handyandy
Active VIP Member
Picking up a 1978 kawasaki invader 440 this week and thinking of taking it to a few vintage races. Anyone else race vintage sleds? Any tips on setup?
Test test test. Are you going round and round or straight line?Picking up a 1978 kawasaki invader 440 this week and thinking of taking it to a few vintage races. Anyone else race vintage sleds? Any tips on setup?
Straight line. Local race has gotten pretty popular so lots of sleds show up. Excited to give it a tryTest test test. Are you going round and round or straight line?
Find out how long the track is then gear and clutch accordingly. You want your sled to be accelerating the whole race but getting near top speed at the finish line. Adjust your suspension for the best hole shot and keep the sled a light as possible no spare belts or tools and minimal fuel. Have fun and good luck!Picking up a 1978 kawasaki invader 440 this week and thinking of taking it to a few vintage races. Anyone else race vintage sleds? Any tips on setup?
Would that be longhairfreak?PM the guy with the wedgie sleds
I bet you were shaking with excitement the whole time you typed that Ken!Detail as much as you can. Invaders were leaf spring if I remember so no way to tie front suspension down. Perfect ski alignment, full front of skid up some so no wheelieing, gear down but test in track distance, clutching clean and no worn parts, belt alignment and tightness is critical, carb jetting spot on for temp and altitude. Light brown tan color on plugs and gapped perfect. Engine has good compression? Are you allowed to run picks or other traction products? If it’s ice I would imagine yes. Probably some safety stuff you will have to do like tied tail flap, working tailight and tether cord. And last but not least walk the pits and look at other sleds. Racers are very inventive. You may pick up some things that can help you!
Picking up a 1978 kawasaki invader 440 this week and thinking of taking it to a few vintage races. Anyone else race vintage sleds? Any tips on setup?
Some of the races will not let you race if you are studded. Make sure you double check their rules!Might go up and race the vintage ones at candle lake this year with my dad. Be my first time. Studs on the track may be an advantage, new belt, tuned up and maybe some spare jets for weather changes to fine tune. Good fuel and squash the throttle lol. Having a pit crew (one extra guy) lol, would help
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Yes is it ice or snow drags? Big differenceSome of the races will not let you race if you are studded. Make sure you double check their rules!
I was curious about that. I haven't been able to find the rules online so I'm gonna have to call the guy that hosts the race.Some of the races will not let you race if you are studded. Make sure you double check their rules!
I'm good at thatIf you get caught cheating just play dumb.
Detail as much as you can. Invaders were leaf spring if I remember so no way to tie front suspension down. Perfect ski alignment, full front of skid up some so no wheelieing, gear down but test in track distance, clutching clean and no worn parts, belt alignment and tightness is critical, carb jetting spot on for temp and altitude. Light brown tan color on plugs and gapped perfect. Engine has good compression? Are you allowed to run picks or other traction products? If it’s ice I would imagine yes. Probably some safety stuff you will have to do like tied tail flap, working tailight and tether cord. And last but not least walk the pits and look at other sleds. Racers are very inventive. You may pick up some things that can help you!
Definitely more than they used to be. Not long ago old sleds could hardly be given away. This invader was $1300 but in really good shape other than small hole in hood and seat needs to be recovered.Anybody got a line on a site that gives values for vintage sleds? Looking at a 1976 Moto Ski Sonic 340 TS. Be nice to know approx value so I don’t get hosed lol