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."

[ January 30, 2002: Message edited by: Stephen Broughton ]

Check out www.pro-one.com

[ January 30, 2002: Message edited by: Joe Rees ]