Recent content by skiroule

Conversely, companies could be marketing “Enrichener Pills.” Sounds so much better. Yeah, you’re technically right Brian. The plunger setup is a whole different deal. I also thought the same about mid-range but what’s curious is that it feels to me like the sled is a little flat in the...

Yes, I guess Mikuni called them “Powerjet” carbs but Kawasaki used the term “Econojet”. As I understand it, the goal was to improve mileage while maintaining performance. The main and pilot jets operate as they normally do on Mikuni’s. The third jet (aka econojet) is a somewhat different type...

Fascinating stuff Gary, thanks for posting! I think I agree with the narrator on the current manufacturer attitude but I might disagree on one of his main points. In the early 2000’s, Polaris made a legitimate effort to produce a low-cost sled with the Super Sport and the 550 Shift. Ski-Doo did...

A friend of mine just picked up a ZR 858 on a smoking deal. He is more than pumped. This is about a 25-year upgrade for him.

I think you might make a good point here. This sled has a smooth feel to it and some of that may be due to improved vibration dampening. I haven’t run into anyone that owned an Invader or knew someone that had one that doesn’t say these were very fast for the time-period. The Intruders are not...

The center of the mounting plate is recessed so nothing unusual is required on the motor casting/machining. My impression is that the bottom of the plate is flattened to provide more clearance with the pan and allow the motor to sit lower in the chassis. I might be wrong, but for me...

Another good question and leads to a bit of discussion. On the rewind side, the front and rear of the motor are suspended on a rubber bushing that fits between the mounting “ears” on the frame. This is what the bushings look like. The clutch side mount is an interesting one and uses the...

Well guys, this project will certainly be a learning experience all the way around. Some great questions. As far as seat foam, my feeling is that seats have gotten firmer over time. In the early days, I wouldn’t be surprised if the seat foam on a lot of sleds was actually mattress foam. For my...

Hoping everyone had a good Easter and got to spend it doing the things you like to do on Easter Sunday. For me, a little shop time was on the list. A few more items are now missing from the chassis: Skis, spindles, steering link, oil tank, handlebars/controls, carbs, and dash. In the earlier...

Looking back at my original post, I did give the impression that it was an 82 and thanks for reminding me to clear things up. The sled is actually a 1980 but I like the color scheme better on the 82 model so I decided to go with that look. I didn’t even know Kawasaki made a red sled but a friend...

Don't think I'm in the George Barris league but I'm pretty sure I'll have to do some small parts fabrication on this project. That would be tough, his sled is perfect!

Happy Birthday Steve! I'm breaking from my usual Hamm's and raising a glass of creamy dark in honor of the occasion.

Amazing history of the flag. I can see why you're honored to be part of the continuing journey. It will be the experience of a lifetime. Congratulations!

My apologies for mangling the classic 60’s surfer expression but it seemed to fit. I figured I had to decide this spring whether to attempt another project and if so, what kind of project. In the end, I couldn’t shake my fascination with the Kawasaki. It is so different from anything else I...

I'm with you on seeing those big, healthy Walleyes. Beautiful fish! Very cool that you're working to increase the population.