Introduction, and first timer rebuild questions

[lexxx]

Hello all, I am new to the forum and club, and bikes in general, so decided to go full bore and start with a rebuild/resto project. Picked up a 72 Wombat, and shop manual, and am looking forward to diving into the process! The bike has been disassembled since '76, when the engine was removed, rebored to .010, and straight gears were installed. Soo I'm assuming i'll be in for many surprises (unfortunately so far with the engine) but luckily it's well catalogued and most pieces are in near mint condition as a result. My main questions arise from a few modifications that were made at the time, and wondering if anyone here has any insight into their purpose...and whether or not to reverse (if possible) or keep as is.

First off, There are two spark plugs installed, looks like a second hole was tapped for the purpose, but only one spark plug wire...?

Secondly there look to be two vents? in the magneto cover (one is documented in the engine work, the other i'm only assuming serves a similar function)

Third theres a little switch at the base of the handle bar, wires are cut, so I can't trace their origin but I am thinking it might have something to do with a lighting upgrade, as the only other wiring inconsistencies have to do with a non-original tail light that looks to be from a combat or 94a wombat. Traced down a combat trail light package in an old brochure that came with the bike and looks like it could be what I am seeing. Can anyone confirm?

Lastly anyone recognize this mystery item? Just cant figure it out... maybe not even related.

Pictures attached of just the bike in boxes, as an intro to my project, for those interested.

Thank you in advance, and apologies for so much at once...I am excited to join in on the Hodaka fun!
-Lex

[Dale]

Welcome. It looks like a very nice project.
The switch might have been a kill switch since the Wombat has a keyed ignition, inconveniently located under and behind your left knee. It would connect to the hot coil lead (black wire) and frame ground.

My guess on the mystery part is a homemade chain slider.

The 2nd spark plug is not a big surprise. The heads have a place designed to be drilled and tapped. This is usually done to install a compression release. Some installed a 2nd plug as a backup when the other plug fouled. Just switch the wire over.
Good luck with your build.

[viclioce]

Dale covered your questions! I’ll just say welcome to the Hodaka Forum from Santa Fe, NM. Watch out!!! Hodakas multiply. I started out with 1 and they’ve multiplied to 12 plus a few odd extra frames & motors!!!

These guys really know their Hodakas! I started for the first time, never having owned or seen a Hodaka about 8 years ago! I couldn’t have learned what I’ve learned and built what I’ve built/restored, without the friendly help of the people here! Welcome again! Victor

[Larry S]

That is a very cool Wombat - not your typical barn find. From the mods, I can see the previous owner was a serious dirt rider. The bike appears to be set up for enduro type racing - air forks, wired spokes, enclosed chain guard. The modified head could have run a compression release or a second spark plug. I am sure the vents in the mag cover were to clear water from a wet magneto. - that would be much faster than removing the cover to dry things out.. I would love to see more pictures. The tail light is 1960's British, probably Triumph. It was a popular mod because Hodaka tail lights are ugly.

Larry S

[dirty_rat]

Looks like a great project. As Larry mentioned, the tail light looks like a brit bike light from the late 60's (although the lighting kit for the model 97 Super Combat/model 98 Super Rat had a tail light very similar).

You also got the original stainless steel fenders (rear has the original Wombat tail light - missing the lens), which are getting very hard to find.

Can't tell for sure from the photo, but the rear vent on the mag cover looks like it goes into the shifter cavity portion of the case (unknown what that would be for, maybe adding lubrication???)

[taber hodaka]

Looks to me like the shift cover was sealed with something like gummy bears, which would allow one to check the crank shaft seal really easy. The air spigot over the shift component could be to dry it out. The front fender looks trials to me, like a bike a person was having with. ---------------- Clarence