Hodaka 100cc Super Rat (1971)
Originally introduced in America by the Oregon distributor Pabatco (Pacific Basin Trading Co.) in 1964, the Ace 90 was an immediate success. And inexpensive, fun dirt bike that literally, could be ridden hard and put away wet.
By 1971 the Ace 90 was bored to 100cc and featured many refinements. The new name was “Super Rat,” and they could be found at off-road venues all over America. Aftermarket companies, like Webco in Venice, California sold hop-up parts like high compression cylinder heads, expansion chambers, higher flow airboxes. These parts were scooped up by the enthusiasts that were looking for and edge, or just “to be trick.”
This is another one of the bikes that found me! I’ve been fortunate that restorers with good bikes tire of them, and/or need money for new projects. The rumors out to “call Tom, he’ll pay double what its worth.” I paid $2500 for this bike – try and restore one for that!
Hodaka 125cc Super Combat / 1974
While the $900 Super Combat was the most advanced Hodaka ever made, it wasn’t built by a megabuck company with the finances to retool every year. So when the CR125 and YZ125 leapfrogged over the Hodaka in ’74, Hodaka racers were forced to improvise. By 1974 Hodaka’s most famous riders (Tommy Croft, Cordis Brooks, and Jody Weisel) were being tempted away from the Oregon-based company. To stem the tide, the most advanced 125cc Hodaka ever made was commissioned to be built (thanks to the support of Hodaka executive Marv Foster).
The list of innovations includes: Alex Steel coffin tank; ultra-long Swenco swingarm; RC-style shock positioning; 34mm Kayaba forks; Rickman conical hub; GP Specialties up-pipe; invisible silencer; CR-style seat; and lots of welding.
In the end, Hodaka closed its doors, the Super Combat died and the chosen rider, Jody Weisel, moved to Motocross Action. Through it all, this one-off, hand-built, 1974 Hodaka Super Combat still looks brand new.