ATK hires an ex-Harley exec

ATK motorcycles has, as I’ve mentioned previously, been working on getting small-displacement V-Twins sold through some selected Harley-Davidson dealerships. In what seems to be keeping with direction, the company announced that they’ve brought Jon Syverson, a former Harley-Davidson Sales Manager, on board as Executive Vice President.

ATK’s stated goal is to offer entry-level bikes to customers at Harley-Davidson dealers in order to help catch a younger generation of riders, and have them convert to the bigger Harleys in the fullness of time.

The full press release is below the fold.

Centerville, Utah, February 8, 2011 — ATK Motorcycles has named former Harley-Davidson Sales Manager Jon Syverson as its new Executive Vice President.  In his new senior management role at ATK, Jon will be responsible for expanding ATK’s presence in the V-Twin market. Already known for their race-ready off-road motorcycles, ATK sees Syverson as a key to pushing into the street bike market.

“We’re excited to welcome Jon to our expanding group of tried and tested motorcycle people,” says ATK President Frank White. “At ATK we clearly understand that in order to successfully market our V-Twin motorcycles we must maintain a balanced relationship with both dealer and rider. We must clearly understand our customer’s needs, and act to provide appropriate motorcycles… areas that Jon will be able to help us with greatly.”

White explains that ATK sees Jon Syverson as the ideal person to handle their dealer expansion and sales activities since that is what he did best at Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc.* for 30 years. “I met Jon some 20 years ago at the Motor Company when he managed a great team who specialized in military, police and related fleet sales,” White added. “Jon has a proven history of performance, which resulted in a commanding market share during his tenure at Harley-Davidson.”

In addition to serving in senior sales management roles at Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc., Jon also worked as a District and Regional Manager. He is a Life Member of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), long involved in the Patriot Guard Riders and a member of the Advisory Board, Concerns of Police Survivors. He is also a past recipient of Wisconsin’s prestigious Annual Motorcycle Safety Award and a member of Damascus Lodge No. 290, F. & A. M., Milwaukee, WI, a Masonic Order.

*ATK is not aligned with or sponsored by Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc.

About ATK

ATK Motorcycles is the only U.S. off-road motorcycle manufacturer, producing race-ready motorcycles for more than 25 years. ATK serves as co-members of the United States Motorcycle Manufacturers Association, along with Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc.  A history of off-road racing success put ATK on the map. Recently, ATK entered the street motorcycle business, providing V-Twin motorcycles, specially developed for new, entry-level or seasoned riders alike. ATK V-Twin motorcycles and related products are marketed through select Harley-Davidson dealers nationwide.