E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSS
Peter Mark / The Canadian Press via AP
A rust-encrusted Harley-Davidson motorcycle that was swept away by the Japan tsunami in March 2011 was found by Peter Mark in April, washed up on an island off the coast of British Columbia. It's now headed to a Harley museum.
A Japanese man’s Harley-Davidson motorcycle that washed up on the shores of western Canada more than a year after it was swept away by the devastating tsunami will be preserved in a Harley museum in the U.S.
The 2004 FXSTB Softail Night Train motorcycle will be permanently housed in the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wis., as a memorial to the victims of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which swamped several coastal towns in northeastern Japan and left more than 15,000 people dead.
“It is truly amazing that my Harley-Davidson motorcycle was recovered in Canada after drifting for more than a year,” said the bike’s owner, Ikuo Yokoyama, in a press release issued Friday by Deeley Harley-Davidson, the Canadian distributor of Harleys. “I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to Peter Mark, the finder of my motorcycle. Due to circumstances caused by the disaster, I have been so far unable to visit him in Canada to convey my gratitude.”
Mark found the motorcycle, still bearing its Japanese license plate, while driving his ATV on an isolated beach on Graham Island on the west coast of British Columbia on April 18. The bike, along with several other items, was inside a rusted cargo van container that apparently drifted more than 4,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean.
“You just never know what you’re going to stumble upon when you go for a drive, and lo and behold you just come across something that’s out of this world,” Mark told CBC at the time.
The motorcycle was eventually traced to the 29-year-old Yokoyama.
The tsunami destroyed Yokoyama’s home in Miyagi prefecture and also claimed the lives of three family members, according to Japanese media reports. Yokoyama currently lives in temporary housing in Miyagi prefecture.
He said the motorcycle was being kept in a storage container behind his house when the tsunami struck.
Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada
The Harley will soon be transported to the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee.
Harley-Davidson offered to return the rust-encrusted bike to him and to restore it to running condition but Yokoyama respectfully declined, the company said.
“Since the motorcycle was recovered, I have discussed with many people about what to do with it. I would be delighted if it could be preserved in its current condition and exhibited to the many visitors to the Harley Davidson Museum as a memorial to a tragedy that claimed thousands of lives,” Yokoyama was quoted as saying in Friday’s press release.
Harley-Davidson has offered to fly him to visit the museum and meet Marks, the Canadian who retrieved the bike. Yokoyama said he would like to do so “when things have calmed down.”
“My heart really goes out to Ikuo Yokoyama and all the survivors of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami for everything that was taken from them. I cannot even begin to comprehend the loss of family, friends, and community,” Mark was quoted by Harley-Davidson as saying. “I think it is fitting that the Harley, which was swept across the Pacific Ocean by the tsunami, will end up in the Harley-Davidson Museum as a memorial to that tragic event. It has an interesting and powerful story to convey preserved in its current state.”
The motorcycle has since been transferred to a Harley dealership in Vancouver. Plans for its transportation to the Harley museum are being developed.
More content from msnbc.com and NBC News:
Leave a Comment:
Damn thing started up on the first kick - American Made BadAssness
If that were the case, it would seem drifting through thousands of miles of salt water actually improves the performace of a Harley. :)
Great story.
Your note reminds me of the scene in "Sleeper" where Woody Allen's character finds a long-abandoned 200-year-old Volkswagen and it starts right up!
Except it said it was a jap made harley. Apparently we dont even make harleys here anymore?
manofmanytrades - I did not read it was a Japanese made Harley. Where did you see this information. I reread the article three times and could not locate this information. All Harley motorcycles are assembeled in PA, WI, or MO. While yes, there are some foreign manufactured parts that go into the assembly, they are all assembled (made) in America.
No where in this article did it ever say that it was a Japanese made Harley, Al though The Japanese did own Harley Davidson for a while back in the 70's and 80's
manofmanytrades: This is about a man who lost his home and family members; yet, he is generous enough to donate his Harley to the museum as a memorial to the tragic event that impacted so many. And you felt the need to use the derogatory term "Jap"? Pull up your pants. Your bigotry is showing!
"kick"?
I read Harleys are to be built in India? something about labor costs.
Great story about the recovery of the Harley. Makes you really feel for the many victims in this story too.
I agree in what I've read here in that the owner was very thoughtful in his donating his bike and more then likely was his pride and joy an American Classic. He lost everything and by him making this unselfish act of kindness is amazing story about him as a Human who has suffered far worse then I can even imagine and for him to think of others and to donate it is a Class act all the way. Harley Davidson should make this person a new bike and customize it in Honor of him surviving and in Honor of all who lost.
Best wishes to everyone over in Japan!!
That bike isn't ever gonna start on the first, second, or third "kick". Also, as far as Harley coughing up a bike for him. I'm willing to bet he isn't the only person that lost a HD in that tsunami. If they give him a new bike then everyone is gonna want a new bike. I'm sure he didn't want the thing back cause insurance probably already paid it off. It is a cool story tho.
Harley should give him a new bike,or at least one like he had.
And most Hondas in America are built in Ohio.Manofmanytrades.
Vitale Justice wrote: No where in this article did it ever say that it was a Japanese made Harley, Al though The Japanese did own Harley Davidson for a while back in the 70's and 80's
A Japanese company never owned Harley Davidson. AMF, American Metal Foundries, owned Harley in the 70's - early 80's and ran the company into the ground.
The Japanese are class acts.
Mine has a little more rust ....
Not allot more ....
But more ....
I don't have any barnacles though ....
Heck of a cargo container to stay afloat that long...
My roadking has nothing but miles and smiles. but I laughed like h*ll when I heard this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jyle2CuDgIo funnier than crap.
there is a VIN code for HDs made FOR sale in Japan, still made in US (with a lot of Chinese parts) and it doesnt even have a kick starter
When you go over 50% I would call it "most" - not "some"!
Thank you Jan. I must agree, I can't believe (less than a) "manofmanytrades" had the gall to use such derogatory language. Mr Yokoyama lost 3 family members, an untold number of friends, his home, everything and instead of accepting Harley's offer to restore and return the bike he asks that it be used as a memorial to the victims of the tsunami. A selfless gesture on his part and (less than a) "manofmanytrades" is calling him the 'j' word!? Please. Much respect to Mr. Yokoyama and Harley-Davidson.
Good point DingleB. There was a saying,buy a Harley buy the best. Ride a mile and walk the rest. After AMF took over for awhile Harley's were made in Japan. Jfl1971 according to your logic the Honda Shadows were made at a plant in Marysville Ohio for a few years. That means made in America to in that case. Any way that bike had one wild trip.
patrick demarco, don't tell that to my uncle who was serving on the USS Pennsylvania at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 or to my father in law who served in the US Navy in the South Pacific from Iwo Jima to Okinawa.. I know it was long ago but these men would hardly make such a broad statement at yours.
Hey Rgs, i had relatives fight for the north in the cival war.. guess i should still hate everyone from the south? get over yourself.. japs outclass this big mac n fry country by miles
I can tell you why a NEW bike would be better. Assuming it was insured, it would have been claimed as a loss. Whether or not any money has been received yet wouldn't matter. If the money had been paid out for the loss, and the Harley was given back to him, every insurance company I have worked for or know of would seek to reclaim the money because it is the same bike as the one claimed a loss...same VIN if it is restored from damage...period. There are only 2 ways to avoid that issue...pay HD market value for the restored bike or receive a brand new bike from HD.
I don't believe that money is the reason why he chose to donate the bike to the museum. I believe his reason as to why he is doing it. It is a very unselfish and honorable thing for him to do.
Woody Allen sucks.
You would think HD would at the very least offer to trade him a new sled for the donation
Yes, Harley's are still made in the US....I am from Milwaukee and know this first hand!
Vitale A. Justice
Harley wasn't owned by the Japs in the 70's. they were owned by AMF Amercian Machine Foundry.
They were bought back by the Davidson family in the 80's
Harleys are American, through and through -- except for the ones they make in Brazil. Milwaukee and York, PA
ROODLES
I believe the name AMF is American Machine and Foundry and you are correct they were never made in Japan
So, it is bigotry to use the tem "Jap"?
Is it bigotry when people from another country call Americans "Yanks"? Or when Hispanics call white people "Gringo" (which has much more of a negative racial connotation)?
How about when someone from Englsnd is referred to as a "Brit"?
Or is it only "bigotry" when the person spoken of is NOT Caucasian?
I just want to get the facts straight on the Politically Correct Rules of Bigotry.
Maybe someone should write a pamphlet.
Isn't this illegal importing?
Assembled is more accurate. Made has connotations of being fabricated. Maybe that's why they call it an assembly line.
The Sportster is now assembled in India. http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/568/11917/Motorcycle-Article/Harley-Intros-India-Assembled-Bikes-for-Less--.aspx
The parts are exported from here to there and assembled at drastically reduced prices, but watch the parts manufacturing plants start to get built there mext year and it will be the other way around. Harley Riders should trade these @!$%# for brains bikes and protest. It was because of the American Consumer that HD was able to rebrand after the AMF debacle.
Even among all the loss this man (Yokoyama) and his community has suffered, his gift to memorialize this tragic event will immortalize those who perished in the tragedy so that others can learn and respect the power of mother nature.
Harley's take - Our bikes can survive the 4000 mile journey of a tsunami!
I think that this is an incredible gesture on Mr. Yokoyama' part. I know that Harley had offered to ship the bike back to Japan restore the bike to running condition for him. I would hope that Harley would recognize the gift and present him with a new bike. With everything he has lost, it would be a great thing for Harley to do and instill a lot of goodwill towards the company. It would also probably end up costing them less than the labor and parts it would have taken to restore the bike.
JS, I agree, Harley should offer him a top of the line of the same model, and engrave it with something in the memory of the tragedy. After all, tbis guy was Japanese, in the midst of all the Japanese bike makers, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, etc, and he choose big, bad American Iron. They would get their money back 100 fold with the publicity alone.
BTW, I am American, all my bikes are Japanese.. I road race... (smile)
probably a 30K dollar hog.
I ride a Honda Davidson. My bike has a Harley front tire. Justredd I think it actually runs about 10-15K the Road King runs about 30K
Don't forget that Cargo Container that the scooter sail the seven sea's in was that also built in the USA, or does somebody else deserve an at-aboy too. As a over the hill HD rider this is a nice story, and in time we, or someone may find something sad on these shores that also came from Nippon after this tragedy.
what if i told you that my ACTUAL brother rode a harley davidson 15,000 miles is 15 days, hit ALL 50 states (not 57 see revelations267™) and did it all on backroads only, no highways, not allowed to stay in a hotel, must sleep ON THE ROAD next to the bike. and so much more.
would you believe me?
it is so true.
and more.
what if i told you he had the same upbringing as me, same mom and dad, started with nothing, finished high school (can hardly spell), and worked SO hard with sweat equity only that today he is the mythical 1%. and yet i have nothing from him but his love, because he is my brother. i am from a hardcore family of hardcore americans, mild mannered, aggressive, tough, unbelieveable. same as you my brother. i am the only skydiver though, i shared my older brothers story, i can share more later.
i know right.
and yet.
I CAN PROVE IT!!!!! ONLINE!
what 1 man can do with determination.
this is 1st post tonight, got home 1 hour ago, took me this long to find the right post.
my 2nd post is the one for everyone else and im thinking of it right now. as soon as i find it, i will show you a miracle ok.
i promise.
you are my brother.
i am honest.
you will see.
REVELATIONS:267™ teaches us not to bet against an american. EVER! you will see, lonereb, you are not alone now.
Didn't I see that bike at Daytona this spring? Looks just like some of the others that are hauled to "Trailer Week".
SDskydiver71 ...just a cryin shame the bike didnt survive, wouldda put you in its place getttin swept away in a second, pretty sure REVELATIONS:17.2.168 says, do not ever fret about the loss of a complete idiot, as there will be 10 to replace him.
How could it float that long. Hell, all I can do is keep one up right much less pick the dam thing up. Monkey in the wood pile some where here. You Guys who think it was built out side the US must have been talking to Romney. Did he ever rescue Harley Davidson. I do wonder how many parts come from China. That is the fever these days.
SDskydiver, All 50 states, all backroads, no highways. Now I KNOW that is BS. I am from Alaska and I know the limited roads there. Only way he could have avoided highways there is to meet the ship at the dock, drive it around the harbor, and put it back on the ship.
I would have liked to seen him ride to hawaii, if he went to all 50 states. I don't believe you could ride to all 48 contiguous states in 15 days.
hehe my bad, 49 states, several provinces......highways ONLY when absolutely neccesary (ie alaska), anyone who doesnt believe it.......hokaheychallenge.com
anyone who thinks it is bs.....well, it isnt something YOU could do anyways. you limit yourself.
Very cool story. Lots of thought and insight from all parties on how to best use the recovered Harley. I think that the preservation of the motorcycle in its present condition as a reminder of the tragedy is really fitting. As one Harley rider to another I hope Mr. Yokoyama's life gets turned around and before long he can be riding again.
From all riders we hope for that. Keep the shiny side up this summer.
The grace, dignity, and kindness of Ikuo Yokoyama warms me. To suffer such losses is unimaginable to most of us. Wishing him future happiness and goodwill in his life.
Nothing better than a Harley between your legs.....well almost.....I have been a Harley rider my whole life and this story just shows the world that Harley's bring people together of all ages, races and cultures. Harley's 100th birthday celebration in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2003 proves this. I think its great that Harley is putting this bike in their museum. Ride safe!
I went to the HD birthday event in Atlanta. It was a hell of a party.
Classy guy.
Agreed, this was a very classy gesture and in stark contrast to the multitude of non-classy Harley Davidson owners that choose to modify their exhaust system spewing excessive noise around my neighborhood and city.
Oh, quit your pi$$ing and moaning. At least you didn't get swept away in a tsunami.
@sunnyd-159 Id rather have to hear a bike with loud pipes a couple times of day then deal with the idiots who text and drive. these are the same people who are to busy to pay attention and see motorcycles on the road. loud pipes arent there to annoy people there there because your gonna hear the bike and then look and see it. loud pipes save lives. you want the loud pipes gone? put your phone down and start seeing motorcycles
Cardsfan, you're right. There was a Bozo in California last week trying to take pictures of a biker club while driving down the road in his Prius and he managed to lose control and hit a couple of bikers. Some of the uninjured riders then taught the Prius driver a lesson. Good for them.
sunnyd I ride a Honda and get invited to every HD function in my area. We don't have that model envy here. We all ride together and get along no matter what club. LOH has me on their mailing list.
Cardsfan22 -
"loud pipes save lives."
There is no documented evidence to support this statement - i.e. you are lying. People who put loud pipes on their bikes (Harley, Honda, Ducati, whatever. . . ) do it because they like the sound of the bike, not because they think it's safety equipment. Many bikes and cars of all makes have modified exhausts, but admittedly some Harleys are so blisteringly loud it is truly amazing.
Hey fallout. You can't count accidents that didn't happen. If you have doubts about the effectiveness of the loud pipes (My Harley wears Screamin' Eagles) ask a few wheel cops. They will also tell you to weave back and forth behind the four wheelers to let them know that you are back there and stay where they can see you in the inside rearview mirror as well as the outside mirror. For the rookies out there, ride in the tire tracks on the street, not between the tracks. That's where the oil drips and debris piles up. Stay safe out there and see a bike.
Actually fallout, they do. I am living proof. An old granny went straight from a right turn lane and I was caught between her and a car on the other side of me. I was yelling and hitting the horn and she was oblivious and didn't even look my way until I rapped the engine and my exhaust noise finally got her attention. If I had a dime for every time I heard some idiot spew the words "Honest, I didn't see the motorcycle" I could retire and have a home in every state. If you can't see me even though I run with lights on all the time and have a lot of chrome on my bike, by God you are going to hear me!
Wayne -
"You can't count accidents that didn't happen."
Uh, yes you can. Here's how it works. You count the total number of accidents. Then you count how many had loud pipes and how many didn't. Then you compare that ratio to the ratio of how many bikes in general have loud pipes or don't have loud pipes. If there is a discrepancy then you have an under (if the ratio of loud bikes is less) or an over (if the ratio of loud bikes is more) representation. Loud piped bikes are not under represented in accident statistics.
Patinwy -
Anecdotal evidence is not evidence. I've also used a loud exhaust to get someone's attention on the road. But it evidently doesn't happen often enough to have any sort of significant effect on accidents over all.
"f I had a dime for every time I heard some idiot spew the words "Honest, I didn't see the motorcycle" I could retire and have a home in every state."
We all could. You think I'm some f*ckin box driver? I know as well as any rider how sh*tty drivers drive. But now I ride with a stock exhaust and I don't notice any difference regarding driver idiocy. Maybe I ride different now with a quiet bike?
Both of you -
I'm using the Hurt report as my reference. The Hurt report actually found a small over representation. Small enough as to be insignificant. You guys put loud pipes on your bikes for the exact same reason I have and my dad has and everyone else who has - we like the sound. I just don't understand the justifying mythology around your urge to modify your bikes. Well, have a nice ride guys - and keep that rubber side down.
Fallout, I can't talk about motorcycles because I do not ride, nor have I ever owned one. However, there have been many articles on the internet in the past few months with regards to hybrid and fully electric cars. They say that people cannot hear them, as they run very quiet, and are getting into many accidents.
Loud pipes save lives - BULL$H!T
When was the last time any of you ever saw a harley save a life? There has never been a life saved because somebody had loud pipes.
They may have prevented a few accidents but they have never saved a life. Even with loud pipes there are accidents involving h-d's. Were those only bikes that had stock pipes or were those pipes just not loud enough?
So that twistgrip is actually a volume control rather than a speed control.
Ace - and now those bikers will likely be charged with battery punishable by up to six months in jail and a $2,000 fine in California. Who's the real Bozo now?
fallout-1986007
Loud pipes do save lives, if you are in your cage bitching about my pipes then you know I'm there.
I was told that the loudness of the pipes is an inverse relationship to the size of one's manhood - the louder the pipes the smaller...
"Hey, look at me. My bike won't go fast but it can sure make a lot of noise." Most riders call it "posing".
Why is it the slowest bikes always have the loudest exhaust ?
mike - They are transformers. They transform raw gas into pure noise. And they pay tens upon tens of thousands of dollars for that purpose.
...I say the Harley was sick of living in Honda hell and split Japan on its own, trying to make it back to the good ol' USA! Unfortunately, it took a wrong turn somewhere in the middle of the ocean and wound up in B.C. instead of America.
I am glad to hear it's finally going to make it back to Milwaukee.
Most of the parts are made out of this country anyway.
It just wanted to come home. I attend an event at the Milwaukee Harley Museum every year, and I'm looking forward to seeing this bike on display in the near future.
R. Scalzo wrote:
Most of the parts are made out of this country anyway.
No they're not. I read a book a couple of years ago about American made products and it said 85% of the parts of a Harley are made in America. The forks are made in Japan. The lights are made in China. The chrome parts are made in Asia because of the EPA regulations here. 85% American made is pretty good considering we're a global economy now.
Thank you Roodles...alot of people making comments on this story have no clue what they are talking about when it comes to Harley's. Thats because they are voicing an opinion before doing their research or every riding a motorcycle. Plain and simple, you either love them or hate them. The people that are complaining about loud pipes, etc have never known the feeling of riding a motorcyle. And they feel the need to comment....funny!
Bunkie11,
Do you have ESP or just work at the know-it-all factory?
Sorry Bunkie11 but I do complain about the loud pipes and I have and do ride. I should not have to hear your pipes in my house just like the music in your car should not be heard over the music in mine and mine over yours.
the loss of the bike was probably minimal compared to the loss of family members but it does show everyone that something terrible happened to one person that was multiplied by the thousands
By the looks of it, restoring it to running conditions might cost close to the price of a brand new bike, if not more than that. So it makes perfect sense to display it as is.
Harley should send the guy a new bike for all the free publicity they got from the story.
I agree, but they should send him a new bike because it would be the right thing to do, rather than because of the free publicity. A brand new bike would be nothing in comparison to the loss he endured of family, friends and his community.
Come on Harley! Do the right thing!
If you would actually read the article instead of looking at the pretty pictures, you would see that HD did offer to give him a new bike but he refused. Don't make comments unless you read the articles dumass.
Hey David maybe you should read the article or are you too busy calling others names like a child? HARLEY offered to restore that bike to running condition, that is not offering a brand new bike. Damn dude get a clue.
yes the guy has class and harley should give him a new bike
Exactly!! Good idea
totally agree!
Why don't you give him a new bike?
They offered he isn't ready. This is what he wants to do honor it.
lonereb, they offered to restore his bike to riding condition. That is not the same as offering him a new bike. A new bike with no links to the pain and devastation would be suitable.
Could there be anything worse than a "Harley" parked nonworking in a museum? Fresh air freedom to ride!
Perhaps for you, but to those of us living here in Milwaukee, Harley is a big part of our history and culture here. To me there's nothing like the sound of a Harley in the distance at night. It's only natural that we would make a museum to celebrate such history. Hell as I've been typing this I have heard two Harleys in the distance.
What is so special about a rusted up bike setting in a museum regaurdless of circumstances ? To pass up on having it restored is truely mind boggling . A before and after photograph would go a long way towards preserving its history but not leave as is .
You have no heart. This man suffered such a great loss. 'Regardless of the circumstances', my a$$. The significance of the bike is in the article. Try reading it again and while you're at it. . .try a little compassion!
A very "just" end to a very nice motorcycle.
You wouldn't understand if it was explained to you.
Maybe a got a hefty $$,$$$.$$ settlement? and with the damages etc.....he needs his Yen..?????.
Hey Leroy.......you need to get a clue and a life! Your life must be so unhappy and pathetic. I hope you figure it out one day and grow a heart!
harley is not made in america,their parts are made in asia,so whats the difference between a harley and a honda? nothing just the name of the bike
I wonder if HD offered him a new bike?
I wonder if you actually read the article.
I wonder if you have a life
.
come on people.....it would have sank to the bottom!!!!!!!! phuck off!!!
I'll say this slowly so you can understand:
r...e...a...d ......... t...h..e ........... s...t..o...r...y; .......... i..t ........... w..a...s ................. i...n .............. a ............ c...o...n...t..a...i...n...e...r
Harleys float? Who would have thought...
Perhaps if you re-read the story, you'd catch the part where it says the Harley was in a container. Presumably, the container had enough air trapped within it to keep it afloat, thus making its way to BC. Reading comprehension is certainly a reoccurring problem on this website.
I was think the same thing !! I am amazed that it floated !
I would be amazed if you could read
Elliimac. Why so quick to judge people and be disrespectful?? I'm sure Hakons comment was a joke. Sheesh
Great story
The more you give the more you get. He deserves a new bike.
Send him a new one and a voucher for a year's worth of gas. Goodwill is priceless, Davidson will never miss it and this guy lost family.
They did you gonna force it on him or honor his wishes.
An offer to rebuild a motorcycle that will forever be in his mind a link to great tragedy is not the same thing as a new bike with no links to the tsunami, other than as a replacement for the motorcycle that crossed the ocean. Maybe you should re-read the article.
Frankly considering the state of his living conditions, I think he'd appreciate a home far more than a bike.
Come on, HD!!! DONATE a bike to the guy before OCC beats you to it..... ! One rusted out bike for a museum. One bada$$ custom painted, fully functional pillar of American engineering roaming the island of Japan, intimidating all the other motorcycles who wish they could be Harleys. Make it a mobile monument.....
The bike was used on the owners family farm to pull a plow. . . . . . . you have to love that 100 year old farm tractor technology that Harley has stayed with for all these years. Its the 21st century when is Harley going to catch up ? yes it is a american made product but its a display of the old saying "if it works why change it" this country was always the leader in technology and developement on the entire globe but not anymore. Harley being one of the oldest has settled in to that hillbilly mentality of " why change it " and "oh these things sell themselves" But yet people keep buying them as way overpriced as they are and if any of the buyers ever climbed a real motorcycle and saw what technology has done for 2 wheels in the last 50 years Harley would be having a "going out of business" sale. Riding 2 wheels is not all about "Cool" or "What would the neighbors say ?" its about being one with the machine and leaning into a turn at 90mph and accelerating out of it and picking up another gear. . . . . you just cant get that thrill with 800lbs of farm equipment on 2 wheels can you ?
modeltmenace..if i have to explain you, you will never understand...have fun on your rice rocket
GO F— YOUR SELF!!!!!
Why yes you can.
If you knew what it really means to ride, it wouldn't matter what brand anyone chooses.
". . . you have to love that 100 year old farm tractor technology. . ."
C'mon man, the tractor technology that Harley uses in cutting edge - no older than fifty years at the most.
Keep trying troll! You have no clue modelt. Funny both of my Harley's are worth more than your crotch rocket times ten.
I love my RoadKing. And it's great for running over trolls.
jeff -
"Funny both of my Harley's are worth more than your crotch rocket times ten."
And you know this because. . . ? You are likely correct as most sport bikes loose half their value as soon as you leave the dealership. But you might be wrong as well - maybe he owns a Ducati (or an Aprillia or some bizarre exotic).
And you buy your bikes based on resale value? Sad. I buy mine to enjoy riding them.
Keep that rubber side down and enjoy your bikes.
I always wished they made dirt bikes or quads,or bikes that werent catering to wealthy wanabe bikers.
I did have fun telling my daughter to look at a full dresser harley at a light,i told her to look at the engine and tell me if it looked like it wanted to jump out of the frame.She was amazed that i new that it was like that.I told her it was american technology at its finest.
WOW! You simply don't get it. But, as the saying goes, "If I have to explain it to you you won't understand it anyway".
Hey pugface I know a guy out of Cut n Shoot Tx. That can pop wheelies and hold them on a Road King. You should see the looks on the squids when he does that. Yeah we ride what we like. And we never dis the other guys ride. Not real bikers anyway only waxers.
ron1751 -
"I always wished they made dirt bikes or quads. . ."
That does require a high degree of engineering. While modern Harleys are dependable, they aren't high performance bikes. Harley has shown neither the inclination or engineering ability to enter the high performance market. They make a crap load of money doing what they are doing and don't really see a reason to change that.
GO HARLEY!!! BUY AMERICAN!!!!!!
Those AMF bikes were probably the lowest quality bikes Harley ever built but look at how many of them are still on the road in one form or another. How many Honda Dreams do you see at the bike shows? Hummm?
Harley made Dirt Bikes for years, popular in the 70's also made small lightweight street bikes under 500cc.
I quess you never drove a Screaming Eagle V-Rod or Screaming Eagle anything. While they may not be in "highest Performance" they sure do move out and look sweet doing it. Plus Harley made off road bikes for years. Through the years I have had Hondas, Kawis, Suzuki, Husky but nothing will ever compare to the love I have/had for my FXST Softail and VRod VRSC or even the custom Sportser from years back
Why do most harley riders look like the leather guy from the Village People? Just sayin...lol. Posers.
i wonder besides to the fuss , is harley going to give him a new one with a plake stating my other bike is in harley museum lol
Ophotfoot.......I bet you wouldn't say that to harley riders to their faces.....just a wuss hiding behind the comment board of MSN...
Bunkie11,
Did I hit a nerve? haha. Your a real tough guy behind your comment board on MSN... probably wearing leather and a harley bandana.
I voted to give him a new one...but I did happen to notice from the photograph, it was in the "natural" state for most Harleys....on a trailer.
Old Dogs and Harley's ride in the back of Pick Up Trucks.
Plainly put, that motorcycle belongs in the local landfill.
You going to vote for obama again?
Don't you recycle?
HD better get him a new bike or TWO for this.
something does not sound right. a bike can't float unless pacific ocean is so polluted to be like the dead sea.
It was in a container with a wood floor.
hey george, so there are these things called "waves" in the ocean, that can literally carry away a person. I know crazy right, but in this case it was a super wave called a "tsunami". Tsunamis have been known to carry massive cargo vessels miles inland. I'm sorry I have to talk to you like I'm talking to a small retarded child, but you should never underestimate Mother Nature.
Look at picture, read article....
"The bike, along with several other items, was inside a rusted cargo van container that apparently drifted more than 4,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean."
Read the article, yes. But looking at the photo, it would appear that the bike is prepped for being transported after it's discovery, not for storage in a container. And one does wonder how a metal (it was rusted) "cargo van container" manage to float all the way across the Pacific. One would think that being heavy and not built to be seaworthy, it'd sink fairly quickly.
Air pocket and wood floor.Theres thousands of these floating all over the world.Ive read fun articles of people with sailboats running into them at speed.
With all the Tsunami and buoyancy experts here in the U.S. its confounding that our unemployment rate is so high.
George, the gas tank was empty and shut tight, that along with the air in the tires allowed it to float across the ocean. It's happens alot.