One-Owner 1999 Big Dog Vintage Sport Is a Modern Classic
Motorcycles & ATVs
Motorcycles
The Big Dog Vintage Sport debuted at the Love Ride - opens in new window or tab. in California in 1998. Tim O’Laughlin, who modestly refers to himself as “just one of the parts guys” at Big Dog Motorcycle, explained why a one-owner bike like the 1999 Vintage Sport recently listed for sale on eBay is special.
He reflected on the time he showed the bike to the public for the first time:
The Vintage Sport was a very cool motorcycle. A lot of parts on that bike were handmade, so I’d preserve the original components as much as possible. The fuel tank was handmade, and parts like the front fender, wheels, and exhaust are now unobtainable.
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A Flexible Big Dog
The Vintage Sport was one of the more flexible Big Dogs. A thumping 117-ci S&S motor - opens in new window or tab. (a very small number had motors from Total Performance), front and rear suspension, and a comfortable seat and riding position were allied with handmade metalwork and tasteful styling. The tank is spectacular.
As per the listing, this Vintage Sport has been with the same owner since new and was apparently very well maintained. As such, authenticity of the bike’s original condition is highly likely. An inspection of the images indicates that it is indeed in superb order despite registering over 20,000 miles. The seller’s use of the word “immaculate” seems to be fitting.
A Precious Thing, With a Twist
Originally formed in 1994 by Sheldon Coleman Jr. of Coleman Outdoor Camping Gear & Equipment - opens in new window or tab. fame, Big Dog grew to become the biggest builder of production custom motorcycles in the world before closing in 2011. At its peak, a remarkable 25 machines were produced per day.
The company began operating again in 2015 but in a smaller, leaner guise. O’Laughlin states:
All but one of the staff with us today were with the original Big Dog. And the frames, tires, and steering geometry are the same as they were. But now we offer a 124-ci motor with fuel injection.
The Vintage Sport itself, however, is no longer made. This makes it a part of American motorcycling history, but there’s an added twist. O’Laughlin tells us that after the original company closed, an administrative error led to almost all of the production records being lost, “Probably to a landfill,” he reflects. As such, a 1999 Vintage Sport with just one owner and still in its original condition is a truly precious thing. There is no other record of how it left the factory.
One or two items may be hard to locate, but you’d be surprised how many Big Dog parts are available on eBay - opens in new window or tab..
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.