We have been working on improving the control shaft (shift) springs for some time. A year or so ago I took Ed Chesnut up on his offer to help me if he could. So one day I yelled "help" to Ed and a new R&D project was born.
I had located and was starting to work with a gentleman that was so smart about springs it was embarrassing for me to keep up. Ed, being Hodaka's service manager and all around Mr. Fix it on the internet, was perfect to work on this. Our guy builds springs for NASA and some others so he is the real deal! Ed was floored with his knowledge and while working with him, they reviewed everything the spring is supposed to do and how to make it more reliable.
Yes, Webco made heat treated heavy duty springs with cupped end caps - but this was NOT the answer. Design features selected by Webco to prevent “un-winding” of the spring ends failed to solve the problem because the springs do NOT “un-wind” – however, they do “coil bind” (they get fully compressed and hit coil against coil). The new spring design addresses the problem of over stressing the springs due to coil binding, which can deform/spread the ends and “sack them out”.
Following the complete "rethink" and comprehensive re-design of the springs, plus a full season of testing, we now have it!! Some of the best Hodaka riders around the country have been testing these for us this year. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. NO reported failures at all. There is no longer a left (904616) spring and a right (904617) spring. There is just one spring designed to go on either side of the ball receiver - which provides for the best possible match of spring strength and pre-load on each side – a truly matched/balanced system. Remember the washers (904618) you used to use between the spring and the ball receiver?? Not needed anymore – and specifically not recommended for use with the new springs. In honor of the manufacturer’s work with NASA, we call these springs "Space Age Control Shaft Springs". OK for use with original or “new” style control shafts. We are all still working together to build better parts for the Hodaka owner.
Oh yeah, Ed still says you should "snick" your shifts - but if you don't,
these springs will work better than anything else.
This kit pictured is for the early model Hodaka's ( Ace 90, Ace 100's,Super Rat's (93), Dirt Squirt (96), Wombat's (94&94A), Combat Wombat, Super Combat). Code # will be 202502Z . For the shift kits to fit the later model bikes Super Rat (98),Road Toads,Wombat (03) and Dirt Squirt (01) they will also use these space age springs but the part # for these kits will be 202502AZ. Both kits include two control shaft cir clips -just in case..
Richard
inventory. Bruce Hodakaparts.com Idaho