Author Topic: Invader rear suspension  (Read 9459 times)

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hill8860

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Invader rear suspension
« on: January 13, 2013, 06:00:05 PM »
Hey guys got a question about rear suspension  how exactly is the rear scissor suppose to work it just seems like it moves free that couple inches up and down I believe it is the newer style sus with the front springs that attach to tunnel also where the rear tunnel bolts to the rear of the suspension  is there a lowering bracket that is supposed to be there it's bolted right to the tunnel right now I say this because both of my parts sleds have a lowering bracket that looks like sus bolts to. Although this tunnel has no bracket and has no sign where a braket was no missing rivets , no holes  nothing. Also stupid question do you guys have the same problem with the help icons on this site can't seem to shrink them

jimvw57

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Re: Invader rear suspension
« Reply #1 on: January 13, 2013, 09:19:23 PM »
Most Invaders have a spring mounted on the shock inside the suspension that makes the suspension go up and down according to the terrain and weight on the seat. There is an adjustment on the shock where the spring mounts to allow for a stiffer ride or softer ride.

If the cross shafts get corroded inside, travel will be limited, same if the shafts get bent from too much jumping.  The lift brackets will give you more clearance, but the same amount of travel. 

The Invader LTD uses a different suspension that has springs on all 4 corners.

mswyka

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Re: Invader rear suspension
« Reply #2 on: January 14, 2013, 11:14:14 AM »
Take a look at the attached and let me know if this is what you are seeing on your parts sleds.  Initially Kawasaki did not make an allowance for studs.  Going to the aluminum tunnel was a great idea for weight, but does not stand up to carbide studs traveling at excessive rates of speed.  So, they came out with the rub strip kit that included the rub strips and the brackets to lower the suspension.  The dealer would drill out the rivets for the existing steel rear support and rivet in the new part.  If your parts sleds already have this kit I would encourage you to transfer it to your better sled. 

As far as the suspension, what year sled do you have? 
Intruders:  1978, 1979, 1981 Custom (Pink)
Invaders:   1980 440
Projects:    1981 Invader 440

hill8860

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Re: Invader rear suspension
« Reply #3 on: January 14, 2013, 04:18:42 PM »
Hey thanks guys the invader is an 80  parts sleds have drop brackets but don't believe they have tunnel protectors  I guess the question I have is the rear mount suppose to scissor up the couple inches as free as it does or  am I missing something

kawhead

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Re: Invader rear suspension
« Reply #4 on: January 14, 2013, 04:53:51 PM »
yes,the rear swivels on the cross shaft will 'fall down' when you lift the rear of the sled,normal.

hill8860

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Re: Invader rear suspension
« Reply #5 on: January 14, 2013, 06:02:24 PM »
Great thanks that's the answer I was looking for goofy set up though

jimvw57

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Re: Invader rear suspension
« Reply #6 on: January 15, 2013, 12:45:21 AM »
This should be what you have


mswyka

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Re: Invader rear suspension
« Reply #7 on: January 15, 2013, 06:41:55 AM »
Jim, nice catalog.  Do they still honor those prices?
Intruders:  1978, 1979, 1981 Custom (Pink)
Invaders:   1980 440
Projects:    1981 Invader 440

jimvw57

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Re: Invader rear suspension
« Reply #8 on: January 15, 2013, 08:13:21 AM »
yup, just got to jump in  the Delorean, get up to 88 MPH and I'm there!! love that Mr Fusion...

You trying to say I need to update my photo galleries??

hill8860

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Re: Invader rear suspension
« Reply #9 on: January 15, 2013, 06:41:29 PM »
Hey guys that is the susp I have except mine has 2 extra idler wheels by the shock also has 4 wheels in back not three like picture????? Any thoughts

Mad Kaw

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Re: Invader rear suspension
« Reply #10 on: January 15, 2013, 07:14:14 PM »
the picture shows the original 3 wheel skid that were used with the cleated tracks... kawasaki recalled these tracks because the cleats would break/fall off & possibly injure anyone riding behind you... (and since you're on a kawi,, chances are EVERYBODY will be behind you)  ;D

i had one of these tracks on a 340 & its sure ugly when the tracks decide to shell at 60+ mph... (i got lucky & it only did cosmetic damage to the tunnel)

anyways,,, the fix was a regular track... but the tension wouldnt tighten up enough with the 3 wheel skid... so they added slightly larger diameter rear wheels in the 4 wheel configuration... the 2 extra idlers are for less slider wear... i think they were called a "marginal snow kit" or something like that...

any new 2.52 pitch 15x121 track will work (ones with drive lugs on both sides of the windows)... but the 2 outer rear wheels will need to be spaced out about 1/8" each, & the idlers on the driveshaft will need to be spaced out or removed (i just removed them)

Teherr

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Re: Invader rear suspension
« Reply #11 on: October 10, 2016, 07:25:36 AM »
I have an 80 Invader that I have been oval racing and last race I broke two of the rear idler wheels.  Bought two new 7.125 and installed and realized they are smaller than then the original.  They are 8".  I have an 80 and 82 LTD's and they both have the 7.125 rear idler size. 

So I am trying to figure out which size I should run.  the smaller size will allow the track to run more on the hyfax and may remove some of the lateral pressure on the rear wheels in the turns, reducing the likelihood of wheel breakage.  But, it will increase drag. 

thoughts? 
440 Invaders
440 LTD Monohead
Liquifire
80' 4/6 
Intruder Ice Oval Racer
74 El Tigre T7 Free Air
80 Polaris 440 TX
250 & 340 Enticers

Interceptor398

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Re: Invader rear suspension
« Reply #12 on: October 10, 2016, 07:44:47 AM »
1980 Invader used (3) 7.63 OD wheels PN 41073-3508 and the 1980 Intruder used (4) 8.0 OD wheels PN 41073-3511.  I would find the 7.63 wheels.  Good Luck!

sprocket

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Re: Invader rear suspension
« Reply #13 on: October 10, 2016, 06:42:59 PM »
The 8" will take you off the slides may cause derailing depending how hard you corner, you can add taller clips to your track but that's a lot of work too

Teherr

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Re: Invader rear suspension
« Reply #14 on: October 10, 2016, 08:26:21 PM »
Thanks,.  Had no clue there is a 7.65 wheel.  Any idea where to find them. 
440 Invaders
440 LTD Monohead
Liquifire
80' 4/6 
Intruder Ice Oval Racer
74 El Tigre T7 Free Air
80 Polaris 440 TX
250 & 340 Enticers