Suzuki Marketing: WTF?

[zenjim]

My two youngsters have Harley shirts and underwear. No one bought them specifically because we wanted the HD, it was just "there". Some of it was a gift from people who could name only HD as the only motorcycle they know. If I go to Target, Sears, etc. there's Harley stuff, but that's it. And this is my point. I can buy just about any product with an HD logo on it. But what about Suzuki (or other Japanese bikes for that matter)? Why is there such an enormous, grand-canyon like gap in marketing between HD and everyone else?
Is it because HD is an American company?
Is it because Suzuki, et al, lose something in translation?
Is it because HD is selling the "biker" image?
Or is it just that HD is way better at marketing?
If you're a Suzuki marketer, look at all you have to work with:
Tremendous racing record (OK, maybe not in MotoGP lately).
The Busa - the speed and bling king.
The SV - affordable V-twin fun.
The Kat - sport touring perfection.
The GXR - I rest my case.

Why can't these guys get a decent t-shirt (let alone other products) into a retail store? The only caveat I will insert is that I am a man and I detest shopping. So I may be missing something. Shopping is a regrettable business that must be carried out with surgical precision and swiftness so as to not spend too much time in said stores which takes away from riding time. Unless of coarse said stores sell motorcycles.

Am I crazy? I think this lack of marketing contributes to consumer awareness.

[steves]

HD capitalizes on it's image.

If daddy is in his mid 40's with a brand new HD, know what junior needs? Some HD undies.

Plus, I dunno if I would want to eat Banditos Breakfast Cereal anyway...

[Black_peter]

Walt Disney made the money for things like Disneyland from the licensing of Mickey. Not the movies.. I'll hazard a guess that HD makes more money from licensing than on bikes.. That said;

Since there are the big four Japanese makers,
plus the 3 Italian and Triumph.
Who (as a T-shirt/underwear maker) do you choose?
Licensing is expensive..
More people own and will buy an HD shirt than
ever can hope to own a bike much less an HD.
So as a t-shirt/underwear maker I'll go with a
winner (not on the track... On the shelves..).
It's not a question of Suzuki's marketing,
they are selling bikes.. It is the shirt makers that
are making the marketing bet.

[JZ67]

I'll take an XL in black, please

[The CyberPoet]

Try This:
Suzuki Casual Appearal

Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet

[freight dog]

Re: Suzuki Marketing: WTF?

Is it because HD is an American company?
Is it because Suzuki, et al, lose something in translation?
Is it because HD is selling the "biker" image?
Or is it just that HD is way better at marketing?

Yes, especially 1, 3 and 4.

If you look at the Suzuki gear in CP's link, vs HD gear, they are selling the "made in America, bad-boy/girl biker image", while Suzuki is selling logo's. People in the know, like us, realize that Japan Inc. and all the Euro manufacturers, make superior motorcycles at a better value. Methinks the Harley fans are a little too image conscious.

[Anonymous]

Harley definitely couldn't sell on performance or reliability...

[The CyberPoet]

Harley cleared more on their bottom line in the past few years on their licensed goods than they did on their motorcycles... A fact I'm reminded of each time I visit my hair cutter -- last time I was there, she was wearing:
Harley TShirt
Harley belt
Harley shoes
Harley sunglasses
Harley ring & ear rings
She said if they ever make a size zero pair of jeans, she'll be getting those too...

Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet

[zenjim]

Plus, I dunno if I would want to eat Banditos Breakfast Cereal anyway...

Mmmm... Banditos for breakfast. "All the horsepower you need to start your day. A part of this complete breakfast." Sounds like it has more potential than Count Chocula or more of that candy posing as breakfast food.

[zenjim]

... So as a t-shirt/underwear maker I'll go with a
winner (not on the track... On the shelves..).
It's not a question of Suzuki's marketing,
they are selling bikes.. It is the shirt makers that
are making the marketing bet.

I see your point. But I think it's like a chicken and egg scenario. No one's making the merchandise because the market's not there. And the market's not there because there's no merchandise. Are you telling me no one with a little imaginationa that's kicking back the licensing fee can even compete? It just sounds like a lack of imagination or will power.

[zenjim]

Try This:
Suzuki Casual Appearal

Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet

Dude! That's what I'm talking about! That stuff is lame - there's nothing for kids, three things for chicks, etc. etc. Where's the Busa Babe thong undies? How about vintage style t-shirts with old school graphics? Spies and Mladin are tearing it up - where is the shwag with their numbers, likeness, etc? If they're wearing Randy Moss's number...
H-D doesn't just put a logo on a shirt and off they go. They do a lot of creative things that I don't see anyone else doing. Everyone else (except Ducati- they do have some cool shwag) seems to put the logo on and boom - we're done.

[zenjim]

... She said if they ever make a size zero pair of jeans, she'll be getting those too...

Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet

Size zero? Is she hot?

[The CyberPoet]

Size zero? Is she hot?

Of course. Well, if you like size 0 women with very over-ample chests and about 5'4" of height, blue eyes and dirty-blonde hair... Everyone's taste is different.

Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet

[brooder]

Are you wanting to see something like a shirt with a Biker Boyz type saying on it and a 'Zuki logo? It might make a difference.

I agree with the idea that HD is an image as much as a motorcycle. I'd rather see me marketing with the Asian bikes on them with more sayings rather than an "S" that makes me wonder if I'm Superman or one letter of a fat guy word layout.

[WildKat]

It's just that suzuki is so good they don't have to bother marketing all their merchandise to make up for their shortcomings in their bikes like HD does