Chrome and Custom Cycles In the "News"
| Big Dog Motorcycles’ 10,000th Bike | ||
| Big Dog Motorcycles, the leading designer and manufacturer of high performance, highly-styled heavyweight cruisers, has just produced its 10,000th motorcycle. The commemorative bike, a 2004 Ridgeback, was built just weeks into the company’s tenth anniversary year. Riders and enthusiasts can view the two-wheeled milestone at the Community Center, 1401 Lazelle Street, at the Black Hills Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, SD, held August 9-15, 2004. “It took over eight years to make five thousand bikes and a little more than just under two years to make five thousand more,” stated Nick Messer, president, Big Dog Motorcycles. “This stunning growth proves customer acceptance of our motorcycles, cements our leadership position in the custom niche, and helps illustrate our robust history.” Big Dog Motorcycle Number One was a 1994 Vintage Classic. A nostalgic, custom cruiser, it was built out of frustration by the company’s founder and CEO, Sheldon Coleman. “I wanted something that had more styling, performance, and rideability than the available factory bikes. And it just wasn’t out there,” he said. Since its humble beginning a decade ago, the company has grown into an $80 million powerhouse with ninety dealers and over 300 employees. Yet, as Coleman states, Big Dog Motorcycles has adhered to its original vision and philosophies. “It has been exciting to evolve into being an industry leader. It’s even more amazing when you consider that our growth has been primarily through grassroots marketing and adhering to solid business fundamentals.” “Ten thousand bikes on the road represents a new era for Big Dog Motorcycles. Visibility and awareness will only increase, giving us a solid foundation for the future and positioning us for long-term growth,” Coleman added. Big Dog Motorcycles’ growth has been constant and steady. The company’s 100th bike was represented by a 1996 ProGlide, a smooth-riding rubber-mount with patriotic graphics. Number 1,000 was produced three years later. And number 5,000 – a 2003 red, white, and blue Chopper – came off the production line just fourteen months ago. Big Dog Motorcycles’ 10,000th bike is a misty midnight blue Ridgeback, complete with a 117 polished cubic inch engine, 6-speed transmission, 250 rear tire, and a custom graphics package. With a traditional patriotic theme reminiscent of all commemorative bikes, the Ridgeback also sports a 10,000th bike chrome-like icon with a hint of nostalgia. - more - Big Dog Motorcycles 10,000th Motorcycle Page 2 “We chose the Ridgeback for such an honor because it was introduced this year, just months before we reached this achievement. And the Ridgeback, with its radical rake, extreme styling, and ripping performance, demonstrates our design capabilities perhaps better than any other bike,” Messer said. The 10,000th Big Dog motorcycle will be kept by the factory for displays throughout the year at bike rallies and dealer events. “Demand for custom cruisers continues to soar, and Big Dog Motorcycles, with its network of ninety dedicated dealers, committed employees, and supportive vendors, is well-positioned to get thousands of more bikes on the road,” Messer added. Big Dog Motorcycles’ 2004 Ridgeback was awarded the “Best New Model Of The Year” at the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati on January 31. About Big Dog Motorcycles Big Dog Motorcycles, LLC, started production in 1994 and quickly became a leading designer and manufacturer of American heavyweight custom cruiser motorcycles. The company’s entire line of six motorcycles uses high-performance V-twin 107 or 117 cubic inch engines, 6-speed transmissions, stretch tanks, wide tires, chrome components, and an extensive variety of custom paint colors and graphics. The 2004 line also includes new Big Dog Motorcycles custom-designed electronics, hand controls, foot controls, mirrors, air cleaner cover, coil cover, and other components. Big Dog motorcycles are distributed through ninety dealers throughout the United States – seven are Big Dog Motorcycles branded dealerships. Designing and manufacturing is performed at the company’s world headquarters in Wichita, Kansas. With over 300 employees, the company has enjoyed nine consecutive years of record sales and is celebrating its tenth anniversary. For more information, contact Big Dog Motorcycles at 316-267-9121 or visit the new, comprehensive website at www.bigdogmotorcycles.com. | ||