Did You Know

Harley Challenge Coins

There is a tradition in the U.S. military for all members of a unit to carry a special coin symbolizing unit identity and esprit de corps?

Known as challenge coins with bonds forged in combat or service to your country from a thousand miles from home, these custom coins minted for military units – capture in metal the essence of their affiliation and their pride.  Like much in the military the origins of the challenge coin are a matter of a lot of debate, but it’s reported that units carried a coin identifying themselves as members. If challenged, the challenge-eee will have to display their coin, or face a consequence.

In any given week I get a number of comments similar to… “like your blog, thought you’d be interested and please pass along XYZ” with an associated URL to “hawk their wares.”   Many make it to the SPAM/delete folder.  However, an email from Mike over at Northwest Territorial Mint (NTM) mentioned right off that he worked at the place (honesty counts in my book!) and stated they were now an official licensee of Harley-Davidson.  Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Auburn, Wa., NTM has a great reputation of producing die-struck coins and medallions for governments, private organizations and now has designed and minted several products emblazoned with the iconic “Harley-Davidson” logo.

These coins are more than just simple disks of metal — they often become symbols of achievement and recognition, or timeless souvenirs and keepsakes that represent achievements of high importance to their owners.  The popularity of challenge coins have moved beyond the military, where NASCAR, the NFL and World Series of Poker all have their own challenge coins.

I’ve got something new to add to my wish list!

Photo courtesy of NTM.  Full disclosure – Northwest Harley Blog is not affiliated or related to Northwest Territorial Mint.

All Rights Reserved (c) Northwest Harley Blog

Read Full Post »

Harley Nurses A Flat Tire

My how things change.

A year ago with gas prices jacked to the $4.00 a gallon level scooter sales exploded.  Especially the 51 cc-to-155cc category as it was a break out year.  Dealers over ordered and now inventories are high.  2009 predictions seem to indicated the scooter party is over.

And speaking of party over… That “hissing sound” from UBS analyst, Robin M. Farley was the air deflating the motorcycle maker’s tires… i.e. earnings and stock price when she stated that Harley-Davidson’s spring sales have hit a wall.  Sales plummeted 35% in April/May compared to a year ago in this critical time of the year.  UBS isn’t without its own set of issues though.  Late last year Sr. Executive Raoul Weil, head of wealth management division was indicted for helping 20,000 clients conceal assets and avoid paying taxes so, one has to keep a wary eye on these so-called banking/finance veterans!

I’m sure the skillful press and public relation folks at H-D are digesting all of this and taking some of Robert S. McNamara (Secretary of Defense during Vietnam War) advice… “Never answer the question they ask; only answer the question you want to talk about.” It’s the language of sales and selling on message.  It feels like we’ve been mugged and drugged by marketing to the point we should question any manufactures trustworthiness.  But, that’s me.

Adding insult to injury, Harley along with other motorcycle manufactures can’t catch a break by the feds and were excluded from the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ bill.  The bill looks to favor owners of pickups and SUVs…just what Detroit needs to unload those overstuffed lots.  Of course the new vehicle needs to be more fuel-efficient (2 MPG) than their old guzzler to receive the $3500 credit/coupon and if you can find something that is 5 MPG higher you’ll get $4500 credit.

Now about McNamara…

Photo courtesy Wikispaces.  Full Disclosure: Editor has no investment in H-D stock.

All Rights Reserved © Northwest Harley Blog

Read Full Post »