Big Dog Motorcycles® Celebrates
15th Year With A Broad Spectrum of 2009 Bikes
Including Three All-New Models
A fresh mix of styles and price points make the company’s newest
line-up appealing to a wide variety of riders and enthusiasts
WICHITA, KS (October 22, 2008) – It was fifteen years ago that Big Dog Motorcycles® first took to the road, swiftly gaining status as a design icon and the leadership position in the high performance, high style motorcycle niche. Since the company’s 1994 beginning, each new model year has brought new benchmarks in terms of motorcycle design, engineering, riding capabilities, and comfort.
For 2009, Big Dog Motorcycles again flexes its engineering muscle and builds on its already impressive resume of award-winning design with the most diverse line in company history. Seven models make up the line, some entirely new, and each instantly stands out in their respective category.
“This year we will have seven models…pro-street, chopper-style, or touring… swing arm suspension, rigid frame, or gas shocks…and a wide range of price points,” described Paul Hansen, Marketing Director, “Six are introduced now; the all-new Bulldog, our first full bagger model will launch in December. All together, they are a major step forward in strengthening our industry-leading status and the broad appeal of our line-up.”
2009 ProStreet Line
Sportiness, maneuverability, and dynamic performance are the “genetic code” of the ProStreet line, anchored by the award-winning Pitbull® and top-selling Mastiff® and joined by two all-new models: the highly styled, lower priced Coyote™ and striking new flagship of the line, the Wolf™.
The Pitbull, completely redesigned last year, was named the 2008 V-Twin Bike of the Year by Paisano Publications, a diversified media company offering a wide variety of motorcycle magazines, included Easyriders and V-Twin. Four months later, the model was called the “Best of the Best Cruiser” by Robb Report magazine, an international authority on high style products including motorcycles, automobiles, aircraft, home furnishings, watches, and jewelry.
“The Pitbull is a great design story. We started with a clean sheet of paper with no carry-overs in the major areas of chassis, frame geometry, and other primary components. The end result was a fresh motorcycle with its own distinct board track look. Though rigid, the motorcycle brought the industry new levels of comfort and rideability thanks to its unique spring seat,” described Hansen.
“We are honored to see the Pitbull receive accolades by such well-respected magazines. With sales, marketing, engineering, and our dynamic network of dealers all working together, the design strategy was flawlessly executed,” he added.
Its spring seat and contoured one-piece fuel tank are key design elements of the model, but the most distinguishing features are the unique tall wheel combination – 20” x 10½” rear with its partner, a 23” x 3½” front – and frame geometry. The rigid frame design cradles the ultra fat 280/40R20 rear tire; its traditional stretch of six-inches over standard backbone and one-inch over standard down tube, combined with its 33-degree rake magnifies the design while providing excellent low-speed maneuvering, high-speed handling, and strong turning abilities.
Big Dog Motorcycles’ engineering and craftsmanship is equally prevalent on the 2009 Mastiff.
With its 300/35R18 rear tire, the Mastiff is the widest cruiser in the ProStreet line-up. Combine the fat tire with its rider-focused features, and it is apparent how the bike has evolved into the class leader. The rear hidden shock suspension amplifies the rider’s comfort, while the pleasing frame geometry makes the motorcycle remarkable for boulevard riding and a very sporty cruiser through the twisties and long distance rides.
Its six-inch backbone stretch and two-inch over standard fork length is magnified with an 8½-foot long stance, 39-degree frame rake, curved down tubes, and a ground clearance of just four inches.
“We are all very proud of the continued success of the Mastiff,” Hansen continued. “It perfectly captures the essence of what makes a Big Dog so cool: a perfect combination of serious performance and spectacular style that delivers a truly rewarding, exhilarating riding experience.”
Completing the 2009 ProStreet line-up are two all-new models: the Coyote and Wolf.
“Big Dog Motorcycles’ goal is to always be the standard of the high style motorcycle industry. In order to succeed, we have to build bikes that have outstanding performance, enhance individuality, and appeal to the most discerning motorcycle buyers – no matter their riding style, demands, and target price,” explained Hansen. “The ProStreet line, especially with the addition of the lower-priced Coyote and very refined, very exotic Wolf, represent the latest step in that direction.”
The 2009 Wolf is the company’s all-new striking pro-street motorcycle designed, engineered, and executed to deliver precision craftsmanship and outstanding performance in a distinctly Big Dog package. From its 45-degree rake, bold integrated, seamless styling to remarkable power and road capabilities, the Wolf is the product if unwavering attention to detail.
Its front centers around chrome, sleeved 41mm front forks stretched out three inches and cradling a chrome 23” wheel. A new, exclusive headlight lights up the style even more. The rear is marked with a seven-inch backbone stretch and a new radical swing arm design, which gives the bike a more active suspension and the operator a smoother, more comfortable ride. Its drive side brake allows for an uncluttered view of the stunning 20” chrome rear wheel wrapped by a 220/50R20 rear tire.
Several design details are equally striking, namely the dramatic single down tube, chrome brake calipers, rotors, forward controls, handlebar controls, and struts as well as a digital/analog speedometer with a unique “floating” mount has amazing day and night visibility.
Most impressive, however, is its exclusive engine. The 121 c.i., 56-degree, tricam engine has a bore and stroke of 4¼” x 4¼”, a 21% reduction in vibration, 30% fewer parts, and 22% more fin area making it a smoother, quieter, and more durable v-twin design and well-suited for any riding aspiration – short jaunt to long haul.
The Coyote finishes the 2009 ProStreet line and carries all the high style craftsmanship and performance qualities as its long and low siblings, but at a lower price.
“When we approached the Coyote, we had one goal,” explained Hansen. “To build a motorcycle that would appeal to a broader range of riders, namely through a more attractive price, but not compromise the design, style, and performance that has been expected from Big Dog Motorcycles for fifteen years. At less than $24,000, the Coyote succeeds on all counts.”
Its frame geometry and tire size contributes to the bike’s confident stance and optimal agility. The bike’s 39-degree frame rake, fork length of just two inches over standard, 4.25-inch ground clearance, and 250/40R18 rear tire make the motorcycle easy to maneuver. The rear hidden shocks and 41mm telescopic front suspension amplifies the motorcycle’s smooth ride characteristics. And the six-inch stretch in the backbone and 8½-foot length adds to its appeal.
Other features of the 2009 Coyote are a longer kickstand to make the 665pound bike easier to stand up; a powder-coated wrinkle-black engine; 2:1 double-barrel exhaust; and polished speedometer housing and struts.
The two-model strategy for Big Dog Motorcycles’ 2009 Chopper line brings aggressive designs, the fattest tire ever used by the company, and optimal ride quality to the market.
With a 330/30R17 rear tire cradled within a rigid frame, combined with its muscular nine-foot long stance, the Ridgeback is the most outrageous motorcycle in the 2009 line. The hefty tire also features one of the lowest sidewall profiles ever seen on a motorcycle tire. This ultra-low profile let Big Dog Motorcycles’ engineers also be able to show off plenty of the 17” x 12” wheel. Yet even with a tire size of that magnitude (more than a foot-wide), the 700-pound bike is still very manageable.
“We took dead aim at the fat tire motorcycle with the new Ridgeback,” Hansen continued. “It’s a complement to our engineers to be able to bring to market an outrageously designed motorcycle with a super fat tire, yet one that is also very predictable and emphasizes our commitment to performance and handling.”
The robust 1½” frame has an eight-inch stretch in the backbone and a four-inch stretch in the down tubes. That, combined with the twelve-inch over standard fork length and 39-degree frame rake, creates an awe-inspiring posture.
Although extremely radical in its own right, the Ridgeback still draws a clear link to its brother, the K-9.
The award-winning nine-foot long K-9 returns to continue its reign as America’s #1 Chopper. Several features boosted the bike to the top: Its 300/35R18 rear tire and hidden shock suspension is a radical combination of eye-catching style and mind-blowing rideability. Other features closely align the K-9 and Ridgeback. With a long wheel base and rebellious 39-degree frame rake, the K-9 shares the backbone and down tube stretch, sweeping one-piece tank, fork length and seat height.
While they are similar, they appeal to two completely different riders.
“The Ridgeback unabashedly targets the rider looking for the most aggressive, hardcore, fattest tire rigid cruiser on the market combined with tremendous excitement, performance, and handling,” Hansen explained. “The K-9 buyer is looking for the smoothest riding, high style, high performance chopper available. Neither will disappoint.”
Across-The-Board Features
With a 15-year reputation as being the top performer of the niche, Big Dog Motorcycles’ 2009 line-up builds on its heritage with a combination of power, performance, and components that promises an amazing riding experience.
A new tri-cam 121 c.i. polished electronic fuel injected engine is exclusive to the 2009 Wolf, bringing nearly 2,000cc of punch to the new model. The rest of the line-up comes equipped with a full-polished 117 c.i. engine (1,916cc). Mated with the award-winning 6-speed BDM Balance Drive, it propels the motorcycles from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in less than four seconds. Proof that outstanding performance statistics do not necessarily mean high fuel consumption, Big Dog motorcycles get an equally impressive 42 miles per gallon.
The clutch, redesigned in 2008, dramatically reduces lever effort for smooth and easy gear engagement. New for 2009, a primary compensator sprocket ensures a smoother, quieter ride as more power is applied.
In addition to getting maximum output from the engine, the BDM Balance Drive also promotes better handling, motorcycle balance, cornering, and lean angles – even in wide-tire motorcycles. Thick rubber tires fitted to custom chrome or polished billet wheels provide a firm grip to the road. 41mm telescopic suspension on the front and hidden shock suspension in several models on the rear improves ride quality. And PM calipers with 2-piece rotors provide unrivaled braking.
Other standard features include speedometer with integrated LED tachometer and 2-into-1 double-barrel exhaust.
Riders can make their motorcycles more individual with a chrome upgrade package (standard on Wolf) a choice of nearly twenty base colors, a comprehensive choice of graphics, and an extensive line of aftermarket accessories. These include made-to-order custom seats; touring bags; passenger pegs; windscreens; oil coolers; decorative accessories, and more. Big Dog Motorcycles also supports the riding lifestyle with a selection of clothing, riding gear, and collectibles.
“For fifteen years, Big Dog motorcycles have been the two-wheeled showcase of style, performance, and technology,” Hansen continued. “For 2009, we extended that tradition with a bold new line, the debut of new models, a high-tech engine, and more – all elevating and extending our position as the motorcycle of choice among those riders looking for ultimate style and performance.”
About Big Dog Motorcycles®
Big Dog Motorcycles, LLC, started production in 1994 and is the leading manufacturer of premium, high style, high performance motorcycles. The company’s 2009 line-up includes seven models in three classes: pro-street, chopper-style, and touring. Each motorcycle is designed, assembled and hand-painted at the company’s 150,000 square foot factory in Wichita, Kansas. The company is currently celebrating its 15th year in business and has built over 25,000 motorcycles. Big Dog Motorcycles has nearly 100 dealers in the United States and will soon have it products distributed in Canada. The company supports the motorcycling culture and lifestyle with a proprietary line of accessories and apparel. More information about the company and products can be found at www.bigdogmotorcycles.com.