October 22ND, 2008, Bandit asked me to fill in for him at the Media Only event at Big Dog Motorcycle's release of the '09 models. Bandit had a previous business commitment that he couldn't shake, so I gladly accepted his offer. Actually he could shake her and wanted to. I suppose that was the purpose of the meeting, some shakin' goin' on.

I know of the Big Dog reputation and their substantial market share in the V-Twin world, but have never ridden a big ass production custom with a huge and pissed- off S&S motor with those rear tires the size of fucking Texas! And, these beasts are nine feet long...I ain't real use to this kind of stuff, but, wudda fuck. I was thinking this situation may prove to be real interesting, and it surely was.

I like to to dive into something blind, because it sure as hell makes life a tad more fun. Most of the better magazines and V-twin web people would be there for the unveiling, which for me opens the door to meet new friends and also catch up with old ones, a success on both fronts. All had to drag their sorry asses out of hotel beds and get to the Costa Mesa, California dealership by 9:00 am. I think I was the only local able to drive from home to the event.

This new "Dog" dealership has only been open for six weeks, and I have to say it was sa-weet.....nice job on their part. I pulled up and the place is buzzing like a bee hive, with editors from all over the country. I shot the shit with a few familiar faces and met some new ones, a Motley Crew, no ego's or butt holes. In between the left side of the building and the Big Dog custom big rig was a long, two across, line of brand new shiny-ass Big Dog bikes. I didn't even count 'em, there was no time, maybe thirty. I was immediately impressed with this glistening line-up like 30 full fledged customs waiting to be photographed for an Easyriders calendar, but where were the girls?

Now it was time to go inside, jump upstairs to the conference room for the speech and slide show about the new bikes. It was 15 years ago that Big Dog Motorcycles first took to the road, swiftly gaining status as a design icon and leader in the high performance high-style motorcycle niche. Each new model year brought new benchmarks in terms of design, engineering, riding capabilities and comfort. Seven models make up the 2009 line, some entirely new.

They plied us with food and drink was given to the troops along with a bunch of free goodies. Definitely one of the more fun, easy and informative tax write off conferences I've attended.

"This year we have seven models," said Paul Hansen, the marketing director. "They include the four pro-street, and two chopper model lines and one all-new touring model."

Paul introduced us to six new models, including the all-new Bulldog and teased us with the touring model, reminiscent of Bandit's and Jesse James Touring Chopper from 1998. The touring model won't be launched until December 2008.

The ProStreet model Line-up for 2009 will include the award-winning Pitbull, top-selling Mastiff and will be joined by two all-new models: the highly styled, lower priced Coyote and striking new flagship of the line, the Wolf, to commemorate Big Dog's 15 years.

The Chopper line-up included their fatest tire (330/17) two-model gang, the Ridgeback at 9 feet long, the most outrageous chop in the line-up and the K-9, America's number one chopper. Both of these bikes are stretched by radical history, have 1.5-inch hefty frames and 39 degrees of rake, but the Ridgeback is rigid and the K-9 a Softail configuration.

Half of the crew was hung over due to excess at a particular hotel bar the previous evening, including yours truly. We were then told that we would be riding the new bikes most of the day with lunch being served at Cook's Corner (a famous SoCal biker bar I have spoken of in the "road tests" section here on Bikernet).

Paul took a few more Burnin' Daylight minutes to tell us about the 2009 Big Dog upgrades. "A new tri-cam 121-inch polished, electronic fuel-injected engine is exclusive to the 2009 Wolf, delivering nearly 2,000cc of punch to the new model," Paul said. "The rest of the line-up comes equipped with fully-polished 117-inch engines." All Big Dog motorcycles have signature BDM balanced primaries and transmissions. "The clutch, redesigned in 2008, dramatically reduces lever effort for smooth and easy gear engagement. New for 2009, the primary compensator sprocket ensures a smoother, quieter ride."

"Okay" proclaimed Hansen (the marketing director for the dog), meeting over, go down stairs and pick out the bike you want to ride today! We all signed our waivers shit and then stampeded down the stairs to the bikes. Coffee spilled, chairs knocked over almost like the last day of school when you're in the seventh grade. It was hilarious.

I spotted the one that caught my eye, the new lower price-point Coyote. Running to it, I knocked down small children (even though there were no small children there). I slammed my helmet on the bar in a gesture that would say "mine, mutha fucka's." The Coyote has a price tag under $24,000 and was designed for rider ease with enhanced agility. The rake is still 39 degrees but with only a 2-over front end and 4.25 inches of ground clearance. It struck me as not being intimidating or super long, but solid, straight as an arrow and ready for battle.

Everyone put their shit on and fired-up the caravan of angry bikes waiting for the Big Dog guys to jump into the camera car and lead us. The thunder from the bikes had most employees across the street on Harbor Blvd. come out of their shops to see just what in hell was going on. Were they being invaded by Soviet tanks or something? Naw, it's just us.

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