crimsonjim
Birmingham, Alabama
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Joined: 12/11/2007
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The 2008 Big Dog lineup is killer with a capital K. Harley-Davidson needs to pay attention to Big Dog. Fifteen years and going strong. I know 15 years is nothing compared to the 105 of HD but 15 years in the custom bike market is an eternity. Manufactures like Big Dog and American Iron Horse are building bikes like HD use to build. Cutting edge different. Now HD is building cookie cutter bikes. all the same look and feel.
Most true bikers want something different. that is what Big Dog and AIH is giving the biking community. For those that are just die hard HD fans (and HD does build a good product) BD and AIH are starting to turn the heads of the die hard HD riders. Harley is the ford station wagon of bikes, dependable not very pleasing to look at. Big Dog and American Iron Horse are the sports car of bikes, you ride em because they are fun and nice to look at.
Now that HD has sold its soul to corporate America there are new kids on the block building what HD once did.
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1Big'n
Churchton MD
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Joined: 10/30/2006
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I'd say from they number of replies to this post, it's more about loyalty and riding an American Legend.
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kzgb
Lake Effect, Indiana
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Joined: 03/30/2003
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crimsonjim wrote:The 2008 Big Dog lineup is killer with a capital K. Harley-Davidson needs to pay attention to Big Dog. Fifteen years and going strong. I know 15 years is nothing compared to the 105 of HD but 15 years in the custom bike market is an eternity. Manufactures like Big Dog and American Iron Horse are building bikes like HD use to build. Cutting edge different. Now HD is building cookie cutter bikes. all the same look and feel.
Most true bikers want something different. that is what Big Dog and AIH is giving the biking community. For those that are just die hard HD fans (and HD does build a good product) BD and AIH are starting to turn the heads of the die hard HD riders. Harley is the ford station wagon of bikes, dependable not very pleasing to look at. Big Dog and American Iron Horse are the sports car of bikes, you ride em because they are fun and nice to look at.
Now that HD has sold its soul to corporate America there are new kids on the block building what HD once did.
i think i'll stick to my American made Victory.
1976 Kawasaki KZ900LTD
2004 Victory Vegas
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10ecjazzman
Nashville, Tennessee
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Joined: 01/24/2007
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Although I'm not really a chopper guy, I like the Mastiff. There a couple of Victory bikes out there that I would like to try (Vision). I am glad that Victory and Big Dog are doing well. Obviously they must be doing something right because they are still selling bikes. In my opinion, they both owe some of their success to trails that Harley-Davidson blazed years ago. You can't look at a cruiser made today and not see Harley influence somewhere. You cant fault Harley for its marketing sense in product placement and building one of the most recognizable icons on the planet. Thats not selling out, thats good business. Any executive at Big Dog or Victory would kill for that kind of market clout. If we are lucky, Big Dog and Victory will be around for a long time because successful American businesses and freedom of choice are American traditions that have been around longer than even Harley-Davidson.
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Payloader
Denver, Colorado
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Joined: 01/19/2004
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I am a fan of the more traditional motorcycle look. I have always thought a Chevelle looked cooler than a Ferrari. That's just me. Those "custom chopper" bikes really don't appeal to me other than as eye candy. I like to look at them, but I don't need one. There are a few things that Harley could do to make the bike a little more appealing to me, but the "custom" bikes would have to do more. Harley is starting to pay attention to the custom bikes, look at the Rockers. I don't remember Harley building bikes that are like the Big Dogs. And aren't all the customs about the same? They all look alike to me. So do the Harleys for that matter, but I guess they are all just different enough. I think Harley should pay attention to everyone, all the bike makers out there. There is a lot of tech that they are not putting as standard equipment on their bikes. And for what you pay for a Harley, that thing should make you breakfast in the morning. But, all in all I don't think spending 25k on a bike I wouldn't ride 500 miles, in a row, is the answer. The one big thing about these so called "customs" is that they are in response to what the bikers have been doing to stock Harleys for years. Look back over the years, the long forks, the fat tires, the big engines. Titans, Big Dogs ect. are a entrepreneurial answer to the market of people who want bikes like that and don't want to build them themselves. There is nothing wrong with that. And I agree that Harley ought to look at some other manufacturers, but not for styling tips.
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THEBurninator
Washburn, MO
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Joined: 08/11/2003
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I'd rather have a rat bike than a fancy chopper.
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rr1985
Centeral Alabama
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Joined: 10/20/2006
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Payloader is right, looks are fine if you ride 20 miles a day. Most customs I have looked at would kill me on a 300-500 mile day. The older I get the more I like my comfort,also the longer trips I have been taking in the last few years do not work well on a custom. That said one of the local custom shops has a Swift Bobber that I keep looking at. I love the bike but could not ride a 300+ day on it. So I will stick with my Softail.
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Payloader
Denver, Colorado
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A friend of mine rides a Steed, I've never heard of it before she got it. But, it is a nice looking ride. It would be cool for around town, but hiway trips may be a little uncomfotable.
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