You won’t find the local recipients of two Elvis-themed Harleys singing “Return to Sender” after some prized possessions arrived on their doorsteps last week.
A large delivery truck bearing replica 1957 FLH model Harley-Davidsons (the type of motorcycle the King used to ride) dropped off two of 30 limited edition bikes to an undisclosed location in Pleasanton.
Sharon, who asked that along with her husband Tony, his co-worker Ron and friend Cindy that their last names not be revealed for fear that the bikes would be stolen, has the No. 5 bike made and Ron has No. 19.
The motorcycles were released in honor of the 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death and were presented Aug. 15 at Graceland, a grand-scale mansion once owned by Presley, in Memphis, Tenn. Sharon and Tony were there.
Sharon said she first found out about the collector’s items through the American Diabetes Association. The bikes were purchased for $57,000 a piece and a large portion of the proceeds benefits the association. Down to the smallest detail, the bikes resemble the one Presley used to own and ride, except they run like today’s models.
There’s clear evidence of Sharon and Tony’s affinity for all things Harley in the couple’s living room–where the Elvis Harley now resides–under strict supervision and lock and key. Everything from a Harley window valance sewn by Sharon to a Harley blanket, ceiling fan and curio case full of motorcycle figurines reveal the pair’s love for arguably the most popular motorcycle manufacturer. Not to leave out the King, pictures of Elvis also add to the living room décor, making the new motorcycle at home with its surroundings. Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” was the pair’s wedding song.
Ron has decided there’s no better place to display his Harley than in his bedroom.
“It’s just unbelievable,” he said, as he paused for a few minutes amid the melee of the motorcyles’ arrivals. On the recent Monday, neighbors periodically came by to check out the bikes which they had been briefed about a few days earlier by an excited Sharon.
“I’m really fortunate to be a part of this history,” Ron said, adding that he’s been an Elvis fan “since it wasn’t cool.”
Though he has yet to see Graceland, considered mecca for Elvis fans, he plans to next year. His longtime friend Cindy and her two daughters were also on hand for the special arrival. Cindy said she too loves the rock ‘n roll icon and Harleys, but Ron’s purchase meant a lot to her because her nephew was recently diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Sharon also shares a special connection with the American Diabetes Association–she has Type II diabetes.
While many may be thinking that spending $57,000 on a motorcycle is a little extreme, the new owners have been seeing some return on their investments. Sharon said her Harley is now valued at about $71,000, and she expects it to continue going up considering there are only 30 in the world. While the majority of the bikes have now been handed off to their rightful owners, the 30th and final bike will be auctioned off on Jan. 8–which non-coincidentally happens to be Elvis’ birthdate. Other owners of the limited edition Harleys are said to include comedian Jay Leno, NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Vegas hotel owner Steve Wynn.
As part of the purchase of the bikes, owners also receive a painting by Harley-Davidson artist David Uhl and a bronze sculpture of Presley on his Harley by Harley-Davidson sculptor Jeff Decker.
