Mike’s Typo

Catchy title, right?  Occasionally, after a Typo newsletter goes out, I get a flurry of emails or content suggestions.  Usually, these are in reference to something in that issue of the Typo.  Last night was no exception.  Lots of mail this morning, with some pretty funny video clips.  I’m not sure what prompted these videos - ’cause there was some real variety (translated: some wild shit).  I trashed the over-the-edge ones and settled on three that I feel fairly certain you will want to pass on.  Warning: these are inappropriate for anyone not old enough to ride a Harley.  That satisfies our staff legal beagle.  (He hates that title!)

#1: A funny moment meant to loosen up the laughing muscles.  Think of it as a warm-up.

#2: Well this one goes down as laugh-out-loud, with a serious message embedded.  Perfect amount of humor, and other ingredients to get the ultimate point across.

#3: This one could be offensive - but, given who is doing what to whom, and how the discussion plays out it’s just funny.  In fact, I think it is Carlin-esque.  Watch it all the way through.

A bit of levity for the weekend.  Hope you enjoy these.  And, a big thank you to the readers who passed them my way.  To the rest of you who submitted video suggestions, please don’t assume that just because you videos didn’t get included that I think you are warped and demented - although some of you clearly are!  Keep it comin’ our editorial intern is over-18 and has, now “seen it all.”

Ok.  One more.  I’d characterize this one as a “cool-down” for those laugh muscles.

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.”

Got a cage?  Then you know this problem.

What a great solution.  I see gift item written all over this.  Should we carry these in the store, or just run the commercial on a loop?

Runner-up for commercial of the week is this ad (sent in by a loyal reader).

The sin-ical might say, following Elton John as the headliner for the 100th wouldn’t be that difficult.  But, as the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article points out - Harley’s 105th was the most anticipated event of the year.  And, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band closing the party down - was the most anticipated concert of the year.  Did it live up to expectation?  70,000+ concert goers said the 3 1/2 hour non-stop rock-a-thon kicked ass.  Springsteen had the Harley faithful rockin’ in Milwaukee.  Here is a nice article recaping the evening - along with a set list for those of you who want to build an iPod playlist.  Oh.  And, how about almost 12 minutes of Bruce rockin’ for the Harley crowd.

More to follow.  We’ll have a first-hand account comin’ at you tomorrow.

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

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.

911.  Will we ever forget?  No.  Our world was forever changed.  So, now we tap phones, read emails, hold people without cause.  All because we’re scared to death of the next one.  Years later, we’re still rattled.  It’s what they wanted.  Mission accomplished.  I think Bush said that.  Only it wasn’t ours that was accomplished, it was theirs.  Stop me before I get too political and piss off a reader or two.  A friend sent this video along a while back.  I watched it and thought, “hmmmm.”  So, I offer it up.  Makes you think.  Who’s at the helm, anyway?

I’m not much for porn.  It’s not that I don’t think it has a purpose.  It just seems so fake.  But, this.  This is just funny.  It has the right amount of sexuality with a huge overtone of “let’s not take ourselves too seriously.”  This is my Friday night.  All this research for Typo readers.  I am your humble servant.

Oh, and did I mention, I’m a huge Mini fan.  If Harley would only wake up and see the value of marketing.  Knock, knock - anyone home?

No not Clinton - and that was nearly eight years ago, if my math is correct.  We’re talking Bill Gates.  Gates, at 52, retires from Microsoft and will move on to run his philanthropic foundations.  No small feat in and of itself.  The foundation is richer than most countries.  NPR has written a nice article about Gates and this milestone in Microsoft history.  But, the gem in the rough is a video embedded in the article.  Apparently done for this year’s Consumer Electronic Show and Bill’s keynote speech, the video is worth a watch.  It’s funny.  How’d they get all these people to cameo?  Well, I guess when you’re the richest guy on the planet, you can get anything done.  What will Bill do next?  Lov’em or hate him, Bill Gates now has the opportunity to change our world - once again.