Walkaround:
Cold Start:
Hodaka Motorcycles started as a producer of engines before partnering with the Pacific Basin Trading Company (Pabatco) of Athena, Oregon to build complete bikes. The joint Japanese-American firm capitalized on the surging popularity of small displacement trail bikes that was primarily jump started by Honda’s lineup and marketing. Hodaka’s philosophy was that riding should be affordable, accessible, and fun.
The 250 SL was Hodaka’s top-of-the-line bike at the time. Unlike most of their other machines, this was street-legal. The 246cc two-stroke engine was paired with a 5-speed transmission, gas shocks, quick change rear wheel, DID wheels, 4+ gallon fuel tank, and Preston Petty “Muder” fenders. Hodaka claimed a dry weight of 284 pounds.
Hodaka had a history of cute rhyming names for their bikes, including the Dirt Squirt, Road Toad, and Combat Wombat. Following in those footsteps, fans of the brand unofficially nicknamed this machine the “Trail Whale,” though you won’t see that name on official Hodaka literature. You might think that “SL” stood for “Street Legal”, but per a 1978 article in Popular Cycling, the “SL” actually represented that these were “Samuel Lipshitz Replicas.”
Manufactured in May 1977, this example is VIN: N04729, Engine #: R04726. The seller acquired it twelve years ago from a private collector.
During his ownership, the seller has covered 1 mile. The odometer shows 760 miles.
“Started and ran. I planned to restore it but it’s been on display.”
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection and a detail. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Transmission Oil Level: Ok
Transmission Oil Quality: Age unknown
2T Oil Level: Ok
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Dirty and dry
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: Rear lights not working
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: Drum
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: Drum
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: Pre-2000
Tire Date Code Rear: Pre-2000
Tire % Remaining Front: 80%%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 70%
Tire Press. Front: 26 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 30 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 5.57V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 6.09V
Running Condition: Ok, runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: None taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Tires Installed:
Front: 3.00-21
Rear: 4.00-18
Notes:
-Handlebar grips are split
-Carb boot is split
-Home made air filter
-Drive chain is ok, but dirty and dry
-Rear turn signals do not work, the front illuminate but do not flash
-Taillight needs to be flipped
REPAIRS RECOMMENDED:
-6 Volt battery [Yuasa 6N4-2A-4/5]
-Tires and tubes
-Carb-Boot/ Air filter
-Chain service
-Grips
-Gearbox oil
-Electrical diagnostic and repair – signal issues
Modifications:
Per the seller, this bike is stock.
Inside of the tank:
The sale includes one key.
It is riding on Nitto tires that have aged out.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Hodaka is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any 250 SL stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
