2008 Big Bear Choppers - First Look

According to Meadors, full-scale production on the BBC/ S&S 100 SMOOTH-equipped G.T.X's will begin by next week. The first ten should hit dealers by late November, early December at the latest. The X-Wedge powered versions will follow soon after. Riders looking to throw a leg over the premier BBC baggers will have to dole out $34,900 for a chance to ride one. Once the X-Wedge-powered version hits the streets, the price for the new mill pushes the MSRP up a grand more.

Which leads us to Big Bear's second 2008 release, the Paradox. The paradox for Big Bear was to build an avant-garde motorcycle that wasn't all show and no go while being both comfortable and reliable. BBC's answer to the challenge is the Paradox.

The motorcycle maintains the smooth, modern lines established in the G.T.X. Almost none of the tubular frame is visible. Big Bear has fabbed up a sweet fiberglass downtube cover that mirrors the curved construction of the gas tank. The styling cue extends to its fiberglass oil tank covers below the seat. Additionally, BBC added its touch to the stamped metal piece over the tubular swingarm. The color-matched swingarm design covers up the axle adjuster and tidies up the look of the rear end. When I look at the overall symmetry of the bike I can't help but think of the subtle rounded fenders on the early '70s Corvette Stingrays. Maybe it's the fiberglass link, or maybe Alsop has an appreciation of vintage cars. Take a look at the two and see if any similarities strike you.

As far as the Paradox's reliability goes, Big Bear addresses the issue by using an engine whose credibility has already been tested in its Pro Street and chopper platforms, the S&S 100 SMOOTH. Riders can order it either carb-fed or with EFI. But like the G.T.X., a third option will soon be available in the form of the 114 cubic inch S&S X-Wedge EFI mill. Connect this to a Baker six-speed transmission and you've got a powertrain that has a proven track record.

For handling, BBC is banking on a huge 23-inch 120mm front tire and a 20 inch 300mm rear . The 23" X 20" combo is claimed to be a first for a production bike. Maybe the stability of the mondo-sized front will minimize the push at the handlebar needed to muscle a 300mm rear. A low seat height and forward foot controls will also benefit rider's confidence behind the pull back handlebars and should enhance the Paradox's rideability.

Unlike its 2008 brother, the ergos on the Paradox are conventional. The frame has a modest stretch, but nothing like the G.T.X. The rider sits bucked up to the rear tire in a standard drop seat. Without the bags, the emphasis of the Paradox's rear end is on its custom swingarm, the shine of its polished chrome wheel and the girth of the 300mm meat. The final touch on the rear is the gleam coming off some twisted chrome dual exhausts.

MSRP for the Paradox starts at $31,900 for the 100 SMOOTH carb-fed version. To equip it with the 100 SMOOTH EFI rendition bumps the cost up to $33,200, and the price for one with the X-Wedge mill tops out at $34,200.

Rounding out Big Bear Choppers' 2008 line is a redesign on its Venom model. Included in the changes are a new gas tank, seat, and handlebars. The bike will still be available in either Pro Street or chopper form, with an unassembled version ready for the more adventurous who want the satisfaction of building their own custom.

And while Big Bear has been busy establishing itself as a production house that sells factory direct, fully licensed OEM customs, kits, and parts through its nationwide network of 55 dealers, it hasn't completely abandoned building one-off customs. They are currently building a bike for Criss Angel, the popular illusionist and entertainer of "Mindfreak" fame. If you've ever seen the show, you know Criss isn't going to settle for anything else than one pimped-out ride. The bike is based on BBC's Athena Chopper but with plenty of bling and chrome bits.

Big Bear Choppers' ability to combine innovative designs with state-of-the art technology has helped it grow from a one-man show working out of a small shed to a full-scale production house with 100 employees. Sound business decisions, like being one of the first OEM's to utilize S&S's new eco-friendly X-Wedge engine, have helped them develop into one of the premier builders of custom-styled production bikes. Its network of 55 national and 18 international dealers attest to that fact. Big Bear also pays its dues on the rally scene. The next event on BBC's schedule is the Lone Star Rally in Galveston, Texas, from Nov. 1-4. Long known as the home to another American manufacturer of iron horses, we could see a Texas-sized duel for two-wheeled custom supremacy. Who gets to play the roles of Santa Anna and Davy Crockett to be decided.