Better Invader Ergonomics

[Teherr]

I am somewhat new to this board and new to Kawasaki snowmobiles.  Bought two invaders this fall for vintage oval racing near our cabin in PA.  Have owned and been riding snowmobiles my entire life - mostly ski-doo's and one old Arctic Cat.  I have the one Invader running and I am very impressed.  Smooth, quit, fast, well made sled. 

I don't like the seating position of most old sleds because they sit too low with knees too bent thus putting all weight on your ass.  I am 6'1" so this makes it even worse. 

So, I am on a quest to increase the height of the seat to get my legs to near 90 degree angle to allow myself to use my leg muscles to un-weight my ass when in the rough stuff.  This will also allow me to move to a standing position very quickly.  I have been riding and racing dirt bikes my entire life and anyone who does this knows that standing up in the rough stuff and even during tight maneuvering is mandatory as it lower the center of gravity by putting the weight on the pegs or floor boards vs the seat. 

This is similar to the concept of the newer sleds with the forward seating position. 

I have attached a few pics of what I have in mind and wanted to get input for other folks on this forum.  I would also add risers to the handle bars to accommodate the higher ride height.

Both options include new taller seat foam.  One option uses a seat wedge - can buy these for this very purpose.  Even with that I would increase foam in the front and middle of the seat.  I would also take the foam up over part of the gas tank. 

Terry

http://henrysleight.weebly.com/ergonomics-design-project.html

[jimvw57]

This has been talked about on here before, and the best thing would be to go with a newer sled. If you raise the seat, you will probably want to raise the handlebars too. Otherwise you will be leaning forward and try to look out the top of your head. raising your body can cause more wind pressure on your chest when riding and contribute to upper arm fatigue when riding longer distances. Also on rough trails, it is possible you may be bounced over the handlebars and basically run yourself over because of the low hood height.  The base of the seat is plastic and needs to be supported well. Otherwise it will fracture.

Your next step will end up being add more suspension travel. Another thing that is discussed on here. You could modify your sled to take a newer Polaris suspension, but again you will find that the front end will sit too low and dig in. adding IFS will help but isn't cheap or easy.

At 6'4" I have the same problem and my legs aren't what they used to be. Hitting the rough stuff at higher speeds is not only tough on your body, but also tough on cross shafts and skid brackets. Slow down and enjoy the ride.


P.S. you do know about the perils of riding without a windshield. The radiator will not work properly without it in place causing overheating. ( I assume it was removed while you do the modifications)

[jimvw57]

Some of the early (mid 60's) sleds had a box built under the seat for storage. The seat was hinged to open from the side and added 4 or 5 inches of height and made room for parts, tools, or liquid refreshments.  Just a thought.