So the CEO says the advertising budget will increase by 65%. OK. How about sending out a new message with that advertising?

We had an event locally last week. 200 or so folks showed up. I saw only two suspected bank robbers, yet Harley's whole image attempts to appeal to those two "badasses" v the 198 men and women, black and white who smiled, were friendly, developed a camaraderie and enjoyed a common interest (and some delicious gumbo!)

I admit: I'm a pu**y. White collar professional. Live in the burbs. Never robbed a liquor store. But from what I read, guys and ladies like ME are the ones buying bikes.

What's the strategy, "For Baddness Sake."

A few weeks ago, I took an advanced rider's class. One of the messages was: be a good ambassador for motorcycle riders. The public perception is negative, yet I've read several things recently (WSJ article) where people commend bikers on their friendliness, and courtesy over, say, truckers.

Am I way off base here???

 

Maybe the market research has shown that the appeal for the 99% who are like you (and me) is to add a touch of "badazz" into our persona.

All I can tell you is that I bought a HD because the seat hight is so low, and there is a Dealer or Indy in every town. If I could buy a new BMW /2 and there were repair guys always close, I'd be riding it instead of a Deuce.

 

Honda already did that.

 

You never robbed a liquor store? At least you admit to being a pu**y! Honesty is so hard to come by today!

There is nothing realistic about ANY advertising for ANY product out there! Everyone is trying to sell you a dream of what something will look, feel or work like. If you buy into it, so be it.

When buying a motorcycle, I doubt that many would want to be "classified" as a goody two shoes. Riding ANY bike is adventuresome. You depart from the "norm". You "rebel" against the doldrums of society. You "declare" yourself as an adventurous individual.

If you have a better idea on how to change the direction of Harley's advertising you should pursue it and try to sell it to them. As for me, I prefer to ride with a bunch of badass, outlaw type, liquor store robbing types!

PS - Please don't tell my wife I said that. She still thinks I'm one of those grey haired old farts who buys these bikes. Come to think of it, I kinda think she enjoys getting all leathered up when taking a ride with me. A badass biker babe - maybe it works for both of us?

 

Don't make fun of Honda...I like mine a lot.

For the OP, didn't the dealer inform you when purchasing your Harley you're supposed to dress up like a pirate on the weekend and wear only Harley branded clothing.

 

It's a little known fact that guys who drive Porsches and Corvettes don't wake up every morning and kick supermodels out of their beds.

 

Yeah. Those Honda people aren't the nicest. They ARE pussies though. Kinda dumb, too.

 

Two suspected bank robbers? You should work for the PD.

 

 

Really? How many metric owners are you friends with? Just got my bike back less than a week ago, being without a bike for about a year and had a metric owner friend tell me numerous times I could ride either of his bikes any time I wanted. Just never wanted to ride another persons bike. Have other friends that ride metric bikes that are great friends as well. And a very good friend, one of the best I have ever had, one of the kindest and most Christian I have ever known recently bought a GW. I could go on and on but point is made.