Personas of individuals that would ride a bobber/ board tracker?
- Thread starter Qawls
- Start date
lurkmaster2000
Active Member
People from the 1910-1920s would ride a board track racer, at a track.
Guys returning from World War II would ride a stripped down bobber (potentially army surplus) after returning to civilian life.
Guys returning from World War II would ride a stripped down bobber (potentially army surplus) after returning to civilian life.
VonYinzer
Over 10,000 Posts
People who like motorcycles. That's it...
Unless you're point is to offensively stereotype as many folks as possible.
I mean, I have owned choppers and am about to build another. Pretty sure I don't fit into any particular niche.
Maybe I'm just not completely understanding the task.
Unless you're point is to offensively stereotype as many folks as possible.
I mean, I have owned choppers and am about to build another. Pretty sure I don't fit into any particular niche. Maybe I'm just not completely understanding the task.
Topoisomerase
Active Member
I'm stumped trying to even conceptualize what 5 'personas of people' might look like written down.
What is an example of a 'persona of a person'?
I can understand the notion of a target demographic. What's the point of identifying 'types' of people if you then can't find them? How would you find your target 5 personas of people in the real world to do targeted advertising etc anyhow?
Aside from 'everyone', let's see if we can actually help out a bit. Start with the bike and it's function. A bobber / board tracker styled motorcycle is by definition likely uncomfortable over long distances, pared down without much in the way of protection for the rider or room for gear. Perhaps (esp a 'board track' styled bike) a smaller gas tank than stock, and hopefully a larger displacement / performance engine. So limited range on a tank of gas.
So, it's a bike for short distance rides where what you need to take with you fits in your pockets. Wallet and maybe some brass knuckles and a knife. Who rides those bikes and where? Typically it's going to be in town rides, not cross-country journeys.
What sorts of folks have motorcycles designed primarily for short in-town rides? What kind of people have the technical know-how or pocketbooks to have a motorcycle of this type?
Those are your target markets. But then again, I haven't seen a single company succeed in trying to market to a group of people who above all else do not want to be pigeonholed or categorized into one of five personas or types.
What is an example of a 'persona of a person'?
I can understand the notion of a target demographic. What's the point of identifying 'types' of people if you then can't find them? How would you find your target 5 personas of people in the real world to do targeted advertising etc anyhow?
Aside from 'everyone', let's see if we can actually help out a bit. Start with the bike and it's function. A bobber / board tracker styled motorcycle is by definition likely uncomfortable over long distances, pared down without much in the way of protection for the rider or room for gear. Perhaps (esp a 'board track' styled bike) a smaller gas tank than stock, and hopefully a larger displacement / performance engine. So limited range on a tank of gas.
So, it's a bike for short distance rides where what you need to take with you fits in your pockets. Wallet and maybe some brass knuckles and a knife. Who rides those bikes and where? Typically it's going to be in town rides, not cross-country journeys.
What sorts of folks have motorcycles designed primarily for short in-town rides? What kind of people have the technical know-how or pocketbooks to have a motorcycle of this type?
Those are your target markets. But then again, I haven't seen a single company succeed in trying to market to a group of people who above all else do not want to be pigeonholed or categorized into one of five personas or types.
I have three bike and i getting ready to build a forth
the first and my true love is a rd350 thats just on the verge of being a drag bike (last time it ran) not good on a highway or putting around town
the second is a t500 motor i shoved into a rd350 frame just to piss off suzuki and yamaha purest this bike is better suited for the freeway but the braking was high tech in the 1930's so i think is is also a back roads weapon o and the best part is it looks like a stock early 70 bike.
the third is a xs650 street tracker that seems fine on a interstate so far ample power and brakes
the one in the oven is gonna be a low slung big cc dirt bike powered bobber
it gonna look like a big titted chick with a black eye
ive built cafe racer bikes choppers and even a brat. ive always been the same person. i just always think i can pull off what i want better than a bike company.
the first and my true love is a rd350 thats just on the verge of being a drag bike (last time it ran) not good on a highway or putting around town
the second is a t500 motor i shoved into a rd350 frame just to piss off suzuki and yamaha purest this bike is better suited for the freeway but the braking was high tech in the 1930's so i think is is also a back roads weapon o and the best part is it looks like a stock early 70 bike.
the third is a xs650 street tracker that seems fine on a interstate so far ample power and brakes
the one in the oven is gonna be a low slung big cc dirt bike powered bobber
it gonna look like a big titted chick with a black eye
ive built cafe racer bikes choppers and even a brat. ive always been the same person. i just always think i can pull off what i want better than a bike company.
Qawls
Been Around the Block
Sorry guys I probably should of been more explicit, I'm an industrial design student and I am designing a new type of motorcycle, one with an air powered engine. We've been asked to map out the market for certain models/ category's of bikes and I choose the board tracker simply because I love the history of these machines and we're seeing alternations of these bikes resurfacing. I'm in no trying to come up with different stereotypes for the riders of these motorcycles, I'm just speculating. Also I'm not specifically looking at the history of the bike and their riders, I'm working towards producing a contemporary version of this category of motorcycle; who would be interested to own one, who would it appeal to and who would it be most suitable for?
I've actually already gained a lot from what you said! Thanks guys, any extra help would be appreciated.
I've actually already gained a lot from what you said! Thanks guys, any extra help would be appreciated.
VonYinzer
Over 10,000 Posts
In that case... You're talking about what would ultimately be an expensive, yet nominally functional toy. Could be very cool, but its farfrom a practical form of transport.
So...
I'd assume that your target demographic would be folks with an eye for interesting and classic design, and most importantly some deep pockets.
So...
I'd assume that your target demographic would be folks with an eye for interesting and classic design, and most importantly some deep pockets.
haircuttergirl
Over 1,000 Posts
HAHAHAHAHA!bradj said:
IAMBLAMB
Been Around the Block
Qawls said:
The reason I went with a bobber as opposed to a cafe, street, or touring bike was because I wanted something that felt raw. The barebones essence of riding, if you want. If I wanted storage, alot of comfort, safety ratings, cupholders, multiple seating, a radio, or a quiet ride then I'd just drive my car. Make no mistake, I'm not really an adrenaline junkie but I prefer this type of bike because it is genuine.
Qawls said:
That makes more sense than your original post. Bobbers and board trackers are two distinct styles. The board tracker being the more minimalistic of the two. Raw, light, fast, zero clutter, single purpose designs. Air power suggests the eco-friendly crowd would be interested. Air power sounds like limited distance travel based on fuel type. City dwellers need point to point transportation and carrying stuff. An old-school looking board tracker with room for some lightweight removable packs would make sense for urban zones full of cash laden early adopting trendy eco-friendly types. That would be a great group to market to. imho...... I don't mean that as a negative stereotype, it would be a big market I imagine......just not as your more passionate biker type folks. I need explosive fuels, noisy pipes, dangerous speeds and even room for luggage at times.... I own multiple motorcycles from sport to chop, but all of them make noise and go long distances on readily available fuel.
[edit] show me an in town air powered sidecar setup (with room for extra air) and that might be cool for passengers and carrying stuff...
Scruffy
West Tennessee
Bobber riders tend to be those who don't need all the factory added "fluff", and build the bike to actually fit them and their own needs. Mine isn't a true bobber anymore since I added the full rear fender and semi-rigid saddlebags. I can go all day on it though, where a cafe or tracker type I'm only good for 20 minutes, maybe, if I'm lucky. Still need to swap the juice front end for a springer with a tls drum, can't stomach the look/feel/handling of the factory hydraulic front end any longer. Even after making it as stiff as possible w/o resorting to using gear lube as fork oil. Function is paramount, looks play a secondary role.
True board tracker? One with no brakes and a direct drive unit unit instead of a transmission? Has but one purpose, the same as a speedway dirt track type, to go as fast as possible in a circle or oval setting. The modern versions with disc brakes and 5 speed transmissions are strictly for looks. They can be ridden on the road, but the rigid frame, springer and puny seat are going to bite you in the ass...
True board tracker? One with no brakes and a direct drive unit unit instead of a transmission? Has but one purpose, the same as a speedway dirt track type, to go as fast as possible in a circle or oval setting. The modern versions with disc brakes and 5 speed transmissions are strictly for looks. They can be ridden on the road, but the rigid frame, springer and puny seat are going to bite you in the ass...
Qawls
Been Around the Block
IAMBLAMB said:I did something similar (it was a car not a bike)when I was in architectural design.
It was a two-week project and for where I was at the time, I feel it was pretty good.
Okay you my friend are a legend!! Very Helpfullll!! Thanks a lot dude, I gained a lot from what you said.
my-79-750-k
Therapy is expensive. Riding is cheap. You decide.
IAMBLAMB said:I did something similar (it was a car not a bike)when I was in architectural design.
It was a two-week project and for where I was at the time, I feel it was pretty good.
Dude, you made a flying car that ran on smoked salmon?!?! It's every Jew's dream! (For those that don't know, "Lox" is thin-sliced, smoked salmon, and it's a traditional Jewish food)
