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There are certain brands that are truly American, so iconic that you only
need to see the bowtie to identify Chevrolet. The blue oval as Ford, the
dynamic stripe as Coca Cola, and the bar and shield as Harley Davidson. But for
some iconic brands, the script of their name identifies them, such as Triumph
and Indian. Who both have been in the motorcycle longer than Harley, and both
been resurrected from the dead, or near death. Triumph perhaps better known, as
they have been producing high quality motorcycles under John Bloor’s ownership
for over 20 years, importing them into the US of A since 1995. When John was
talked into building motorcycle again, he being a billionaire real estate
developer, he saw the importance of the name, and its reputation, but felt they
only had one chance to make it in today’s market, they had to be known for
quality. Triumphs were always fast, even setting land world speed records, and
the 1957 Sportster was Harley’s response to Triumph winning on the tracks. But
when Triumph faded, their quality was poor, but their reputation was legendary.
Even today when out on out Bonnevilles, people come up and tell us their Triumph
story, “I dated my wife on it, it was fast, but it leaked, couldn’t be ridden at
night, and left me stranded more than once. But man I loved bike, and wish I
had one again.” And now you can, and many are. Harley was saved from
extinction when a group of men bought the company, and redesigned it and gave us
the Evolution motor. And today they are the best selling brand in America. And
some other iconic names have tried, Excelsior Henderson lasted a few years until
the company self destructed. Norton keeps threatening us with a revival, but
falls short time and again. Even my old friend Barney Li was building a V-twin
under the name of Vincent, using Honda sourced motors when he died. And I met
Mike, the owner of Crocker, who is still working on bringing back the bike and
the name. All based on reputation. Which brings us to Indian, who started
before Harley, then quit in 1953. Resurrected, built bikes, then failed.
Another company, built bikes, then failed. Again a new owner, new factory, but
way too expensive, sold to Polaris, who is now building new bikes, and has my
choice, the Scout coming out this year. I have ridden the new Indians, good
bikes, fast, great brakes, but heavy, just as some one thinks cruisers should
be. Even Sonny Barger now rides one, look for others to follow him as the
product is quality. It performs, and provides an alternative to Harley. But
the three things that will make them succeed are quality, reputation, and
perception by the public. I love their ads, but it will all come down to the
product-someone will still have to ride one.
No one builds a really bad product any more, the market place will not
accept it, and with CADCAM and CNC manufacturing, tolerances are smaller, and
quality greater than ever. Quality, not perceived quality is expected, and bad
news travels fast-faster than any motorcycle, even a Hayabusa. Second is their
reputation, and Indian has the name, the heritage both in racing and in
styling-I love the Indian head that lights up on the fender, and the valanced
fenders, a new 2014 looks like a 1940’s Indian, until they are placed side by
side. The new Bonneville are another good example, and both are good enough to
tickle the older memories. And somehow both have capitalized on their past
reputations, with a new breed of rider desiring both. Which leads us to
perception, which can mask the truth, today perception can be misinterpreted as
truth, and today’s Bonneville twin with its counterbalanced engine, fuel
injection, and electric start are far more than any Bonneville from 1969 could
ever hope to be. And Indian knows that well, has the money and engineering to
back it up but also has the heart to succeed. I think they will this time, I
wish them well.
What are you looking for in your God? Start with quality, Jesus never
sinned. He was the most recognized civil servant participating in feeding the
hungry, clothing the naked, and delivering life giving water to the thirsty.
His record of success was 100%, never a warranty claim against Him, and even
when tried was found innocent of any crimes, even the paid liars who accused Him
couldn’t stand up to the truth-He is truth. He did everything He said He would,
including resurrection, all without government help. No tax breaks for Jesus,
when asked about taxes, He caught a fish, and took a coin out its mouth,
showing His audience Caesar’s face on it, advising “give unto Caesar the things
of Caesar, the things of God unto God.” Which built Him a faultless reputation,
from children to Pharisees, meeting Him changed their lives. They were willing
to trust His words with their lives, such was His reputation. And even when
grilled by Pilate, concerning His claim of being the Son of God, He was found
faultless. No crime ever committed, yet He died a criminal’s death on our
behalf. His final act before death, the thief on the cross acknowledging Him, a
private time no one but he and Jesus would know about, but an entrance to heaven
granted. The thief saw it, Nicodemus saw it, the centurion saw it, and Saul of
Tarsus saw it.....do you? Who do you see when you hear the name of Jesus?
In the history of man, no other name is as recognized, feared, loved, and
both hated and despised as the name of Jesus. But His love of sinners goes on
today, His Father patient that none should perish. Now, what does your god
offer you? Does he have the quality of person, the reputation, and the
perception by those who know him that Jesus does? And it all comes down to
product, God’s own Son, made perfect to deal with our imperfection. With a
lifetime warranty, who else but Jesus can promise eternal life, and deliver it?
And what other group of believers, starting with the disciples, are willing to
bet everything, including their life, unto death, to follow Him?
Some iconic brands have been resurrected, but none like Jesus. Who is more
than a brand, surpasses any religious affiliation, and is that personal. Jesus
saves-isn’t that enough? And I have a slogan for Indian, with apologies to
those who ride horses. “Save a cowboy, ride an Indian.” And if you are what
you ride, I am glad to ride a Triumph. But Jesus will always be my brand of
choice. You can make Him yours today. Like the ad says...”stop dreaming, start
riding.” The best things in life never go out of production or style. And
today the Cross is the most iconic. I hope you identify with it, I am sure glad
I do.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com