A local funeral home is giving motorcycle enthusiasts a chance to have one last ride in a Harley Davidson hearse.
Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe on Alexis Road bought a Harley Davidson three-wheeled motorcycle with a custom-made hearse trailer at the beginning of the summer, said Hilary Sujkowski, one of the funeral home’s owners. Sujkowski said he bought the motorcycle hearse from the Tombstone Hearse and Trike Company to give people a more personalized experience.
The hearse is made of fiberglass and steel in a design that Sujkowski calls “timeless.” He said he plans to keep the hearse in good condition so he can keep it for a long time just like the other cars used for the home. The motorcycle hearse costs $300 to use, which is the same price as a normal hearse at the funeral home.
The Harley Davidson hearse is offered by Sujkowski Funeral Home.
There are at least two motorcycle hearses in the state of Ohio and about 45 across the United States, said Clint Marlin, the president of the American Motorcycle Hearse Association.
Marlin, who has ridden motorcycles his whole life, said he started the organization to provide standards for motorcycle hearses. Although he is not in the funeral home or hearse profession, he was offended when he saw people using the vehicles for parties and other events.
“The reason we started the association is to promote legitimate, respectful motorcycle hearses,” he said.
Motorcycle hearses are not common, but they are gaining popularity, he said.
Families of police officers and firefighters who have died in the line of duty often choose to use motorcycle hearses, Marlin said.
So far, the Sujkowski Funeral Home has not used its Harley Davidson hearse for a funeral, but Sujkowski said he has been to different bike rides to promote it.
“Even the hard bikers appreciate it and give me comments on it,” he said.
Sujkowski said he expects more interest in the hearse once more people hear about it.
“I think a lot of people don’t know it’s here, but I think when people see it, it sparks a lot of interest,” said Jan Eckel, the funeral director.
