Mike’s Typo

I told you the 105th was gonna rock.  Springsteen rocked Milwaukee, but there were lots of great, great - great events.  Day and night.  A family commitment kept me home.  So, Jimmy (always self-less) volunteered to take my place and immerse himself and his wonderful woman in the depths of the 105th party.  Off to Milwaukee we sent M & M Jimmy.  Armed him with a front and center wrist band for the Springsteen concert.  Told him to soak it all in.

And, all I got was a lousy t-shirt….

No. Really.  Here is a few thoughts - straight from the Jimmy on his and Marianne’s Milwaukee experience.  When you’re done with the read - check out Harley’s videos.  Not as good as being there - but, puts a smile on your face none-the-less.

From Jimmy:

“As a Harley-Davidson enthusiast (at least that’s what Bruce Springsteen called us), there are several events that you have to attend …Sturgis, Daytona, Laconia, Hollister, and Reno. Well, add one more to the list of must-dos if you ride a Harley: a Milwaukee anniversary party. After a whirlwind 4-day trip back to where it all began, all I can say is: WOW. So many events to choose from. Where do I start?

‘My first stop was Club HOG’s 25th Anniversary at Miller Park (where the Milwaukee Brewers play). My first reaction was the incredible number of bikes in the parking lot and riding around the area. Inside it was wall to wall people trying to get a spot to see the musical acts that ended with the headliner Kid Rock.

‘The next day was spent checking out all the things going on at the Summerfest grounds (home of the world’s largest musical festival, Summerfest), ending with seeing ZZ Top (well, actually listening and trying to see over what seemed to be a wall of 6 foot 5 inch guys in front of me) perform. Billy Gibbons, lead singer and guitarist, said: ” I was in California this morning and figured I better get on the road to make this show in front of thousands of Harley-Davidson owners tonight”. Their show was 2 hrs of Texas-style Rock N’ Roll.

‘Saturday was the highlight as I spent 2.5 hours living, breathing, and experiencing 105 years of the greatest motorcycle company in the world. The Harley-Davidson Museum has so many things that make you stand in awe. Like one model from every year of production, including Serial Number One. This trip through history made me appreciate Harley-Davidson and makes me proud to own a Harley and work for a company that stands for everything that makes the good ‘ol USA a damn good place to call home. Lastly, The Boss (not my boss Mike James) put on a marathon 3.5 hour 31 song concert that will rank up there for me as one of the best concerts that I’ve ever seen. (and I’ve seen over 100 concerts with everyone from the Godfather of Soul James Brown to Willie Nelson to Rob Zombie). All in all, I came back truly appreciating Harley-Davidson and everything it stands for. The next time you’re riding in the wind, think about the 105 years of history you’re riding and the many thousands of people that are just like you.”

Sunday, 9/14.  Demo Ride Day & Down Home BBQ.  It’s a great day of demo ridin’.  We’ve got lots of 2009s for you to try out.  Who knows you might find one to put on your wish list.  If your not too busy ridin’ demos, try our down-home BBQ and take in the music.  It’s gonna be a fun day, so mark it on your calendar and be here!

Anyone tired of baseball season?  It’d be nice if our local teams could get close to .500.  Right?  So.  Football yet?  I think this weekend is Kick-ass Sunday.  We’re ready.  We’ve bought the chips, the dips (not our employees), the sodas, and the beers.  So, come on down Sunday and have a beer with us, grab a chip or two, and watch some football.  Heck if enough of you show, we’ll rent a wide-screen for next weekend.  (That was a not so subtle hint.)

Becky’s got a great thing goin’ too.  I’m callin’ it Becky’s Bonzo Idea.  Come in before the 10a or 1p game (we’ll open a few minutes early).  Pick who you think is gonna win.  If you’re right, you get any second item free (equal or lesser value up to $1000 and one per customer and gotta make your purchase Sunday before we close - and one last thing - bikes/special orders/lubes excluded).  We got our legal beagles checkin’ to see whether this is legal.  They’ll probably tell us we shouldn’t do it.  But, they told us we should give away carbonated sodas.  They thought someone might choke….  So, we’re doin’ it.  Pick your team - they win - you win!

Have you every seen that deal?  Me neither.  But, you know, some sleezy car dealer (or motorcycle dealer, I guess) will figure out how to grab your attention with that.  It’s not rocket science.  Our old pal Chance pointed out a little trick that one of the local dealers used to do.  $199/mo for a new Caddy.  Wow!  I’d drive one of those for $199/mo.  But, wait, there must be a catch.  The down was huge.  Then there use to be the old leasing trick of pushing the residual to get the payments super low and the drive off to almost nothin’.  Gov stepped in and brought that practice to a hault - sort of.

“So, where is he going with this.”

Just here.  Our guys are doing a great job of figuring out how to get customers on new Harleys for the monthly payment they can handle and a down that they are comfortable with.  We’ve got three finance companies and lots (tons, really) of programs to choose from.  So.  Where other dealers can’t - we can.  Try us.

We’re not doing zero down with zero monthly payments, but we are getting really aggressive to move the great new 2009s we’ve got.  We’ve got a great selection of all the 2009s (did I mention that).  We’ve got more on the way - because we did a great job movin’ the 2008s out.  Here’s the deal.  This Thur, this Fri, this Sat, and even this Sun - we are going up to $3000 off MSRP on brand new 2009s.  That’s a heck of a deal that nobody else is going to offer.  Frankly, nobody has the 2009 inventory we do. So, through the close of business on Sunday, 9/7, you can save up to $3000 off MSRP.

Try using our FREE gas card to fill your car and this is what will happen to you.  One of our subs sent this video in to illustrate the point, that should go without saying, the FREE gas card is to keep your brand new Harley filled - not your gas-guzzling cage!

Fun with the new video camera aside.  Really you can use the card for whatever you like.  Heck, it’ll even work at Safeway.  It’s just bad carma to use it for anything other than fillin’ your new bike and clickin’ off the miles.

We’re winding down the 2008 clearance sale and spinnin’ up 2009 sales.  We’ve got a few great 2008s left - even a Street Glide (we nailed this one in a great dealer trade).  So, for a bit longer, we’re giving away a $1,200 gas card with the purchase of a new 2008 Harley Big Twin (we’re all out of Sporties).  That’s enough to keep your new ride goin’ for 15,000 miles.  That’s 19 times up and down the state visiting your favorite spots or 5 times across the country.  Yep, someones on the road right now rollin’ toward Milwaukee on us.  They’ll roll into the 105th celebration this weekend without having spent a dime on gas.  They’re plan is to keep heading east, and then south, and eventually back west.  Never once will they spend their own coin on petrol.  Whew!  That’s cool.

While interest rates are rising everywhere, we’ve still got a lock on the 3.99% deal.  3.99% APR through Eaglemark Savings Bank; not all applicants will qualify; specific terms & conditions apply to this offer; see salesman for the details (legal beagles made us jam this in here).

I’ve been told by a couple of customers - we’ve got more 2-0-09s than they’ve seen at any other dealer in the Bay Area.  My question back was, “whatta ya doin’ at another dealer?”  Santa Cruz Harley is the place to be for the best value for your hard-earned, the friendliest service (for life), and the best selection.

So.  This being Labor Day Weekend and Back-to-School time, I ask Chance to come up with a Back-to-School Special.  He’s done it.  And, I can assure you, it’s not a free pencil holder (when you buy a brand new 2-0-09 Harley).  Swing by this F/Sa/Su and see for yourself - you’ll save big this Labor Day Weekend if you take advantage of our Back-to-School Special.

Come on down - we’re having fun with this - and we’ll make buyin’ a new Harley fun for you.  $1,200 gas card.  3.99% APR.  Back-to-School Special.  We’re gonna figure out a way for you to save some serious coin on your new Harley.

BTW we’re demoing 2009s everyday.  So, whatta ya’ waitin’ for?

Truth be told, I missed the Olympics.  In the woods, in a cabin, with no TV.  Oh, I heard all about it.  Got the daily report from my sources.  The best part of missing it - well I missed the hours of horrible commercials.  An hour of competition and two hours of commercials - right?  So.  There had to be some gems in there.  I think there were.  You probably have your favorites.  Here are three that I think deserve “gold.”  Enjoyable to watch.  Broke the mold a bit.  Enjoy.

1. Coca-Cola - The bird’s nest
2. United Airlines - Entertaining and enjoyable with just a soft sell
3. GE - How can you not lol when you see this klutz in love

Where do concept cars go - when their luster is gone?  I’ve always wondered that.  Thanks to the good folks at Wired, I’ve got an answer.  Somehow they make their way into private collections and then someone gets the grand idea to build an auction around them.  And, hold it during the Pebble Beach Concours.  The Wired article offers a rare glimpse into some pretty cool rides.  I could see myself going down the road in one of these.  Check that thought - $500,000 is a bit out of my price range.  Enjoy the photos.  As always, the fantasy is FREE!

It’s bike show time. Wow, last year was nuts but this one will be off the charts! Hot bikes, hot women, hot food, hot inventory, hot hot hot hot! Enjoy a BBQ, great music, in-store specials, and more! Get your bike foto’d with our Biker Babes - FREE. Show off your bike - take home a cool trophy. No entry fee. Sunday, August 17, 2008. Registration 10a - 11a.  Whatta ya got to lose?  

Seems to be what everyone is talking about these days.  So, we’re doing something about it.  See our latest commercial thanks to the magic of YouTube.  I was amazed when I saw the script for this.  Our math and science department worked hard to calculate these astounding statistics.  You’ll be amazed too!  Really makes me wanna get out and ride.

On a more serious note.  Fact is this is always the best time of the year to buy a new Harley.  Haven’t I said that before?  Truth is that we’ve got a bunch of great inventory that we’ve got to find new, loving owners for.  Otherwise, we won’t have room for the more expensive 2009s that are loaded and ready to ship.  We’re pretty thin on Sportsters (more are on their way), but we’ve got a great selection of Softails and touring models.  So.  Really this is the best time to deal on a 2008.  Chance, Sean, and Nick are motivated to do what it takes to get you down the road on your new Harley.  Come see us today!

Hope you enjoy the commercials.

Memorial weekend. Forget what the holiday is really about - now it’s the opening of Summer. None too soon either. Let the party begin. Santa Cruz is not to be outdone. Party we will this weekend. Boardwalk is open and ready. Steamer Lane will be full of longboarders as the 24th annual Santa Cruz Longboard Club Invitational takes place. What about an air show - Watsonville brings you that. If that isn’t enough, how about a good ole’ fashion beach volleyball tournament. There is an open men’s and an open women’s division. I don’t know about you, but there is just something about a couple of gals in bikinis diving, jumping and spiking the ball that seems like Summer. Thinkin’ about a ride to Santa Cruz this weekend? Don’t leave us out, we’ll be here kickin’ with some cool ones. Join us.

Editorial note: I thought the photo was insanely inappropriate to use. But, my editor (a women) suggested that it was the only image that would convey the despicable nature of this culture of male-dominated, bikers degrading women for amusement. Was she putting us down? I still feel bad about including this picture (and it’s full size version accessible with a simple double-click) just to get you to read my blob posts. Being an equal rights blobber it seems only fitting to include an inappropriate photo for our better halves. Damnest thing is - I can’t find one. Send yours in to me and we’ll post the best. And, please accept our apologies. My editor made me do it. Honest.