Harley-Davidson Across the U.S. Host “Garage Parties" f

[totalmotorcycle]

Harley-Davidson Across the U.S. Host “Garage Parties" for women at dealerships
SORRY FELLAS, THIS MOTORCYCLE GARAGE IS FOR LADIES ONLY
June 20th 2007, Harley-Davidson Press Release




CHICAGO (June 20, 2007) – Harley-Davidson is opening the metaphorical garage door to thousands of women interested in motorcycling. Over the past decade, women have increasingly embraced the sport of motorcycling – seeking the freedom and empowerment associated with riding solo on the open road. Women represent 10% of the U.S. motorcycle population, and nearly 12% of new Harley-Davidson purchasers are women. The Garage Party events are one way that Harley-Davidson reaches out to women to encourage them to learn more about motorcycling.



In 2006, Harley-Davidson piloted the Garage Party concept with its dealer network, and the response was so successful that the Company updated the program and recently launched a new section on the Women & Motorcycling Web site (www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders) devoted to Garage Parties and upcoming women’s events.



Women-only Garage Parties are being held at dealerships across the country. On June 14, Harley-Davidson held a Chicagoland Garage Party at the distinctive Museum of Contemporary Art Warehouse hosted by Karen Davidson, creative director of general merchandise and great-granddaughter of founder William A. Davidson. Several area dealerships supported the event, including Wild Fire Harley-Davidson, Chi-Town Harley-Davidson and Illinois Harley-Davidson.



At the end of the evening, one lucky Chicago woman, Stacy Baustert, won a certificate to learn to ride through the Harley-Davidson Rider’s Edge New Rider Course (www.ridersedge.com), as well as a trip to Femmoto (www.femmoto.com) in Las Vegas, October 5-7, to demo ride Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles after she earns her license. She is planning to bring her mother, who is a rider.



Intimidation-Free Zone

The Harley-Davidson Garage Party events provide an inviting environment for women to learn more about motorcycling and to meet other women who are interested in riding. Party guests can expect activities that will be both entertaining and informational with topics including a review of the basic motorcycle controls, how to customize a motorcycle’s ergonomics and how to choose proper riding gear.



“Women ride for the same reasons as men – freedom, adventure and individuality, but many women approach the learning process in a different way,” said Leslie Prevish, product communications manager for Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “Women tend to spend more time investigating the sport prior to getting involved, and many enjoy learning in a group setting. Garage Party events give women an interactive way to gather information and have fun doing it.”



The Party Plan
Garage Party event attendees are typically organized into small groups to get their first taste of the camaraderie that goes along with riding. Groups visit four informational stations, including:

· ‘Motorcycle Orientation’ to learn the basics of motorcycle controls and discover key differences between Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycle families.

· ‘MotorClothes’ to discover the important attributes needed in motorcycle gear.

· ‘Customization’ to learn how to customize a motorcycle to reflect a rider’s personal style and ergonomic needs.

· ‘Self-Service’ to show that just about anyone can handle the weight of a motorcycle.



Between stations, women get the chance to interact with each other, and hear from women who are already living their motorcycle dreams.



“Garage Party events give women a no-pressure chance to learn, socialize and ask questions,” added Karen Davidson. “We’re excited to provide events like this for women who are looking for information about getting into the sport but just aren’t sure how to do it.”



For some women, learning to ride is a celebration of a new life stage and a chance to show their individuality. Others have been passengers for years and decided that now is the time to grab life by the handlebars and embrace the sense of freedom, adventure and individuality that comes with riding.


Any woman who is looking to take the next step and learn more about motorcycling should contact her local dealer to find a Garage Party event taking place in her neighborhood – but space is limited, so interested women should reserve their spot early.



For further information about Harley-Davidson Garage Parties please visit www.harley-davidson.com/garageparty or to find a dealer in your area visit the Dealer Locator at www.harley-davidson.com.



Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight street, custom and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport motorcycles in addition to motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs to Harley-Davidson/Buell dealers and customers.

[Veda]

I'd think about it, but probably not go. Sounds like it is geared more wives/girlfriends of current riders to try and get them interested in riding.

If nothing else, you do have give HD credit for trying to market towards the ladies. I haven't seen any other manufacturer come close with their efforts.

[Gummiente]

Sounds like it is geared more wives/girlfriends of current riders to try and get them interested in riding.

And the problem with that is...?

My fiancee attended one last year and had a blast. The whole point is that it is for women only, whether they are current riders, passengers or genuinely curious is not important. What IS important is that women have a chance to mingle with no male presence or influence and, based on what I've heard so far, the "garage days" are booked solid wherever they're held so it's obviously an idea whose time has come.

[totalmotorcycle]

I give full credit to Harley-Davidson as well for coming up with this idea. It's a great idea that (so far) no other manufacturer has done yet (but should do something as well). Women riders are a large growing segment of the market and why not, they enjoy riding as much as the guys do.

Hummm. Harley-Davidson Garage parties for men only, humm, does it involve standing over a motorcycle in a garage talking about riding, all the cool H-D stuff and joking around while having a few drinks? If so, I'm in!

Mike

[blues2cruise]

I went to one of these events last year. I thought it was good.

It was geared to any woman regardless of what bike you own. They had some food and coffee and juice,etc. A free draw...but I can't remember what the prize was....
4 different stations set up with mechanics showing us and getting us involved in doing an oil and filter change.

Then we could shop the store and buy at a discount if we so chose.

At no time did anyone try to sell anything. This was just a fun informative event.

Because I rode my bike there, I even got to park by the door.

[Veda]

Sounds like it is geared more wives/girlfriends of current riders to try and get them interested in riding.

And the problem with that is...?

No problem. Mike posted the question, "would you go?" so my answer is probably not because I am not the target audience.