Now that the new Indian Motorcycle Company has declared itself out
of business, the Johnson Outboard Motor company has stepped up to
take Indian's place in competing with Harley-Davidson.

At a press conference earlier this week, the CEO of Johnson
Marine, makers of Johnson outboard marine engines and other
recreational equipment, unveiled a new line of heavyweight cruiser
style motorcycles designed to compete head to head with industry
leader Harley-Davidson. Peter Long, Johnson brands marketing
manager said, "We have studied the market and determined that
Harley, while highly successful, has narrowly missed the mark when
targeting motorcycle buyers." Long added, "We, at Johnson, are
convinced our product hits the target dead center and promises to
draw sales away from Harley-Davidson in a way no other motorcycle
has been able to accomplish."

The new line of bikes, marketed under the name 'Big Johnson
Motorcycles', will, according to Long, deliver what Harley has
only promised. "Our research show that this, a Big Johnson, is
what Harley buyers are really after." At the unveiling of the new
line Monday, several current Harley owners agreed. "When I bought
my Harley, what I really wanted was a Big Johnson, one Harley
owner said. But I see now that riding a Harley is no replacement
for having a Big Johnson."

Manager Long also said that his company would follow the lead of
Harley-Davidson and cash in on a huge market for non-motorcycle
related products. "We realize that not every guy can have a Big
Johnson," said Long, "But image is very important to people. If
they don't have a Big Johnson, they at least want to project the
image of having one."

Asked if he anticipated Big Johnsons showing up in the hands of
Harley owners, Long said it was unlikely. "I just don't see the
need to have a Harley if you have a Big Johnson," he said. "And I
can't imagine someone who spends all their resources to acquire a
Harley having a Big Johnson. I think it boils down to this - You
either have a Harley, or you have a Big Johnson you are not likely
to have both. "Given the choice," said Long, "I think most guys
will opt for the Big Johnson."

Another force driving sales for the company will come from women.
A survey of the wives and girlfriends of nearly 1,000 potential
motorcycle buyers indicates less than 5% would approve of their
partner spending $15,000 on a Harley-Davidson. But, when asked if
they would be willing to pay the same amount of money to get their
partner a Big Johnson, nearly 4 out 5 thought that would be money
well spent. One female present at the product unveiling was quoted
as saying, "There is no way I will let Lonnie drop 15 grand on
another one of those Harleys. But 15 grand to get him a Big
Johnson? Well, that something we could both enjoy and it's
something he really needs."

Carla Roundheel, manager of the dealership network now being
established, said her motto is simple. "I service what we sell."
Big Johnson motorcycles will be traded on the stock exchange under
the abbreviation P-ENVY."