Focus: Dealer Expo 2004
Big Dog Motorcycle Company of Wichita, Kan., which celebrated its 10th Anniversary last year, is one of the most successful of the custom cruiser manufacturers. Simply surviving in that category for a decade is a triumph.
As Powersports Business reported in its Nov. 17, 2003, issue, Big Dog is actively pushing the marketplace this year with the introduction of its new Ridgeback chopper and a host of new signature components.
The Big Dog lineup will be on display in the Big Twin East section of this year’s Dealer Expo located in the RCA Dome. Big Dog will be located in Booth #5501.
Big Dog is following up the successful introduction of its Chopper in 2003 with an even more aggressive model for 2004, the Ridgeback. The Ridgeback will be powered by an S&S 1750cc engine and will carry and MSRP of $24,900.
For 2004, Big Dog will be offering a line of six bikes, a choice of nearly 70 graphics in multiple color combinations, more than 20 frame colors and new, radical wheel options.
“The chances of seeing the same bike twice are very slim,” says Nick Messer, Big Dog president.
Big Dog also is introducing a line of performance products, named BDM Performance Products, this year. The line includes tachometers and brackets, sissy bars, logo plates, side plates, forward control relocation kits and windscreens.
RIDGEBACK LEADS 2004 LINEUP
The Ridgeback is a rigid, radical chopper that is “symmetrical and balanced, handsome, and capable of great endurance with a good amount of speed,” says the company in its annoucement materials.
The nine-foot long machine sports a 250mm rear tire and features a seat height of just 24 inches. It comes standard with a 107 cu. inch S&S, but customers can upgrade to a 117 cu. inch motor. The same option is available on all other Big Dog machines, as well.
NEW EMPHASIS ON COMPONENTS
The integration of new controls, switches and other components into the basic bike design makes Big Dog even more custom machines than ever before, says the company.
“The host of components is an excellent example of what Big Dog stands for today,” says Messer, “namely, making custom, yet refined cruisers for individuals that seek style.”
Editor Genevieve Schmitt seems to agree. In her Nov. 17 story, she writes,“If you ever wondered from afar if that was a Big Dog flying down the highway, you’ll now have some very obvious ways to tell.”
