1980 Kawasaki Invader

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What was your intended objective when you started the build?

Our objective was to re-build the sled to be clean and solid.  And to be as close to the TOC sleds as we could get.  Along the  way we made some modifications.

What motivated you to start your project?

We have been collecting Kawasaki snowmobiles since the early 2000’s.  We have admired the Kawasaki Tournament of Champions sleds and paint schemes and decided to restore one of our sleds as a Tournament of Champions tribute sled.

What was the most unique and creative thing you did to the sled?

Most unique for this year model was the suspension. We incorporated an updated suspension to improve the ride.  We also fabricated our own black windscreen.

What are you most proud of?

I guess what I am most proud of is the fact that after 38 years we have a sled that actually starts easily, runs well, and looks decent.  I also appreciate the graphics that my friend Chris Lewis of Lewis signs created.

What do other people say about your snowmobile?

The sled definitely turns heads, most first ask “what year is it” others are quick to say someone else they knew had an Invader back in the day and remembered them as being very fast.

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Submitted by: Mark S

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Specifics

Classification: Mild
Make, Model & Year: 1980 Kawasaki Invader
Fondly known as: The Green Sled
Time spent: 400 hours over 4 years
Snowmobile cost: Free
Money spent: $1,000
Engine: Stock 440 liquid cooled twin cylinder making about 70 HP
Intake: Naturally aspirated twin 36mm Mikuni power jet carburetors
Exhaust: Stock Invader exhaust
Drivetrain: Stock Kawasaki Invader clutches, stock 21 x 39 gearing, 15 x 121 track, 48 studs
Tunnel/Chassis Modifications: Tunnel upgrade to LTD 4/6 with tunnel protector strips
Suspension: LTD 4/6 Vari-Ride suspension
Brakes: Stock Invader twin puck disk brakes
Finish – Paint: Custom Kawasaki Green & Black theme with custom graphics provided by Chris Lewis of Lewis Signs

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