The Hodaka Club Forum

https://books.google.ca/books?id=sfcDAA ... st&f=false

Brian

Interesting article. I had never seen this before. Ed would know best but I had always thought Wheeler did the trip around Australia without using his spare engine. Ohhh yes he does have a huge neck too almost as large as his ego.
respectfully
Paul

I figured that article would get you attention Paul, especially the part about Frank's spare engine. By the way, does the "around Australia" Hodaka still exist?

Brian

Big Frank didn't get the nickname, "Big Frank" in error. While I knew he carried a spare engine -- in a back pack! -- I can't settle any discussion as to whether or not he used the spare on the Australia trip. Frank was enough of a promoter to know there some things it might be best to not talk about. So, at least for me, the question is unanswered despite what the article says. I mean, "the boss" couldn't help those boys get some life out of spark plugs with seizing or holing the piston????? (I've just got to throw that in as I consider the reliability of the source of the information . . . ya know?)

It COULD BE that Frank used his spare engine. It COULD BE that he didn't use his spare engine. I don't know . . . and this article doesn't settle it for me.

Ed

I hear ya Ed! I've fouled more than my share of plugs, but when "the boss" said that the Toad would either foul plugs or hole a piston I was a little suspicious of his "reliability" as well, especially when they ran out of plugs before the end of the race. Now we have to also consider that the article may have been embellished somewhat, as I'm fairly certain it was written for entertainment, not as a historical document.

Regardless, I still enjoyed it.

Brian

P.S. Is Franks bike still around somewhere?

You think the story was embellished??? Nah.

Actually, I was taking mental notes while reading the article. Notes on slick little ways the story was made more interesting - um, embellished. Yup, it was an entertaining read!

Ed

Sorry guys welcome to Vermont !! No phone service at the house since last Tuesday and we just got the internet back after being down since last night.
Sorry for the delay.
Frank Wheeler's bike? Without digging through the notes for the Hodaka book I have to rely on memory and or Ed / Ken. I believe we had notes/inventory that Wheeler's bike was sold at the auction in Tri-Cities just before PABATCO closed their doors. Do not hold me to that Brian. Cannot get into finding this out until after the holidays. If I forget please remind me.
Thanks
Paul