Custom Motorcycles
One more custom motorcycle shop is about to close due to the dire economy, according to reports. Big Dog Motorcycles in Wichita, Kansas, is about to close and convert into a parts manufacturer and distributor, local news outlets reported.
The custom chopper manufactures popular V-Twin models such as the Pitbull, Bulldog Mastiff and the K-9, among others.
UltimateMotorcycling.com has attempted to contact representatives of Big Dog Motorcycles and its president, Mike Simmons, but calls have not been returned.
Last week, Big Dog Motorcycles cut 10 production jobs, slimming the staff to 22 employees, Simmons told the Wichita Eagle. He also reported that company hasn’t manufactured any motorcycles since 2010, and is filling orders for parts and other supplies.
Big Dog Motorcycles opened its doors in 1994, and has built about 25,000 motorcycles to date. Every chopper built uses a 117 CI V-Twin with a six-speed transmission. The bikes are sold through 100 distributors throughout the Unite States.
The company’s owner, Sheldon Coleman, reportedly has plans to build and sell parts for Big Dog motorcycles.
This will be the second major American custom chopper manufacturer to shut down. In October, 2010, the famed West Coast Choppers owned by Jesse James closed its doors in Long Beach, Calif.
