It seems B.C.’s famous drifting Harley-Davidson might not be headed for Japan.
The motorcycle made international headlines after a B.C. man discovered it on a beach last month, washed ashore in a shipping crate. It had drifted across the ocean following the devastating tsunami in early 2011.
A little investigation found the owner of the bike in temporary living quarters in Japan; besides taking his motorcycle, the tsunami had killed three of his family members and destroyed his home.
Volunteers extracted the motorcycle from the beach and prepared to ship it to Japan to be restored, then presented back to the owner, but now, it appears that won’t happen. The owner, 29-year-old Ikuo Yokoyama, expressed his gratitude at everyone involved in his motorcycle’s recovery, but instead of wanting his bike back, requested that Harley-Davidson preserve it in their Milwaukee museum as a memorial to the tsunami’s devastation. So, for now, that’s where it’s headed.
Yokoyama says he’s hoping to visit the museum “when things have calmed down.” He’s also looking forward to getting a chance to meet Peter Mark, the B.C. man who found his motorcycle.
What Viking said….
I was wondering just how practical this gesture of charity would prove.
Hate to spoil the nice thought, but I had to wonder if the poor chap would be able to find a place to store/park/maintain the bike once it was returned to him.
The media mentioned several times that the original owner was living in a temporary shelter.
Perhaps it would have come as an unwelcome burden to his already unfortunate situation.
I’d say Ikuo Yokoyama declined the offer with grace and wisdom; hope things turn around for him.
Peace