New Round Of Layoffs At Big Dog Motorcycles

Last Friday, new series of layoffs at Big Dog Motorcycles, it seems to be the 8th. Although the new number is not yet known, among key collaborators let go are John Brock (since 2003 Vice President Of Operations), Anne Dixon (Customer Service Manager) and Wayne Hanson (since 2006 Customer Support Manager.)

The Big Dog Motorcycles website doesn’t feature the $20,000 Chopper presented last February at the Indianapolis Dealers Show to motorcycle dealers and medias as the low price model supposed to revive the company sales. No presence in Sturgis is announced for the 70th Anniversary of Black Hills Rally. It’s almost one year ago that Presidentand CEO  Sheldon Coleman announced here in my Blog that he was actively looking for investors, a partnership, joint venture etc. No official update was provided. Big Dog Motorcycles.

Correction June 30, 2010. 2.21 pm Est: John Nasi at  Big Dog Motorcycles advised me that the company will be exhibiting in Sturgis. Location is: Champions Park at 1205 Lazelle Street (between 2nd and 3rd Street).

91 Responses to “New Round Of Layoffs At Big Dog Motorcycles”


  1. 1 busfreak Jun 29th, 2010 at 7:22 am

    Sad, I don’t care much for the brand but that is still an American company that employes Americans.

  2. 2 bikerspaceman Jun 29th, 2010 at 8:55 am

    Looks like Mr. Coleman is going to lose another “cash cow”!

    http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/1991/10/07/75562/index.htm

  3. 3 1550tc Jun 29th, 2010 at 9:15 am

    Second generations guys cant win, you either take the baton from a huge lead and run with it or you drop it or run in another lane of the race.

  4. 4 Jason Brach Jun 29th, 2010 at 9:36 am

    I think that if Mr Coleman waits that things get better he is going to be disappointed. Not because things are not going to improve but because all his models, except the bagger, are production custom motorcycles that nobody wants anymore. They are so dated, out of touch with what bikers want today. And more time is passing by and more his line up is going to be disconnected from the market. So, if Big dog Motorcycles doesn’t have very fast a couple of models like new Bobbers with reasonable prices and great reliability, it’s over. In this case, better throw the towel right now and restart fresh in a couple of years with still some money in your pocket..

  5. 5 Brandon Jun 29th, 2010 at 10:35 am

    Sometimes, because of ego, people continue a business when they should stop. It may be time for Big Dog to let it go. You had a nice ride Big Dog. Don’t destroy the good memories with a spectacular crash.

  6. 6 Dan Petrov Jun 29th, 2010 at 12:09 pm

    I agree with Jason and Brandon. There is not much of a future for Big dog even when the economy improves. It seems to me that since 2006 the management just try to go through the recession instead of adapting to a new market with new, different and cheaper bikes. The mistake that many have made during these last 4 years was to think that business would come back the way it was before with the same products. Absolutely wrong. All the world has changed. For now consumer confidence is far from being repaired, and when it will be bikers are not going to buy the Big Dog style chopper. As a proof, look at the greatest custom builders (who inspired Big Dog). A long time that they have abandoned building this type of bikes. Most have rejected this type of design in 2003/2004. There is a reason. Big Dog should have 2 bagger models and 2 bobber models. Nothing more. All the rest is now “junk” that former buyers can’t even sell on eBay at a big loss.

  7. 7 Kirk Jun 29th, 2010 at 12:26 pm

    Agree too. Sadly, Big Dog Motorcycles has now become the symbol and the caricature of a past era of executives who bought the biker lifestyle (bandanas & jean shirts included) by showing up on a Big Dog in Daytona & Sturgis. These “bikers” are gone forever. The others don’t want to be seen on a Big Dog (I agree, except the bagger.)

  8. 8 1550tc Jun 29th, 2010 at 12:34 pm

    From another post on here

    I know one of these hard core “bikers” . 2 weeks after he bought the “chopper” , 2 full sleeves of tats and a dozen T shirts with F*&K YOU on the back . The bike is on ebay now . ( 3 yrs , 2 trips to Daytona and a couple thousand miles later )

    When your market was these types, you knew it was going to end one day!

  9. 9 Heavy Metal Jun 29th, 2010 at 1:26 pm

    Used Big Dogs are only worth what the engine/drivetrain will bring. I told a guy that at a local HD dealer and he acted like I didn’t know sh**. That was a year ago. His Big Dog has been on a local Craigs list for that long with the price being lowered monthly. His reign of looking tough at biker RUB night at the local watering holes is over and he got to pay for that enjoyment. Sad that more people are being showed the door at BD.

  10. 10 just my opinion Jun 29th, 2010 at 2:21 pm

    Heavy Metal; That guy at the HD dealer was right. A used engine and tranny are only worth 4-5 thousand. If you know were we can buy used Big Dogs for that price range let us know I want a dozen.

  11. 11 Harpo Jun 29th, 2010 at 2:37 pm

    I love my Big Dog K-9 Chopper – I bought it a few years old so I got it for a great price. It looks and rides incredible and every where I go people come up to me to ask questions or take their picture standing next to it. And the 117 engine moves out just fine. The bike handles very well for a big front end chopper and the softail ride is comparable to my Harley Softail. I don’t believe everyone should own one thats for sure – If you don’t have many years riding experience or can not rebuild a motorcycle from end to end then just stay away and go get yourself a metric and be happy. I have owned and modified 15 motorcycles and I can honestly say every-time I get on my K-9 – you can’t wipe the grin off my face! Who cares if they go out of business, I know enough about building bikes to keep my ride going forever…”out of style” sorry but that is just plain untrue – the chopper look will never be out of style….

  12. 12 krogoth Jun 29th, 2010 at 2:50 pm

    Can’t wipe the grin off my face either …HAPPY MASTIFF 2009 owner!!!!

  13. 13 No one Jun 29th, 2010 at 2:52 pm

    A good used S&S 117 runs about 3500 to 3800, a used baker 6 speed about a grand. But a complete Big Dog , even an old one, runes double that. There does seem to still be some residual value in the Big Dog name.

    That doesn’t mean much though, the used market for choppers is beyond crap at the moment, gross oversupply for years to non bikers is the reason IMO, A Brand new unregistered and un-ridden one of Cyril’s bikes, Riptide, with a bunch of high end parts and a quality build sold a month or two ago for 10k$ via ebay. It was listed about 6 times before it got even that much. You could have easily split the parts up and sold them used and gotten double what you paid.

    No one wants 30k+ production customs any more, as people have said: two things sell, old school budget bobbers and bells and whistles baggers. Big Dogs bagger is a bit weird and they don’t even have a budget bobber in their line up.

    No wonder they are struggling.

  14. 14 V Jun 29th, 2010 at 3:06 pm

    08 Ridgeback chop here. wouldn’t trade it for any other bike out there ! I like many others hope to see them pull thru because they are a american company. Some styles may seem trendy but peeps have been choppin up bikes for years (less is better). I wish the best to all american companies and there employees in this time. Honda Fury? not a good copy of anything.

  15. 15 Rick Fairless Jun 29th, 2010 at 4:59 pm

    I can truthfully tell you that the Big Dog market is pretty good & it’s slowly getting better. It kills me when I read what you haters write on a blog with your names hidden. I have been a Big Dog dealer for 15 years & I can honestly say that I have never sold a better motorcycle than a Big Dog. Actually we sold a used 2005 Big Dog Bulldog today. The used ones are selling, as are the new Big Dogs. The Big Dog K9 has been my #1 selling motorcycle for 4 straight years. Big Dog takes good care of their dealers & their customers. They always pay their warranties, which was not always the case with some of the other manufacturers we have carried in the past. So, to ya’ll that are always bad mouthing Big Dog…you don’t have a clue what you are talking about. That’s the problem with blogs, everyone talks trash & 90% of them don’t even use their real names. I wouldn’t be so fast to pronounce Big Dog dead. I think they are gonna come back bigger & stronger than ever, but we’ll see! Just like the Big Dog owners that have commented above, 99% of the owners that I have sold a Big Dog to over the last 15 years love em! Buy hey, what do I know, I have only been doing this for 15 years, 8 days a week, 14 hours a day!
    Sorry for the rant. I usually don’t like to go off like that, but I just strongly believe in & love Big Dog Motorcycles & Sheldon Coleman.
    Rick Fairless – Owner
    Strokers Dallas
    Strokers IceHouse
    Strokers Ink

  16. 16 RUDAWG Jun 29th, 2010 at 7:23 pm

    I have two of them and love them. An 02 Boxer and an 07 K9. I think once you ride one, you are hooked. It’s easy to judge when you have never even tried it. What ever kind of bike you have, let’s go on a group ride and we will see who’s bike gets the most compliments. Trust me they still turn heads and are a blast to ride.

  17. 17 BDM Owner Jun 29th, 2010 at 7:33 pm

    Amen Rick.

    Own a 08 Pit. Best motorcycle for the money I spent. Grin on my ugly face every time I ride. Even today there still isn’t another bike on the market I’d switch it for. They are either ugly, come with a mechanic, or require celebrity status. BDM got it right. Don’t be jealous you suck at building your bike manufacturing enterprise. Wish the best to Sheldon and BDM.

  18. 18 Harpo Jun 29th, 2010 at 7:34 pm

    Rick Fairless Im in agreement with you and also wish for this American company to survive. To all of those uneducated people here that make statements about “everyone is dumping” their Big Dogs and no one will buy them. Why don’t you do some stats on Ebay completed items. Out of 414 Harley Road Kings that were put up for sale only 69 actually sold – that is 16%. Out of 124 big dogs that were put up for sale, 20 actually sold – that is 16%. You should be able to see that motorcycle sales are down across the board for all types of bikes so quit bashing Big Dogs. Some of you guys have been riding metric so long I think your turning Japanese. The only real reason people bash big dogs is because they really want one….

  19. 19 Vision Jun 29th, 2010 at 7:57 pm

    The K-9 especially and others BD’s too are like the black leather jacket. The style is timeless but there are times when everyone is making them and the market gets flooded and right now there are just way to many of them out there. As more makers go out of business and the ones that continue pare down production the glut will eventually dry up and there will be a demand again. How long will it take that to happen? My guess it is probably a lot longer then almost anyone could keep finding financing for a motorcycle company that is in the red ink.

  20. 20 Patrick Jansen Jun 29th, 2010 at 7:59 pm

    There will always be a market for these bikes, maybe not at the price they used to sell at, but there will always be a market for them. If people don’t believe that then why is Honda just starting to build them.

  21. 21 Bill Jun 29th, 2010 at 9:19 pm

    I bought an 02 Bulldog from Rick back in 03. I didn’t appreciate how great of a bike it was at the time, because it had an ignition problem that took a month to resolve. Looking back, that bike was quality parts at a decent price. Big Dog stood behind the bike and Rick’s crew did a great job getting it fixed. Man I wish I still had that bike.

  22. 22 Bernie Kelley Jun 29th, 2010 at 10:17 pm

    To Rick Fairless. I disagree with your statements regarding naysayers. I just counted as many postive comments about Big Dog than negative ones. And why these people would not express their opinion like you express yours? You can also be accused of being less objective than other readers since you are a Big Dog Motorcycles dealer trying to sell more bikes. The negative comments are not about the people of Big Dog but about their bike prices and models in today’s market. I don’t own a Big Dog, have no opinion, except that I have 2 friends in Arizona who can’t get warranty work because the dealer can’t get the parts from Big Dog. Regarding people writing under a 1st name or username, check again the comments above. It’s true also for the Big Dog owers who commented positively about their bikes. Fyi, as an IT guy I can tell you that 90% of peole who comment online do it this way because they visit the web while at work and want to stay as anonymous as possible. I read Cyril Huze’s blog almost every day during the last year. I like it because he reports the facts and only the facts and let people comment one way or the other. I disagree very often with what is said in these comments but I don’t know a better source for motorcycle news where people can freely debate. It has to be preserved this way. Respectfully.

  23. 23 Stephen Jun 29th, 2010 at 10:23 pm

    V
    What is with that comment ” Honda Fury. Not a good copy of anything.”

    Have you ever ridden one? Owned one? I’ll assume the answer is no to both.

    There are lots of good bikes around both metric and American. There is no need to bash any bike.

    For the record I own a Fury and a home built “American” V-Twin custom. They are both good bikes, just as Big Dog are also good bikes.

  24. 24 RUB Jun 29th, 2010 at 10:26 pm

    as was stated before , not much market for the 30K cookie cutters nowadays . Sheet , used ones are going for 10 to 12 K . I see mostly baggers at the local watering holes around here ( East Coast Florida ) . I’ll give my updated report after a run to Earl’s in Sebastian on Fri .

  25. 25 Jack Jun 29th, 2010 at 10:45 pm

    I own an 05 BD chopper and just love it, great handling and definitely gets attention wherever it is and I don’t even have a tricked out paint job like I have seen on some. Rick Fairless is right on target with his praises of Big Dog. I belong to a Big Dog forum and have read personal accounts of how Big Dog stepped up to the plate time & time again for it’s customers even after their warranty had long expired and sometimes it was apparent by reading the forum history of the owners “home style fixes” that the problem was actually caused by the owner. Tell me any motorcycle company, past or present that would do that. The fact that they are American made and buy American components deserves all the support they can get from us, not the bashing of mostly jealous competitors who buy foreign parts to maximize profits. I would go so far as to say that maybe Big Dog wouldn’t have the financial problems they do if they didn’t pay top dollar for S&S engines and Baker 6 speed trannys but they have always strived for quality, sometimes not succeeding on things like electrics but they certainly can’t be accused of not trying their best at any cost. I do agree with some comments above however that instead of re-introducing the non-proprietary stripped down chopper model for 2010 they might have covered all bases with a very reasonably priced bobber, since that is definitely the trend now and not everyone can build one no matter how simple they look. They could have easily reintroduced the chopper at a later date if the motorcycle market turns around. Having said that I doubt even if the sales of a bobber would have been sufficient to financially turn things around in this economy, people in general are cutting back their spending especially on non-essentials like motorcycles & boats. I just hope that Sheldon and Big Dog survive this, not because I own one but because they have demonstrated over time that they deserve it. There are very few companies you can say that about today. GOOD LUCK BIG DOG!!

  26. 26 1550tc Jun 29th, 2010 at 10:47 pm

    Bill

    because it had an ignition problem that took a month to resolve

    not to slam you or BDM

    a month to figure out an iginition problem says it all, too bad it didnt start on fire, would have saved yourself 29.99 days

    Rick

    When are you going to be back on TV?? Always thought a bike travel show with you would be great as you have to be on the most colourful down to earth guys i have met in the industry!

  27. 27 Michael Jun 29th, 2010 at 11:19 pm

    Damn shame, BD is a helluva company and producing a bomber product. Kinda ironic that some on this blog bash them for producing “fashion bikes” when their models offer a wide spectrum of styles. Seems to me that builders pushing the old skinny tire style are the real fashionistas around here. JMO.

  28. 28 Jim Jun 29th, 2010 at 11:34 pm

    Sorry, Michael. Big Dog designs were all copied from what custom builders were doing at the time. Same for all other “clone” companies. No production custom motorcycle company has ever created any original design. They all just try to mass produce (reproduce) at a cheaper price the successful one-off bikes of custom builders (even copying the paint jobs). You don’t know anything about the custom market .

  29. 29 Fausto Simoes Jun 30th, 2010 at 5:52 am

    I rode a Big Dog once and it was a blast! If a bike looks cool and is fun to ride someone will always want to buy one.

  30. 30 Uruz Jun 30th, 2010 at 6:43 am

    There was a time when “layoffs” meant a temporary interruption in work. People “laid off” took a vacation, milked the government, and waited for the call-back. It was part of the manufacturing cycle. This “layoff” and all “layoffs” since 2006 have been bullshit. The headline should be: Big Dog Motorcycles Eliminates More Positions. These people, John, Wayne, Anne, and all those who came before them, will never be called back. Their loyalty to Sheldon all this time has been rewarded with nothing more than a “thank you”. I doubt if they got a severance. I doubt if they were paid for unused personal leave. Just a “sorry.” Whoever is left there now hopefully is spending most of their day searching “career builder” and not waiting for the next bike order come in. It ain’t. Sure, there may be a desire for these bikes. But the checkbook can’t back up the desire. The company’s inevitable ending doesn’t have so much to do with the motorcycles as it does the economy. People want vacations this summer. And new cars. Toys. And even groceries… all things people can’t afford. The style is fine. Sure, choppers are dead. But there is a market for baggers, bobbers, V-twin sport bikes… but none can be unveiled at $35,000. That’s bullshit. Jesus, I can buy an Infininti for that price. The remaining 5 people need to dial it down and take a chance on a true $16,000 motorcycle and quit f&8ing around thinking anyone in the WORLD wants to spend that much on a bike. I hope, now that the owner is back in the office full-time, he can get a real handle on how most people live and not base his product development decisions on his rich neighbors. I hope for the best. Whoever is left is good people who is extremely passionate about motorcycles. I hope Sheldon doesn’t let them down.

  31. 31 Cade Jun 30th, 2010 at 8:05 am

    Why ride a Jap Honda Fury when you can ride a American BDM ?

  32. 32 Skipper Jun 30th, 2010 at 8:09 am

    Big Dog is just another Harley. Over priced, over weight, under powered 1940’s technology at 2010 prices.

  33. 33 Mike Kiwi Tomas, Kiwi Indian Motorcycles Jun 30th, 2010 at 8:11 am

    Big Dog has always been a class act. I remember the late 90’s and early 2000’s when things were vibrant and Indian was, at least on the surface looking good. While Indian was full of BS, I remember Sheldon Colemans articles in our Industry magazines being very business like, elightening and frankly honest. While being on the show circuit for many years their staff has always been a class act. Over the years I have come across manufacturers and suppliers to Big Dog and each produced high quality products. Big Dog has always stood for quality, quality bikes, quality people, quality network. It is a shame to see them in this state and I feel for all the good hard working folks who have lost their jobs.

  34. 34 Sniperman Jun 30th, 2010 at 9:18 am

    The biggest problem with BD is the fact that they use proprietary parts…..

    Ignition…….you have to buy it from BD
    primary……you have to buy all parts from BD
    starter……..especially made for BD and it only fits their primary.
    hand controls……….can only get them from BD.
    hand control switches….only works with their controls.
    foot controls…….can only get them from BD
    electrical components…….can only get them from BD
    transmission………fits their primary only…..can only get from BD.
    speedo……….only works with their ignition system…..can only get from DB.

    This is the short list to say the least.

    Please tell us Mr. Fairless……if or when DB goes out of business, where will all BD owners be able to buy all of the proprietary parts that BD makes exclusively for their models??? Do you plan on buying all of the replacement parts from Mr. Coleman that are left over? will BD continue making these parts long after?? Where will all these parts be available??

    BD owners will have a very tough time keeping their BD on the road without getting raped.

    This is reality….additionally, the resale cost will be greatly affected…………as they say in the car industry: “obsolete”

    Better start looking for a way out while you still can.

    Best of luck to all BD owners.

  35. 35 Brad Jun 30th, 2010 at 9:26 am

    Great comment, Sniperman. BD owners, unfortunately, keeping your bike running is going to cost you a fortune.

  36. 36 Manhattan Choppers Jun 30th, 2010 at 10:42 am

    True sniper, the pitbull I sold was a pos.

  37. 37 Firetire Jun 30th, 2010 at 10:54 am

    Big Dog’s website is current with all 2010 model that are available through the dealer network. There is no reason to introduce a new Chopper model at this point in the year as a 2010, so… it makes sense to brand it as a 2011.
    I don’t know of any motorcycle manufacture that has 2011 products listed on their website right now.

    While you were searching for the new Chopper on the website, you would have noticed the “Events” tab that indicates BDM placement in Sturgis this year: http://www.bigdogmotorcycles.com/events/index.php?next_month=Next+Month

    See you there with our “to be” top speed record smashing fastest bagger on the planet, the Big Dog Bulldog Bagger.

  38. 38 Danny Jun 30th, 2010 at 11:05 am

    Firetire. You are playing cute, but the $20K Chopper was officially announced by Big Dog as a model to be released in April/May 2010 after road testing you were supposed to do folllowing the Indy Dealer Show. It was not announced as a 2011 model. All of sudden this model “disappeared”. Big Dog changed its mind for whatever reason, that’s it.

  39. 39 Cade Jun 30th, 2010 at 11:08 am

    Sniperman,
    Just where would Bourget fir into your scenario here should Bourget go away ?

  40. 40 Michael Jun 30th, 2010 at 11:55 am

    Yo Jim-

    Go ahead and be sorry:

    “Use any of my stuff you want to. Nothing is original! Everything is in the subconscious, we just ‘tap’ it sometimes and think think we have originated something. Genes make us more or less interested in certain things, but nothing is truly original.” -Von Dutch

    I’ll brush up on my custom building skills if you crack open a few books on art, economics, business and sales.

    Deal?

  41. 41 Firetire Jun 30th, 2010 at 11:55 am

    You are right Danny, it was announced as a 2010. However, there is only one month left in the fiscal year for new products, so why unveil a new product with last years date.

  42. 42 Rick Lossner Jun 30th, 2010 at 12:58 pm

    Got a BD Ridgeback and love it… … As some say, I get nothing but stares.. but I do on my Indian as well..

    Got an HD .. wife hates it .. too funny … .. at least it allows me to blend into the crowd 🙂 .. and I can buy the Black overpriced T’s too 🙂

  43. 43 1550tc Jun 30th, 2010 at 12:59 pm

    Hate to see anyone get into jam for parts for a cookie cutter bike so with my limited knowledge of the industry here goes.

    Maybe some of you other ex bdm employees or industry whiz kids on here can help these BDM guys out.

    Ignition…….replace it a dynatec or a spyke
    primary……call baker dint bert design and build it for them
    starter……..call spyke for early bikes and if Billy can’t help you no one can!
    hand controls……….replace them with oem HD ones cheap and 100’s on ebay.
    hand control switches….see above.
    foot controls…….open a drag catalogue and help yourself
    electrical components…….just re-wire the whole bike
    transmission……….baker see #2 above
    speedo………..thes eis is easy 🙂 buy a used $30 garmin gps on e-bay and get 2 twist ties 🙂

    if all else fails park it then…..wait till good ole John P buys up their inventory like he did with Indian and he will have at it online, Catalogues or his stores

    Hey Jeff what was tha song that Don Meredith used to sing on monday nite football, i was in diapers and cant remember it??

  44. 44 sidewinder Jun 30th, 2010 at 2:16 pm

    I hate to see Big Dog, or any bike manufacturer, have trouble in this economy. That said:
    -For every bad complaint there will be a happy customer. That is how it is. No point in 50 post arguing whose bike is better.
    -Everyone thinks they should always look back to the manufacturer. If if is in warranty absolutely but after that you are on your own. If mine breaks down, it is MY responsibility to fix it. Suck it up people.
    -I ride a 05 Titan. We all know how that company was wonderfully ran!! It was a joke. That said, i wouldn’t trade my bike in the least. Yes it is a chopper. No its not the old school bobber look that is the fad right now. It has a killer paint job & looks great. Supposedly choppers are “uncool” right now but & I draw a crowd wherever i go with a big smile on my face.
    -The main issue is Big Dog didnt anticipate the market. They cut cost after the fact vs implementing just-in-time production. They should have done what they did at the Coleman cooler biz. They didnt see the change in styles until it already was here. They could offer a bobber now, but by the time it hits the market bobbers will be out & there will be a new trend. They are a market follower not a market maker. Their baggers are really cool but no one has $35k to buy 1 in this economy enough to support the continued business. Reintroducing a model that can be found used for 30% less on ebay is not the answer either. They need to sit down & reevaluate their whole approach. BE CREATIVE! Offer a basic bobber, chopper, whatever with the option to upgrade parts by selection. No proprietary bs. Use the best parts off the bikes & start from there. Cut the rest. Get back to basics. Frame-motor-seat- Go! Forget diamond cut heads on every bike. Then work out financing options for buyers! This is huge right now with the increased scrutiny with credit, etc.
    I hope they pull out the company. It is never good to see a bike manufacturer go under.

  45. 45 maroco Jun 30th, 2010 at 3:15 pm

    Good luck for the company the bikes are incredible, the price are “relative”.

  46. 46 RUB Jun 30th, 2010 at 5:25 pm

    ” I draw a crowd wherever i go with a big smile on my face.”

    so you buy a 30K motorcycle to draw a crowd ? If your cool , you could pick up a chick on a vespa at a Hells Angles open house . If your not , your riding home on a bad azz 30K chopper alone . just sayin .

  47. 47 1550tc Jun 30th, 2010 at 8:19 pm

    I rode a Big Dog once and it was a blast!

    So is a fat chick till your buddies see you riding her 🙂

  48. 48 Kapn124 Jun 30th, 2010 at 8:56 pm

    Why so many haters. Isn’t that the problem we are already having on this planet.
    I’ve known just as many posers who bought Harleys, not to mention all the look alike metric bikes, as ones that bought Big Dogs so what. Posers are posers are posers. And so what if they want to pose let’em. Then when its all over the rest of us will go ride our bikes like we always have.
    I bought a Big Dog because I like the chopper look and it was easily, for what I had time to go and test ride, the best riding, running and feeling chopper out there and it was a little easier than trying to buy a custom from someone who would prbably be gone in short order and I would be left alone to deal with issues anyway.
    I’m like a lot of guys, they go under I’ll mss them but I will go on takin care of my ride just like always propietary parts or not.

  49. 49 mike@meanstreet forks Jun 30th, 2010 at 9:27 pm

    Hi Gang. No matter what anybody says. big dog is probably the most engineering oriented after market bike builder around. no one else hired more engineeres than they did. it is a huge challenge to build semi high production bikes knowing the the life testing needed like i do. Coleman gave it the true all guns out effort and he put his cash on the line. it really shows you how much effort hd puts into a reliable bike. All these iconic brands brought us alot of great times. I realize that many had issues, but if hd made that many bikes in that short period they would be in the same boat

  50. 50 Jeff Reid Jul 1st, 2010 at 12:10 am

    In ref to Rick Fairless’ comment earlier. My name is Jeff Reid and I’m from Suffolk, VA who purchased an ’05 Bulldog brand new from Ernie Haire Ford (Tampa, FL) when he was set up in Myrtle Beach, SC in Oct ’05. My bike is project code G5311 and has been a total and complete NIGHTMARE since the day after I bought it. From what I was told (in secret) that my particular model was not a full production bike due to issues found after the build began. Now I can’t prove this but when I started looking and asking other shops nobody had the bikes and a couple said that model was discontinued. After experiencing several problems with this bike I started asking for a trade assist from my bike to a Mastiff (similar in looks and stance) but had negative results. TO THIS DAY i am still having issues with this bike that have included a motor rebuild, transmission rebuild, air suspension replacement, clutch replacement and clutch cable (defective from factory) replacement. I’ve also had an EHC replaced and STILL cannot make it a mile from my house without it shutting down. I haven’t put 50 miles on this bike in over a year and am still making $469 a month payments!!! Now here’s the problem……(as if I didn’t just give you enough!!)……I COMPLETELY understand these things are hotrod-ish toys and that toys sometime break. Trust me, I owned a Titan before this…LOL. Except for me not ever being confident of making it back from a ride without the assistance of a trailer, I have thoroughly enjoyed this bike WHEN it DOES run like it’s supposed to, not to mention it’s one of the best looking bikes Big Dog ever produced. The factory has been helpful with some of the repairs but left me with the $1700 tranny repair with only 17k miles on it. Yes, I said 17,000 miles. I am one of the customers who actually rides his bike…when it runs!! Now the biggest problem of all……..each and every one of my friends, family, co-workers, associates and riding buddies know me and especially my bike (and it’s history). NOT ONE of them would ever purchase a Big Dog due to the CONSTANT problems I’ve had and the fact that the factory wouldn’t trade out an obvious “problem bike” for another that I could actually enjoy while I paid for it!!! So right now, as it sits in my garage broke down and inoperable, I’m not feeling any sorrow for the status of their business. Because I have to believe that if they’ve treated me like this, they’ve more than likely handled similar situations comparibly. I would have just sold this problem years ago but I have (apparently) more of a conscience than the factory because I couldn’t sleep at night knowing I sold this thing to some other poor, unsuspecting soul. So Big Dog…..when you’re trying to figure out what happened…pick up the phone and call any of your service centers and act as if you’re one of your own customers with an issue. See how you get treated. See how you feel after you hang up the phone…..only then will you have the answer to your questions. Hopefully you can tell by my comment here that I am a well educated, understanding customer that feels all his problems of the last 5 years would have been for not if they had just traded me onto a bike that Big Dog themselves believed in. At 43 years old and having been a customer of some pretty high dollar toys, I can tell you this have been (BY FAR) my worst ever experience of a product and customer satisfaction level.

  51. 51 sidewinder Jul 1st, 2010 at 7:51 am

    I ride with a smile on my face cause the bike is mine done the way I like it. It shows the work & personality I put into it. & No I didnt pay $30k for it, not even close! I wasnt slagging anyone or bike, I was just commenting, in general, about how the industry trend is to bash choppers lately. Just meant be happy with what you have. I dont give a sh*t is someone thinks i am cool or not, but I do appreciate when someone takes the time to compliment work i put into something.
    As far as picking up chicks at a Hells Angels open house… I dont know about the women in your area, but in mine…. I’ll pass & take the Vespa. No offense.

  52. 52 raycwheeler@gmail.com Jul 1st, 2010 at 11:47 am

    please turn out the lights and don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out of town.

    great attempt, but no cigar.

    ray usa

  53. 53 1550tc Jul 1st, 2010 at 12:45 pm

    Jeff

    purchased an ‘05 Bulldog brand new from Ernie Haire Ford

    Ernie Haire Ford WTF??? Ernie Haire Ford ???

    sorry dude but i had to stop reading your post at that sentence………there was your first mistake

    A Ford and BDM dealer……what kind of Ford franchise agreement did this guy have???

  54. 54 Jeff Reid Jul 1st, 2010 at 4:02 pm

    LMAO….They had the BDM franchise…..a rip off artist named Bob Stetson (my opinion) owned the deal. I should have known from the way he treated me during the entire purchase process on how this deal was gonna go down. I should have explained that a little clearer. I certainly understand how silly it reads.

  55. 55 1550tc Jul 1st, 2010 at 7:49 pm

    OK Jeff R. I’ve come out of the ether and just had few jager bombs and read the rest of your post.

    Ar first i thought it was trade in, you know trade a dog in for anotehr dog LOL…… but then i read he was BDM dealer WTF and to make matter worse the guy was seling the bike out if trading area man………i thought only some of my dates at trade shows in Vegas did that?

    That bike of yours seem to have aged in dog years I think, 17k and needs a tranny, what was in it a $250 Fling Ling 6spd?? My buddy has on ole 750 toaster tank bmw 225K original tranny!!!!!!!

    Nasi wow once saw the guy work his ass off at some dealer’s open house in El Cahon?……… giving bikes to a Ford dealer should get him into the sales reps hall of shame, talk about desperate!! What an insult to Henry Ford, he should have given BD to the local LADA dealer!!

    After reading the other post about Nasi above, its so true people don’t remember f-all u tell them they, just remember how you left them feeling after they met you!! BDM should have spent less on adds and those stupid f—king Rolexes and bought their guys a $3 Dale Carnegie book to read!!!

  56. 56 stephen Jul 2nd, 2010 at 3:10 am

    # Cade Jun 30th, 2010 at 8:05 am

    Why ride a Jap Honda Fury when you can ride a American BDM ?
    # 32

    Lets see, Honda.. largest dealer network in Australia, Fully ADR approved, every insurance company will insure it. Great engine, great handling, great bike to ride.
    Big Dog.. No dealers or importers in Australia, no ADR approval, the govt won’t let you bring one in to the country and if you did find a way to get one in well you can’t register it. The Australian govt says NO to American made and YES to Japan made. Only HD can afford to pay for all the ADR approvals. Besides the Japanese companies contribute lots of money to the major political parties, so who do you think they will make the rules for?

  57. 57 Rick Lossner Jul 2nd, 2010 at 7:51 am

    Jeff Reid: That is why we have Lemon Laws… you missed the boat on that one, or live in the wrong state 🙁

    My Ridgeback….. awesome bike…. yours is the exception, not the norm 🙁

  58. 58 Sheridan Jul 3rd, 2010 at 5:48 am

    Sorry to correct you on a technicality Stephen (Jul 2nd, 2010 at 3:10 am) but in Australian you can currently purchase the following American made cycles through dealers with full ADR compliance: Harley Davidson, Victory, Pro-One, Saxon, Big Bear Choppers, Sucker Punch Sally (and previously Hellbound Steel). It’s not about the Australian Govt saying no to US bikes, it’s saying no to bikes that do not comply with ADRs.

  59. 59 Jeff Reid Jul 4th, 2010 at 1:14 pm

    @Rick Lossner……Isn’t it amazing that the Lemon Law deal is only for two years after the purchase date…ironicly that’s the coverage time frame of the warranty also!! In Virginia you cannot use the Lemon Law if the item is still under warranty. Trust me….I tried everything. I even had the President of the Credit Union who financed it for me call BDM’s legal and ask them to help me with trading it out. And I TOTALLY understand my bike is the EXCEPTION…….it’s so unfair of the amount of negative “press” my specific bike has gotten BDM to each and every person who knows of my issues that have plagued this bike since the day after I took delivery. And again, please understand that I would be alot more patient with it had BDM not stopped production of that particular model mid-stream for whatever reason(s).

    @1550tc…..the tranny is a Baker unit that came in the bike from the factory. You think that’s bad??? The motor had to be rebuilt at 13k miles due to being tuned improperly (too rich…beat the cylinder walls up). I traveled 2 hours each way for EVERY SERVICE at mileage increments so to keep the warranty deal straight. They tried to not cover the engine repair until I showed them every service ticket from their “factory authorized service facility”. LOL…..my $700 set of Arlen Ness pipes are runied at the ports from bluing and at the end from scraping the pavement on right hand turns!!!! It no longer has the OEM air suspension due to the numerous leaks that you wouldn’t know about til the frame hit the road and would cause you to not be able to make a turn completely. Almost wrecked on an exit ramp riding it home from Myrtle two days after buying it (did I metion there was a safety recall on the module that the dealer DIDN’T DO prior to delivering the bike to me?? And he knew I planned on riding it home to put break-in miles on it). Oh wait……another $469 payment is due and I haven’t ridden it since last year!!!!

  60. 60 Buell 1 Jul 4th, 2010 at 4:50 pm

    Jeff Reid
    Thing could be Worse.
    You have only experienced a few of the 2005 Bulldog problems. Have you checked NHTSA web sight about the all the Recalls and Service Bulletins covering your bike.
    You could have your heavy steel front fender fall off. The frames side plated bend and start chewing up drive belts. Have your plastic side covers started to fall off? How many speedometers have you replaced and do you know your primary does not have a compensator?

  61. 61 Jeff Reid Jul 4th, 2010 at 9:50 pm

    @Buell 1…….your info is not surprising!!! Speaking of the belt issue…that’s what happened when I had the tranny rebuilt……belt tore apart and strands got caught on the right rear turn signal bucket and locked up the back wheel at 60mph in front of traffic!!!

    You guys remember me and these conversations….this bike WILL hurt or kill me one day. These reasons are why I will not sell it to someone else….just as they should not have sold it to me (or at least traded me off it when I started having all these issues).

  62. 62 1550tc Jul 4th, 2010 at 11:57 pm

    Jeff do what u can with it as it sounds like a total turd.

    Get and a blown HEMI or V10 dodge truck and make this BDM roll off the back of it with NO one behind you of course!! while your doing some 0-60 runs or 50-75 mph roll on tests

    Only other bike i have heard this kind of horror story from was an 01 POS Indian …….nice bags though 🙂

    I will not sell it to someone else …..hate to the see that bad karma this BDM could bring you 🙁

  63. 63 Jeff Reid Jul 5th, 2010 at 12:55 am

    I’m serious when I say this one experience is the worst ever in my entire life of purchasing anything of any value. Even the stories with my Titan Phoenix are frustrating….but I considered the source being Titan prior to the first going out of business deal. But when I bought from Big Dog, I knew they had been in business for years and assumed they had their act together (which I believe they do, just not on the model I bought). In ref to the insurance claim, each and every time something bad happened to me I’d believe it was because of doing something illegal….and that’s just not my style. I’d love for someone at Big Dog to read this thread and understand my situation. I have to believe there’s still someone there who cares!!!!

  64. 64 JimC Jul 5th, 2010 at 8:24 am

    I have to agree with Rick Fairless. I am not a BDM dealer but I am a dealer. The Big Dog type of bike has not really gone out of style,it is just almost impossible for someone to get financing. I agree that the sales have gone down because not as many people want to buy one but I would rather have one of these type of bikes than a hard tail Bobber. Now there is a bike that will get broken down for the parts. And most of the Bobbers on the market now are being built with Off Shore parts. All of us need to realize what that means and do what we can to help a company like Big Dog that buys most of their parts from good ole USA manufacturers.
    I would rather ride a K9 than almost any style bobber out there on the market at the moment. Now there are a couple of bobbers that I like but most of them I would not waste my time and money on them. Good luck BDM Just my .02.
    Jim Corcoran (Jim C)

  65. 65 mike Corbin Jul 5th, 2010 at 10:25 am

    Sheldon Coleman isa wonderful person and product champion..
    He has his heart, soul and money on the table and is trying to build a strong brand in America..
    Big Dog has treated riders and dealers very well..
    The World has slowed down ,wonderful products and American companies are struggling for life..
    We should be thankful there are Americans that try to build companies in our country..

  66. 66 Stuart Jul 5th, 2010 at 12:59 pm

    I don’t have a or ever owned a Big Dog but if I were in a situation right now to afford another custom I would look at some of the Big Dogs and wouldn’t think twice about it. Had a old Titan that I put almost 28k miles on 2 yrs. and loved it other than the vibration. But what do you expect from a solid mount stroker motor? I would still have it if not for someone else wanting worse than me (stolen). Big Dog has always put out nice bikes and still do. No I am not a dealer do know one and have had the pleasure of going to Strokers as well as several other Big Dog dealers across the country and have had some great experiences from each. The only thing Big Dog has to blame is the economy which has hurt every one. To all those that love the Big Dog brand, have fun and enjoy. And to those haters, grow up and get informed about the real situation going on not only at Big Dog or some of the other manufactures but also in this great country of ours.

  67. 67 Jeff Reid Jul 5th, 2010 at 1:44 pm

    ok…so what I’m reading is you guys aren’t paying one bit of attention to my posts in reference to details such as my nightmare being a big part of why it may be so hard to get financing on these bikes. When Big Dig refused to help me with a trade assist (when the President of my credit union called) he pulled the plug on any further business with financing Big Dog products. Just think of the warm fuzzy feeling he would have had if the factory had (at least) acted as if they cared I was having so many major problems?? So beings most Big Dogs are good bikes, customers like me just have to take it in the ass and wish I had made a different choice in manufacturers right???

    @Mike Corbin….if Mr Coleman is such a great guy he would have returned ONE of my voicemails I left for him personally throughout the last four years of my frustrations. I know he has people in place to handle such issues but I just wanted to explain to him my position and see if he could/would do anything for me. Again….this one bike has caused more people within my “bubble” to never buy a bike from Big Dog…..and that type of negative press beats out however many thousands they’ve spent of positive advertising. I understand none of you know me or my world, so it’s not surprising I may look/sound like I just like to complain…..when actually the opposite is more true. When my Bog Dog is running and reliable, I’d rather ride it than my 2009 Screamin Eagle Softail Springer…..the problem is a can’t afford to keep it on the road when everytime you fix one high dollar itme another breaks right after it!!!

    Once again…..

    1) air suspension (always inoperative and leaked to where we had to remove it and replace with gas shocks)….of which Big Dog paid for the repair due to problem existing from the day after I took delivery. Took at least 5 (if not more) 4 hour trips back and forth for “repairs” and finally had to remove completely

    2) defective from factory (they knew of this problem but wouldn’t fix until it broke) clutch cable. This item broke 60+ miles from my house so I had to wait 2 hours at ferry dock for my group to get back and one of them to bring the trailer to get me!! LOL

    3) defective clutch hub that was going to fail (not if) so I bought aftermarket Bandit clutch and the factory paid for labor to install. Thank you BDM…..for the labor help, not the $500 clutch!

    4) several broken side covers that BDM replaced but didn’t help me with custom graphics I had painted on twice!

    5) motor had to be rebuilt at 13k miles due to cylinder wall damage from what they called being tuned rich for a long period of time. Tried to not cover due to out of warranty but I had all receipts from services being done at their Richmond, VA location.

    6) tranny took dump at 17k miles. Sent back to Baker (who wouldn’t cover due to being out of warranty)…..cost me $1700 to repair.

    7) now the EHC issue that causes the bike to shut off within 5 feet or 5 miles from your driveway!! Already replaced one and still have same issue.

    All these issues and I have still managed to put just a touch over 18k miles on it (when it runs)…..this time frame also includes winter non-riding months here. If the damn thing would stay up and running it’d probably have 35k miles on it by now!!!!

    So guys…..I’m just saying that a ONE BIKE trade assist for documented multiple major issues with their product should not be out of the question in this particular instance. It’s just ONE BIKE….to me (I know). It’s just ANOTHER BIKE to them….

  68. 68 V-Twin Nut Jul 6th, 2010 at 11:16 am

    Gone @ last. I got rid of my Big Dog Chopper this week end. What a P.O.S. This was supposed to be their best model. Myself and 3 of my buddies have all finally got rid of our

  69. 69 V-Twin Nut Jul 6th, 2010 at 11:54 am

    Oops, accidentally hit the enter button. As I mentioned, my buddies have all sold our Big Dogs (at a loss I might add) Don’t let the guys at Big Dig fool ya. Their struggling right now. Regardless what Fire Tire, Rick Fairless, Mike Corbin and all of the other guys out there that work with and for Sheldon Coleman. Sheldon is a cold hearted individual, I bet he wasn’t even the one that laid the people off. He probably had someone else do it for him. He has always stayed behind the scenes when he let people go. I had several friends that worked at Big Dog and they all had the same story when they were let go. The same story of cowardly moves by upper management and back stabbing by other employees to keep their jobs.

    Sheldon Coleman isn’t the great guy he makes himself out to be. Poor business man and a person that has no grasp on what people really want. He needs to go back to California and live off of his daddy’s money. Let Intrust Bank liquidate Big Dogs assets. After all, they are calling all of he shots. They have been for almost a year.

    There might be a couple of dealers out there that they still take care of, but if you talk to the majority of them, they will tell you that Big Dog is not paying its bills to them or their vendors. I have one here for $23,000.00 that they still owe and have owed since last August.

    The time of lying to everyone is over. Sheldon has lied to his Employees, Vendors, Dealers and the Public. Along the way he has made many enemies and disgruntle employees. Just talk to one of them they will tell you how things really are at Big Dog. They were the people that Sheldon used and then kicked to the side when he was done with them.

    Maybe John Nasi can send another press release to one of his magazine buddies and prolong the life of Big Dog another 6 months to get rid of a couple more bikes in their inentory. But most people out there are on to them by now.

    Big Dog has screwed so many people out there, they are finally getting what they deserve.

  70. 70 1550tc Jul 6th, 2010 at 12:47 pm

    Big Dog has screwed so many people out there, they are finally getting what they deserve

    yeah whats goes around sure does come back around and bitch slap you back to reality

    Jeff call him at his new number 1800eatshit

  71. 71 pabstbluerigid Jul 6th, 2010 at 1:24 pm

    adding insult to injury…have a couple of Big Dog wrecks in our shop…am VERY nervous about getting “some/certain” parts…got misc parts in Friday and some appear/are previously installed? lower legs had fluid residue in them AND had imprint of where the fender was mounted based on mud/grime buildup that remained on the leg! scuff marks too. wtf.

  72. 72 hellraiser Jul 6th, 2010 at 4:49 pm

    anybody that says a bike is out of style should not be riding , this isnt a fashion statement . you ride what you like . period . and if you sell your bike because its not the latest trend then your an idiot.

  73. 73 Hank Jul 6th, 2010 at 6:03 pm

    My ride is a 2004 pro street 300 tire soft tail custom. Turns heads where ever I ride. Took me 4 years to build during which I aged 10! BUT I love it. No bobber or bagger for me. Just my preference guys.

  74. 74 Jeff Reid Jul 6th, 2010 at 11:18 pm

    @1550tc….What I wrote was a well thought out, concerned as a customer, truthful comment that wasn’t bashing in an out-of-line manner. Thanks for you assistance with a phone number….I tried it but got Mr Coleman’s personal voicemail……LOL

  75. 75 1550tc Jul 6th, 2010 at 11:31 pm

    Jeff now that he has experience selling these types of toys, and fully understands the look at me ego of these buyers, the guys at bmd should consider selling these.

    http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2729148136001118155#

  76. 76 Jeff Reid Jul 7th, 2010 at 8:18 am

    1550tc….I totally agree with you on the “look at me” thought process…..it goes the same for a guy who buys a Corvette rather than a Camaro. But when you pay Corvette money, you deserve Corvette quality and especially Corvette service. I know guys who bought $6500 Hondas who are riding when I’m constantly broke down with my $30,000 “corvette”. I believe the company knows the mistakes that were made, the question is will they make it through the storm. I certainly hope so due to the number of customers out there that are held hostage by Big Dog’s production method of nothing aftermarket fitting their bikes.

    And if the company is in such bad shape then what’s the problem with “going out in style” and helping customers like myself with a bike “in inventory” that I can enjoy for the money I’m having to pay. I kinda get the feeling they are taking us down with them!!!

  77. 77 Jeff Reid Jul 7th, 2010 at 9:11 am

    one more thing…..in ref to your video…..as much as I pulled on it during my teenage years with negative results, I doubt very seriously this device will work any better!!!! LMAO

  78. 78 Laars Jul 7th, 2010 at 9:32 am

    I love how people who have never owned a Big Dog or ridden one, bad mouth them…… If BD is so out of touch with what people want, then tell me why when I parked my BD 2003 Chopper at the Local Harley dealer, the sales guy was pissed offf because one of the guys he was trying to sell a harley to wanted to know where the bikes like mine are. I had 5 of his customers around my bike, asking questions. Ya sure, nobody wants them…….Keep telling yourself that.

    At Laconia bike week this year, the guy that sits on the side of the road at all the bike events and takes all the photos of the bikes going by, stopped taking photos of the harleys, and snapped 6 shots of my bike as I went by. I know this because of the four other guys I was riding with, who were on Harleys, only one had there photo taken, and it was only the front half of his bike.

    Ya, ok, nobody wants them, or likes them…… Maybe I should sell mine and buy a standard, everyone looks the same, boring, Harley with a fairing and bags… You guys talk about being individuals, yet you all have the same bike, with the same accessories….B O R I N G!!!

  79. 79 OVRCOME Jul 7th, 2010 at 4:48 pm

    Here’s a guy, Sheldon Coleman, who took much of his inheritance, investment income, dividends, and nickles from the cushions of his $8,000 couch, built a company from one idea, one brick at a time, employed hundreds (incl. BDM, vendors, and dealers), and gave many a chance to work in an industry they are very passionate about. He overcame growing pains, recalls, reliability issues and more. He just couldn’t overcome the economy. And now, he is left with a once-again fledgling motorcycle company, in a shitty economy, and doing everything he can to keep the company survive. And many of you are bad-mouthing him and his products. Whatever. I had the privilege to work for him for several years before being, as Uruz puts it, eliminated. I don’t miss the place: the morale was weak, sales were down, heads were down, and more. I would not go back if given the chance. But I am more skilled now, and in a position, that without Sheldon, I would never have gotten. And yet, other ex-employees are bitter and pissed off…. for what? Because they can’t find a job and are blaming him? How about cut your hair, cover your tats, and then try. Overcome. and move on. Crappy bike? Overcome and move on. A fellow ex-employee told me this was posted on Cyril’s blog, it sure is interesting to read… sort of makes me glad I’m out of the m/c industry all together. Too much bitterness.

  80. 80 Gail Ash Jul 8th, 2010 at 3:17 pm

    I love my 2006 Chopper and my 2008 Mutt. They are the best bikes to ride and I wouldn’t trade mine either.!!!!!!

  81. 81 Jeff Reid Jul 8th, 2010 at 4:06 pm

    @Laars….My Big Dog is one of the best looking ever built. It just doesn’t do me any good sitting in the garage looking awesome when it won’t run AGAIN!!!!!!!

    @OVRCOME….unfortunately I’m one of the guys who financed $30,000 for one of these bikes that turned out to be a lemon. If you worked there then you know the history of the 2005 Bulldog and it’s limited production. All I’ve ever said negative was that if BDM decided for whatever reasons to cease production of that model then they should not have sold the ones that were left out there to unsuspecting dumbasses like me. Now I totally understand there are a hell of alot of them out there that run perfect…..mine’s NOT one of them. Never has and probably never will. How much fun am I having right now????

    @Gail Ash…..I envy you…..especially everytime I stroke that $469 check each month and haven’t been able to ride it in months!!!! Just fix it someone says….ok, $500 for the Wire Plus harness and 8 hours labor to HOPE someone wires it correctly…….Yee Haa!!!!!

  82. 82 OVRCOME Jul 8th, 2010 at 4:52 pm

    Jeff Reid: You’re right. The company did produce several lemons. They were just too late to respond to reliability concerns. That was the problem all along… very reactive, not proactive. You can tell that by when we came out with the chopper, the bagger, dealt with reliability, and now going to Europe. I only am expressing my respect for Sheldon as an entrepreneur and risk-taker. Like all business owners, some decisions were not the best, I just hope he can overcome them. I can’t say I totally understand your frustration, I have never owned a $30,000 lemon. My apologies for telling you and others to essentially “get over it.” That was harsh. I can only hope the best for all who need parts, service, repairs, etc.

  83. 83 Big Mike Jul 8th, 2010 at 5:55 pm

    I bought my 04 Pitbull used from my local HD dealer and kicked myself in short order when I found out they don’t work on them and local Big Dog authorized service centers are scarce. That said, I’ve owned the bike about a year and a half now, and while I have the skills to work on the bike myself, I’ve found that other than regular servicing, I have not needed to do anything to it. Also, usually the longer you own a bike them more you find that you don’t like or want to change. This bike however just keeps getting better. I love all of the high end parts that went into this machine. Everybody knows the reputation of S&S, Baker, Performance Machine, Day Tec, Autometer, Primo Rivera, etc. In a nutshell, the longer I have owned this bike the more in love with it I become.

    Would I buy another one??? Hell yes!!!

  84. 84 Bunch Jul 10th, 2010 at 6:49 am

    The bike is beautiful, 99 Pit Bull. Mean, sleek and a oh so lovely growl!

    Fixing it is another thing. Its not the labor, its the parts. Parts are by distributor only, now that was painful and long. Thanks a lot to the CT disty’s. EHC was shot, finally a new updated kit came out, 8 months later. That however did not fit the current wiring harness. Another three months. Do you know what its like to listen to someone complain for almost a year!?!?

    The whole EHC thing should have been a recall, no doubt about it. You just cant get parts, still. Forget any documentation nor schematics. They missed the boat in the after market business which to me equates to lousy customer service. We will not be return customers.

    We do love her though…..

  85. 85 pete Jul 10th, 2010 at 9:32 pm

    i have a 2005…40,000 miles.first year for the change to rsd and yes ive had every nut and bolt off the thing…bigdog backed me and after warranty i did it myself. with the bugs out…BEST RIDE IVE EVER HAD!!!

  86. 86 Darren Aug 21st, 2010 at 3:38 pm

    Absolutely love my big dog chopper. Bought it for half of new as a bank repo and ride it practically every nice day. The compliments are never ending. Practically every time I stop and anyone walks by at all. Young and old, that even includes grandmas. And for all you chopper haters or ones that simply say they are out, you are dead wrong. People walk straight past all the other brands or any of the styles. Bobbers ,baggers, metrics, you name it. They come straight to my chopper and don’t even crack a single look at all the others. They pull out cameras, wonder if they can sit on it, and simply ask a string of questions about it and are in awe about the beauty of it. The minute they walk up to it half the people will say “wow its a chopper, those are so cool and hot lookin ” Then when I start it to leave it starts all over again with ” sounds so sweet and powerful”, or something of that nature. Only good thing I can say about all those other styles is if you don’t like crowds or like endless conversation about your bike then those are definetely the motorcycle for you!
    All that I can say is long live the chopper and big dog because it has attracted many new friends admiring my gorgeous bike as they put it. Keep up the good work Mr Coleman and I hope you pull through because they are a definite work of art. People confirm that to me on a daily basis!!! People who bad mouth your bikes are nothing more than jealous because they don’ get compliments like we do and it obviously thoroughly pisses them off!! And as for problems, I have put 8,000 miles on my bike this year and no problems since I bought it a year ago.

  87. 87 Brian Murphy Aug 31st, 2010 at 12:17 am

    It is funny to hear all the talk about Big Dog. I have two 1997 Big Dog Classics. I have just over 66,000 on one and 37,000 on the other. I bought my first Big Dog back in 97 when the Harley dealers in Cincinnati would not even talk to you unless you had a bike to trade in, than if you had one they would put you on a list. There was nothing but attitude at the dealers at that time. No one had a clue what Big Dog was. I saw Big Dog, Titan and a few others clone’s as they were called then at the Columbus, Oh Easy Riders Show. I called each company and decided after talking with each to take a few days and go to Big Dog in Wichita. From the time I walked into the lobby I was treated like a valued customer. Rick Messer who was running sales spent the day with me showing me the small facility and explaining the Big Dog philosophy. I had the great pleasure to meet and talk with Shelton Coleman. Shelton is a real class act. Anyone that thinks he is just a RUB really needs to get a life. Shelton had a vision and made it a reality.
    I wish Big Dog well and hope they do pull threw, many of you don’t want to admit that companies like Big Dog lead with the fatter tires, high horse power motors and 6 speed transmissions now standard on your Harleys. Shelton told me he never saw his company being large like Harley, he just wanted to provide a quality custom alternative to what the factory offered. I think he did a pretty good job of it.

  88. 88 Jeff Reid Nov 16th, 2010 at 7:14 pm

    @Brian….just as in all business…you met them before they got too big for their britches!!!!!

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