Hello All:
Every time I ride in the canyons around here I see lots of Harely riders (so this in on topic after
all). I had trouble understanding what they got out of riding a motorbike with no mufflers but now I
think I understand.
Cheers,
Jim
At a press conference late Monday, the CEO of Johnson Marine, makers of Johnson outboard marine
engines and other recreational equipment, unveiled a new line of heavyweight cruiser-style
motorcycles designed to compete head-to-head with industry leader Harley-Davidson.
Peter Long, Johnson's brands marketing manager said, "We have studied the market and determined that
H-D, while highly successful, has narrowly missed the mark when targeting motorcycle buyers". Long
added, "We at Johnson are convinced that our product hits the target dead center and promises to
draw sales away from Harley-Davidson in a way no other motorcycle has been able to accomplish".
The new line of bikes, marketed under the name Big Johnson Motorcycles, will, according to Long,
deliver what Harley has only promised. "Our research shows that this, a Big Johnson, is what Harley
buyers are really after". At the unveiling of the new line, several current Harley owners agreed.
"When I bought my Harley, what I really needed was a Big Johnson," said one Harley owner." But I see
now that riding a Harley is no replacement for having a Big Johnson."
Manager Long also said that his company would follow the lead of Harley-Davidson and cash in on a
huge market for non-motorcycle related products. "We realize that not every guy can have a Big
Johnson," said Long, "But image is very important to people. If they don't have a Big Johnson, they
at least want to project the image of having one."
Asked if he anticipated Big Johnsons showing up in the hands of Harley owners, Long said it was
unlikely. "I just don't see the need to have a Harley if you have a Big Johnson," he said. "And
I can't imagine someone who spends all their resources to acquire a Harley having a Big
Johnson. I think it boils down to this - You either have a Harley, or you have a Big Johnson,
but you are not likely to have both." "Given the choice," said Long, "I think most guys will
opt for the Big Johnson."
Another force driving sales for the company will come from women. A survey of the wives and
girlfriends of nearly 1,000 potential motorcycle buyers indicates less than 5% would approve of
their partner spending $15,000 on a Harley Davidson. But, when asked if they would be willing to pay
the same amount of money to get their partner a Big Johnson, nearly 4 out 5 thought that would be
money well spent.
Big Johnson Motorcycles will be traded on the New York stock exchange under the abbreviation PNSNV.
For more information see the web site www.mid_life_crisis.com
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