4 replies to this topic

[Terry Walker]

Back in the late 60s or possibly 70s I was fascinated by Hodaka, an off-road motorbike, mainly because of the astounding names of the two basic models: the Hodaka Super Rat and the Hodaka Combat Wombat.

My understanding is that they were made for the US scrambling market, or is it motocross, were one-lungers of about 150cc.

Do any of these still exist? Is there a restorer out there?

[Herr Wankel]

Back in the late 60s or possibly 70s I was fascinated by Hodaka, an off-road motorbike, mainly because of the astounding names of the two basic models: the Hodaka Super Rat and the Hodaka Combat Wombat.

My understanding is that they were made for the US scrambling market, or is it motocross, were one-lungers of about 150cc.

Do any of these still exist? Is there a restorer out there?

IIRC they were made in Japan,by a company called Yamaguchi?They were made so that any new mods would fit your existing model.Only little 'uns and looked a bit flimsy,but were as tough as old boots,and performed very well.Don't know what happened to them,but were probably killed off by bigger capacity and better equipped (for the highway)Japanese Big 4 models.Combat Wombat,what a cracking name.
HW

Edited by Herr Wankel, 01 April 2010 - 12:31.

[GD66]

Back in the late 60s or possibly 70s I was fascinated by Hodaka, an off-road motorbike, mainly because of the astounding names of the two basic models: the Hodaka Super Rat and the Hodaka Combat Wombat.

My understanding is that they were made for the US scrambling market, or is it motocross, were one-lungers of about 150cc.

Do any of these still exist? Is there a restorer out there?

Don't forget the Dirt Squirt ! Mainly 90 and 125cc models Terry : there are still a few about, even in Australia, and a nice example regularly turns out with the Vintage Motocross Club of Western Australia at their club race meetings.
Regards GD

[Coupe Kawasaki]

There are still plenty of these over here in the States, they often come up on ebay and there seem to be plenty of bits though I'll be on the lookout for an old big bore from the 70's like a YZ or an RM. There's also the Indian which may use the same motor I forget but I'll check.


David

[stuavant]

Back in the late 60s or possibly 70s I was fascinated by Hodaka, an off-road motorbike, mainly because of the astounding names of the two basic models: the Hodaka Super Rat and the Hodaka Combat Wombat.

My understanding is that they were made for the US scrambling market, or is it motocross, were one-lungers of about 150cc.

Do any of these still exist? Is there a restorer out there?

Ha ha, I thought I was the only one taken by the Hodaka's in the 70's. Just seemed like an anti-Japanese bike even though it probably was Japanese!