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  4. Gone 42 years, a 1954 Harley-Davidson Finally Goes Home

Gone 42 years, a 1954 Harley-Davidson Finally Goes Home

Release Date
Thu, 10/02/2014

Bike Stolen in 1972, Destined to Australia is Intercepted at LA/LB Seaport

LOS ANGELES—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Outbound Enforcement Team officers at the Los Angeles/Long Beach (LA/LB) seaport, in partnership with California Highway Patrol (CHP) investigators and National Insurance Crime Bureau special agent, intercepted a stolen 60 year-old 1954 FL Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide motorcycle, destined to Australia. CBP seized it on September 9 and turned it over to CHP for further investigation and return to its rightful owner.

1954 Harley Davison Stolen 42 years ago Recovered by CBP in Los Angeles

1954 Harley Davison Stolen 42 years ago Recovered by CBP in Los Angeles.

The bike features a trumpet style horn and a 50 years medallion on its front fender, denoting Harley-Davidson’s 50th anniversary.

In great condition, valued at $24,000, the now yellow bike, was green when it was stolen 42 years ago on March 4, 1972.  It was taken from the backyard of a police officer’s residence in Charlotte-Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.  He passed away on October 7, 2010, nearly four years ago to this day.

Stolen Harley Davision 50th Anniversary Seal

Stolen Harley Davision 50th Anniversary Seal

His oldest son, Edgar Howard Johnson, Jr., is very excited about its return and said, “My Dad would be tickled to get it back if he was still alive.  This is so great; absolutely amazing; so wonderful.  I remember my Dad picking me up from school with it one time.  When the kids asked me if I was going to ride on that, I told them I sure am.  I miss my Dad so much.  We used to talk once every week.  He’s with me in my heart.  This is like a piece of him is coming back home.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021