The Hodaka Club Forum

We just received a call from Marie Diem a few minutes ago. I personally am very proud of my friendship for the past 30 years with her husband Harlan.
Harlan was a great talented man. Be it on the track or in the shop he loved his Hodaka's! He was a Hodaka dealer going back to 1965 and AFS distributors in Lewistown PA.
He was diagnosed with cancer last year and fought a great fight. But the cancer had spread into his spine and we knew that time was near. At least he is not in pain any longer. No more chemo or radiation......
He is going to be dearly missed! Just found a bag on my workbench with his name on it. He called last week and wanted me to send him a few parts.
Peace brother.

Harlan was a great friend! Any time I need help he was always there for me! I loved stopping by his house and just talking to him. He had a ton of great Hodaka stories! I know I will really miss him! My prayers are with his family now! God to this great man Harlan Diem!!!!

Harlan was the first person I worked with when I did my Hodaka Redo in 2002. He became a good friend and Mentor to me. I spent many hours with him at his shop in PA working on bikes. He built Wombat'N'Stein initially and put that signature Maico Tank on it in 2002!! I have been racing that bike ever since. He also sold me two Super Combats, one of which became the Super Bee.

He has been a friend for years and I have always looked to him for guidance and support in my Hodaka endeavors! HE IS GOING TO BE MISSED by me and many out there. I loved his Wit and Wisdom!!

Rest in peace my friend! Well done!!

Bob Brooks

I don't think I had the pleasure of ever meeting Harlan, but I sure remember hearing about his shop as far back as the 1970's when I worked for PABATCO. He was a pretty big wave maker in the Hodaka world.

My condolences to the family.

Ed

Capt. you met him at Mid-Ohio 2006. Hard to imagine you not remembering after just meeting close to 60,000 new friends that weekend.
Harlan's son Warren was on the cover of one of the Resonators back in the day. I will tell Marie all of the kind thoughts from everyone.
Scott, Bob, Sterling, Roger etc.. I will let you know if there are plans for a service. If so I will be there.
Paul

I have dealt with him several times too back when I had mt Maico and for Hodaka stuff, good guy

Rich

Paul let me know as soon as you find out so I can make plans to go thanks Scott

Though I had never met or even shared a post with Harlan, I always feel a loss when a forum member passes. Please pass on my condolences to his wife. ; ( Victor

Harlan was a great guy. A real gentlemen. First met him at Mid-Ohio at his booth. I bought a red seat cover for my wife's DS and a fold back shifter for my trials bike. He usually made an appearance at the swap meet at York and would stop by the club booth.

I have a photo of him somewhere in my computer but I cannot find it.

Rest in Piece Harlan. You will be missed by many.

Rick it would be great if you could post that picture. Scott

DS, There is an interview with Harlan in the September 2015 Resonator Revisited. Page 29.
I could not find Harlan's photo in my computer, but I did find this appropriate passage.

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on his tombstone
From the beginning to the end.
He noted that first came his date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time
That he spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved him
Know what that little line was worth.
For it matters not how much we own:
The cars, the house, the cash;
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real,
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile.
Remembering that this special dash
Will only last awhile.
And when your eulogy’s being read
With your life’s actions to rehash.
You’ll be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash.

Author Unknown

Rick could you post that interview with Harlan here?

The interview, along with the photos are in a PDF format. Email me at [email protected] and I can send the interview to you.