Harley TV advert

[Dr Jekyll]

I was surprised to see a TV commercial for the Harley Davidson Pan America last night. I don't think I've ever seen a TV advert for a motorbike before, and it's a niche product even by bike standards. How many extra bikes will they need to sell to pay for the advert? Is the idea to appeal to people who aren't currently motorcyclists?

[trickywoo]

Harley margins are huge. It’s all about image so advertising means more to them than any other manufacturer.

It might be just the channels you watch as I’ve seen loads of bike adverts. Honda are probably the next biggest advertisers.

[rodericb]

Yeah that ad has been on telly here (Australia) for a couple of weeks or so. I hope they sell heaps of them. It's a real departure from the norm for them and I hope they continue to build new models like this.

[jjones]

Trying to cash in on the TV show with Ewan and Charley (Long Way Up).

[Jag_NE]

I think the Pan America is a really big deal for Harley. It’s probably a bit dramatic saying that the future of the company rests on its success but if it bombs it will be a disaster for them. Personally I think it will do well from what I have seen of it. Everyone is expecting it to have limited off road credentials due to weight but in reality I think most adventure bikes only ever see tarmac, in the same way that most super bikes never see a track.

[Krikkit]

rodericb said:

Yeah that ad has been on telly here (Australia) for a couple of weeks or so. I hope they sell heaps of them. It's a real departure from the norm for them and I hope they continue to build new models like this.

Exactly, they need to ditch all the old ste and attract new customers, and this is a good start by the looks.