CARRYING TRAVEL GEAR:
Overloading, particu-
larly at the rear of a motorcycle, can cause instability. Care-
fully check any approved accessories for the maximum
weight capacities. Luggage racks are designed for light weight
items only. Do not overload racks. Be sure cargo is secure
and will not shift while riding. Recheck load periodically.
TRAILER TOWING:
Do not tow a trailer with your Big
Dog motorcycle under any circumstances.
The addition of accessories and additional weight to your
Big Dog Motorcycle can affect the stability, handling char-
acteristics and safe operating speed. Because Big Dog Mo-
torcycles cannot test and make specific recommendations
concerning every accessory or combination of accessories,
riders must be responsible for safe operation of the motor-
cycle when operating with accessories or carrying addi-
tional weight.
2005 OWNER’S MANUAL
[
GENERAL INFORMATION 1.3
]
BULLDOG
MASTIFF
CHOPPER
PITBULL
614 lbs.
270 lbs.
344 lbs.
1085 lbs.
390 lbs.
695 lbs.
Dry Weight
Dry Weight Front
Dry Weight Rear
GVWR
GAWR Front
GAWR Rear
641 lbs.
268 lbs.
373 lbs.
1085 lbs.
390 lbs.
695 lbs.
653 lbs.
260 lbs.
393 lbs.
1085 lbs.
390 lbs.
695 lbs.
617 lbs.
256 lbs.
340 lbs.
1085 lbs.
390 lbs.
695 lbs.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (Maximum allowable loaded vehicle weight) and
corresponding Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) are given on a label on
the frame down tube.
WEIGHT RATINGS BY MODEL
654 lbs.
254 lbs.
400 lbs.
1085 lbs.
390 lbs.
695 lbs.
RIDGEBACK
RT (N) DT BDM
662 lbs.
266 lbs.
396 lbs.
1085 lbs.
390 lbs.
695 lbs.
667 lbs.
266 lbs.
401 lbs.
1085 lbs.
390 lbs.
695 lbs.
Keep cargo weight concen-
trated close to the motor-
cycle and as low as
possible to minimize the change of center of gravity
(balance point). Distribute weight evenly on both sides of
the motorcycle and do not load bulky items or add weight
to the handlebars or front forks. Do not exceed 15 pounds
maximum load in each saddlebag. Improper loading can
cause vehicle handling problems and result in personal
injury.
Do not attempt “custom”
alterations such as
extended forks on the front end or sidecar instal-
lation. Your motorcycle was not designed for and must
NEVER be used with a sidecar. Any such alteration consti-
tutes vehicle misuse that can adversely affect handling char-
acteristics, posing a potential hazard to the rider.
The following guidelines should be used when equipping
your Big Dog motorcycle with accessories or carrying a
passenger and cargo:
1. Big Dog motorcycles are carefully engineered to be rid-
den in their original configuration or only with authorized
Big Dog motorcyle accessories.
2. Unauthorized accessories that change the operator’s
riding position may reduce reaction time and alter han-
dling characteristics.
3. Overloading the motorcycle by exceeding Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) may alter handling characteristics
and reduce braking efficiency.
CARRYING TRAVEL GEAR:
Overloading, particu-
larly at the rear of a motorcycle, can cause instability. Care-
fully check any approved accessories for the maximum
weight capacities. Luggage racks are designed for light weight
items only. Do not overload racks. Be sure cargo is secure
and will not shift while riding. Recheck load periodically.
TRAILER TOWING:
Do not tow a trailer with your Big
Dog motorcycle under any circumstances.
The addition of accessories and additional weight to your
Big Dog motorcycle can affect the stability, handling char-
acteristics and safe operating speed. Because Big Dog Mo-
torcycles cannot test and make specific recommendations
concerning every accessory or combination of accessories,
riders must be responsible for safe operation of the motor-
cycle when operating with accessories or carrying addi-
tional weight.
2005 OWNER’S MANUAL
[
GENERAL INFORMATION 1.3
]
BULLDOG
MASTIFF
CHOPPER
PITBULL
614 lbs.
270 lbs.
344 lbs.
1085 lbs.
390 lbs.
695 lbs.
Dry Weight
Dry Weight Front
Dry Weight Rear
GVWR
GAWR Front
GAWR Rear
641 lbs.
268 lbs.
373 lbs.
1085 lbs.
390 lbs.
695 lbs.
653 lbs.
260 lbs.
393 lbs.
1085 lbs.
390 lbs.
695 lbs.
617 lbs.
256 lbs.
340 lbs.
1085 lbs.
390 lbs.
695 lbs.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (Maximum allowable loaded vehicle weight) and
corresponding Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) are given on a label on
the frame down tube.
WEIGHT RATINGS BY MODEL
654 lbs.
254 lbs.
400 lbs.
1085 lbs.
390 lbs.
695 lbs.
RIDGEBACK
RT (N) DT BDM
662 lbs.
266 lbs.
396 lbs.
1085 lbs.
390 lbs.
695 lbs.
667 lbs.
266 lbs.
401 lbs.
1085 lbs.
390 lbs.
695 lbs.
Keep cargo weight concen-
trated close to the motor-
cycle and as low as
possible to minimize the change of center of gravity
(balance point). Distribute weight evenly on both sides of
the motorcycle and do not load bulky items or add weight
to the handlebars or front forks. Do not exceed 15 pounds
maximum load in each saddlebag. Improper loading can
cause vehicle handling problems and result in personal
injury.
Do not attempt “custom”
alterations such as
extended forks on the front end or sidecar instal-
lation. Your motorcycle was not designed for and must
NEVER be used with a sidecar. Any such alteration consti-
tutes vehicle misuse that can adversely affect handling char-
acteristics, posing a potential hazard to the rider.
The following guidelines should be used when equipping
your Big Dog motorcycle with accessories or carrying a
passenger and cargo:
1. Big Dog motorcycles are carefully engineered to be rid-
den in their original configuration or only with authorized
Big Dog motorcycle accessories.
2. Unauthorized accessories that change the operator’s
riding position may reduce reaction time and alter han-
dling characteristics.
3. Overloading the motorcycle by exceeding Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) may alter handling characteristics
and reduce braking efficiency.
