Looking for input from forum members on bike kits

[bigdogpartskingpin]

We're putting together some Big Dog bike kits to sell. Would you rather buy a full rolling chassis with tires mounted, foot/hand controls installed with wiring and every last part less engine & trans? Or basic frame, wheels, sheet metal, front end & handlebars on a pallet? We're trying to keep the cost as low as possible.
We're also converting all of our frames from Baker DSSC Transmission mount to regular HD style. Just fishing for suggestions from members here & wondering which model you would want to build & how complete to start. I know it all depends on price, but would you rather spend more up front? Or get started as cheap as possible & add parts as money allows.

 

[Tim]

I think the ideal situation for me is a roller and I'll add the parts I want. The tough thing is I'm really picky about the wheels and that could be the tough part and what styles will be available.

 

[aspen874]

I really like your idea, since I am mechanically challenged the roller I think would be the best for me personally. I could have my own paint and motor work done.

What is the difference between the Baker DSSC and the Harley transmission, why do you want to change?

I think there is a market for this, but I wouldn't try to re-invent the wheel, out side the EHC issues, it's a pretty dependable bike.

 

[aspen874]

You have over 10k members here, what percentage could you sell a complete rolling package to. Also how many BigDog dealers are left, how many of those are buyers for inventory.

 

[pknowles]

is there really a market here for rollers? most of our members already have at least one dog. I would like to see a website where you could actually find the wheels and accessories with pricing that will fit our bikes and be able to order with tires mounted. PM wants Five grand for this package. just my two cents.

 

[Utopiapga]

If you did do a roller I would go ahead and have wiring done and then give some options maybe for wheel choice and forward controls as well. I can bolt everything on myself but the wiring is what gets me so if I could have a rolling chassis with the wiring done I could go to town with the motor and trans no problem.

Just my .02

 

[bearman]

If I was in the market for a kit, which I am not, I would want the complete roller, un-painted of course, strictly because I would get all the needed parts at one time, and not have to worry if you were going to run out of fork tubes or something.
But because I am also a cheapskate I would still want it for as low a price as possible. As far as buying it as you can afford it, you can always offer lay-a-way:lol:

 

[TimNY]

> Going to refrane on giving input due to trouble I had in the past with a
starter purchase .

( Subliminal message - I wish I made good on that part years ago - It wouldnt come back to haunt me .)

 

[awg]

I would like to see the little things for sale in a package. Not everyone has 5+ thousand to shell out. But Im sure some of us would like to see things grouped together at a decent price of course.

 

[bigdogpartskingpin]

Thanks for all your ideas. We'll probably have a couple with all new parts, then maybe a bargain basement starter with used components from the "dent & ding" section of the warehouse.
We're switching to Harley style transmission mounts for pricing and availability of trans/primary options.

 

[zenBD]

Thanks for all your ideas. We'll probably have a couple with all new parts, then maybe a bargain basement starter with used components from the "dent & ding" section of the warehouse.
We're switching to Harley style transmission mounts for pricing and availability of trans/primary options.

Would you be changing trans mounts with the 300+ rear wheel set ups like the K9 & Ridgeback? It is my understanding that the right side drive set up was designed as a fix for handling issues with the big rear tires... I'd be worried about going back to a left side set up.

 

[DRBarnhart]

We're switching to Harley style transmission mounts for pricing and availability of trans/primary options.

But Baker is still in business... unless you know something you're not telling us?

Dennis

 

[Nukeranger]

When I was thinking about it, it was going to be a roller with choice of wheels. Then I found my Ridgeback

 

[bigdogpartskingpin]

Would you be changing trans mounts with the 300+ rear wheel set ups like the K9 & Ridgeback? It is my understanding that the right side drive set up was designed as a fix for handling issues with the big rear tires... I'd be worried about going back to a left side set up.

They'll stlll be Right side drive. Just a less expensive option for transmission & primary.

 

[Viking]

Split them up and sell the parts would be a better business option for you and a lot better option for us on here. Just my $0.02...

 

[zenBD]

They'll stlll be Right side drive. Just a less expensive option for transmission & primary.

okay... sounds good. i think your idea to do some more spartan set ups as well as some more complete set ups is a good one. I personally would want most of the bike in a single kit, but I also agree with the idea that rim design would make or break a kit that includes them. On the other hand, I can definitely see why some people would want a less inclusive kit as well. Maybe you could offer a more complete kit with rims, but allow a customer to swap rims for other designs you have in stock.

 

[pknowles]

would these kits be titled as big dog bikes or would you get an aspt title?

 

[bigdogpartskingpin]

All would be title as Custom Built or Assembled Vehicle. The 2011 closure ended all real Big Dog titles.

 

[Tomtang aka Reptilejim]

I'm not a cheapskate I just don't have alot of money to begin with, but I would like to have a project of sorts. Making things affordable is the key. Just my 2cents!