2008 BIG DOG Motorcycle Line-Up




Big Dog's New Kennel Mate For 2008
 
Being predictably canine it takes on the un-assuming name,  The Mutt. You could say it's like a Rottweiler-Labrador mix, fierce, strong but also friendly and nimble. With its 682 pounds powered by a pulse-ponding 117-cubic-inch S&S V-twin motor, this very manageable Pro Street model isn't quite the puppy it's billed as in Big Dog's five-model lineup. Modern, cool styling combined with a 37-degree rake, 6-inch stretch and fat 250mm rear tire, provides The Mutt with the least threatening geometry in Big Dog's kennel. It also the cheapest, but not that cheap. MSRP $24,900.00

The Pitbull

Big Dog's 2008 Pitbull takes "Best In Show" for the most drastically retooled Big Dog. The Pitbull has a ten-year history of pushing the envelope and setting the pace. In 1998, it was Big Dog's first rigid frame motorcycle. In 2002, it was Big Dog's first bike with a fat, 250mm rear tire. For 2008, The Pitbull has a new, retro-look with styling cues & lines unlike most anything else on the production motorcycle line market.

 

The 2008 Pitbull's redesign begins with a stunning steel, stretched one-piece fuel tank. Unlike the rounded tanks on other Big Dog motorcycles, The 2008 Pitbull's contoured 4.6 gallon fuel cell has clean, distinct lines and sits tight on the bike's six-inch oversized backbone. (This eliminates the openness between the engine and the frame.) Pitt's new rigid frame has been redesigned to support a wheelbase that is 4.5 inches shorter and accommodate a 20mm slimmer rear tire. The front end has been totally redesgined too. The rake has also been reduced by 8 degrees. Big Dog decided to put extra emphasis on handling and low-speed maneuverability by bringing in the fork and reducing the tire size. This year's Pitbull wheel combo is taller than 2007. The 130/60R23 dimensions gain two inches in height over last year'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, making room for the stylish new spring seat used on the new '08 Pitbull.

The Mastiff

 

While Big Dog's Mutt and Pitbull represent the new blood line in Big Dog's Pro Street models, the big bad Mastiff retains the motor company styling cues that got Big Dog Motorcycles where they stand today. The 8.5-foot long cruiser has a six-inch oversized backbone stretch with stock down-tubes. (The same frame geometry as last year's Mastiff.) The A-Frame swing-arm has been redesigned with the intentions of smoothing out the ride but still supports that meaty 300mm rear tire. An adjustable hidden shock suspension helps assist the Mastiff's swing-arm in making this Big Dog more rider-friendly.  The new under-molded rubber grips and pegs on the '08 Mastiff helps to reduce rider vibration felt in the hands and feet. Rubber-mounted low-rise chrome handlebars sweep back for an arms-forward, upright riding position are assisted by a low 24.25-inch seat height. The 41mm telescopic fork is set at a 39 degree rake. An extra 3 degrees is provided by the tree rake. The 2008 Mastiff has color matching fenders, gas and oil tanks, complimented by alot of sparkling chrome. In '08 customers can now choose the fuel system for the Mastiff, EFI or a Super G Carb.

Buyers always like to having a say in their build. True, the beefy body of the Mastiff doesn't differ much from 2007, but perspective customers can always individualize their Mastiff by choosing one of seven base colors and 70 graphic packages Big Dog offers. Plus, Big Radius or Mean Mother exhausts are other custom options that can help set your Mastiff apart. Custom seats, sissy bars, touring bags and much more are on the list of BDM aftermarket accessories and ready to help you bling out your new sled.

The Ridgeback

After not making the cut last year, The Ridgeback has returned to Big Dog's Chopper line with a vengeance. The fat tire revolution isn't dead, far from it. In fact, Big Dog's going bigger than ever before on the 2008 Ridgeback, with a mind-blowing 330mm low-profile rear tire! For the Ridegback's rigid frame to accommodate this monster, Big Dog had to do some redesigning. Both The 8-inch oversized down tubes and the 4-inch oversized backbone measure an inch bigger. At the opposite end of the 330mm rear, 82.5-inch wheelbase is a 21-inch custom-designed Big Dog front wheel on a 12-inch oversized fork. The classic chopper-style rake of the Riddeback is a healthy 39 degrees, up two degrees from last years model. Overall, the belt-driven 680 lb 2008 Ridegback is an inch short of nine feet long.

 

According the Big Dog higher-ups, "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."

The K-9

Meantime, Big Dog's K-9 continues to be the flagship of the company. In its third year of production, the nine-foot-long 2008 K-9 chopper shares much with its sibling the 2008 Ridgeback. Its frame has the same stretch, the rake angle has the same sick 39 degree setting, and the forks are a crazy 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 2008 K-9 has something the 2008 Ridgeback does not. A rear suspension. The hidden shock on The K-9 is adjustable but maintains its custom appeal by not raising the rear fender away from that fat tire. Big Dog also pre-wired the '08 K-9 to accept an aftermarket air-ride suspension.. The chopper's A-Frame swing-arm houses a big 300mm rear tire. True, baby don't have as much "back" as Ridgeback's but there's still plenty of rubber to leave on the asphalt. 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 production, classic-looking chopper than the 2008 Big Dog K-9, even with the over-sized 300mm, new-school styling of todays production motorcycles.

Big Dog has made it in the production motorcycle for 14 years by being smart and innovative. Making bikes more people can afford and establishing a novice-level ride are the right moves to keep a motor company alive these days. The Wichita based company is also establishing a Dealer Support Center to provide dealers of its pound a forum for hands-on technical and service training. A revised Technician Education Program and new Big Dog techs and dealers are going to very educated, benefiting the consumers. Hey, who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? "Sit U-boo, sit, good dog."

 

 

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