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American Chopper's Jr. Redesigns Coleman Grill

By Kim Wilhelm (WICHITA, Kan.)

For years, fans have watched the unique motorcycle designs Paul Teutul, Jr. has created on the reality show American Chopper.  Now Teutul has started a new business, JR Designs, and teamed up with Coleman for his first project.

Teutul was in Wichita Thursday to unveil the redesigned RoadTrip Grill.  Some of the new features include a thermometer that looks like a speedometer, diamond plate slideouts, metal hooks which look like little Coleman lanterns, new wheels and 10 rivets for the 10 years the grill has been around.   Teutul also changed the color from red to black.  While showing us the grill, he jokes he feels like George Foreman.  

With all the companies he's worked with over the years, Teutul considers Coleman the best. 

"It's a great fit," said Teutul.   "I'm a young designer. Coleman is an older company with an  absolute phenomenal brand."

Coleman also says it's a natural match. 

"We didn't think of him in terms of a motorcycle guy," said Sam Solomon, Coleman CEO.  "We thought about it in terms of who his fans are. We know his fans are Coleman customers."

Solomon says part of marketing a successful product is being able to not only sell it to customers, but sell it to retailers.  He thinks Teutul's design will help Coleman do that.  

Teutul says his new focus is on affordable products.  The grill sells for about $200. 

"I want to give people really quality stuff they can afford," said Teutul.

 The grill will be available next year.  Fans who showed up Thursday to get autographs wish Teutul continued success.

"He has brand value and he's going out on his own," said Kevin Hanschu.  "He's going to finally be independent." 

Teutul says he'll continue to appear in the last 14 episodes of American Chopper. 

This was the second time he's been to Wichita.  He came last year to unveil a chopper to plumbing company, Viega.