1994 was a great year for some. I recently received my first Article 15 in the Army for striking another NCO and got ready for my 45 days restriction and 45 days extra duty. Like I told my First Sergeant, “Some people just don’t follow the other sheep. Sometimes you have to go your own way.”
He didn’t think much of my comment other than to make me do thousands of pushups and sit-ups over the next few months. But truthfully, sometimes you have to strike out and do what’s right. You have to fight for what you believe in and take a chance. Unfortunately for me, I always shoot snake eyes when I reach-out like that. There are a blessed few who have a very different fortune. Take Sheldon Coleman, the founder of Big Dog Motorcycles and camping gear kingpin, for example. Not satisfied with merely owning the market for all gear known to the outdoorsman, he wanted to make a mark somewhere else.
He built the first Big Dog in his garage in Wichita, Kansas, in 1994. What started as one bike in a garage has grown to a 175,000 square foot building employing over 300 people building over 5,000 motorcycles per year. None of this happened by accident. What you see today is merely the result of planning and marketing, quality craftsmanship, and listening to the public.
Let’s check out Big Dog from the beginning.
The 1994 Vintage. Sheldon Coleman’s first Big Dog #1.
Big Dog #1 was a 1994 Vintage Classic, a nostalgic custom cruiser built by Sheldon Coleman. The bike looked like a mixture of several Harley’s with a touch of flair that made it stand out. It wasn’t a Fatboy, or a Heritage, or a Road King, it was a Big Dog.
Two years later the company’s 100th motorcycle was a 1996 Pro Glide. This was a smooth-riding rubber-mounted bike that looked strikingly like a Dyna Wide Glide. The Big Dog name was out there, but they were still known as one of the “Harley Clones”.
The Pro-Glide.
A 1999 Bulldog represented the Big Dog Motorcycles’ 1000th. The bike was different from any of the Harleys, and Big Dog was starting to gain respect for their unique look and design.
The Bulldog. Big Dog is starting to distinguish it’s look from the rest of the pack.
Four years later, the company rolled out number 5,000: a red, white, and blue Chopper. This was the model that blew the motorcycle industry away. Big Dog had now established itself with a new look that was immediately distinguished as a Big Dog.
The Chopper. This bike launched an entire new platform into the Big Dog family.
The 10,000th landmark was reached in 2004, represented by a beautiful Ridgeback, an aggressive rigid chopper-style cruiser. The name Big Dog was becoming known for it’s bad ass bikes now and had eclipsed all the other “clones”. The name Big Dog had now been stamped into the psyche of every biker in the world.
The Ridgeback. Mean and lean with a rigid ride.
Nick Messer, company president, started with Big Dog as a sales manager and has worked his way up. He has been with Big Dog from the beginning and has been the president since 1997. In Big Dog’s 2006 press release, Messer states the following:
“It took five years to hit a thousand bikes and just seven years to build 19,000 more. This stunning growth proves customer acceptance of our motorcycles and elevates Big Dog Motorcycles to the leader in this highly competitive niche.”
Employees began assembling the 20,000th motorcycle on May 18 and completed it on May 19. ESPN 2 was filming the entire sequence and aired a special in early August of this year. The 20,00th motorcycle landmark, the first by any custom motorcycle manufacturer, solidifies BDM’s industry-leading position at the top of the Custom American V-Twin market.
Big Dog Founder and CEO Sheldon Coleman issued this statement, “The 20,00th motorcycle pays homage to the hard work that our employees put in every day. Their dedication and passion make it possible to reach all of our goals.”
What goals does Big Dog have? Well I gave the man, Nick Messer, President of BDM, a call and learned a few interesting facts such as what BDM thinks of the future of the market, where they want to go, and what about Harley getting a new motor?
“First and foremost, we want our bikes to be rideable. We build every bike with the capabilities for the owner to ride cross country to Sturgis,” he calmly stated.
When I asked him if Big Dog would be following Harley into the liquid-cooled engine market, he said no. “We are working with S&S on a new engine, but it will be air-cooled. I think we will stay competitive because of our product. We offer bikes that are blending technology with old school. We recognize the consumer has choices so we have to stay ahead of the ball. We will keep our bikes edgier looking with better paint, wide tires, and a fit and finish that is unmistakably ours.”
When I asked him what he thought of Harley making a new bigger motor this year, he was very optimistic.
“I like the idea. We are hoping these younger guys will step off their Hyabusas and start getting on the Harleys and eventually onto a Big Dog. Remember, when we started Harley’s were on a waiting list. Now you can go to your dealer up the street and get one the same day. For many, that is fine and I applaud Harley for their effort. Some guys will want something different, something edgier. That’s where Big Dog steps in.”
Sounds to me like these guys have made a plan and worked the plan to a tee. Just the sort of scenario business experts preach a success seminars. I wonder if Sheldon Coleman ever spoke at one of these?
Big Dog motorcycles entire line of five models use a V-Twin 117 cubic inch engine, 6-speed transmission, stretch one piece steel tank, right side drive, super fat tires, chrome components, steel fenders, and an extensive variety of custom paint colors and graphics. The 2006 line also includes BDM’s custom-designed electronics, hand controls, foot controls, mirrors, air cleaner cover, coil cover, and other components, which all earned the company true OEM status in 2004.
Here are the specs for a 2006 K-9. Be sure to check out www.bigdogmotorcycles.com to see their full line up. Tell them you saw ‘em at Bikernet.com.
The 20,000th Graphic which adorns the tank on the milestone bike like a badge of honor.
2006 K-9
9 feet-long
300 mm Rear Tire
Adjustable Hidden Rear Shocks
117 C.I. engine
Award winning 6-speed transmission
The aggressive stance of the bike ready to launch.
Dry Weight Front- 263 lbs.
Dry Weight Rear-427 lbs
Dry Weight Total-690 lbs
GVWR-1130 lbs.
GAWR Front-390 lbs
GAWR Rear-740 lbs
Fuel Capacity- Total 4.4 gallons
Fuel Capacity main-4.0 gallons
Reserve- 0.4 gallons
Oil Capacity- 3 Qts
Frame Specs-$”OS BB; 8” OS DT
Frame Rake- 39 Degrees
Front Suspension- 41 mm Telescopic
Tube Length-12” OS
Seat Height- 24.25”
Ground Clearance- 4”
Wheel Base- 82”
Total Length- 108”
Front Brake- PM-4 piston Diff Bore
Rear Brake- PM 4 Piston
Front Tire- MH90-21
Rear Tire- 300/35-18
F/R Tire Pressure- F 40 psi/ R 42 psi
Engine- OHV 45 Degree V-Twin
Displacement- 117 ci (1916cc)
Bore x Stroke- 4 1/8” x 4 3/8”
Compression Ratio- 9.6:1
Transmission- Baker 6-speed
Primary Drive- Chain
Final Drive- 1 1/8” belt
Ignition- Electronic Single Fire
Charging Output- 40 amp
Battery Type- Sealed
Battery CCA- 270
Like the saying goes, “I hate to see you go, but I just love to watch you leave.” This bike is fine from all angles.
