Company info page from the 04 manual
Frequently Asked Questions
About The Bikes
Q: What kind of motorcycles do you build?
A: Big Dog Motorcycles manufactures a line of street inspired, heavy weight cruisers based on a 107cu.in., air-cooled, V-twin engine, 6-speed transmission, fat tires, and custom graphics. From mild to wild, our line encompasses all types of looks and suspension. Some are perfect for cruising in town, while others are best for cruising out of town.
Q: Is a Big Dog motorcycle just a customized Harley-Davidson?
A: No. While the company started using some stock Harley-Davidson parts to build our bikes, they have since evolved into a completely different bike. Our own engineers design nearly every
component on our motorcycles – from the tanks to wheels to the new hand controls, foot controls, and electronics. This makes Big Dog motorcycles different from any other
manufactured bike in the industry, including Harley-Davidsons.
Q: How can I find out more information about Big Dog motorcycles?
A: For more information about our motorcycles, check out our award-winning website,
Big Dog Motorcycles. There, you can study our bikes in more detail, including
specifications and available graphics, build your dream bike, find out about rallies, rides, and
dealer open house, and locate your nearest dealer. If the internet is not available to you, feel fee
to call our main number, 316-267-9121 for a brochure.
Q: Are your bikes EPA and CARB certified?
A: Yes. All of our bikes meet the standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency, the
California Air Resources Board, as well as the Department of Transportation.
Q: Are Big Dog motorcycles listed in the NADA and Kelly Blue Book?
A: Yes. Our bikes have been listed in both publications since 1995.
Q: Do Big Dog motorcycles hold their value, especially compared to other motorcycle
manufacturers?
A: Absolutely. We have found that Big Dog motorcycles don’t depreciate as fast as other
manufactured motorcycles. This is due, in part, to the level of quality in our manufacturing
process, our reputation in the industry, and the large demand for our motorcycles.
Q: Where are Big Dog motorcycles assembled?
A: All Big Dog motorcycles are manufactured at the company’s world headquarters in Wichita,
Kansas.
About Accessories & Clothing
Q: Do you sell accessories for your motorcycles?
A: Yes. In fact, our BDM Performance Products encompass a complete line of accessories
exclusively designed for Big Dog motorcycles. These include – among other things – saddlebags,
pillion pads, sissy bars, T-bags, and windscreens. What’s more, the line continues to grow year
after year. Check your local dealer or our website for current pricing and availability.
Q: Do you sell Big Dog Motorcycles clothing?
A: Yes. We offer a complete line of clothing including shirts, jackets, hats as well as a line of gifts and
collectibles. Check your local dealer or our website for current pricing and availability.
About The Company
Q: When did Big Dog Motorcycles begin production?
A: Big Dog Motorcycles started production in 1994 starting with just a few employees customizing a
few bikes.
Q: Who started Big Dog Motorcycles?
A: Big Dog Motorcycles started out in Sheldon Coleman’s garage. Sheldon Coleman, a self described touring enthusiast and former CEO of the Coleman Company (maker of lanterns,
tents, and outdoor equipment) simply wanted a better bike for himself. Incidentally, ten years
after the private company’s founding, Sheldon Coleman is still the sole owner.
Q: What got the company started?
A: Sheldon hired a mechanic and built his first bike. Some people in the group he rode with saw his finished machine and asked where they could get one for themselves. Sheldon saw the demand for his product and decided to launch Big Dog Motorcycles.
Q: How many motorcycles will you build this year?
A: Big Dog Motorcycles will end 2003 having built over 3,500 bikes. We are on track to increase
production to 5,000 in 2004.
Q: How big is Big Dog Motorcycles?
A: Currently, Big Dog Motorcycles employs over 270 people working in a 100,000 sq.ft. production facility. Another building to be completed by Fall 2003 will provide more production and warehouse space. Sales for 2002 were over $42 million and 2003 sales are expected to exceed $75 million. And we recently produced our 7.000th motorcycle with our 10,000th being produced sometime in 2004.
Q: How many dealers do you have?
A: We have a current dealer network of nearly 80 dealers and over 100 authorized service centers coast to coast. In addition, six of our dealers will become Big Dog Motorcycles branded
dealerships throughout the year. To locate a dealer, you can visit
Big Dog Motorcycles.
I'm interested in the company's history, but I can't find much info on the BDM website.:bang: 
