Below is a vintage snowmobile commercial from 1977. It features the Sno-Jet Kawasaki SST 440. Kawasaki purchased the Sno-Jet snowmobile company in 1976. For the 1977 season, they branded the models as “Sno-Jet Kawasaki”. These 1977 models were very similar to the Sno-Jet machines from the previous year.
While the announcer is touting the performance capabilities of this snowmobile, note that this 1977 SST 440 did not use a Kawasaki engine. Yamaha motors were actually under the hoods of the SST models. Also note that the video labels this commercial from 1976. It may have aired in late 1976, but the snowmobile is from the 1977 model-year.
Specifications For The 1977 Sno-Jet Kawasaki SST 440
A reader asks: I’ve got a 2016 Kawasaki Mule Pro DXT UTV (with the 993 cc diesel engine). I’m having trouble sourcing an oil filter. Do you sell engine oil and oil filters for this model? I would also like to change the front diff and transmission oil. If you have any product suggestions, that would be great.
Our answer: We can offer engine oil, an oil filter, front differential and transmission oil for your 2016 Kawasaki Mule Pro DXT. Better yet, we have wholesale options that can make these outstanding products an even better value. Here are the options.
Engine And Oil Filter
Engine oil-“AMO” AMSOIL 10W-40 Premium Protection Synthetic Motor Oil– This versatile motor oil is among AMSOIL’s most robust products. AMO 10W-40 is ideal for both diesel and gasoline engines. It offers long service life and easily handles extreme heat, heavy loads or bitter cold. This motor oil delivers the ultimate wear protection for your DXT engine.
Engine oil filter-AMSOIL EAOM-103 Oil Filter– AMSOIL’s EAOM oil filters offer a full-synthetic media and sturdy construction. This oil filter protects your engine with industry-leading particle removal and long-lasting capacity. The EAOM-103 is a tough oil filter for a tough engine.
Front Differential And Transmission Oil
Front Differential-(AUDT) AMSOIL Synthetic ATV/UTV Transmission & Differential Fluid– The front diff of Kawasaki Mule models requires an API GL-5 gear oil. AMSOIL “AUDT” absorbs the shock loads and extreme torque. This ATV/UTV Transmission & Differential Fluid also offers steady protection in extreme heat or cold temperatures. Kawasaki suggests changing the Mule Pro front differential fluid on an annual basis.
Transmission oil– (AUDT) AMSOIL Synthetic ATV/UTV Transmission & Differential Fluid- Kawasaki also suggests API GL-5 gear oil for the CVT transmission. AMSOIL “AUDT” was formulated specially for the rigors of side-by-side transmission service. Expect cool operation, smooth performance and maximum component life. Kawasaki recommends changing the Mule Pro transmission fluid every season.
Request a wholesale price list using the contact form on this page.
Video Review Of Kawasaki Mule Pro DXT
The Kawasaki Mule Pro DXT diesel-powered side by side is not going to break any land speed records. But it isn’t designed for sport, it’s made to work hard. With gobs of stump-pulling torque and heavy construction, the Mule Pro DXT is made to push, pull and haul until the cows come home. Here is video review of the Mule Pro DXT from the good people at utvscene.com.
The videos below will be a treat for vintage motorcycle enthusiasts. Kawasaki is one of the “big-four” Japanese motorcycle manufactures and these videos show us what they were up to in the 1970s. Included are some light-hearted 1970s commercials, 1980 motocross footage and a look at Kawasaki’s design and manufacturing processes from 1972.
Kawasaki Motorcycle History
The Kawasaki motorcycle company is a division of Kawasaki Heavy Industries which is a massive global industrial concern that was founded in 1896. They are involved in enterprises such aircraft/aerospace, trains, power generation, robotics and shipbuilding (just to name a few). Kawasaki became serious about the motorcycle sector when they bought out the Meguro Manufacturing Company in 1964. Meguro was one the first Japanese motorcycle makers and for a time, their sales were second only to Honda. But Meguro hit rough times in the early 1960s and Kawasaki stepped in. With their manufacturing prowess and worldwide corporate leverage, Kawasaki motorcycles quickly became the global player that they are today.
The first video is a montage of Kawasaki TV commercials from the 1970s. The motorcycle market saw a massive expansion in the early 1970s. The Japanese manufacturers really caught their stride during this period and the North American market embraced their inexpensive, reliable bikes. It was a magical time for motorcycle enthusiasts and these commercials really capture the spirit of the times.
This video showcases the KX motocross bikes and the KDX enduro bikes from around 1980. This was actually a watershed moment in motocross history as Kawasaki’s Uni-Trak “rising rate”, single-shock rear suspension debuted at this time. This sparked a design frenzy in the early 1980s as manufacturers released a barrage of wild new rear suspension concepts. Despite this pioneering effort, Kawasaki’s KX series was not very good during this era and was mostly panned by the motorcycle press. Thanks to Koups’ Cycle Shop for putting this up on YouTube.
This video from 1972 takes us on a tour of Kawasaki’s motorcycle design and manufacturing processes at the time. When one considers that Japan was just 27 years beyond complete decimation from World War II, it is truly remarkable how they successfully put all of their recovery efforts into manufacturing and engineering innovation.
Back in 1980, a friend’s big brother purchased a brand new Kawasaki Invader LTD 440. He kept this machine in a heated, well-lit shop and it was always shined to perfection. We were in complete awe of this sled. We looked up to this guy like he was dating Cheryl Tiegs. To us, the Invader LTD was possibly the most attractive machine ever built.
Kawasaki Snowmobile History
Back in 1973, Kawasaki’s US subsidiary endeavored to put a line of snowmobiles on the market by 1977. Kawasaki had been providing engines for some Arctic Cat models from 1970 through 1976. They were anxious to get into the fray with their own machines.
To speed up this effort, Kawasaki purchased the troubled Sno-Jet brand in 1976. As a result, they had an instant dealer network and a turn-key product line.
The 1977 models were branded as “Sno-Jet Kawasaki”. These first models were little more than refined 1976 Sno-Jet models. Interestingly, Yamaha engines still powered the 1977 high-performance SST models.
It’s noteworthy that Arctic Cat manufactured Kawasaki’s “family” and entry-level snowmobiles for four model-years. The high-performance models were made at Kawasaki’s Lincoln, Nebraska factory.
For 1978, Kawasaki dropped the Sno-Jet name. Furthermore, they started to make their mark with the release of the aggressive Invader and Intruder models. The futuristic body lines and serious performance certainly made it clear that Kawasaki’s effort was no joke.
Through the 1982 season, Kawasaki made the high-performance arms-race interesting. The formidable Invader and Interceptor models certainly kept the competition on their toes.
But on the eve of the 1983 season model release, the brass at the Japanese headquarters inspected the debt numbers of their North American snowmobile division. They recoiled in horror and consequently pulled the plug on Kawasaki snowmobiles.
Certainly Kawasaki got into the snowmobile manufacturing game at precisely the wrong time. This was due to the late 1970’s and early 80’s being an economic bloodbath for the industry.
But considering that Kawasaki supplied of engines for the likes of Cat and John Deere. Then manufactured their own line of snowmobiles for a brief, but exciting time. Kawasaki certainly left a significant mark on the snowmobile industry.
Specifications For The 1980 Kawasaki Invader LTD 440
Engine: Kawasaki TC440C, liquid-cooled, two-stroke, twin-cylinder, two spark plugs per cylinder
Displacement: 436cc
Bore X Stroke 68mm X 60mm
Carburetor: twin 36mm Mikuni VM36
Ignition: CDI
Horsepower: 78
Top speed: 95-plus mph
Fuel Capacity: 8 US gallons
Injector Oil Capacity: 2.5 US quarts
Weight (dry): 440 lbs.
Overall Length: 103″
Width: 40.5″
Overall Height: 35.5″ (with windshield)
Ski Stance: 31″
Suspension Type: Adjustable slide rail
Ski Suspension Type: Monoleaf with shocks
Track Length: 121″
Track Width: 15″
Brake Type: Caliper disc
Instrumentation: Speedometer, tachometer, temperature gauges
Headlight: Pop-up quartz
Price: $3499 US (approx. $10,950 in today’s dollars)
Remember this Kawasaki Invader commercial from the late 70s?
Here is a Kawasaki snowmobile promotional video for the 1980 season.
