WICHITA, Kansas (June 9, 2006) - Big Dog Motorcycles?, the leader in the high-style cruiser niche, the number two American V-Twin motorcycle manufacturer, and the largest manufacturer of custom motorcycles in the world, today unveiled its 20,000th motorcycle and named its 100th dealer.

The 20,000th production milestone kick started the company's second annual Tornado Rally, Kansas' only national motorcycle rally and was reached just twelve years after the company's inception.

"The production of our 20,000th motorcycle is symbolic of the company's success in the marketplace and the rider's continuing demand for high style cruisers," stated Sheldon Coleman, company founder and CEO. "Reaching such a major milestone, the first for any custom cruiser manufacturer, especially so early in our history, demonstrates the strength of the company, an unmatched level of manufacturing experience, and our commitment to the motorcycling lifestyle."

Big Dog Motorcycles began in 1994 in Sheldon Coleman's garage in Wichita, Kansas. Since then, the company has grown to 175,000 square feet employing over 300 building over 5,000 motorcycles per year. The manufacturer's motorcycles, as well as its growing line of accessories, parts, and apparel, are sold nationwide now through 100 dealers.

"It's with a great amount of pride that I look at our 20,000th," Coleman continued.

The celebrated motorcycle is a 2006 K-9 with a midnight sapphire frame and custom patriotic graphics. A patriotic theme has donned all commemorative motorcycles. The bike also sports a 20,000th icon on each side of the tank.

"We chose the K-9 for such an honor because it was introduced this year, is our top seller for this time in our history, and won the V-Twin Bike of the Year award," Messer explained. "In addition, the K-9, with its nine-foot long stance, aggressive styling, rear 300 tire, and a-frame swing arm suspension tremendously demonstrates our design capabilities and our commitment to market demands."

Big Dog Motorcycle Number One was a 1994 Vintage Classic, a nostalgic custom cruiser built by Sheldon Coleman. The company's 100th motorcycle was a 1996 ProGlide, a smooth-riding rubber-mount. A 1999 Bulldog represented the Big Dog Motorcycles' 1,000th. Four years later, the company rolled out number 5,000: a 2003 red, white, and blue Chopper. The 10,000th motorcycle landmark was reached in 2004, represented by a Ridgeback, an aggressive rigid chopper-style cruiser.

"It took five years to hit a thousand bikes and just seven years to build 19,000 more," Messer said. "This stunning growth proves customer acceptance of our motorcycles and elevates Big Dog Motorcycles to the leader in this highly competitive niche. Demand for custom motorcycles continues to rise and Big Dog Motorcycles, with its dedicated network of dealers, suppliers, and employees, is extremely well-positioned to get thousands more on the road," Messer continued.

Employees began assembling the 20,000th motorcycle on May 18 and completed it on May 19. ESPN2 was on site to capture the entire manufacturing process, from the frame building and powder coating, to the graphics and motor assembly, to the final production and test ride. The segment will air nationwide in August 2006.

"The 20,000th motorcycle pays homage to the hard work that our employees put in every day. Their dedication and passion make it possible to reach all of our goals," Coleman added. "A few have been here since the company started, many for years, and some just a few months. To each of them, this milestone assures them they work for a solid company and in an amazing industry."

Watch for a full feature on this bike and Big Dog's climb in the near future.--Bandit