WICHITA, Kan.— Just three months after Big Dog Motorcycles launched its bikes in Canada, the company delivered its initial shipment of motorcycles to Belgium.

The company named the Belgium-based Legend Motorcycle Group as its European distributor and anticipates 10 dealers to be established by spring 2010.

“With nearly two million motorcyclists in Europe, it is an extremely important target for Big Dog Motorcycles, and we’re proud to work with Legend Motorcycle Group to spread the pure American V-twin riding excitement Big Dog Motorcycles has ignited in North America,” said Doug Stuhlsatz, the company’s vice president of sales, marketing, and administration.

“The partnership of Big Dog Motorcycles and Legend is perfect. Their knowledge of European motorcycle compliance, industry, and dealers will be extremely beneficial and an unparalleled resource as we continue to expand globally,” he added.

After 15 years of business in the United States, Big Dog is making international distribution a key growth strategy. In addition to expanding its dealer base in Canada and Europe, Big Dog Motorcycles is in advanced negotiations with distributors in the Middle East and is also actively pursuing South Africa, Australia, and parts of Asia. The company anticipates international sales to be 10 to 20 percent of its total sales by 2011.