Harley Davidson Questions

1. Do you believe brand communities like Harley-Davidson result in greater involvement with the brand?
I do believe that brand communities like Harley- Davidson result in a greater involvement with the brand because I helps the consumer learn more about Harley-Davidson and get to know the brand more personally than a person who just knew the brand name. The brand becomes an identifier and people who support the brand will identify themselves with other supporters of Harley-Davidson.

2. What elements of the Posse Ride do you believe enhance the meaning of the brand for the riders?
It is a way for riders to bond and share their enjoyment involving Harleys. I think it also makes these riders feel like that are involved in someway and that they mean something to a certain group. They identify themselves with Harley and it makes them feel connected with others that support the brand. The part where riders share there stories involving their Harleys enhances the meaning of the brand because it becomes a part of the consumers memories and stories. So in a way, the brand will live on as consumers recall these stories involving their Harley. For example, a grandfather telling his grandson about the time he met the grandmother while on a posse ride on his Harley.

3. Should Harley-Davidson get more involved in the ride or would that dilute the ride's meaning to the participants?
I definitely think Harley-Davidson should be more involved in the ride because that way, riders will know and feel appreciated for supporting the brand. People respond well to recognition for doing something.

4.In addition to experiences such as the Posse Ride, what other ways could Harley increase involvement in the brand?
I think Harley-Davidson should make some type of reward system. For example, A man who has had his Harley for over fifteen years and has continued to support the brand should get some type of certificate. Another way Harley-Davidson could increase involvement in the brand is to get there consumers to share their stories and pictures of their journey with their Harley. For example, the grandfather who met his wife on a posse ride could document his life from when he first had his Harley, to when he met his wife on a posse ride, to when they took their second honeymoon on his Harley.