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BOLT BY STAR
Star Motorcycles, Yamaha’s dedicated cruiser brand in America, had successfully positioned itself as the leading metric (Japanese) cruiser brand in the U.S. However, it faced a formidable competitor in Harley-Davidson, the undisputed leader in the global cruiser motorcycle market. With the introduction of the Bolt, a bobber-style cruiser, Star sought to challenge Harley’s dominance head-on by targeting its best-selling model—the iconic Sportster. This ambitious move required a strategic approach to create awareness, generate excitement, and ultimately shift market perception in favor of the Bolt.
The primary objectives of the campaign were to establish the Bolt as a compelling alternative to the Sportster, generate widespread buzz around its launch, and highlight its unique advantages. To accomplish this, the campaign had to overcome entrenched brand loyalty to Harley-Davidson while positioning the Bolt as a fresh, modern alternative that resonated with younger riders looking for something different.

The strategy began with an in-depth analysis of the bobber cruiser market and current industry trends. A rapid launch timeline was developed to ensure maximum impact, and a multi-platform campaign was created to build anticipation leading up to the release. The key challenge was to break the perception that the Sportster was the only viable choice in the entry-level cruiser segment. This required a bold and disruptive approach to reach potential buyers in a way that made them reconsider their default brand preferences.
To achieve this, a teaser campaign titled “Its Time Has Come” was developed, featuring a countdown timer to create intrigue and anticipation. The official launch was amplified with a live-event online simulcast, supported by a microsite, digital advertising, radio, TV, and print campaigns. A key creative angle was the “Less is More” campaign, which tapped into the growing Gen Y mindset of minimalism and rejecting excess. This messaging positioned the Bolt as the perfect embodiment of a stripped-down, stylish, and customizable motorcycle for riders who valued authenticity and simplicity.





Further reinforcing the Bolt’s unique appeal, the campaign promoted the Bolt Custom Build-Off Contest, showcasing the bike’s easy customization potential. This contest engaged the riding community by encouraging creativity and personal expression, fostering a strong emotional connection between the brand and its audience.
The results were impressive. The campaign generated over 207,492 YouTube views, garnered more than 23,000 votes in the custom build-off, and—most importantly—created a surge of online conversations and social media shares around the Bolt. The impact was evident in sales numbers, with the Bolt experiencing a 70% year-over-year sales increase, making it Star’s best-selling model for two consecutive years. By successfully positioning the Bolt as more than just a motorcycle but as a lifestyle choice, Star Motorcycles was able to carve out a significant space in a market long dominated by Harley-Davidson.

Results
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Open House attendance up 38%
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Online media campaign captured over 4,000,000 impressions
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Website inquiries up over 100%
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Online contact from core target areas up 26%
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New online videos viewed over 3,300 times
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Work created by GearShift Advertising principals while at former agencies.
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