Exclusive. Big Dog Motorcycles Trying The Bike Kit Business.

As the US economy went into recession, demand for production custom built motorcycles fell with it. Many small producers of custom American V-Twin motorcycles disappeared, while others like Big Dog Motorcycles struggled to stay afloat.

After several rounds of reorganization, a failed attempt to find an investor/partner, a test to sell a lower priced chopper at $20,000, Big Dog Motorcycles is now trying a new marketing approach, selling OEM “Build A Bike” Kits. Companies like Desperado Motorcycles and Big Bear Choppers have been successful in the past at selling rolling chassis of their most popular models.  

No official announcement coming from Big Dog Motorcycles – probably because it’s still a test – but the manufacturer is running an ad on eBay where the company states: “Due to a multitude of requests for Big Dog Motorcycles ‘Build-a-Bike’ kits, we are now releasing the first run of OEM Big Dog Rolling Chassis Kits”

The ad also mentions that “The chassis kit sold is the 2008-2011 Pitbull model and comes complete with all parts you see in the picture and all necessary hardware to bolt it together”. Big Dog Motorcycles states that this kit retails new from their factory for $5995.00, but selling the first few on eBay well bellow this price…It will be very interesting to observe the interest that bikers will have for Big Dog Chassis Kits, and what will be the best offer the first one will get on eBay. You can see the Big Dog Motorcycles eBay ad by jumping HERE.

As I upload this article at 8.30 am EST on February 11, 2011, the BDM eBay ad has been seen 239 times (counter at bottom of ad page) and received only 1 bid at $995.95. Let’s see what will be the numbers after I am the first magazine to publicly disclose this information.  Ad has been online for one day and has 6 more days to run before expiration.

55 Responses to “Exclusive. Big Dog Motorcycles Trying The Bike Kit Business.”


  1. 1 J. Kleves Feb 11th, 2011 at 8:57 am

    It may be a good idea because the owner of one of their chassis will be (almost) obliged to buy Big Dog parts if he wants them to fit on the kit.

  2. 2 Harry Feb 11th, 2011 at 8:58 am

    Wonder what can be the reserve.

  3. 3 2Low Feb 11th, 2011 at 8:59 am

    I can’t live without my morning cup of Cyril Huze news. Always the first…

  4. 4 info Feb 11th, 2011 at 9:06 am

    thats because they cant buy motors

  5. 5 El Loco Feb 11th, 2011 at 9:14 am

    To all Buyers………

    Please understand that you can only use a special Baker Transmission made for Big Dog with their chassis. These transmissions have 6 mounting studs instead of 4 regular mounting studs plus the standard 5th mount on the side. Big Dog calls it the Balance Drive Baker DSSC configuration. Yes, the add says it so read it carefully.

    Since you can only use their transmission that has a special pattern both on the frame mounts, the trans also has a special pattern that only fits their special primary and special starter that goes with the DSSC configuration.

    This set-up will allow you to run a regular Evo motor, however, you will be forced to buy their proprietary transmission, primary and starter from Big Dog which are very, very expensive.

    How do I know this you ask?….I picked up a K-9 on ebay for cheap and the trans exploded on me after 2 months of normal riding. I was unaware that the Big Dog’s had a lot of problems with their clutches. I found out both the hard way and by reading forums after it was too late. We called Baker and they wanted over 2k for the trans parts plus I had to pay for the labor. The whole little ordeal costs me close to 3,200 with a new clutch.

    We tried to use a different transmission and wanted to use an open belt drive but like I said before so that I would not be a slave to Big Dog and their outrageous prices, but, it was impossible due to the proprietary DSSC configuration design.

    Sounds like they are trying to clean out old inventory on a bike model that did not do well and are stuck with so they are selling it very cheap. In turn, you will be forced to come back and buy their expensive proprietary trans, primary and starter.

    I am hoping that Cyril posts this “experience” of mine just so that people understand what they are getting themselves into.

    Good luck to all bidders.

  6. 6 A 1 CYCLES Feb 11th, 2011 at 9:21 am

    for that price, cut the tranny mount out and put in a normal 6 spd…its not rocket science..its bike building, your only limited by your imagination..looks like a good platform for a proven chassis and wheel combo. american made also…good deal at 5k

  7. 7 Shifter Feb 11th, 2011 at 9:26 am

    They ask buyers to pay their bikes in full in advance at order because they don’t have the cash flow to buy parts to build their bikes. But who is going to pay in full then wait, how long? The only last thing they can do now is to sell their remaining in stock parts. They should have started selling rolling chassis 5 years ago. Today, who wants to build in his garage a custom Big Dog. They are so 2000. And anyway, anyone trying to build a Pitbull in his garage is going to spend many more dollars than what was the factory price of one produced by Big Dog with warranty. And if someone really wants one, better off to buy one on eBay or any dealership. They sell at a very steep discount. Good try, too late. It will not work in 2011. It could have worked in 2005. Very sad, and it looks to me like a parts liquidation.

  8. 8 G. Alexander Feb 11th, 2011 at 9:33 am

    Hmmm. Desperation.

  9. 9 Wolf450 Feb 11th, 2011 at 9:36 am

    If Big Dog disappears it will be very sad for the industry. Hope it works and help them to hold until better times.

  10. 10 Kelley Feb 11th, 2011 at 9:40 am

    One day, only 1 bid at $995 for this $5500 chassis? Worrisome.

  11. 11 Cris Jones Feb 11th, 2011 at 9:42 am

    Like in Egypt, way too late to fix the problems.

  12. 12 Bigalyts Feb 11th, 2011 at 10:23 am

    Shifter, you are a Genuis, so they don’t have the Cash or they have a better place for it, what’s the difference, they are struggling, but trying to survive! El Loco, why not make another move? Call Baker and tell them that they need to contribute toward their inferior design? A1 Cycle figured that out pretty quick! Maybe he does know how much money Jr. & Sr. have in the BANK! Hee! I have heard you Guys praise the Baker’s and how wonderful they are..Well they are not such leaders and Builder’s of such a great Product, either. They have Built some Shit and sold some shit, but they won’t eat Shit ! Baker has PLENT to do with the BLow Up Clutches and Tranny’s they Built and sold Big Dog. They give you the OLD ” Out of Warranty” BS. True the Bikes are older then a Year. But they got 3,000 or 4,000 Miles on they Product. It;s good to hear Builders trying to survive! They don’t need Negativity, they need positive Comments and Well Wishers and they need, their Vendors sticking behind them! Every Supplier and Vendor is your Friend when you are Building 2000 Big Dogs a Year! They need you Vendors presently. They need Product that is quality so Rider’s out there get a Great Bike, cause they paid for it. Big Dog has been a good Bike and they Ride and Handle pretty good and if you can buy Rolling Chassis for a great price and make some modifications and eliminate the Costly Parts, then Great.

  13. 13 Dealer Feb 11th, 2011 at 10:45 am

    Correction to Shifter, BDM does not require full payment before a motorcycle starts production. In a perfect world that would be great, but seriously, what customer would really do that? I’m sure every custom builder/manufacture would love that payment process.

    Parts liquidation, no – adapting to the current economic conditions, yes. I say do whatever it takes to keep an American company in business these days.

    What is wrong with that.

  14. 14 fluke Feb 11th, 2011 at 10:48 am

    Great idea, besides, they have been dumping the stock in bits via various eBay sellers for ages. mostly previous discontinued model parts that they have laying around. some newer model parts they have excess stock of. Might as well sell whole kit bikes.

    And from the current bidding nothing can be inferred about what buyers are willing to pay at all, most eBayers bid much closer to the auction end. These are 7 day auctions and after just a day and one bid made it strikes me as perfectly normal eBay behaviour.

    The first 5 days most people just bookmark interesting auctions for later possible bidding. some bookmark with lowball bids so you get an email notification nearer the auction end. The serious buyers are nearly all sniping. ( last second bids at their max price they would be willing to pay)

    I have bought from this eBay seller, s&s and TP engine parts at less than dealer cost. got what I paid for and sent quickly.

    Big Dogs old level of business will never return,give credit to them for doing what they can to survive and changing their business model to suit the changed climate.

  15. 15 666 Feb 11th, 2011 at 10:53 am

    In the words of the late Dandy Don “Turn out the lights the partys over”
    Unfortunate

  16. 16 Kirk Perry Feb 11th, 2011 at 11:06 am

    Big Dog might consider creating a Big Dog Kit Build Forum and assemble one of their kit bikes on-line, like we’re doing for the Knuckle & Pan.

    B.D. ought to have a more fun time than we’re going to have, because a B.D. has fewer parts and hopefully Evo people are smarter than the group of dyslexic Knuckle & Panhead misfits we’re forced to work with.

  17. 17 Rick Lossner Feb 11th, 2011 at 11:12 am

    Sad they are in this jam. They couldn’t transition into some of the new styles quick enough ( hell .. at all )..

    BUT… I love my 09 Ridgeback 🙂 I remember headed up to Wichita in ’04… I knew right then, it was just a matter of time… The K9 and Ridgeback are awesome choppers …. 330 on the rear makes everything else look….. small 🙂

  18. 18 Eric Maurer Feb 11th, 2011 at 11:32 am

    I agree…. just change out the trans mount….. its not a big deal….. OHHHHHH, new business idea, replacement trans mounts for all big dogs. I am not gonna do it, so someone jump on it.

  19. 19 El Loco Feb 11th, 2011 at 11:34 am

    Bigalyts……….manufacturing proprietary parts that force the consumer to have to purchase from only you is not considered “friendly’ by all means. On the contrary, it’s considered greedy and selfish by trying to “slave you” financially to them.

    So now you are telling me that we need to be supportive to them after they tried to stick it to us all these years?!!

    As for making modifications to a rolling chassis I disagree with you. You can buy a much better roller that you don’t need to make modifications for about the same price as BD is offering their production left over, nobody wanted to buy one while they could roller.

    In reality, who would ever want a BD roller that needs to either be hacked up or you are forced to buy their expensive proprietary parts from them?!

    I guess like they say…….”there’s a sucker born every minute”

  20. 20 1550tc Feb 11th, 2011 at 11:36 am

    In the words of the late Dandy Don “Turn out the lights the partys over”

    Yeah but someone keeps hitting the rewind button 🙁

    El Loco

    there is always a reason why one gets a deal ALWAYS

    A1…….makes sense and great post about this problem

    Those bikes were kind of under powered so why all these tranny clutch problems is kind of ??? to me……….some body clue me in?

    BDM, Ridley and OCC are like AIDS you just cant get rid of them 🙂

  21. 21 Jeff Nicklus Feb 11th, 2011 at 12:40 pm

    Dealer,

    FYI: Our payment terms to both Dealers & Direct sales customers is, and has always been,: 50% Down Payment with the order, 25% when the bike goes to paint and the balance due when the bike is finished …. by finished I mean finished here and ready to ship ….. we do not now nor have we ever shipped a bike before it is totally paid for. Now before you come back and say …”Hell, you will never survive with payment terms like that” be advised that In June we will have been building bikes for 16 years.

    Over & Out,

    Jeff

  22. 22 Johny Feb 11th, 2011 at 12:53 pm

    Dealer. You seem to work at BDM,. You should know that Big Dog requests high pre-payments to start building a bike and full payment before delivery. And it takes months to get a bike built. Right?

  23. 23 Hooper Feb 11th, 2011 at 2:49 pm

    Johny,
     
    Don’t have to explain the payment process. Just ask any BDM dealer, and none of us has ever placed a deposit/credit towards manufacturing a new motorcycle for a customer. Full payment is required before delivery, and it does take months – odd (green/yellow) paint and EFI options would take longer.

  24. 24 Miark Feb 11th, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    There are many reasons why a manufacturer will “special” design a part or system. In Big Dog’s case, they were trying to design the best, most desireable product to sell. They had to balance performance, cost, space usage, and looks when they chose any of their parts. And yes, profit is the name of the game for business.

    Saying that “custom” parts or configurations are “bad” because they make it hard for cheap replacement, is like getting mad at Ducati for not using Harley crankshafts. That’s nuts.

    I think most people understand that the frame is just the start (as far as costs). If you only wanted to spend $6k for a Big Dog, then this is not going to do that for you. But I know there’s still capable folks out there that build semi-custom vehicles for themselves (and can decide what engine/tranny they want and customize the frame for it). How about a gas turbine???

  25. 25 bigdogrule Feb 11th, 2011 at 2:59 pm

    truth to be say is most of this negative comments are from HD owners (envy) and poor people who cant afford a BDM !!!!
    yes, i was one of them until SOLD MY HD AND BOUGHT MY K9, the BEST bike I ever had.

    in one year I have 18000 miles, no prob at all , im waiting for good riding weather.

  26. 26 V Feb 11th, 2011 at 3:49 pm

    johny,

    I ordered my Big Dog with custom paint and paid 10% down balance on delivery. This may vary depending on the dealer. Thats who you’re dealin with when ya make the purchase.

    Change the trans-mount like ya want it. Its a roller lots of things will fit and wont fit. Ya got lots of option to work with here.

  27. 27 1550tc Feb 11th, 2011 at 4:40 pm

    truth to be say is most of this negative comments are from HD owners (envy) and poor people who cant afford a BDM !!!!
    PLEASE PUT THE CRACK PIPE DOWN STEP AWAY FROM THE KEYBOARD AND COME BACK TOMORROW AND RE-READ WHAT YOU POSTED!!

    And PLEASE DON’T INSULT 99% of the readers on here with this BULL SHIT of envy of a big dog bike and its owner?? 99% of us dont need a LOOK LOOK LOOK at me bike!! our egos arent that big or our dicks that small!!

    as for the poor people who cant afford a BDM !!!! YOU BEEN ON EBAY LATELY???or any auction?? did yoiu swipe that guys ouiji board?

    AND

    in one year I have 18000 miles, no prob at all, YES YOU DO!!!!!!!!!!!
    THE DIGITAL SPEEDO HAS 2 MANY ZEROS ON IT 

  28. 28 A 1 CYCLES Feb 11th, 2011 at 6:02 pm

    jeff..thats what weve done for 15 years also…50 down 25 when it goes to powder and paint and 25 when i deliver the title…simple and good business, you never get behind on cashif the customer bails at any point..thought it was kind of an industry standard…but maybe not

  29. 29 golfish Feb 11th, 2011 at 8:28 pm

    When I orderd my BBC kit I paid 100% up front.. I have to say I walked out feeling kind of dumb (dumber) Got the kit in 5 weeks. I guess money talks, or talked at the time.

  30. 30 PaulHart Feb 11th, 2011 at 9:11 pm

    Although I’m not a big enough fan of a hard tail to own one “I own a 2009 Mastiff” I think the Pit Bull is one of the best looking production bikes out there. And seeing as it was the Bike Of The Year at the V-Twin expo in 2008 I guess there are others that feel as I do. Here’s a chance to get a start on a beautiful bike with some great lines and truly make it your own. To each his own with their respective taste on motorcycles but I love my Mastiff. It’s a good looking bike, rides and handles well, and has plenty of power. Not to knock you Harley guys my next bike may very well be a Streetglide. When I go to bike nights and park it’s not one of the 300 Harleys there with a circle of people around it checking it out. It’s my Big Dog Mastiff.

  31. 31 West Coaster Feb 11th, 2011 at 9:32 pm

    A1 cycles – your right about the trans mount – I did it, along with open primary. 2006 K9 with 39,000 on the clock. Comments about Baker are spot on. Use to be quality and now over priced piece of crap. Baker is a “has been.” The K9 is a great bike. I can go 11 hours on it no problem compared to my Road King that I can only go 5-6 hours before feeling a need to walk it off..

    With respect to the rollers, Daytec who use to build for BD wants $6K for the identical frame only.

  32. 32 David Feb 11th, 2011 at 11:58 pm

    Maybe they should just jump ship and start building High Priced Cafe’ Racers. Looks like that market has some momenteum behind it.
    Rich boys always need new toys and it lends itself to a much younger market.

    SSDD; David

  33. 33 Wiz Feb 12th, 2011 at 5:59 am

    An old guy came to me to find him a basket case bike so he could work on it himself. Well, baskets are nearly impossible to find anymore so my assciates an me put one together for him. A complete rolling chassis with wheels, tires, fenders, ‘an tank. A rebuilt [all S&S internal components] ’86 Evo [black ‘an polished] motor [the BEST motor in my book] and a rebuilt [black ‘an chrome] 5-speed transmission with a price of $6,250. The old boy realized it was too much of a project for him so I bought it. SWEET Deal! I’ll be puttin’ on it in the spring with maybe 10 grand in it! Wiz

  34. 34 Buck Private Feb 12th, 2011 at 11:50 am

    My starter went on my BD and I got one (another brand) from St. Louis, Mo. on Ebay. The Co. has lots of them and it was only $ 215, instead of the $ 550 wanted by BD dealers + 90hr. install.

  35. 35 Cantrell Feb 12th, 2011 at 4:56 pm

    This was in the Wichita Eagle paper this morning. Thought you might like to see it. There have been several earlier articles about the city wanting back taxes due to Big Dog not meeting the requirements of the Tax waver agreement. Time will tell.

    http://www.kansas.com/2011/02/11/1716285/wichita-city-council-to-wrestle.html

    Cantrell

  36. 36 Woody Feb 12th, 2011 at 5:34 pm

    Interesting article, Cantrell. Maybe they could change their name to Big Dog Bank and then they could get bailed out as a “stimulus”.

  37. 37 Bigalyts Feb 12th, 2011 at 5:47 pm

    EL loco, You are right , I just meant that a Guy like you does all the experimenting and has to endure the $$$$ that it cost to make it right! I am not going to tell you that the Owner or Owner’s deserve Good Fortune or Bad Fortune. I know that a couple of the Employees have posted before on Cyrill’s Blog and they are not wealthy Dood’s! I hate to see Name Brand Manufactured Motorcycles Shut their doors. I think when a known, approved and a serious Motorcycle Factory closes,the CREDITABILITY of your Business has lost Respect and has created a uncomfortable situation wih the BANKS ! AT THE END OF THE DAY THEY ARE THE LENDERS! Truthfully BDM are really a prety good Bike, great ride with comfort and pretty well built. i think that their older Bikes without Right Hand Drive are not nearly as nice. Jeff Conrad and AI Cycles it is your call how you do your business and how you do the Payment Progression. If you can do 50% Dn, then 25% in the Middle and Last 25% before the Bike is Delivered, will certainally Guarantee that you are paid ! As a Dealer (Marine) we get as much as possible up front and Balance on Delivery! Up front money is, if we are lucky 10%, and balance after Acceptance of Vessel ! Now if we are Cutting Holes and making change that, I don;’t believe makes sense for most Customers, then I get the Custom Work paid for 100% before I cut Holes in a BOAT ! Now it get’s Tricky there because most deals are Financed and the Bank will very rarely ADVANCE FUNDS before a Closing. This is where, I wish I was Building and selling Custom Motorcycle’s!

  38. 38 Northeast Beast Feb 12th, 2011 at 7:30 pm

    I was wondering when this was going to come up. My dealer told me about this several years ago when BIg DOg had all of these extra PItbull parts in stock. Coleman wouldn’t sell them because of the liability issue. I guess his priorities have changed.

    They will be sold as a A.S.V. (assembled vehicle) without a title. They will have a M.S.O. for the frame, but that is about it. Those of you that would buy one thinking you will get a cheap BIg Dog, your wrong. It will not be titled as a Big Dog. It will be hard to insure and next to impossible to finance if you ever want to sell it.

    They have had these parts in stock for a couple of years and are at last trying to liquidate them. Too little too late. They may be asking $5,000.00 for the set up, but it’s only worth around $3,500.00. The wheels are really the only thing of value. If they are selling their handle bars with this kit, that’s another proprietary part and you will have to us their controls as well.

    “BUYER BEWARE”!!!!!!

    The Beast

  39. 39 West Coaster Feb 12th, 2011 at 7:49 pm

    Northeast – I cut off the handlebar ends n welded on HH ends. Now run PM controls. Also pulled wiring / EHC n did direct wiring. After all that’s what custom is all about. With a BDM Title, insurance is the same as my HD.

    Knew for long tine about Colemans tax issue, plus I thing he is ready to lose exemption from local gov. I think they should use all that space n equipment to manuf custom parts for HD bikes until economy bounces back. Employees and quality is top notch -mgmt is the root of their difficulty

  40. 40 martin Twofeather Feb 13th, 2011 at 2:47 pm

    These are hard times for many and many may fall…….We need the economy to turn around and not ten years from now………..

  41. 41 doc Feb 13th, 2011 at 6:00 pm

    Wife and I have been riding Big Dogs since 1999. HD dealer wanted to put me on a 6 month waiting list and oh yes, there would be a market value added fee. Our bikes have been fun, fast, and nothing has come up the dealer hasn’t fixed. Hope you haters are wrong and BDM survives. Many of us love our bikes and need BDM.

  42. 42 Conrad Nicklus Feb 13th, 2011 at 7:14 pm

    Ok, so what is happening here is way too fun. I mean come on, you don’t sell inventory like they have listed for sale if you are not going out of business or know that the end is near. All the parts they have listed should be used as a warranty inventory for the future… not as a means to keep a business alive. How many employees do they even have now? 6 or 7?

    I had someone tell me a few days back that they are selling rollers, after years of telling us we are fools for doing this, because they ordered/built TOO MANY FRAMES. HAHA, REALLY? I about choked I laughed so hard. You have too many frames, ok. Then why do you have all the sheet metal, wheels and tires, and front ends? They don’t even come with the handlebars or shocks, that is not a roller without the handlebars; it’s like a half of a peanut at that point.

    But, on a positive note, I really hope BDM does not close down, that would be even worse for the industry.

  43. 43 Jeff Nicklus Feb 14th, 2011 at 10:27 am

    Come on y’all get of Big Dogs ass! They are doing what everyone else in this economy is doing … trying to get by! If that includes selling off inventory (rolling chassis kits) so be it. We have been selling complete rolling chassis kits for years and still we sell 2-3 kits a week which is more than we sell in complete bikes weekly. In fact when we do the events we bring along more rolling chassis kits than we do complete bikes. Sometimes you have to find business where ever you can.

    Over & Out,

    Jeff

  44. 44 Zdravko Butinar Feb 15th, 2011 at 6:25 am

    The ONE I LOVE … THE FUTURE OF FOG FOR BIG DOGS IN EUROPE…

    What I can get for 50.000 US $ in USA and …. WHAT WE GET IN EU FOR 36.000 Eur?
    I would like to see the 50.000 $ K-9 product-pictures.
    Big Dog Chassis Kits ON eBay FOR eu MARKET I would like to see !

    I WILL BUY THE FIRST ONE K-9 Big Dog Chassis Kits …

    SENT ME SOME PIC. ON mop.butinar@gmail.com

    I WISH ALL THE BEST TO Big Dogs ON EU MARKET.

    ZDRAVKO BUTINAR

  45. 45 jatinder pal Feb 15th, 2011 at 8:33 am

    Very good idea….Big Dog is one of the top companies and when they came out with kit it should sell a few….

  46. 46 Rick Lossner Feb 15th, 2011 at 10:21 am

    For all those haters…..

    What do you have when a BDM pulls up to a group of 25 HDs? A Circle of onlookers…

    HD may be the big boy on the bock……. but most of them blend in and never get noticed….

    I ccould tell story after story …. There’s always a smart ass in the crowd……. and he’s usally the guy with the Softail with the Live to Ride, Ride to Live chrome aftermarket crap all over his bike…….

  47. 47 Tom Kuhns Feb 15th, 2011 at 11:04 pm

    Amen Rick Lossner:
    I own a Big Dog K9. I drove 300mi. just to take a look at my bike. I found her on the “Net” and I had to have it! Somehow I had the “Idea” I could fabricate & assemble my own K9-style chopper. I have the mechanical and welding abilities but I finally came to my senses and realized I had “Down-sized” and didn`t even own a shop anymore. I called-up a site and there she was, and I had to go see this bike.
    As soon as I coiuld finaggle a couple of off days I was on my way. The rest is history, and I absolutely LOVE the bike. I made the deal and rode her home in 110 degree heat. For those who would question my judgement, I have been riding for 48 year so I`m not a Johnny-Come-Lately . My K9 has given little trouble, and what I have had has mostly been my fault with only a couple of warranty re-calls. I am a very satisfied Big Dog owner and plan to keep mine all of my life, I HOPE!

    Tom Chop

    P.S. I wouldn`t sell my “Dog” – – – Well It would have to be one HELL of a lot of money. Ne

  48. 48 Tom Kuhns aka Tom Chop Feb 16th, 2011 at 12:39 am

    For all those haters;

    Rick Lossner, are you sure that the smart ass wasn`t on the 883 Sportster and not on the Softail?

    Tom Chop

  49. 49 David Feb 16th, 2011 at 12:57 am

    Maybe Big Dog will move production to India and Baker can restart there also to supply trannies and drives.

    SSDD; David

  50. 50 Conrad Nicklus Feb 16th, 2011 at 1:34 am

    It is quite evident what is going on, the naive and ignorant are the only ones who do not wish to believe it. You can see the writing between the lines, it’s doomed from here without a massive amount of luck and praise from Jesus. After years of claiming we are all fools for manufacturing bikes as well as selling rolling chassis’ then all of a sudden selling full rollers, the “money pit” must finally be tired of the shit and ready to press forward with other solutions….closure and selling of assets??? A possibility for the future as many “major” manufactueres fromt he past.

    I do not care how many miles you have on your bike, how happy you are with your bike and how much you love your bike; facts are the time has come for reckoning… Let’s sit back and see what happens, if it ends like Titan and AIH, well, let’s expect some good deals on machinery and tools to buy once again.

  51. 51 19 Guns Feb 16th, 2011 at 12:34 pm

    I can’t figure out why Sheldon keeps with it! I honestly have to admire his tenacity. He has been through recalls, downturns, car employee pricing, competitive pressures, weather pressures, and more. Why he hasn’t put this dog down is beyond me. I think the kit bike is parts liquidation repackaged under a Nasi-executed, bank-led marketing department. Probably sell a few, but it won’t pay off the debt. Neither will Europe or Canada. Neither will the few not-so-downtrodden who will buy one this spring. And neither will the economy turning around. People keep talking like that will happen in just a matter of months. No. Unemployment will still hover around 9% through 2011 and 2012. And even if it magically and miraculously dropped to 6, and gas dropped to 2, and interest rates to 1, the industry itself will not return to its heydey of 2003-2006 when BDM was selling 5,000 bikes. The consumer today is more interested in iPads and family. Xbox and mountain biking. The only reason companies are even showing profit is due to the reduced labor from the bottom line. The ride is bumpy; Sheldon and his remaining dozen employees and dozen active dealers are holding on. God bless them for trying. Would I buy a kit bike? Nah… the MSO will be from a company that won’t be around when you actually finish building their bike. But as long as Big dog continues to a big gnat on the industry, don’t shew them away… it’s kind of fun to see them twirling about and waiting to see where they land.

  52. 52 Dan Feb 16th, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    I read this blog occasionally and find it informative. Except when news is posted about Big Dog, then it turns into a cesspool. I will never understand why all you guys get on here and bash Big Dog and want so bad to see the company disappear. Whether you like the bikes or not, they are an American motorcycle company struggling to survive in this screwed up economy. I am proud to own a Big Dog and do not want to see the company fold for obvious reasons. But even if I didn’t, why would I find joy in seeing them fail? I guess I am naive and ignorant. It would be like Ford shutting down and I’m dancing in the streets because I own a Dodge. Or hope that Desperado Motorcycles goes bankrupt because I own a Harley. Makes no sense to me. BTW, I’m waiting for spring so I can get my Big Dog out of the garage and enjoy the hell out of it. My Harley…well it may be out in the front yard with a for sale sign on it. Never know, they may be going out of business soon.

  53. 53 rider23 Feb 16th, 2011 at 8:18 pm

    This is the news today in wichita kansas
    Officials from Big Dog Motorcycles withdrew without explanation Friday a request to extend tax breaks from a $1.1 million industrial revenue bond issue in 2003 to build a warehouse —

    http://www.kansas.com/2011/02/16/1722770/big-dog-withdraws-request-for.html#

  54. 54 Patrick Jansen Feb 21st, 2011 at 11:52 pm

    Hell, if this kit bike shows up in less than 8 weeks with all of its parts and the other parts you buy will actually fit its kind of a miracle. I’ve never seen someone get a kit that didn’t require hours of customizing just to get basic components, like trannys, to fit.

  55. 55 stephen naiya May 27th, 2011 at 8:17 pm

    Hi,I have a wescoaster that I restored a while ago.
    I was wondering if you nmay be interested in some parts as it seems that your a inventor of sorts.
    The Onan was a great engine and my tranny was rebuilt 500 miles ago.It is now the victim of non use abuse.But itmay be something you can mess with as a power [plant in your entranpenutral spirit.They add value and class,being common in the marine biz.
    Also I hate listing things on ebay also.
    Call me if it is of interest to you.My price is negotable with a stat $ of 700 for engine,(it’s my cost on the rebuild)Tranny I would like around 400.this is also the reciept for a rebuild when I restored way back.
    The bike is 3 wheeler dump bed and importantly a great front fork (heavy duty)suspension with a handelbar set up.I don”t have a complete price in mind because this is a Idea that i came up with in the last 15 mins.
    Thanks for listining,Steve (949)677-7083 my cell phone is a so cal Orange County but the bike is here in North.San Diego and probably to expensive to ship unless dismanteled.
    I use Greyhound to ship item like thios ,classic car parts are my hobby,and i have found Greyhound cheep and reliable.They have a fee of .88 cents a pound,for reference.but the weight limitation is 100 pounds,here.It’s worth cking out for some of your other shipping needs.HAVAGUDAY.Hope i didn’t boor ya 2 much.Last comment;phoning is wa better as i am not a email junkie and it’s days sometimes before even readng.

Comments are currently closed.
Cyril Huze