Tell me about the Big Dogs, please

[57basstra]

I just posted my intro and am eager to ask some questions.

I just ran across a 2001 Big Dog Vintage Sport with 28,000 miles.

I was wondering what is the top end value on this bike. It does seem to have a few cosmetic blemishes to it.

I am sorry for asking so many newby questions, but this is the first Big Dog I have seen in person. I have heard of them, but do not know really anything other than what I have read here while waiting for my account to be activated.

Some questions:

What type of motor do these have?

I seem to pick up that the older models may have problems with the transmission, is this true?

Is 28,000 miles a lot of miles for these motors, tranny, etc.?


Who works on these bikes?

Can my Harley mechanic work on these? (that shop is closed right now and I cannot ask the guys in person or on phone.)

I know no one knows, but what are the chances of this company being acquired by another company or stopping production all together? (It seems they have stopped for now. I am a musician and I have seen the Fender company buy guitar companies like Tacoma and shut them down. I like the little guy American companies. Big Dog seems to be one.)

I have other questions, but I will halt now to see the responses.

Thank you in advance for your time and attention.
David

 

[KnotSo]

Big Dog is privatly owned by Sheldon Coleman of the Coleman Camping Gear Family fame. Doubt he will sell his pride and joy.

Gonna need pics of this dog and more details. Dogs can be had on the cheap in this economy. Perhaps if you gave us a price range you can afford, we can find you a pup? If you find one in this area, I would be more than happy to go test ride it for you, may even ride it home for you..

Details, what are you really looking for in a bike?

I have never seen a big dog I did not like

 

[57basstra]

I hope I have not been too bold in asking about the company in my second thread.

If I sound eager and in a hurry it is because I am very interested to try to determine if I can swing the Vintage Sport. I am not a mechanic and I have enough of a time keeping my Shovelhead going. Thanks
David

 

[57basstra]

The bike can probably be had for $9,000.
I know KellyBluebook has he bike listed Retail for $13,000 and Trade in for $9,000. That is likely where the seller got the price.
I was looking to spend $10,000 or less for another bike. The market is very good, it seems, for buyers.
I do not have pics at this time. thanks
David

 

[KnotSo]

If you use the search function, and still have a question, we respect that.

With this group, we are all eager and anxious when it comes to these bikes, they are incredible, beautifull, well engineered, and will put a smile on your face like nothing else will. These are the only bikes you will want to put in the living room to stare at all the time, and they have the power to chew up a thousand miles a day and do it agin every day after, with riding positions akin to your lazyboy recliner

Damn, I need to go look at my dog now, touch her, feel her, be with her, caress her long flowing lines, and then we will become as one...


see ya

 

[57basstra]

Thanks, in my haste I had forgotten the search function was now enabled.

I was browsing whilst I waited for account to be activated through individual threads.

Thank you for your time.
David

 

[mcgroom]

Vintage Sport is a nice bike but I think you can much better. You can probably find a 2000 or maybe 2001 with less miles for that range right now.

Slow down, do some research and get the best bike for your money.

In todays market I would say that Vintage is a 7000 - 7500 bike.

2 years ago it was a different story.

Good Luck with your search.

 

[57basstra]

mcgroom, thanks!

This is what I needed to hear. I was getting something of a sales pitch. I know 28,000 miles or so and a well maintained high quality bike is not much on the miles, however, I know no history of the bike.

Thanks for your help.

 

[57basstra]

I managed to find some pics. Again, the bike looks like it has 28,000 miles on 'er.

Thanks for all of the help and insight.

 

[Dugan]

Honestly for the money I feel you can get something a little newer and lots cleaner . My buddy just got a 04 ridgeback with 3800 miles for around $11500.

 

[Eric]

I think the newer models look better, but to each there own,, for that much jack I'd shop around some, maybe thay will lower the price if your not so intrested. my 07 pitbull was 21K new, bought in 08, thay lowered the price due to new models had already come out

 

[57basstra]

This is a great forum. Also, I think the site is very user friendly. Some of the musical instrument and music sites that I frequent could stand these applications....

this bike was on eBay and only got one bid of $4,900. It is at a boat dealership. They may want to move it.

If I did get it at a much lower price, how hard are these bikes to get someone to work on?

I have a '79 1/2 Harley Lowrider that is a mean bike, but sometimes when I ride it I do not know if I am going to get home. That is what got me looking at bikes and I came across this Vintage Sport.

I like the small American companies and I would like to get one of these bikes because I can tell they have a great loyal following.

How much over $4,900 would be too much to offer..just to see?
...Again thanks.

 

[bdmridgeback]

Offer $6000 and go from there. If it is a Boat dealer, they are probably into it cheap and it was good that it only went to $4900 on Ebay, kinda gives the boat guy a feel of how the econemy really is in the bike market.

Offer him $6000 feel him out, I'd say, by the pics $6000-$6500 should be a real good deal.

 

[57basstra]

Sounds good. Thanks for all of the input from everyone. I will report back. If this is not a go I will likely start looking for another Big Dog

 

[chaingunner]

Offer $6000 and go from there. If it is a Boat dealer, they are probably into it cheap and it was good that it only went to $4900 on Ebay, kinda gives the boat guy a feel of how the econemy really is in the bike market.

Offer him $6000 feel him out, I'd say, by the pics $6000-$6500 should be a real good deal.

:iagree:

6k is about the max I'd go. Look around, LOTS of deals, and it's not the riding season in most areas now so you have time to look. :2thumbs:

 

[camaro4516]

My 03 pitbull has 10000 miles and lots of extras you can have it for 11000.00.......

 

[stlmikie]

With all of this being said. The 03 and earlier used alot of hd aftermarket parts to build. It you were interested in changing your pegs and grips for instance you could go to the HD shop and buy some. The 04 and later models went with proprietary parts and are l little harder and more expensive to get. And yes on the 03 and earlier models a HD shop could do most of the work. I have an 03 so that may make me lean that way a little more but it makes sense to me. I would low ball and see what that gets you and if it doesn't pan out, like you stated, it is a buyers market right now and you would find these early models going for the ten large range. Good luck and keep us in the loop with your decision. Camero's bike looks pretty good for eleven. Maybe you could do some bartering with him!

 

[KnotSo]

Just call the dlr and ask him what his bottom line is.

Or give me all the info on the bike and I will call.

 

[zer0t]

This thread makes me want another dog.