Imagine a lone Harley Davidson, stored away in a container box being swept away and making a journey from Japan to Canada. This is exactly what happened to Ikuo Yokoyama’s Harley when it was washed away during the tsunami caused by a devastating earthquake that we all remember hearing about back in 2011. This 2004 Harley-Davidson FXSTB Softail Night Train spent a year at sea and no one had dreamed that it would finally show back up, especially so far away from its original destination.
Now that Softail Harley that was a prized possession for Yokoyama has found a final resting place and that is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is in the same condition that it was found on back on that Canadian beach after the year of ocean travel. The true twist to this story though is after the Harley was found and traced back to the proper owner, Harley Davidson offered to completely restore the vehicle and return it to Mr. Yokoyama at no cost. This offer was turned down and instead, it was requested that the bike be left exactly as it had been found and put on display at the museum as a memorial to the earthquake and tsunami victims.
This generous contribution by Mr. Yokoyama is bittersweet knowing that the Miyagi Prefecture, which is where he lived, was one of the hardest hit areas. Not only did Mr. Yokoyama lose his Harley, he lost everything, including his home and three family members.
“We’re truly humbled to display Mr. Yokoyama’s motorcycle,” said Bill Davidson, Vice President of the Harley-Davidson Museum. “This motorcycle has an amazing story to tell, and we are honored to be able to share it.”
Mr. Yokoyama is currently living back in the Miyagi Prefecture in temporary housing and struggling to rebuild his life. The support of Harley riders around the world for him has been deeply touching during this most difficult time.
Source Harley Davidson