The Hodaka Club Forum

I understand there’s been numerous threads on Hodaka shifting assemblies, and I’ve been reading as much of them as I can to better understand them so I’ll try and make this a brief inquiry. On the (98)Super Rat, is the shift pattern one up,then four down? If so, when measuring from the magneto cover mating surface to the pin, is the desired spec still 31.5mm, while the plunger is keyed into third gear (manual doesn’t specify which gear to be in for this measurement)? I keyed the plunger into what I believe is third and measured 41mm. Loosen nut and adjust to 31.5mm? Thanks!

Nope, the Model 98 Super Rat is down for 1st and up for the rest. More generally, ALL Hodaka shift covers which have HODAKA molded into the outside surface are down for 1st and up for neutral thru 5th.

It would have been handy if the Workshop Manual directions for the "Measurement Method" of shifter mechanism adjustment specified which gear should be selected . . . but it didn't. (Not in the 90cc manual or in the 125cc manual.) Sheesh. I know who to direct your complaints to about the Wombat/Combat Wombat Workshop Manual, but I'm not mentioning his name here.

Ennnnneywayeeee, let me recommend this - select the gear which gives you a measurement which is closest to 35.1mm (37mm if the inside stamped steel cover is still in place). Once you find that gear detent, proceed with the adjustment procedure. NOTE: The eccentric bolt simply can not bring about a 10mm adjustment (1mm would be more like the maximum available adjustment).

NOTE: TahoeThumper, from the description above I'm wondering if you are measuring from the outside of the case, with the case still installed on the engine. If so, that is not the correct method - read the instructions again.

NOTE: I'm not very fluent in describing how to go about adjusting by the "measurement method", 'cuz I do most of my adjusting by the "Trial-and-error Method".
Ed

Thanks Ed, I will do my best with that info. I’m making the measurement with the cover off the motor. I’m extending a straight edge off the mating surface plane (with the inner cover detached as well), and taking a measurement off that, perpendicular to the pin.

The reason I asked about the shift pattern is because the ratchet I have matches the schematic of a 98 Rat, which appears to be the opposite of the manual I have.