2008 Big Dog Motorcycles - 1st Look

This will come in handy as Big Dog generously claims that the Mutt is a novice-level motorcycle. And though buying a Pro Street bike with a burly 117 cubic-inch engine and 250 rear is a stretch for the inexperienced rider, the Mutt has been toned down a bit from its customary offerings in order to attract a larger segment of the consumer base. The attraction could be facilitated by the Mutt's MSRP under $25K, the first bike the company has offered recently within that price range.

"It's closely aligned with every Big Dog motorcycle in terms of style and performance, yet it stands on its own as being able to fit many rider's needs and riding demands," said Nick Messer, Executive Vice-President of Sales and New Product Development.

Pitbull

Besides the all-new Mutt, the Pitbull takes top honors for most drastically retooled Big Dog Motorcycle for 2008. The Pitbull has a ten-year history of pushing the envelope for the Wichita-based company. In 1998, it was BDM's first rigid frame motorcycle. In 2002, it was the first bike for BDM to roll out of the factory with a wide, 250mm tire. This year, the Pitbull has a retro-look with styling cues reminiscent of customs I've seen competing for Best of Show.

The Pitbull's redesign begins with its steel, stretched one-piece fuel tank. The contoured fuel cell has clean, distinct lines, unlike the rounded tanks on other Big Dog models. The 4.6 gallon cell sits tight on the bike's six-inch oversized backbone and eliminates the openness between the engine and the frame. The new rigid frame has been redesigned to accommodate a 20mm slimmer rear tire and to support a wheelbase that is 4.5 inches shorter than last year's. The front end has been totally revamped as well. The rake angle has been reduced by 8 degrees, down from in '07's 39 degrees to 31 degrees in '08. Big Dog has put more emphasis on handling and low-speed maneuverability by bringing in the fork and reducing the tire size. The wheel combo is taller than last year's package. The 130/60R23 dimensions gain two inches in height over 2007's MH120/70x21 front while the rear went from 300mm on an 18-inch tire to 280mm on a 20-inch tire. The changes to the frame also include a 1.25-inch higher seat than last year, but Big Dog had to make room for the stylish new spring seat used on the '08 Pitbull. The one item that would have been the piece de résistance for the Pitbull is a Springer front end, but that's simply one motojournalist's subjective opinion.

Mastiff

While the Mutt and Pitbull represent new blood in Big Dog's Pro Street line, the Mastiff retains the bread-and-butter styling cues that got BDM where they are today. The 8.5-foot long cruiser has a six-inch oversized backbone stretch with stock downtubes, the same frame geometry as last year. The A-Frame swingarm has been redesigned with the intentions of smoothing out the ride and still supports a 300mm meaty rear, the healthiest backside amongst the Pro Streeters. An adjustable hidden shock suspension should assist the swingarm in making the Mastiff rider-friendly. Rider comfort will also benefit from the under-molded rubber grips and pegs that BDM claims to reduce vibration felt in the hands and feet. Sweet-looking rubber-mounted low-rise chrome handlebars sweep back for an arms-forward, upright riding position, assisted by a low 24.25-inch seat height. The 41 mm telescopic fork is set at a 39 degree rake angle with an extra 3 degrees provided by the tree rake, time-tested dimensions for a Big Dog bike. The motorcycle has color matching fenders, gas and oil tanks that are complemented by plenty of requisite custom chrome. One of the best moves BDM has made for '08 is allowing riders to choose the fuel system for the Mastiff, EFI or a Super G Carb. Buyers always like to feel empowered by having a say in their build.

And though the body of the Mastiff doesn't differ much from last year's model, customers can always individualize their bikes by choosing one of seven base colors and topping it off with one of the 70 graphic packages Big Dog offers. And you don't have to stop there. Big Radius or Mean Mother exhausts are other customization options that can help set your bike apart. Custom seats, sissy bars, touring bags and more are also on the list of BDM aftermarket accessories readily available to help you pimp your ride.

Ridgeback

The Ridgeback has returned to Big Dog's Chopper line with a vengeance after not making the cut last year. Who says the fat tire revolution is dead? Not Big Dog. In fact, it's going wider than ever before on the Ridgeback, a whopping 330mm low-profile rear tire. For the rigid frame to accommodate the foot wide rear, BDM had to do a little redesigning. The 8-inch oversized down tubes are an inch bigger in comparison to last year's Chopper and the 4-inch oversized backbone measures an inch bigger as well. At the opposite end to the 330mm rear up the 82.5-inch wheelbase is a 21-inch custom-designed front wheel sitting way out on a 12-inch oversized fork. The classic chopper-style rake, a healthy 39 degrees, is up two degrees from BDM's '07 Chopper. Overall, the belt-driven 680 lb bike is an inch short of nine feet.

"The Ridgeback buyer is someone looking for the most rebellious design and hardcore looks in a rigid custom cruiser and the fattest tire on the market combined with tremendous excitement, performance, and handling," said Messer.

K-9

The K-9 continues to be the flagship of the Big Dog fleet. In its third year in production, the nine-foot-long chopper shares much in common with its sibling the Ridgeback. Its frame has the same stretch, the rake angle has the same ridiculous 39 degree setting, and the forks are a sick 12 inches oversized. The one-piece steel tank design is a constant denominator between the two as is the 24.25-inch seat height. But the K-9 has something the Ridgeback doesn't. Rear suspension. The hidden shock is adjustable for loads but maintains its custom appeal by not raising the rear fender away from the tire. It's also pre-wired to accept an aftermarket air ride suspension, a common feature in custom show bikes this year. The chopper's A-Frame swingarm houses a 300mm rear tire, not quite the girth of the Ridgeback's but still plenty of rubber to lay down on the road. And while all Ridgebacks run a Super G Carb, K-9 owners have the choice of EFI or carburetion. Overall, you won't find a more classic-looking chopper than the K-9, though 300mm rears are definitely a touch of the new-school of styling.

Big Dog Motorcycles hasn't been in the biz for 14 years by not being smart. Making bikes more people can afford and establishing a novice-level ride are moves in the right direction to staying afloat in an industry where more vessels sink than swim. The Wichita company is also in the process of establishing a Dealer Support Center to provide the sellers of its bikes an avenue for hands-on technical and service training. Along with its revised Technician Education Program, these new Big Dog techs and reps are going to be an educated lot that will work to the benefit of consumers. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?