Any one ever had their Harley stolen?
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Port Clinton, Ohio
Never had mine stolen, but 4 buddies rode to Vegas and had all 4 bikes stolen from a garage at one of the major casinos on the strip. The LEO showed them the casino cctv footage of the theives riding off on the bikes. They said the video was great, very clear, just not close enough to even get a vague discription of the guys. Really sucked for them, the bikes were stolen on the second night of a seven day stay.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 168
From: Potsdam, NY
I live in Canada but bought a bike from the US a year ago. The regulations here prevent your from registering a bike or car unless you can prove it is not stolen. In my case I needed both the US title as well as a stamped export authorization form from US Customs who certified it as not being stolen and not having a lien on it. US customs as well as Canadian customs also physically check the bike and confirm the serial number when you cross the border as well as at a latter point when the bike is inspected here. This would seem to eliminate the potential for cross border trade of stolen vehicles.
Read a story recently about a guy who bought a car in the US cheap from a guy who was going bankrupt or already had. Although the buyer had the the title and bill of sale for the car they could not get a letter for export authorization from US customs after buying the car because the previous owner had a lien on it from the finance company. They then brought the car to Canada but now cannot register/license/drive it here without the export authorization - basically they are out the amount they paid for the car as it is worthless as it can't be registered.
Read a story recently about a guy who bought a car in the US cheap from a guy who was going bankrupt or already had. Although the buyer had the the title and bill of sale for the car they could not get a letter for export authorization from US customs after buying the car because the previous owner had a lien on it from the finance company. They then brought the car to Canada but now cannot register/license/drive it here without the export authorization - basically they are out the amount they paid for the car as it is worthless as it can't be registered.
Last edited by fat_tony; Aug 30, 2011 at 10:41 PM.
I live in Canada but bought a bike from the US a year ago. The regulations here prevent your from registering a bike or car unless you can prove it is not stolen. In my case I needed both the US title as well as a stamped export authorization form from US Customs who certified it as not being stolen and not having a lien on it. US customs as well as Canadian customs also physically check the bike and confirm the serial number when you cross the border as well as at a latter point when the bike is inspected here. This would seem to eliminate the potential for cross border trade of stolen vehicles.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,914
Likes: 3,196
From: On one of 10,000
My Kaw Z1 was stolen in Memphis years ago. I was visiting an old girlfriend and it broke down in a bad part of town. No insurance. 3 months later I got a call from Memphis police. It was recovered from an accident. Not too much damage, but the thief had removed all my custom parts & fairing. I was happy/lucky to get it back. When I went to pick it up I discovered it had been repainted; PINK. And with a brush. there were brush marks all over the motor too.
Lhisa Brown, if you're still around, get a hold of me.
Lhisa Brown, if you're still around, get a hold of me.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,915
Likes: 8
From: Austin TX
The first bike of mine that was stolen was my pride and joy Schwinn Fastback 5 Speed, gold, banana seat, sissy bar, ape hangers, man I loved that bike. I could ride all day on the back tire, too! I was at camp and little brother rode it to the library where it was never seen again, I still get a little misty thinking about it.
Later on, my very first Harley, a 72 Iron Head, Betty-Jean the 1st, was stolen by my roomate's boyfriend in San Diego. The thing was quite beaten up at the time and I signed over the bike to him so he could use the engine and a few other parts to build a new one. He skipped out, leaving me and his girlfriend, my roomate, holding the bag for several thousands of our hard earned dollars. He took my Ruger Mark IV, and a camera bag full of gear, too. Man, I would LOVE to run into that guy someday.
Later on, my very first Harley, a 72 Iron Head, Betty-Jean the 1st, was stolen by my roomate's boyfriend in San Diego. The thing was quite beaten up at the time and I signed over the bike to him so he could use the engine and a few other parts to build a new one. He skipped out, leaving me and his girlfriend, my roomate, holding the bag for several thousands of our hard earned dollars. He took my Ruger Mark IV, and a camera bag full of gear, too. Man, I would LOVE to run into that guy someday.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 6
From: North London, UK
Came close last year. Bike was parked in the driveway where I could see it through the storm door. I heard noises and then heard the alarm chirp. I opened the door so my 2 dogs could get out. They took the idiot down and I held him at gun point til the LEO's arrived.
Went and bought the dogs a steak after that.
Went and bought the dogs a steak after that.
Yea;remember those? I had one too, but don't remember if it was an Apple Crate,Orange Crate, or Lemon Peeler. Think it was apple. Springer front,rear suspension,and 5 on the bar. Also had a germanium radio mounted with one of those long whip CB antennas with the big spring on the bottom. Man, was I IT!!
I never had a sled stolen, but I know the feeling in the pit of your stomach. Bought my first new Harley 20 years ago;a '90 Softail Custom. I lived in an apt. in NYC,and rented a garage 3 blocks away. I was out riding one night, and had to take an emergency crap, no time to go to the garage, so I parked it on the sidewalk in front of my apt courtyard. Hell, it was around 2AM,figgered it would be safe. Took an express dump,went ousisde, and the first thing I noticed--NO BIKE!! Mystomach came out my mouth, I think I shouted "OH F@##$* & ran to the front of the courtyard. There was my buddy standing there with my bike, about 20 feet back from where he pushed it,laughing his *** off.
I never knew a fat man could run so fast.
I never had a sled stolen, but I know the feeling in the pit of your stomach. Bought my first new Harley 20 years ago;a '90 Softail Custom. I lived in an apt. in NYC,and rented a garage 3 blocks away. I was out riding one night, and had to take an emergency crap, no time to go to the garage, so I parked it on the sidewalk in front of my apt courtyard. Hell, it was around 2AM,figgered it would be safe. Took an express dump,went ousisde, and the first thing I noticed--NO BIKE!! Mystomach came out my mouth, I think I shouted "OH F@##$* & ran to the front of the courtyard. There was my buddy standing there with my bike, about 20 feet back from where he pushed it,laughing his *** off.
I never knew a fat man could run so fast.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,106
Likes: 51,387
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,914
Likes: 3,196
From: On one of 10,000
The first bike of mine that was stolen was my pride and joy Schwinn Fastback 5 Speed, gold, banana seat, sissy bar, ape hangers, man I loved that bike. I could ride all day on the back tire, too! I was at camp and little brother rode it to the library where it was never seen again, I still get a little misty thinking about it.
Later on, my very first Harley, a 72 Iron Head, Betty-Jean the 1st, was stolen by my roomate's boyfriend in San Diego. The thing was quite beaten up at the time and I signed over the bike to him so he could use the engine and a few other parts to build a new one. He skipped out, leaving me and his girlfriend, my roomate, holding the bag for several thousands of our hard earned dollars. He took my Ruger Mark IV, and a camera bag full of gear, too. Man, I would LOVE to run into that guy someday.
Later on, my very first Harley, a 72 Iron Head, Betty-Jean the 1st, was stolen by my roomate's boyfriend in San Diego. The thing was quite beaten up at the time and I signed over the bike to him so he could use the engine and a few other parts to build a new one. He skipped out, leaving me and his girlfriend, my roomate, holding the bag for several thousands of our hard earned dollars. He took my Ruger Mark IV, and a camera bag full of gear, too. Man, I would LOVE to run into that guy someday.
I'll bet U would. If I see him around here, I'll let U know. I got yer back in here in the TwinCities.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,106
Likes: 51,387
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
The first bike of mine that was stolen was my pride and joy Schwinn Fastback 5 Speed, gold, banana seat, sissy bar, ape hangers, man I loved that bike. I could ride all day on the back tire, too! I was at camp and little brother rode it to the library where it was never seen again, I still get a little misty thinking about it.
Later on, my very first Harley, a 72 Iron Head, Betty-Jean the 1st, was stolen by my roomate's boyfriend in San Diego. The thing was quite beaten up at the time and I signed over the bike to him so he could use the engine and a few other parts to build a new one. He skipped out, leaving me and his girlfriend, my roomate, holding the bag for several thousands of our hard earned dollars. He took my Ruger Mark IV, and a camera bag full of gear, too. Man, I would LOVE to run into that guy someday.
Later on, my very first Harley, a 72 Iron Head, Betty-Jean the 1st, was stolen by my roomate's boyfriend in San Diego. The thing was quite beaten up at the time and I signed over the bike to him so he could use the engine and a few other parts to build a new one. He skipped out, leaving me and his girlfriend, my roomate, holding the bag for several thousands of our hard earned dollars. He took my Ruger Mark IV, and a camera bag full of gear, too. Man, I would LOVE to run into that guy someday.
Guys name wasn't John by any chance ? Serious question here tall mother f*cker liked his little wanna be handlebar mustache ?
Last edited by TwiZted Biker; Aug 31, 2011 at 01:39 PM.