UNDER THE HOOD - Motorcycle Hearse

from Seguin Magazine — October 2021

ON THE SCENE - Tracy Donley

Ferrying the deceased in style

Story and photos by Felicia Frazar

When planning a funeral, relatives usually go for a typical hearse. However, Greater Texas Livery offers a more unique transportation method for the casket.

Stephen Bradley, managing funeral director of Goetz Funeral Home and Palmer Mortuary, drives a 2011 Harley Davidson Road King with a mostly glass casket coach.

The company owned by Stephen’s wife, Karissa Bradley, offers the service to anyone who is interested.

“We take care of funerals all over Texas,” Stephen said. “We travel all over Texas for funerals for bike riders, a lot of military and those who want a unique experience.”

The motorcycle sports a 103 motor, six speed transmission, manual geardriven reverse and weighs 1,000 lbs.

It hauls the half-ton coach by a gooseneck hitch.

“The hearse is all custom made,” Stephen said. “I’ve got the only one in Texas that will travel to other funeral homes.”

The carriage is mostly glass, offering a look at the casket inside. For military funerals, the American flag draped over the coffin is prominent against the black frame housing the windows.

“With all of the glass, you can see everything,” he said. “It has custom carriage lights all the way around. It really is unique. It is a true hearse, we use it every day.”

2011 Harley Davidson Road King