If you are currently at +40, they sell a +50 Wiseco piston right on this site. Most machine shops will be able to bore the cylinder to fit the new piston. Make sure you specify what clearance you want and remind them to chamfer the ports when done. The cost of the new piston, rings and gaskets are c...

OK, Time to stick a fork in this one. Its done. You can use a different manufacturers parts but they should be used as combo set. You can mix some of the parts, at your own risk. I have done so for years with no harm, but favor sometimes protects the foolish. I will definitely match the parts whethe...

You are correct! Fun has a price. But when you are trying to stretch your fun as far as it will go, options for replacement parts come into play. I think the original post had to do with getting a play bike running. I support this sites business by ordering parts on a routine basis, as well as parts...

I like your idea. I would love to spring for 3 new PVL systems. But, 30 dollars in gate fees for 3 riders, $30.00 entry fee for each class, for each rider. Times 14 races. Gas, parts , food, 250 miles average trip to the various tracks pulling a trailer. It runs into the thousands just racing for 1 ...

It is nice to hear some input on this subject. I knew my post would generate some debate on the topic and I would like to learn more. These parts are become harder to find and we race a very long (28 moto season times 3 bikes) series. In order to keep going, creativity is a must. I am no expert at i...

The coil is an easy one as these CDI equipped bikes used coils also used by the other Japanese bikes of the era. You can find them with the same wire harness connections if you look. They are common because they are 12 volt and not specific to engine size. I think Paul has them new and used in inven...

Thanks for the info. My guess would then be you could have a pretty decent running Rat if you used all the Rat accessories, CDI, carb, air box, pipe and piston with the Toad cylinder. For restoration and quick rides around in non racing conditions it seems as though it would be an acceptable comprom...

Ed. The Hodaka book goes into detail about the retrofit and relief efforts on the exhaust bridge that was causing many Road Toads to seize. Why didn't this problem first appear in the 98 Rat as it went into production a year before the Toad? Are the intake and transfer ports on the Toad identical to...

How can you visually tell a bare, late model Rat cylinder from a early Road Toad cylinder since they are both black, 50 mm, 100 cc with reed valves? Does the Rat have a bridge in the middle of the exhaust port?

Looks very complete. I could see it bringing $900.00 to $1000.00 in my neck of the woods. Titles are easy to get in Mich. Other parts of the country not so much. Title may make it worth more in some states.

You dont mention the issue you think is timing related. This info may help us point you in the right direction. I have had a few 250s and spark knock was always the demon I chased.

Sounds like a typical 250 restoration project. Kickstarter problems are universal to this model. Parts are available. Shifter same thing. Kick stands always missing. They are easy to make if you are handy. Running no air cleaner most likely wiped out the rings. These pistons are available oversize o...

The battery only operates some of the lights for safety reasons when the engine is off. It will run fine without one. They do help keep the lighting consistent at low rpms, and seems to help the blinkers and horn working at peak levels. Even though it aint pretty, I have owned 3 and found them very ...

I often refer to the SL250 as the ugly step-child only a mother could love, or the Hodaka built by a blind man out of a box spare parts nobody wanted.

285 sounds like a reasonable weight for a trail bike, if it included the rider. But it's a Hodaka, you have to love it no matter what. The weight, large seat and smooth engine made a nice dual sport ride when a passenger was included. I put thousands of memorable miles on one when my kids were young.

No mistaking a 250SL and a Thunderdog. They look nothing alike other than they were both 250s. The Thunderdog is ALL orange plastic, tank included. Your bike is the later production run as the very early SL had a blue frame and a white tank. 250 pounds is light for an SL, I would guess closer to 260...

Knobby or Universal tread, the style that came stock on the bike?

Finding the right size rear knobby can be a challenge, and using too large a tire just leads to sprocket and chain wear as well as increased load on the engine. Do a search. Much discussion on this topic has passed through this site.

The tracks around here have short straights and a lot of deep sand. I run 14/62 on a modified Super Combat engine with a Combat Wombat transmission. SC close ratio transmission just to busy for sandy tracks.

The grips I used were from Pro Grip. They were called Dual Sport Gel. I see them listed on Ebay or most shops should be able to order for you.

I used a 1960s and 70s Chevrolet hi temp engine orange paint from a spray can on my SC then coated right over it with 2 part clear coat automotive paint. This color matches perfectly and the automotive clear coat will give you the resistance to gasoline the spray can wont. You don't have to spray th...

Can I suggest a set of larger diameter, softer gel handlebar grips. They make them for dual sport bikes and they don't look bad on a Hodaka. I use them on my race bikes to fight of the tingling and numbness from the vibration. I did a thousand mile day on my Goldwing years ago and am still trying to...

I just fired up a new restoration on a Model 94 Wombat and within seconds blew all 4 bulbs, headlight, taillight, instrument bulbs. Common problem with this model, but it happened so fast I didn't even have time to shut it down. I have a Road Toad 6 volt regulator with the single green wire and the ...

I did this 2 years ago and cant remember the exact details but I think I had to knock the bushing out of one end of the SC swing arm to get a distance setting collar out. It had to be used with the SC swing arm bolt to keep the SC bushings from going all the way thru the larger 03 bushing. I believe...

Looks like you used an 03 exhaust flange and that is just the exhaust gasket working its way out. You may be able to use something like a punch and work it back up and in,

It will work. That is the correct one for your frame.