You say B, I say Plus..... let's call the whole thing off

[Al Harpster]

When printed text and data from various bulletins, publications and letters conflict we sometimes have pictures to consult.

This photo is the cover for a 100-B Owners Handbook starting frame # 63113.

Every photo & exploded parts diagram in this handbook shows the very parts most enthusiasts consider to be the Plus or improved ones.

You don't have to take my word for it, but I can't put all the pages on this site. The site won't take them all.

The information Clarence has provided leads me to believe that the B+ designation was more of a marketing idea to freshen up a long-in-the-tooth model. A promo piece introducing a new product that had been produced for a while.

If you have read the Hodaka book produced by Paul Stannard it seems clear that PABATCO knew marketing.

An examination of the Hodaka Workshop Manual Supplement Model Ace 100 B (you have one, right?) shows all the Plus features enthusiasts speak of start at frame A51013.

Some examples are pages 15C, 26C, 63C and 72C.

So as Clarence indicates, you can call it what you want.

Post Script: Well, I tried to attach the file showing the cover of the B handbook. Maybe it'll show, maybe not. It's the Red one. Maybe someone else can post it if my attempt failed.

[dirty_rat]

I have that exact same owners manual that came with my Ace 100 B+. I also have an earlier owners manual that came with my brothers Ace 100 B. That manual is white with green highlights, and list that model starting with Frame # A-42513. Both list the bikes as Ace 100 B's, but the earlier one (starting with frame # A-42513) showed the bike with low front fender, older style 30mm forks, 4 bolt rear hub, etc. The newer manual (the red one starting with frame # A-63113) shows the bike with high front fender, newer style 30mm forks, 6 bolt cushioned rear hub, etc. So, my guess was that when they originally made the changes (front fender, rear hub, forks, etc.), they were just going to continue to call it an Ace 100 B, but later (after the manual was printed) decided to re-name it the Ace 100 B+, because of all the improvements.

[Joe Ormonde]

It sure is nice when the Frame Tag is there! It makes life easier to figure things out. You see Super Rats on EBAY and Craigs List that are what I call FRANKENSTEINS. A Super Rat decal on a Dirt Squirt Air Box mounted to a 1968 frame. A 17 inch wheel on the rear and a 21 on the front. A tank from a 72 Wombat and a seat from?????? Just the Decal and Cylinder Head are Model 93 !!! Wrong Engine and Pipe Too! Anyone new to Hodakas PLEASE post photos if you want to know just how correct that the Bike is. A lot of knowledge in this site! A Frankenrat is not worth $5,000.00 Joe Ormonde.

[Bruce Young]

I agree with all of you, there are lots of bikes out there that have been pieced together or in their lives have been modified with items available at the time. Its hard to determine at times what one has. One must as Joe says use what info is available, and sometimes guess. With no good eng. numbering system place from home office at the time, the printed manuals and paperwork is the only way to try and figure out what one has. PS the Strickly Hodaka book and its charts should be used as a guide. In the end be careful of what you identify as a bike. It also needs to pointed out that many parts books used the same pictures in them for diff. models with changed part numbers only. Be aware of this. Always if you have one use the parts comparison charts avail on the web. To be absolutely correct is almost impossible, but an educated guess by Hodaka people whom have been in the game a long time should be followed. Don,t try to outguess them. Just enjoy the bikes as they are presented. They are a true vintage treasure. Bruce Young

[viclioce]

So true Bruce. There can be too much worry put into ID-ing an exact model. Make it run & enjoy it! Not too many are out for a factory original concourse restore. Just getting it to run & look decent is s realistic goal! Victor