Segment:
Performance-oriented trail snowmobile of its era
Competitors:
Competed against models from Ski-Doo, Arctic Cat, Polaris, and Yamaha in the mid-size displacement class.
Performance Focus:
Designed for a balance of trail riding comfort and spirited performance, often praised for its handling and engine responsiveness.
Manual Utility:
Essential resource for owners seeking to maintain, diagnose, and repair their vintage Kawasaki snowmobile, empowering DIY work.
Engine System:
Detailed coverage of engine disassembly, assembly, tuning, and troubleshooting, including carburetor, ignition, and cooling systems.
Drivetrain System:
Comprehensive information on the drive clutch, driven clutch (secondary), chaincase, and track drive system.
Suspension System:
Covers front and rear suspension components, including shocks, springs, control arms, and skis.
Braking System:
Details on the brake system, including caliper, disc, and actuation mechanisms.
Electrical System:
Information on the ignition system, lighting, wiring diagrams, and basic electrical component troubleshooting.
Chassis And Body:
Covers chassis components, body panels, seat, handlebars, and controls.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, lubrication, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, track tension adjustment, clutch service.
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilds, transmission (chaincase) overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper service, carburetor overhaul.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostics for common and uncommon issues, including engine performance problems, electrical faults, and drive system malfunctions.
Depth Of Coverage:
Extremely high. Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and drivetrain rebuilds. Designed for factory-trained technicians.
Engine Type:
Two-stroke, twin-cylinder, piston-ported
Displacement:
433cc (approximate)
Bore X Stroke:
Specific dimensions available in the manual, typically around 60mm x 76mm
Cooling System:
Forced air-cooled
Horsepower:
Approximately 30-35 HP (varies slightly with tuning and specific model configuration)
Torque:
Torque figures not commonly published for this era of snowmobiles, but optimized for mid-range power.
Carburetion:
Dual Mikuni carburetors (likely VM series, e.g., VM30 or VM32)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline mixed with 2-stroke oil
Ignition Type:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Drive System:
Automatic Torque Converter (Clutch System)
Clutch Engagement:
Primary clutch engagement speed is adjustable via weights and spring in the drive clutch.
Reduction Gear:
Chaincase with a specific gear reduction ratio for track propulsion. Gear ratios detailed in manual.
Clutch Service:
Manual provides detailed procedures for clutch inspection, cleaning, adjustment, and replacement of wear items (e.g., buttons, rollers).
Overall Length:
Specific dimensions available in manual, typically around 100-110 inches
Overall Width:
Specific dimensions available in manual, typically around 30-35 inches
Dry Weight:
Around 350-400 lbs (specifics in manual)
Track Width:
Standard 15-inch wide track
Safety Standards:
Manufactured to standards applicable in 1979 for snowmobile safety.
Throttle Control:
Handlebar-mounted thumb throttle with a safety detent or return spring.
Braking Control:
Handlebar-mounted brake lever actuating a disc brake.
Kill Switch:
Handlebar-mounted engine kill switch.
Gauges:
Basic instrumentation: speedometer, tachometer, engine temperature warning light, brake warning light.
Lighting:
Headlight and taillight for visibility, powered by the engine's magneto system.
N A:
No electronic connectivity or advanced driver assistance features.
Oil Change Recommendation:
Specific interval based on mileage or operating hours, detailed in the manual. Typically every 25-50 operating hours for track lubrication and gear oil in the chaincase.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended interval for spark plugs, usually every 50-100 operating hours, depending on plug type and usage. Manual will specify gap and type (e.g., NGK).
Clutch Inspection:
Regular inspection of drive and driven clutches for wear on buttons, ramps, and sheave surfaces, typically at the start of each season or every 1000 miles.
Chaincase Oil:
Specific gear oil viscosity recommended (e.g., SAE 80W-90 GL-4 or GL-5). Manual will provide exact type and capacity.
2 Stroke Oil:
High-quality 2-stroke snowmobile oil is required. Manual will specify the recommended API service classification or specific Kawasaki oil type.
Carburetor Fouling:
Common with older carbureted engines, requiring periodic cleaning and jetting adjustments.
Clutch Wear:
Wear on clutch buttons, rollers, and belt can affect performance; regular inspection and replacement are crucial.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear in suspension pivot points and bushings can lead to loose handling and premature component failure.
Kawasaki Motorsports:
Kawasaki has a long history in motorsports, including motorcycles and off-road vehicles, leveraging engine technology for snowmobiles.
Invader Lineage:
The Invader line was a key offering in Kawasaki's snowmobile lineup during the late 1970s and early 1980s, known for its performance and reliability.
Manufacturing Era:
Late 1970s, part of a period when Kawasaki was actively involved in the snowmobile market.
