INTRO & ADVICE FOR LOOKING AT A '77 WOMBAT (03)

[TheBevman]

Hello All,
This is my first post, so I'll introduce myself. My name is Beven, 32 and I live in Yucca Valley, CA. I got bit bit by the Hodaka bug about a year ago, prior to that I was a staunch Triumph guy with a '66 Bonnie. Although, I have been fiending for an toaster tank model I recently stumbled onto a '77 Wombat (03) for the right price and in need of a bit of love. I think it'll be perfect for some soft-road riding here in the desert. That said, I turn to you with a few questions about it:

1. What are some of the tougher parts to come by for this model? I don't think its complete and want to make sure the tougher stuff to find is there.

2. Are there any particular faults with this model or anything I should be on the look out for?

3. Any general advice?

Thank you.

[dirtsquirt80]

you can get most everything for that model. nothing super rare I would say but the oe kill switch but u don't even really need that. post a picture let us see what you got. Scott

[bobwhitman]

Excellent bike for your use. Offers advantages over earlier models:
primary kick start (no need to find neutral first); reed valve (less fussy about jetting, more low end torque); better suspension (34mm forks, rather than 30mm). Parts are pretty easy.
Most common question (not really a problem) has to do with the crank assy: pistons are completely unique - no interchange w/other models, and other than std., over bore sizes are rare. You can install a crank from a late 100 (Road Toad/late Squirt) with an early rod and piston, but that's a bit elaborate. If you don't want to run oil injection, you mustsplit the cases, to drill an oil passage hole for a crank bearing. Not hard, but does mean dis-reassembly.
Great bike, overall, one of my favorites.
Bob

[TheBevman]

Well I'm sorry to say the seller left me hanging. I was the first to call and told him I'd take it for his price and pick it up this weekend, he's over 3 hrs away and refuses my calls nor will he return them. I guess a straight deal is to much to ask for these days. So, I guess the search continues while I continue to save. Regardless, thank you for your informative replies.

[bobwhitman]

If you are up for a "project" I have an 03 available in Eugene, OR. Actually did "run good when parked" a couple of years ago, cheap ($600?).
Bob 541-954-0101

[TheBevman]

Thanks Bob,that's is a good deal but that's my budget. The 03 I was planning on getting was advertised for $375, that's why I jumped at it. OR is a bit far for the time being as well, if I'd have known in late July I would have brought it home with me when I visited my in-laws in Tualatin. Maybe I should save my cash until we visit next year, CA prices are getting rather steep where Hodakas are concerned.

[RichardMott]

Beven,

Come to Hodaka Days next June. Maybe Bob will hold it for you until then.

Rick