Off Road Tapestries
Description: The plan was simple – take Yamaguchi’s lightweight trail bike, the Scrambler, and make it better. PABATCO designed and engineered the motorcycles from their Athena, Oregon headquarters, and Hodaka was responsible for the engines, manufacturing, and assembly in Japan. This resulted in Hodaka’s first model, the Ace 90, which arrived in the U.S. in 1964 and became an instant success thanks to its low cost and durability and depending on who you ask, laid the groundwork for America’s trail bike craze. Hodaka continued to improve upon their original design releasing about 18 variant models until a combination of events led to the demise of Hodaka in 1978.
Description: Born and raised in Amherst, Ohio, John Penton was one of the most influential figures in the development of off-road motorcycle racing in America during the '60s and ‘70s. As a national champion rider, Penton went on to develop a legendary brand of off-road motorcycles that bore his name and defined an industry. His innovations were not reserved exclusively for the manufacture of motorcycles, however. Wanting to improve on the standard work boot that most off-road riders wore in the early days of motocross, He approached an Italian ski boot maker about modifying their boots for motorcycle use. The result was his groundbreaking 'Hi-Point' boots that would later be made by his second company, Hi-Point Racing Products.
