More please. I want a big Johnson too!
> -----Original Message-----
> From: GTS-1000 Owners List [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf
> Of Henry S. Winokur
> Sent: Wednesday, 06 February, 2002 02:40
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: [ducati] NDC; New US bike
>
>
> Hi All, First Polaris, then the V-Rod, now this
>
> At a press conference late Friday, 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 hasn't
> 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 Friday, 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.
>
