to lift the sled up a little in the back. I don't know if this is factory or not.

mswyka

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Re: 1st Time Kawasaki Owner
« Reply #17 on: October 21, 2018, 03:21:28 PM »
To me the hood looks like a 79.  The side trim decal on the 78 had more black.  Also, as you point out, the suspension has the front springs consistent with a 79.
Intruders:  1978, 1979, 1981 Custom (Pink)
Invaders:   1980 440
Projects:    1981 Invader 440

Interceptor398

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Re: 1st Time Kawasaki Owner
« Reply #18 on: October 22, 2018, 08:03:42 AM »
Judging by the front suspension springs I think it is a 79.

Vader440

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Re: 1st Time Kawasaki Owner
« Reply #19 on: October 22, 2018, 05:59:48 PM »
Thanks guys!

Vader440

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Re: 1st Time Kawasaki Owner
« Reply #20 on: November 02, 2018, 04:40:18 PM »
After doing some reading on here, I've discovered this Invader had the power up options on it. Dual exhaust, Comet Clutch, unfortunately the ported cylinders and specially jetted carbs did not come with the sled.  :'(

Vader440

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Re: 1st Time Kawasaki Owner
« Reply #21 on: December 01, 2019, 09:17:55 AM »
I got this going yesterday. When I first started it up it would idle but would bog as soon as I gave it any throttle. Took the carbs off and went through them again making sure to double check all the jets. Same thing afterwords. Then I noticed very little exhaust was coming out the pipes. Long story short, critters had built nests in the mufflers, almost completely clogged. Cleaned them out at it runs. Still needs some fine tuning but it going. It still bogs a little when I first start it up but once it runs a couple minutes it does okay. When I put the engine together, I'm not certain I got the timing exactly right which may be the problem. Any other suggestions?