Chrome and Custom Cycles In the "News"
| Big Dog Motorcycles® Announces Total Model Redesigns In Its 2005 Line | ||
| Big Dog Motorcycles®, the leader in the high performance, highly-styled cruiser niche and the second largest American V-twin motorcycle manufacturer, takes another significant leap forward with its 2005 line. The debut of exclusive components last year proved the 2004 line was, indeed, more than just “successor replaces predecessor.” It was, in fact, a necessity to place the company squarely in the front of the custom pack and to earn true OEM status. Now in its eleventh year, Big Dog Motorcycles has launched a line that will elevate the company even more. Big Dog Motorcycles’ 2005 line includes two rigid motorcycles, the Pitbull and Ridgeback, and three with A-frame swingarm suspension, the Chopper, Mastiff and soon-to-be-released Bulldog. The company has retired the rubber-mounted Boxer. Four key features are standard on all models: a beefy, powerful, road-ripping 117 cubic inch engine (1,916cc) that delivers plenty of torque; an American-made 6-speed transmission that includes an enhanced clutch design and neutral detent system, making neutral easier to find; BDM Balance Drive, a revolutionary right side drive system that includes a dramatically redesigned primary and an anodized Teflon-coated rear pulley with a narrower belt – all working together to provide superior balance, agility, nimbleness, athleticism, and easier cornering; and massive fat tires, either 250mm or the extreme 300mm, depending on the model. “The 2005 line will certainly raise eyebrows,” stated Nick Messer, president. “But with four these across-the-line key features, it will also raise expectations on how a motorcycle should perform and handle.” In addition, the 2005 line includes other noticeable new features. Single-fire ignition improves starting while braking is performed by four-piston calipers and a two-piece full-floating rotor with brilliant chrome centers. A 37-degree frame rake and 3-degree rake in the beefier triple trees – as well as a redesigned exhaust – add to the line-up’s style. The new sealed battery is charged even at idle through an improved charging system and encased in a sleek, contoured battery box. A speedointegrated LED tachometer assists with correct shifting. And an improved EHC (Electronic Harness Controller) assists in servicing and diagnostics. Dustan Hahn, chief technical officer, commented, “The 2005 line combines Big Dog Motorcycles’ high style and a focus on breakthrough technology more than any other model year. Both worlds are presented in a clear, unmistakable way without the slightest compromise.” The new features across all 2005 models are enhanced with specific refinements in each class: rigids and those with suspension. The Rigids Pitbull and Ridgeback The eighth generation Pitbull is set with its own highlights. The 2005 version may hit the streets with similar traits as its recent predecessors, but advancements abound. First, a super beefy, road-holding 300mm rear tire. Capped with a short, low, steel fender and cradled in a thick, rigid 1½” frame, the rear tire has put Big Dog Motorcycles in front of the wide-tire crusade. Next, the steel two-piece fuel tank is topped with a new redesigned dash to allow room for the speedo-integrated LED tachometer. And with just a 24-inch seat height, the Pitbull is the lowest in the line. The nearly nine-foot long sibling of the Pitbull is the rigid-frame Ridgeback. In its second full year, the Ridgeback’s is even more aggressive and powerful for 2005. Now, its radical chopper-style design is further pumped by a jaw-dropping 300mm rear tire, one of the beefiest tires in the industry. Hugged by a tight fitting steel fender, the tire wraps around its massive custom-designed machine aluminum wheel and helps provide a softer ride. Both rigid models also come standard with a hidden oil tank, 41mm telescopic front forks, and 4- piston brakes. Models with Suspension Chopper and Mastiff Two years after its launch, the Chopper has enjoyed enormous popularity. This year will be no different as Big Dog Motorcycles’ top seller is sure to remain the perfect motorcycle for riders who want to combine a cutting edge chopper-style motorcycle with new technologies, enhanced style and improved comfort. Specific enhancements include a redesigned A-frame swingarm for a more active suspension; an oil tank hidden in the rear splash guard which lowers the oil temperature while allowing for a thicker, more comfortable seat; durable steel fenders with clean edges; a narrower front fender with integrated mounting fasteners; and a sleek chrome hooded headlight. Picking up design cues from the Chopper and the Pitbull, the 2005 Mastiff adds a sharp edge to the already splendid line-up. It is both smooth with its redesigned A-frame swingarm and edgy with its beefy 250mm rear tire topped with a tight-contour steel rear fender. Also like the Chopper, its oil tank has been moved to the rear splash guard while the headlight is now hooded and stretched. And like the Pitbull, its dash has been redesigned to accommodate a new speedo with an integrated LED tachometer. Both the Chopper and Mastiff also come standard with 41mm front forks and 4-piston brakes. Combining styling excellence with the spectacular technological breakthroughs at Big Dog Motorcycles, the totally redesigned 2005 models are sure to win the accolades of motorcycle critics while providing their buyers an adrenaline-packed riding experience. “Last year with the introduction of exclusive components, we immediately set new benchmarks – all still yet to be matched. Now, with the unveiling of our 2005 line, with its high performance engines, redesigned transmissions, improved drive trains, amazingly fat tires, and other refinements, we’re doing it all over again,” Messer concluded. About Big Dog Motorcycles® Big Dog Motorcycles, LLC, started production in 1994 and has since become the Number Two American V-twin motorcycle manufacturer and the leader in its specialized niche. The company’s entire line of motorcycles uses high-performance V-twin 117 cubic inch engines, 6-speed transmissions, stretch tanks, right side drives, super fat tires, chrome components, and an extensive variety of custom paint colors and graphics. The 2005 line also includes Big Dog Motorcycles custom-designed electronics, hand controls, foot controls, mirrors, air cleaner cover, coil cover, and other components, all earning the company OEM status. The company’s motorcycles are distributed through nearly one hundred dealers throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii – eight are Big Dog Motorcycles branded dealerships. Designing, manufacturing, and distributing are performed at the company’s 175,000 square-foot world headquarters in Wichita, Kansas by over 350 employees. For more information, visit the new, comprehensive website at www.bigdogmotorcycles.com. | ||