GS 750 Suzuki Powered Sabretooth crashing...

[Pieterholtz]

I acquired a build Badlands Sabretooth last year.

Had loads of fun thrashing at our local airport on Sunday afternoons. There is a decent Jeep trail with some medium to fast sections.
As with all my toys, I always attempt to "improve" an already build & designed unit.
After some modifications to the suspension, air intake system & took the buggy for a quick "Test Drive"....

Well, the test turned out to be one of the ultimate test....the Roll Test...
See the Video here:
750cc Suzuki Powered buggy rolling spectacularly! - YouTube

After assessing the damage done, it was time for some major modifications.

The fundamental flaw in the Sabretooth design is the lack in stability, so first on the list of modifications was to lower the center of gravity.
Lowering the seat
Removing the fuel tank from the highest point on the chassis to behind the seat..
Widening the entire unit by fabricating bolt-on extensions for the A-arms
Lowering the ground clearance and softening up the suspension..

See video of the modifications done:
Sabretooth walkaround - YouTube

Still some minor issues with the fuel supply, pumping to an intermediate tank, with return to tank, feeding the carbs via a inline filter which I think restricts the supply...need to work on that this weekend.

[Hambam]

Glad your ok. Do you know what happened? looks like you caught a rock or blew a bead when the back end came out?

[K-fab]

Oops!
Welcome to the "Sky, ground, sky, ground, sky, ground Club"!
Good to see you walk away. As you stated, working safety gear is good stuff.
Welcome to MBN also.

[Pieterholtz]

@HAMBAM,I had the suspension set too hard & had road tires on the buggy. With the previous gearing, the motor would "kick" round 4700rpm, so lost traction, changed gears during the process....hit a rock and..***sky***ground***sky***ground...thud!!

Thanks for the welcome guy's!

[LIDUNO]

Currently my odyssey only has the lap belt. I will be getting a full harness..lol
Glad you didn't get hurt.

[Pieterholtz]

LIDUNO, this was my second major flip in a buggy, the first was a kart that i build with a 9hp Honda engine...As all fun goes, pushed the limits to far...
Luckily i had a 4 point harness, smacked my head properly but walked away from the crash!

Today I am such a fan of roll-cages & harnesses!!

[LIDUNO]

I never liked the harness in my fl250 because I liked to lean forward a little to soak up the bumps. The fl 350 has rear suspension so there really is no reason for me not to strap in completely.

[Pieterholtz]

A short video of the first ride after all the modifications..

750cc Sabretooth buggy....It rides again - YouTube

[LIDUNO]

Looks good.

[Pieterholtz]

Some more videos uploaded to my channel on you tube.
Sorted out the fuel issue, now it goes like a bastard.
Thrashing 750cc buggy - YouTube

On board Cam 750cc buggy - YouTube