The Hodaka Club Forum

What is the rear suspension travel on a stock Combat Wombat with factory shocks?
What is the recommended length to extend a stock swingarm?
How much travel can be gained by extending the swingarm?
Thank you.

i.e. 4", 3", 2 1/2", etc ...

Keep in mind that swing arm extensions are usually done to achieve a longer wheelbase, with resulting smoother/"slower" handling. Not so much to get increased wheel travel. Also note that if you intend to compete in AHRMA, you'll be limited to 4" of rear wheel travel.
Ed

Thank you, Ed. That is basically what I am trying to find out. I want to ride in the Classic Class in AHRMA. If the Combat Wombat already has 4" of rear travel, then I don't want to extend the swingarm, even if it will improve handling. If extending the swingarm will not put me over 4", then I would like to, as it should improve handling.

Just a thought here. The CW is a pretty nice handling bike, very predictable but still very nimble. You might try the forward upper shock mounting hole and different spring preloads before doing any cutting and welding on your swingarm. Then you would know exactly what capabilities were built in, and proceed from there.

-Stever

Thank you, Stever. I've pretty much decided against any cutting, welding, and extending to my swingarm.

An old timers trick is to add a link to the chain and run the wheel adjusters as far back as possible. This adds and inch to the wheelbase on a CW. We put rubber hoses over the adjuster bolts sticking out so we wouldnt get torn open in a mash up. Dont know if it ever helped me win a moto, but a lot of the race is run in your head.

I will play devils advocate and trumpet the handling improvements with a bit of swinging arm extension based on before/after experience. The two inches of additional length doesn't seem like that big a deal, but I'm here to tell you the handling improvements on an MX course are significant. Both my CWs are extended thusly. They track better on all types of terrain (particularly severely rutted tracks if you blow your line), they are less wheelie-prone when you pin it out of a corner, and they are more forgiving if you get out of shape - especially while landing jumps. In general, the bikes just seem to go where you point them better. Worth considering.

Matt. Who does this kind of swing arm work? I’m not a good enough welder to attempt it. Victor

Me either, Victor. All of my race bike's swinging arms were extended by Hodaka Dave. Great welder.

Ahh. Should have known! OK thanks! Victor

Dal,

If you did decide to extend the swingarm, your rear wheel travel would still depend on what shocks you were running and upper and lower shock locations. As far as racing in AHRMA, they will measure your bike at tech inspection and if they determine that you have over 4" travel, they give you spacers that attach to your shock shafts to limit your travel to 4". Has never been a problem for me and with my Works shocks the bike has just over 4" travel. Once spacers are installed I'm good to go.

Thank y'all for all of the comments. I appreciate it.