For 2008, Big Dog returned the Ridgeback to star alongside the K-9 in its Chopper line. The motorcycle has an extreme 39 degrees of rake, a 12-inch oversized fork and sports a fatty 330mm rear tire.
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 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
By offering a more affordable bike that's a little easier to ride, Big Dog is showing the flexibility needed to stay afloat in an ultra-competitive market.
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?
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?
