Harley Davidson is about to launch a series of ads for the V-Rod Muscle featuring supermodel Marisa Miller. What's not to like?
Harley Davidson press release:
To emphasize the non-traditional pairing of sophisticated style and brute strength, Harley-Davidson chose to launch the new 2009 V-Rod Muscle in a distinctly non-traditional way—by teaming up with American Supermodel Marisa Miller in an innovative marketing campaign to introduce the latest addition to Harley-Davidson’s high-performance line of V-Rod motorcycles.
The new V-Rod Muscle features a powerfully sculpted new physique that exudes a contemporary and urban sense of style. The Muscle’s long, low profile and super wide rear tire are inspired by the drag strip, while the free-revving performance of the liquid-cooled Revolution V-Twin engine co-developed with Porsche give it an unmatched combination of power and sophistication.
More photos below:
“The V-Rod Muscle stands out in a crowd of copies and generic motorcycle profiles,” said Mark-Hans Richer, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Harley-Davidson. “It stretches the very definition of what it means to be a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.”
Partnering with American supermodel Marisa Miller is a perfect match. The V-Rod Muscle’s sculpted body and commanding physique complement Miller, who not only represents classic American beauty, but also strength and athleticism. Miller is best known for gracing the cover of many prominent publications, but she also represents the return of the great American Supermodel. Miller grew up around motorcycles in California and has a strong appreciation for Harley-Davidson.
“To represent such an iconic American brand is incredible,” said Miller. “I have grown up watching my dad and uncle ride Harleys. It's amazing to circle back at this point in my career, and work with a brand I have so much respect for.”
Like the bike itself, Harley-Davidson chose a distinctly non-traditional marketing campaign for the V-Rod Muscle. Starting Oct. 13, an ad campaign launches that shows Miller stretched atop a sleek, black V-Rod Muscle. The black background and distinct lighting capture the aggressive styling of the bike, contrasted by Miller, which brings the idea of American Supermodel to life. In lifestyle magazines such as GQ, Esquire, Complex, Road & Track and Trader, ads will make use of a new technology called SnapTell, which provides access to exclusive content upon photographing the ad with a mobile phone camera.
The campaign was pre-launched on Oct. 6 on Harley-Davidson’s official YouTube channel, with a “making of” video that takes viewers behind the scenes at the Marisa Miller V-Rod Muscle photo shoot (http://www.youtube.com/harleydavidson). Motorcycle bloggers and Harley-Davidson fans and friends on Facebook and MySpace were exclusively tipped off to the campaign. The video will also be available on www.h-d.com/muscle which launches Oct.13.
Link: Harley Davidson
Link: Harley Davidson YouTube channel
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{ 17 comments… add yours below ... }
If only the bike were even remotely as attractive as the model.
Though I have to say those cut out cardboard and rivet fake air scoops really add to the quality look of the bike.
I’m a v-rod fan, but don’t care for the muscle. But I do have to say if I had no knowledge of the V-rod that ad campaign would at least get me to pay attention to the muscle!
What bike? I see the blond just fine.
That pose would cause a few rear end collisions. She’s hot but I still don’t want a Harley.
Nice seat !
Wow, I never knew anyone to use sex to sell a bike! Haw revolutionary!!
(Here’s an idea.. make a bike that is good and affordable (you know, in cash, like it used to be), and people will buy it for the bike, and not the image.)
I love their claim that this is a non-traditional pairing. Hot women and motorcycles have been paired be every custom bike mag since the dawn of time. I think there are even cave paintings in France depicting this very scene.
Glad somebody said it. Revolutionary ad? I’d say that’s a stretch. The only thing revolutionary is the SnapTell call-to-action. Which is just another clever way to advertise and track how many see the ad.
Yes, Marisa is a goddess, and perhaps she’ll help sell a few bikes. But, let’s be honest, what are they really trying to say with this ad? If I buy the bike, I’ll get this girl? All this talk about “muscle” and pretty girls, I mean really, do the ad execs think their demographic is that gullible?
Well, the ad did make me look. And, I went to the website to read about how she’s American and her family likes Harleys. And, I would say she’s at least classy and not trashy.
Of course, that won’t make me run out and buy one, as I think the Muscle is just another line “evolution” when I feel Harley needs a new “revolution”. But, I guess the exposure they’ll get with this is worth something… So I give one thumb up, one thumb down.
-brian
love the bike and the girl, 1 of each please! if the bikes are out of stock, then i’ll just take her, no complaints!
funny, all this harley bitching. they dont really seem to have trouble selling bikes, although i guess some would like to think they do.
That is truly funny, the “non-traditional” bit. I know customers are supposed to be stupid and mindless and simpy open their wallets to buy whatever the gods of merchandising want to sell them, but really. Can you say “Norton girl”? (or better yet, “Safeco girl”?)
Why do some of you insist on looking for some deep discussion about the stupid bike, just look at the girl.
She’d look a lot better on MT Muscle!
Sorry, that’s MY Muscle! (Hands were shaking!)
I’d like to rent them both for an hour.
Not concurrently-
I’d do the bike and the girl!!!!
What a combination of America at its best!
fine looking stock!!!the bike,well took it out on demo(canada ontario)
quite enjoyed myself,needs more weight,i ride a rocker-c and no comparision…
good for under 30years old…wouldn’t want to take marisa out on it unless she had her own…hope willie was good to her,and besides she needs more motor clothing!!!!
nice bike,needs more,good shot at advertisesing,,,and remember harley is the best and we all know about the rest!!!!
and i can’t drive 55……………..
denis@the lake
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