They already did it
Harley Scooters
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Road Master
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Harley Scooters
from http://www.onmilwaukee.com/market/ar...eyscooter.html
Unlike some businesses feeling the crunch of an economy in recession, Milwaukee's Harley-Davidson isn't backing down from the challenge to change and adapt.
The 105-year-old motorcycle company, which disclosed in March that sales are down 9.4 percent for the first two months of 2009, unveiled a bold new product today.
Harley-Davidson, the icon of American rebellion, will build a new line of European-style scooters.
Beginning in July, Harley will convert 20 percent of its powertrain production to low-horsepower, high-mileage mopeds. In 2010, the company will unveil the Harley "Scootster," a 49cc moped that can reach a top speed of 47 miles per hour while achieving a staggering fuel efficiency of 70 miles per gallon.
Harley also will launch the "Baby Tail" roadster moped, which tops out at 30 mph and doesn't require riders to apply for a motorcycle license.
In 2011, Harley will unveil the "Skinny Boy," an electric scooter capable of traveling up to 10 miles on a single charge, at speeds up to a blistering 18 mph.
All three new models will feature leather and chrome throughout and will start at about $16,500. Options include a cappuccino maker under the seat and an iPod dock. The models will come in black, orange, purple sparkle and pink.
"Our riders, who are mostly dentists, stockbrokers and lawyers, have been clamoring for a more affordable, eco-friendly alternative to our traditional line of cycles," said Walt Langstrom, product manager for the scooter line.
"We aim to show the world that slow, tinny-sounding scooters can be just as bad-*** as overgrown, phallic-shaped hogs ridden by homoerotic groups of balding yuppies in buttless chaps."
Harley had previously announced that it would cut 1,100 jobs over the next two years and close some plants. Langstrom refused to speculate if the new scooters, which will cost twice as much as top-of-the-line Vespas, will save jobs in Milwaukee.
"And I don't really care, either" he said. "You know what they say about fat chicks and mopeds. They're fun to ride until your friends see you on one."
"See you at the 110th, jerks," he added.
Elton John was unavailable for comment.
Unlike some businesses feeling the crunch of an economy in recession, Milwaukee's Harley-Davidson isn't backing down from the challenge to change and adapt.
The 105-year-old motorcycle company, which disclosed in March that sales are down 9.4 percent for the first two months of 2009, unveiled a bold new product today.
Harley-Davidson, the icon of American rebellion, will build a new line of European-style scooters.
Beginning in July, Harley will convert 20 percent of its powertrain production to low-horsepower, high-mileage mopeds. In 2010, the company will unveil the Harley "Scootster," a 49cc moped that can reach a top speed of 47 miles per hour while achieving a staggering fuel efficiency of 70 miles per gallon.
Harley also will launch the "Baby Tail" roadster moped, which tops out at 30 mph and doesn't require riders to apply for a motorcycle license.
In 2011, Harley will unveil the "Skinny Boy," an electric scooter capable of traveling up to 10 miles on a single charge, at speeds up to a blistering 18 mph.
All three new models will feature leather and chrome throughout and will start at about $16,500. Options include a cappuccino maker under the seat and an iPod dock. The models will come in black, orange, purple sparkle and pink.
"Our riders, who are mostly dentists, stockbrokers and lawyers, have been clamoring for a more affordable, eco-friendly alternative to our traditional line of cycles," said Walt Langstrom, product manager for the scooter line.
"We aim to show the world that slow, tinny-sounding scooters can be just as bad-*** as overgrown, phallic-shaped hogs ridden by homoerotic groups of balding yuppies in buttless chaps."
Harley had previously announced that it would cut 1,100 jobs over the next two years and close some plants. Langstrom refused to speculate if the new scooters, which will cost twice as much as top-of-the-line Vespas, will save jobs in Milwaukee.
"And I don't really care, either" he said. "You know what they say about fat chicks and mopeds. They're fun to ride until your friends see you on one."
"See you at the 110th, jerks," he added.
Elton John was unavailable for comment.
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Road Master
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
Hmmmm, there is something to be said for being able to give TWO girls a ride home from the pub!
Last edited by HOTLAP; Apr 1, 2009 at 07:16 PM.
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Road Master
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BTW - this was an April Fool's day prank. The Defiant and Scootster are, to my knowledge, real - but Harley ain't makin' them. And HD ain't makin Skinny Boys, Latte Riders or $20,000 mopeds.