Big Dog - US-based custom motorcycle firm makes Indian debut

Big Dog Motorcycles has announced its entry into the Indian market. The US-based custom motorcycle manufacturer has launched the K9 Red Chopper-111 in the country at a price of Rs. 59 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The K9 Red Chopper-111 is a one-of-one, custom built motorcycle that is powered by a 1,807 cc, 45-degree V-twin engine. This engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. It is 2,743 mm long, with a wheelbase of 2,083 mm and a seat height of 622 mm. The front gets a 21-inch wheel, while the rear houses an 18-inch rim. The bike tips the scales at 304 kg.

Big Dog Motorcycles started operations in 1994 as a manufacturer of semi-custom motorcycles, in Kansas, United States. The company's unconventional designs became popular in the US. The manufacturer had recorded $2 million worth of sales by 1997. Big Dog manufactured its 20,000th bike in 2006. However, the subsequent five years saw continuously dropping sales, leading to the company shutting down operations in April 2011. Big Dog Motorcycles recently announced their re-entry into the custom motorcycle space with their 2016 line-up of bikes.

In India, Big Dog Motorcycles has been brought in through a partnership with Big Motorcycle Company (BMC), which was started in October 2015. BMC is also responsible for bringing US-based motorcycle renting firm EagleRider to India.