Post by Danny on Sept 2, 2004 16:52:25 GMT -5
New American Motorcycle Unveiled
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 brands marketing manager said, "We have studied the market and determined that Harley, while highly successful, has narrowly missed the mark when targeting motorcycle buyers". Long added, "We, at Johnson, are convinced 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 show that this, a Big Johnson, is what Harley buyers are really after". At the unveiling of the new line Monday, 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. One female present at the product unveiling was quoted as saying, "There is no way I will let Lonnie drop 15 grand on another one of those Harleys, but 15 grand to get him a Big Johnson? Well, that something we could both enjoy and it's something he really needs." Carla Roundheel, manager of the dealership network now being established, said her motto is simple. "I service what we sell." Big Johnson motorcycles will be traded on the stock exchange under the abbreviation P-ENVY."
Motorcycle Online Interviews CEO of Big Johnson Motorcycles
Following the unveiling of the all new Big Johnson motorcycle earlier this week, M.O. took the opportunity to interview Peter Long, Big Johnson product manager. The transcript follows:
M.O.: Mr. Long, essentially what distinguishes the Big Johnson from other models, especially Harley Davidson?
Long: That's easy, a Big Johnson has a longer stroke, bigger bore and is, of course, shaft drive.
M.O.: What about servicing?
Long: A Big Johnson should be serviced regularly, and with proper use of lubricants will last it's owner a lifetime. In fact, the older a Big Johnson is, the less frequently it is likely to need servicing. Some of the oldest Big Johnsons in our fleet show almost no need for servicing. As for regular care, wash you Big Johnson with warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. Never use abrasives of strong solvents on a Big Johnson.
M.O.: We have heard that some Big Johnsons are difficult to start.
Long: No more than any other model, really. After a ride, a Big Johnson may be reluctant to re-start immediately. Let it rest a bit, and it should be good to go again. In fact, don't worry if you notice a little smoke after a ride. This is common and smoking after a ride may help a Big Johnson recover faster.
M.O.: A lot of Harley Davidson riders admit privately that would love to have a Big Johnson, but wonder how their riding buddies will react.
Long: I understand their concern. I think your buddies will have respect for a Big Johnson, and perhaps some envy. However, don't expect to hear a lot of comments one way or the other. It seems to be an unwritten code among Harley riders not to comment on another riders Big Johnson. If they have one themselves, they, of course, want everyone to know. Then again, you might have a riding buddy that turns out to be really attracted to your Big Johnson. He might even ask about taking a ride on your Big Johnson. I can tell you right now that this is NOT the kind of friend you want. When it comes to judging your friends, having a big Johnson will separate the men from the.... Well, you know.
M.O.: What colors does a Big Johnson come in?
Long: This is a topic that is hotly debated, and quite frankly I would rather not get into the subject at this time.
M.O: Thank You.
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 brands marketing manager said, "We have studied the market and determined that Harley, while highly successful, has narrowly missed the mark when targeting motorcycle buyers". Long added, "We, at Johnson, are convinced 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 show that this, a Big Johnson, is what Harley buyers are really after". At the unveiling of the new line Monday, 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. One female present at the product unveiling was quoted as saying, "There is no way I will let Lonnie drop 15 grand on another one of those Harleys, but 15 grand to get him a Big Johnson? Well, that something we could both enjoy and it's something he really needs." Carla Roundheel, manager of the dealership network now being established, said her motto is simple. "I service what we sell." Big Johnson motorcycles will be traded on the stock exchange under the abbreviation P-ENVY."
Motorcycle Online Interviews CEO of Big Johnson Motorcycles
Following the unveiling of the all new Big Johnson motorcycle earlier this week, M.O. took the opportunity to interview Peter Long, Big Johnson product manager. The transcript follows:
M.O.: Mr. Long, essentially what distinguishes the Big Johnson from other models, especially Harley Davidson?
Long: That's easy, a Big Johnson has a longer stroke, bigger bore and is, of course, shaft drive.
M.O.: What about servicing?
Long: A Big Johnson should be serviced regularly, and with proper use of lubricants will last it's owner a lifetime. In fact, the older a Big Johnson is, the less frequently it is likely to need servicing. Some of the oldest Big Johnsons in our fleet show almost no need for servicing. As for regular care, wash you Big Johnson with warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. Never use abrasives of strong solvents on a Big Johnson.
M.O.: We have heard that some Big Johnsons are difficult to start.
Long: No more than any other model, really. After a ride, a Big Johnson may be reluctant to re-start immediately. Let it rest a bit, and it should be good to go again. In fact, don't worry if you notice a little smoke after a ride. This is common and smoking after a ride may help a Big Johnson recover faster.
M.O.: A lot of Harley Davidson riders admit privately that would love to have a Big Johnson, but wonder how their riding buddies will react.
Long: I understand their concern. I think your buddies will have respect for a Big Johnson, and perhaps some envy. However, don't expect to hear a lot of comments one way or the other. It seems to be an unwritten code among Harley riders not to comment on another riders Big Johnson. If they have one themselves, they, of course, want everyone to know. Then again, you might have a riding buddy that turns out to be really attracted to your Big Johnson. He might even ask about taking a ride on your Big Johnson. I can tell you right now that this is NOT the kind of friend you want. When it comes to judging your friends, having a big Johnson will separate the men from the.... Well, you know.
M.O.: What colors does a Big Johnson come in?
Long: This is a topic that is hotly debated, and quite frankly I would rather not get into the subject at this time.
M.O: Thank You.
