2008 MODELS >> American Rider, February 2008 '08 Big Dog Models By Buzz Buzzelli; photography by Gavin Peters

America’s biggest custom-bike manufacturer, Big Dog Motorcycles, enters its 15th year with striking new 2008 models. Big Dog is most notable for the fact that it stands as the world’s largest builder of custom bikes, and has more dealers than any other American V-twin maker. Add the fact that it’s also one of the oldest companies in the business, and there’s good reason to single it out as a prime example of the strength and diversity of the custom manufacturing industry. Nick Messer says that Big Dog claims 35 percent of the industry’s market share.

Three 2008 models out of the company’s five-model lineup provide an insight to this. First, there’s the all new Mutt with wire wheels, which departs from pervious solid-wheel Big Dogs. There’s the completely restyled and redesigned Pitbull, which breaks from current BDM styling trends. Then there’s the chopper-style Ridgeback, with a 330mm rear tire.

The new Mutt was designed with the novice rider in mind, to help ease any intimidation a rider might have about riding big custom bikes. That goal didn’t inhibit the designers from gracing it with all the features expected of a custom. These features include a 17-inch rear wheel shod with a 250mm rear tire and a 21-inch front wheel (both with 80-spoke wires), a new slender fuel tank, color-matched powder-coated components, and a 39-degree fork angle. Best of all for riders of smaller stature, its very low seat height and more compact ergonomics provide ease of handling. I rode one at the company’s 2008-model introduction in San Diego and was impressed by its comfort and ease of handling.

The Pitbull has been one of the company’s best sellers since its introduction in 1998. The ‘08 model’s distinctive features include a dramatic new fuel tank, frame, and sprung saddle. Large-hoop wheels are 23-inch in front and 20-inch in the rear. A modest 31-degree rake and 280mm rear tire give this hardtail both light and precise steering and ride qualities. In fact, at the company’s 2008-model introduction, many motorcycle journalists commented that after riding it for a few minutes, they forgot that it even has a rigid frame.

The Ridgeback, even with its awesome 330 rear tire, is amazingly rideable. More than 9 feet in length with 42 degrees of fork angle, you’d expect the thing to handle like a greased-up alligator, but it proves to be easily manageable, which is probably why it has become one of the most popular customs in the industry.

Several engineering improvements have been incorporated into all 2008 Big Dogs including new Brembo brake rotors, four–piston Performance Machine calipers, seats, grips, and handlebars. Also new, according to company reps, clutch-lever pressure has been lowered by almost half. In other news, the popular K9, with its 300mm rear rubber, and the Mastiff, redesigned last year with EFI induction, continues to sell very well.

The proven 117-cubic-inch engines are now being supplied for all Big Dog models as assembled units from S&S Cycle to streamline warranty processing (engines were formerly assembled in-house by BDM). All models have Big Dog’s proprietary primary drive and six-speed overdrive gearbox with Baker Drivetrain’s right-side-drive internals.

For a custom builder, Big Dog manufactures an exceptional amount of propriety parts. Customers have a long list of options from wheels to graphics, and there’s a complete line of accessories and apparel. Recently Big Dog introduced a new dealer education program and opened a 15,000-square –foot facility for technical training and customer support. We can expect to see more from Big Dog for a long time in the future.