The Honda Super Tact (AF09) is the third generation of Honda's Tact lineup, released in 1984 at the same time the kyuu-gentsuki customization scene was exploding. It introduced a stronger 49cc two-stroke engine, a smoother V-Matic transmission, and a lightweight, easy-to-control chassis, all of which made it a favorite for new riders and early builders.
Visually, the AF09 shifted toward a more modern, rounded look while still keeping the simple boxy charm of earlier models. Honda also released several trims, including the fashionable Courrèges edition, which helped make the Tact one of the most stylish scooters of its era. With good parts availability, easy maintenance, and a design that fits almost any build style, the Super Tact remains one of the most commonly chosen bases today.
Common Modifications
The Tact, more so super tact, is an incredibly versatile platform thanks to the huge availability of aftermarket parts, both vintage and new. It's common to install a chamber exhaust that extends out the rear (not the euro wrap-around style), pull the springs for a lower stance, swap in shuriken or cool iron wheels, shave the seat for a more aggressive shape, and remove the rear rack to fit either a large or small tail cowl (wing), often paired with a undercowl and matching headlight cowl. The Tact's panel design also makes it easy to modify, and many builders cut vents into the bodywork and cutouts into the fender to achieve a unique, stylized look.
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Chamber exhaust
Loud scooter = cool scooter Chamber should be where half of your scooter build buget should go -
Remove springs
Pull the springs and get low to the ground. Run true nosus or throw a skateboard bushing in, either will improve handling! -
Custom bodywork
Cut vents into the bodywork and cutouts into the fender and under the seat for a unique, stylized look. This is way harder than it looks. -
Shaved seat
Shave the seat for a more aggressive, shape that enhances the overall shape of your tact. -
Tail cowl
Remove rear rack and fit a tail cowl (wing), often paired with undercowl and headlight cowl. There are wings in evey single length, shape and angle! -
Shuriken wheels
Swap out the boring trispokes for Shuriken or cool iron wheels as a nice switch up.
Common Parts Swapped from Other Scooters onto Tacts
Over the years, builders have swapped plenty of parts onto the Tact, with the Honda DJ1 being the most common donor thanks to its similar engine layout. The DJ1-RR OEM exhaust shows up a lot. Its sportier shape fits the vibe perfectly, and once the bike is lowered, the pipe tucks cleanly between the panels.
Cool Irons and Shuriken wheels from the Dio, DJ1RR, and Full Mark Tacts are also popular since they bolt on without brake mods. DJ1 and Squash 8-inch wheels fit the Tact too with minimal effort, giving the bike a smaller, cuter look that is quite hard to pull off. Occasionally, you'll see DJ1 fork covers used as well, though that's more common on newer-style builds.
This generation of the Tact had several variations, some rarer and more expensive than others. This covers the main ones you will run into:
Super Tact
The standard model with slimmer rear panels, a sharp square-tipped fender, and an aggressive tail light design that follows the body lines. Unlike the rest of the models, the 85s did not receive a kickstart option.
Tact Full Mark
Similar to the NA-spec Honda Aero 50, featuring wider rear panels, a rounded fender, a larger taillight, and additional storage. Due to its bulkier design, it is not an ideal candidate for builds.
Courrèges Tact
A fashion-inspired collaboration with designer André Courrèges. Available in multiple two-tone pearl colorways (Pink, Blue, Yellow), these models featured custom graphics, a unique seat, and matching color accents on the speedometer.
Tact Trad Edition
A special edition celebrating 1.3 million units sold, featuring classic styling, checkered seats, and unique crest graphics.
Tact Full Mark S
Similar to the original Full Mark but features molding on the side of the rear panels, larger racks, and rare shuriken wheels, which are often swapped onto Super Tacts.
Why People Choose This Base
The Tact is a top choice for builders thanks to its huge aftermarket support, simple construction, and the endless reference builds out there. Its panels use minimal plastic tabs, which makes cutting, repairing, and modifying far easier without worrying about snapping anything. The suspension is also much easier to work with than other scooters, as you don't need C-clamp pliers to pull the springs, and most people can get it done in just a few minutes.
Another nice bonus is the glovebox. It gives you actual storage space for tools or small items, which is something most scooters on this list don't offer at all. And depending on the year, some 1986-87 models came with both electric start and kickstart (at least in the North American market), adding a bit more practicality. You can even modify the kickstart to act as a makeshift kickstand if needed, which is a small but cool perk for anyone building and taking pictures constantly.
The Downsides
Because the North American Honda Aero 50 shares so many similarities with the Tact, a lot of owners convert Aeros into Tact clones, like myself. This pushed up the price of genuine Tact parts; rear panels, inner panels, headsets, lights, and fenders are noticeably more expensive than they were a few years ago.
The early 1984-85 models only came with electric start and didn't offer a kickstart like the later years, which some riders prefer for reliability. The AF05E engine is solid, but it isn't a powerhouse; tuning potential is limited compared to the AF18E Dio engines. Speaking from experience, even after spending around $500 on CVT and minor tuning while keeping the stock 50cc top end, the performance gains were modest, maybe an extra 10 km/h at best.
So Why Should You Buy One???
The Super Tact is one of the most versatile bases available, making it a great choice for any build style. Whether you want to lower it and destroy undercowls, extend the wing and add a million vents and cutouts all over, lift the rear for a ketsuage build, or keep it stock with subtle upgrades, the possibilities are endless. With many customization options and a wealth of aftermarket support and tons of knowledge on the base, it's an ideal platform for both beginners and experienced builders.
🌟Our Personal Builds!🌟
Mr. Kuroki loves Tacts a little too much,
here’s every single one Team Kuroki has personally put together:
1986 Honda Aero
✦ 3Peace fullmark undercowl
✦ 3Peace covered headlight cowl
✦ Vintage chrome chamber
✦ Original blue seat + blue inners
✦ White wheels
✦ Polka-dot decals
@elljahmartens17
1985 Honda Tact
✦ Sandan seat
✦ K-style tall wing + extended front fender
✦ Radio setup with TSX speakers
✦ Squash 8-inch wheels
✦ Custom headlight + custom undercowl
✦ Triple-duct cuts all over the scooter
@nash.8816
1987 Honda Tact
✦ Covered in vents
✦ Two-tone white + blue paint
✦ Yankee air horns with a hidden compressor
✦ 1:1 V-notched and extended rear wing
✦ Rear-mounted loudspeaker
✦ Suzuki Hi-R cluster molded into Tact bars
@afodrake