RARE VINTAGE E.C. BIRT HODAKA 125 COMBAT WOMBAT CROSSOVER RACING EXPANSION CHAMBER EXHAUST PIPE
Up for sale is a rare, vintage E.C. Birt aftermarket racing expansion chamber exhaust pipe manufactured during the 1970s for the Hodaka 125 Combat Wombat.
This is a genuine piece of vintage Hodaka racing history, featuring the distinctive crossover exhaust design, original-style expansion chamber construction, and perforated heat shield.
The expansion chamber also features the E.C. marking, which can be seen in the photographs.
This would make an outstanding addition to a period-correct Hodaka Combat Wombat restoration, vintage motocross or cross-country racing project, or collection of rare aftermarket motorcycle performance parts.
HISTORY OF E.C. BIRT AND PERIOD ADVERTISEMENT
E.C. Birt was involved in the development of aftermarket performance components for vintage off-road motorcycles, including cylinder heads, cylinders, expansion chambers, silencers, and engine performance modifications.
He is also reported to have worked with PABCO's research and development department on motorcycle performance components during this period.
Included in the listing photographs is a vintage magazine advertisement for E.C. Birt's performance products, distributed through Precision Cycle of Lawndale, California.
The advertisement specifically offers E.C. Birt exhaust pipes and silencers, along with alloy cylinder kits, radial cylinder heads, and porting services.
The advertisement lists silenced E.C. pipes starting at $49.95 and E.C. pipe and silencer kits starting at $34.97.
This period advertisement provides historical documentation of E.C. Birt's aftermarket performance products and helps illustrate the era in which this exhaust pipe was produced.
The advertisement is shown for historical reference and is not included as a physical item unless otherwise stated.
OWNERSHIP HISTORY AND RARITY
I have owned this exhaust pipe for over 20 years.
I originally acquired it for a vintage Hodaka motorcycle project that I have come to realize I will never get around to completing. Rather than continue to let it sit on the shelf, I have decided to offer it for sale to someone who can put it to good use or add it to their collection.
I do not know how many of these E.C. Birt Combat Wombat crossover exhaust pipes were originally manufactured or how many still exist today.
In all the years I have been involved with vintage motorcycles and parts, I cannot recall ever seeing another example of this particular exhaust pipe. I am sure there may be others out there, but I personally have never encountered one.
This is not an ordinary replacement exhaust pipe. It is an unusual, period aftermarket racing component that would be extremely difficult to replace with another identical example.
CONDITION
This is an original vintage used exhaust pipe being sold in the condition shown in the photographs.
• No dents in the expansion chamber or exhaust tubing.
• No obvious bends or deformation.
• Original vintage appearance with age-related surface rust, oxidation, discoloration, and cosmetic wear.
• Distinctive crossover design with expansion chamber and perforated heat shield.
• E.C. marking visible on the expansion chamber.
• Mounting tab and heat shield are present, as shown in the photographs.
IMPORTANT — SMALL CRACK AT THE CYLINDER CONNECTION
There is one small crack or opening in the metal near the exhaust inlet, where the pipe connects to the cylinder.
This is a very small area, but it is open enough that you can see through it.
I have pointed out this exact location in the listing photographs so potential buyers can see it clearly.
The area appears to be a relatively straightforward repair for someone experienced with welding or repairing vintage motorcycle exhaust pipes. However, I have not attempted to repair it, and the buyer should evaluate the repair required.
Other than this disclosed area, I am not aware of any additional damage to the pipe.
The exhaust has not been installed, pressure-tested, or tested on a running motorcycle by me.
LOOK AT ORIGINAL STINGER AND REPACKABLE SILENCER
This exhaust pipe also includes its original stinger and removable silencer insert, allowing the silencer packing to be replaced as needed.
The stinger and silencer insert are in excellent physical condition, with no bends, damage, or rust.
This is an important feature of this vintage E.C. Birt exhaust system, as the original silencer components are still present and have been well preserved.
Please examine the photographs closely to see the condition of these components.
Please examine all photographs closely for the overall condition, surface rust, welds, mounting points, and the small opening at the cylinder connection.
MODEL APPLICATION AND FITMENT
Intended application:
Hodaka 125 Combat Wombat
This exhaust pipe is believed to have been manufactured specifically for the Combat Wombat's crossover exhaust arrangement.
Fitment on other Hodaka models, including the Super Combat, has NOT been confirmed.
This is a vintage aftermarket racing component, and fitment should not be assumed based solely on engine displacement or manufacturer.
Buyers should carefully compare the pipe's overall configuration, exhaust inlet, mounting locations, and frame clearance with their particular motorcycle before purchasing.
IMPORTANT — PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING OR SUBMITTING AN OFFER
This is an exceptionally hard-to-find, approximately 50-year-old aftermarket racing exhaust pipe. Replacement parts and technical information may be extremely difficult to locate.
Please carefully examine EVERY photograph, including the close-up photographs of the small crack at the cylinder connection and the vintage E.C. Birt magazine advertisement, before purchasing or submitting an offer.
Make absolutely certain this exhaust pipe is correct for your particular motorcycle, engine, and intended application.
If you need additional measurements, photographs, or have any questions whatsoever about this exhaust pipe, please contact me through eBay messages BEFORE purchasing or submitting an offer.
I will be happy to provide additional information or measurements whenever possible.
This item is sold as pictured. No additional parts, mounting hardware, or accessories are included unless shown in the photographs.
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