John Campbell
Staff Writer

You’re on your way home from work. Starting up your nondescript, subcompact car you sense something in the air. A low, melodic rumble calls. Turning, you instantly spot a group of motorcycles approaching. But there is something different about this pack because, one-by-one, as the unique set of machines goes by, there is a stirring in your soul. The experience is not an easily created one for you and doesn’t happen often. You’re in the presence of a special breed called Big Dog Motorcycles. 

Big Dog Motorcycles began in 1994 with a simple concept: "to build the premier, high-performance, high style motorcycle." More than 16 years and 25,000 motorcycles later, that founding concept remains.  

From its mythically humble beginnings in a small residential garage, the company has grown to a 175,000 square-foot facility headquartered in Wichita, Kansas. All manufacturing, design and distribution is done from this location to a dealer network throughout the United States and Canada.

Today, the 2010 Big Dog line-up represents the company’s state of technical evolution with new speedometers that have dual trip meters giving operators the ability to switch from analog to digital speedometer and RPM readouts. The speedometer can also relay other information to the rider such as a low battery level and even service reminders. Each Big Dog Motorcycle has a custom look and feel with gas tanks that are individually hand-painted, six-speed transmissions and powerful V-twin engines with the capacity to get from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds; all this while getting 42 miles to the gallon.  

And gone are the days of wondering if you can find just the right part to fit your custom cycle because Bull Dog offers a complete line of motorcycle parts and accessories for all their models. From decorative items like Chrome Forward Controls or Louvered Air Cleaner Cover Plates to dress up your air cleaner to functional items like a Drag Handlebar and Seat Combo kit help to take the guess work out of matching components.

To finish off your Big Dog custom motorcycle, you can upgrade the exhaust to a 2-2 Slip On Exhaust System or, for a touch more rumble, the Reverse Radius Exhaust System.

Going over Big Dog’s roll call of customizable models: the Bulldog, Wolf, K9, Mastiff, Ridgeback, Pitbull and Coyote, it’s clear to see these machines were meant to be the leaders of the pack. Woof!

Big Dog Motorcycles: Company has named Belgium-based Legend Motorcycle Group its European Distributor and anticipates ten dealers in place by spring 2010

Press Release

Just three months after Big Dog Motorcycles® launched its bikes in Canada, the company is pleased to announce its initial shipment of motorcycles has been shipped to Belgium.

After fifteen years of success in the United States, the country’s leading manufacturer of high style, high performance motorcycles has made international distribution a key growth strategy. In addition to expanding its dealer base in Canada and Europe, Big Dog Motorcycles is in advanced negotiations with distributors in the Middle East and is also actively pursuing South Africa, Australia, and parts of Asia.

The company anticipates international sales to be 10 to 20% of its total sales by 2011.

Big Dog Motorcycles Halts Production for Seven Weeks

Dealernews Press Release

From August 17 through the end of the year, Big Dog Motorcycles will stop production at its Wichita, Kan., plant for a total of seven weeks. The stoppage began immediately and will run for four weeks, followed by intermittent closures through December.

The company adds that no layoffs were announced, but all company staff has received a temporary 20 percent pay cut. Workers affected by the production stops will be eligible for unemployment benefits.

Dealernews received the following release from Paul Hansen, Big Dog's marketing director:

About Big Dog Motorcycles®

Big Dog Motorcycles, LLC, started production in 1994 and is the leading manufacturer of premium, high style, high performance motorcycles. The company’s 2009 line-up includes seven models in three classes: pro-street, chopper-style, and touring. Each motorcycle is designed, assembled and hand-painted at the company’s 150,000 square foot factory in Wichita, Kansas. The company is currently celebrating its 15th year in business and has built over 25,000 motorcycles. Big Dog Motorcycles has nearly 100 dealers in the United States and will soon have it products distributed in Canada. The company supports the motorcycling culture and lifestyle with a proprietary line of accessories and apparel. More information about the company and products can be found at www.bigdogmotorcycles.com.