Features

Big Dog Plans

Nick Messer, president of Big Dog Motorcycles, says the company is “positioned for further growth” in 2005 and ready to expand its dealer base in key United States markets “through an aggressive dealer program.”
Big Dog recently named new dealers in several cities: Charleston, W.V.; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Pittsburgh, Penn.; and San Antonio and Fort Worth, Texas. Founded in 1994, the manufacturer currently distributes to 90 dealers, eight of which are Big Dog Motorcycles branded dealerships. The company plans to have 100 dealers by the end of the year and expects to sell more than 5,000 units.
“Big Dog Motorcycles has enjoyed an amazing surge of growth in the past several years and continues to increase our market share,” Messer said. “But to ensure continued success over the long-term, we have placed a renewed focus on recruiting new dealers while improving our current dealer base.”
Messer oversees the company’s Dealer Recruitment Program. He said average dealer growth from 2003 to 2004 was 20%. In 2004, Big Dog Motorcycles had its first 200-bike dealer, Big Dog Motorcycles of Tampa, and seven other dealerships sold over 100 units.
The 100-bike dealers for 2004 were Big Dog Motorcycles Atlanta, McDonough, Ga.; Big Dog Motorcycles of Houston; Big Dog Motorcycles Rio Grande, Albuquerque, N.M.; Gateway Big Dog Motorcycles, Maryland Heights, Mo.; San Diego Coast Choppers, El Cajon, Calif.; Rolling Thunder Motorcycles, Salt Lake City; and V-Twin City, Santa Ana, Calif.
For 2005, Messner says, Big Dog Motorcycles plans more television exposure, including national advertising on American Chopper, Biker Build-Off, and other motorcycle-related programs; increased dealer training and support; a broader line of apparel and collectibles; and an expanded line of BDM Performance Products, the company’s line of proprietary accessories.
Last month, Big Dog revealed the 2005 Bulldog. It is the fifth motorcycle in the company’s 2005 line, which also includes the Chopper and Mastiff, and rigid Pitbull and Ridgeback.
The 2005 Bulldog debuts Big Dog’s rear air suspension and serves as the first bike to obtain the new BDM Balance Drive System transmission — a product the company designed with Baker Drivetrain.
With 350 employees, Big Dog designs, manufactures and distributes from a 175,000 sq. ft. facility in Wichita, Kan. The company’s entire line of motorcycles uses 117 cubic inch V-twin engines, 6-speed transmissions, stretch tanks, right side drives, and an extensive variety of custom paint colors and graphics. New to the 2005 are Big Dog Motorcycles custom-designed electronics, hand controls, foot controls, mirrors, air cleaner cover, coil cover and other components.
Big Dog’s 2006 line-up is scheduled to launch in late summer.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button