Differences between '72 - '73

Post by **Matt** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 8:40 am

I am putting together a list of differences from '72 to '73 models, please tell me if I missed anything (only sled details, not engine):

The '73 - '74 300/400/500/600 would be the same as '72 except:
The fuel tank was silver instead of green
The console had a longer spark plug access door, the vent hole on the clutch side had a cover that pointed the air down instead of straight out, the recoil side had another panel that covered the recoil.
The rear grab bars are different on the 300/400/500 - they are two separate parts and do not have a bar that connects across the back.
The kill switch is built in to the throttle assembly, as is the dimmer switch into the brake assembly..
The edges of the footrests are more rounded then flat.
The speedometer had a black trim instead of chrome.

The 600 is a wide track: the track is 2" wider, so is the tunnel. The seat & console was the same as the other models so the tunnel was wider then the seat by about an 1" on each side.

For JDX in '73 - There was only the JDX4 and JDX8. They would be identical to the 300/400/500 except:
They are semi-gloss black.
They came with a smaller windshield that attached to the console with L-brackets.

Post by **Matt** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 9:12 am

I already noticed one error of my own, there was no 300 in '73.

75rat · Post by **75rat** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 9:47 am

Matt, a few more items specific to the 72 models:

Chrome trimmed windshield (currently being discussed elsewhere in the forum)
Smaller taillight
Rectangular headlight
Front bumper had no reinforcement bar welded behind the tube
Front leaf spring mounts on skis had formed metal pockets covering them
No handlebar pad
Plastic hand grips different shape
Rear bumper chrome on 500's and painted black on 400's
And of course, they had the earlier version CCW motors

I'm sure the guys can think of a few more...

HoosierDeereMan · Post by **HoosierDeereMan** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 12:32 pm

A few more. If you see any discrepancies please set me straight.

The headlight was already mentioned but the grille is different as well to accept the newer round headlight.

Brake light switch was moved from the brake band to the brake lever on the handle bars.

The choke cables were coated black starting in '73.

Tachometers were changed for '73.

Heat deflectors were added that separated the engine from the carburetor and silencer.

Dimmer switches and recoil covers were added in '73.

The backrest became an option starting in '73.

There were some electrical upgrades because the stator output was increased for '73.

400brian · Post by **400brian** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 2:53 pm

The '73 chrome bumper had 6 connection points vs. the '72's 4.

The electrical upgrades included the first use of a voltage regulator.

The '73s used an air box for the first time.

JDFanPa · Post by **JDFanPa** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 10:24 pm

I might be wrong but arent the bogie shafts attached differently on the 72s also.

400brian · Post by **400brian** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 12:55 am

Andy, you are close, but I believe the bogie shaft change was made in '74.

mgabl072 · Post by **mgabl072** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 11:47 am

This is interesting and maybe explains a recent confusion point. I recently bought one of the JDX hood from Dennis Kirk for my 73 JDX8. When I got it home I realized it was a matte black hood and my cracked orginal 73 X8 hood is a glossy black. Is this correct??

400brian · Post by **400brian** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 1:50 pm

I suspect your glossy hood was re-painted. Semi-gloss was the norm for all JDX sleds.

Post by **Matt** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 6:44 pm

Rich, I've always considered it a semi-gloss. If you use flat black of another brand it doesn't match.

Mailman · Post by **Mailman** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 12:12 am

I bought a new 73 X4 and the hood was matte black then. I also have another 73 X4 that was given to me and it is also matte black.

400brian · Post by **400brian** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 12:30 am

OK, I take back semi-gloss. I have a can of Krylon that seems to match pretty well, it's called "Half Flat".

How about "Satin Black?"

It all works for me!

Rodimus Prime · Post by **Rodimus Prime** » Tue May 22, 2007 5:22 am

satin black from plasticote is a semi gloss black which matches original paint. i have mixed paints before so i go with gloss , semi gloss or flat black which is more common terms.

im surprised no one mentions the seats themselves.. 72 almost straight and flat 73 raised in back straight .. 74 75 has the dip up the back of seat not much but its there.

the shocks were mounted outside of skis up to mid 74 when they changed to center of skis..

the skits themselves are same but the shock bumpers are different. the low profile with lbracket windshield wasnt standard on jdx some came with regular windshield.

the 73 jdx has a steel tunnel the others were aluminum. the belt guard changes from model to model .. i have seen plastic on early jdx and steel on 75 300

73 models had the comet clutch as secondary salsbury clutch was used previous to that but again not every sled had them some already had comets.

most steel tanks are silver cadium plated however some got sprayed with sled color which is more of a factory error than a standard.

JoeRainville · Post by **JoeRainville** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 12:14 pm

Hey Guys,

Another small addition is that the 73 JDX-4 was the first application of the aluminum centered bogie wheel. Funny considering it was a steel tunnel sled. Also all the 73 440cc sleds had a mod kit to remove the Sally clutches and replace them with Comet 100-C and 90D drivens.

-Rainville

B)

80spitfire · Post by **80spitfire** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 5:56 pm