IRVINE, Calif. (May 21, 2010)---Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. is launching an effort to allow greater numbers of prospective motorcycle purchasers to throw a leg over a new Kawasaki. The company's "Ticket to Ride" demo program will operate in seven markets. The 2010 demo program features these 18 Kawasaki models: Ninja ZX-14, ZX-10R, ZX-6R, Z1000, Concours 14 ABS, ER6n, Ninja 650R, Versys, Ninja 250R, KLR650, Vulcan 2000 Classic LT, Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS, Vulcan 1700 Classic, Vulcan 1700 Classic LT, Vulcan 1700 Nomad, Vulcan 900 Classic LT, Vulcan 900 Classic, and the Vulcan 900 Custom.
After two successful events in California and Texas, "Ticket to Ride" will make its way to New Jersey in mid-June, followed by stops in Maryland, Illinois, North Carolina, Georgia, and Washington state.
Interested riders should contact a participating Kawasaki dealer. Event information including a list of participating dealers is available at kawasaki.com. Each event will provide guided street rides for up to 250 licensed motorcyclists who pre-register with a participating dealer.
"We know that a test ride often plays a major role in the purchase decision, and we're working with our dealers to help make that happen," said Chris Brull, Kawasaki's marketing director.
The company will provide full support for the Saturday-Sunday demo ride events, while dealers in each of the markets will generate participants based on their existing customer base and qualified prospects.
"This is an easy way for our dealers to get involved in an outreach program which is likely to provide tangible results," said Brull.
According to Brull, Kawasaki is providing point-of-sale promotional materials to dealers, who will also use existing database information to both mail and e-mail individuals considered likely candidates for the program. Qualified motorcyclists will then contact a participating dealer to sign-up for their demo ride. Dealers will use an event registration Web site to specify up to three models for testing by each rider.
Dealers will be encouraged to promote "Ticket to Ride" on their own Web sites and social media channels, and Kawasaki will do the same.
Should some of the slots remain open, or if pre-registered individuals don't attend, the company will allow walk-up riders to participate.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, utility vehicles and recreation utility vehicles through a network of more than 1,475 independent retailers, with an additional 8,000 retailers specializing in Kawasaki power products and general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,300 people in the United States, with 400 of them located at KMC's Irvine, California headquarters.
Kawasaki's tagline, "Let the good times roll.™", is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand has become synonymous with powerful, stylish motorcycles for over four decades. Information about Kawasaki's complete line of recreational products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com