The Honda Hobbit

Certainly one of the most embarrassing moped ad campaigns ever, but underneath the tacky name was a solid bike, Honda's answer to the great moped surge of the late 1970s. The engine was one of Honda's very few 2-stroke units, and required 32:1 premix- rare for Honda but very common in the moped world. Two versions were available: An unregulated 30mph model, sold in Europe and parts of the US, and a 20mph speed regulated model sold in most of the US. Parts are a bit hard to find for these 'peds, especially engine and carb parts, as this was a pretty unique buike in Honda's range.

UPDATE: Fred David writes to tell me that the Hobbit was known as the Camino in Europe. He says that while stock performance wasn't very impressive, a number of Italian tuning parts could be used to squeeze more out of the engine.

Monoshock Moped!

Could this be the world's first monoshock moped? Judging from the costume, I'd say it was back in the late 70s/early 80s. "Paging  Disco Stu... we found your hat." Pretty cool, nonetheless. The saddle looks like it may have come off a Puch, but the frame appears entirely custom fabricated.

Credited to Steve Gavin and found at this web site. 

Honda Ruckus- L.A. Style

Check out this this sharp looking custom stretch Ruckus at Super Street Online. They have photos of other custom Ruckuses, and customized parts and assemblies, too. Quoting from the site:

With two wheels, a spirited 49cc engine (pushing a paltry 180 lbs. of total weight), an infinite number of possible customizations and a low sticker price that could fit within most student credit card limits, the Ruckus is to choppers what the Civic was to hot rods.

I came very close to buying a Ruckus myself, until I discovered that the handlebars hit my knees! If you've run up against the same problem, I've found that several suppliers offer a handlebar riser.