Hear we go again

[T.Byrd]

Went to the Harley Nationals last weekend and had to push the Dog to get it started how embarrassing, about like my spelling.So when I got home Im tired of letting things pile up on it so I take it to the dealers and Now I need a starter to, plus the speedo.So in just 12 short months I have put in a clutch, two speedos, speed sencor,after changing clutch i had to go back and change pressure plate, battery and the front brake fell of runing the rotor and bottom fork tube, so in 12 months I have been out around $1700 in parts and labor, not counting what im going to be out this time, rode it around 4 months it has less than10.000 miles on it and I have it in the shop now where it usually is and i've about had it with it. If I knew what I know now things would be a lot different.

 

[Raywood]

Sorry to hear of all your problems TByrd.

 

[Redflames02]

I can totally understand your frustration.
I read somewhere that most bikers quit riding because they get tired of fixing problems.
Well i hope everything works out for you.

John - Member more money than brains club

 

[chaingunner]

I can totally understand your frustration.
I read somewhere that most bikers quit riding because they get tired of fixing problems.

That my friend seperates the men from the boys. It's a package deal if you really ride alot.

 

[barhopper]

Still better than no bike though. Git er fixed and ride.

 

[Redflames02]

Point well taken!

John

 

[bdmridgeback]

Byrd...I feel for ya.
I see your point as well. Some guys have owned their bikes for 5+ years and never had a problem, or if they did, it was very minimal. Then there are guys that have had problem, after problem, after problem. Some of these other guys will tell you to "suck it up, fix it, and ride it". My bike, for instance, BDM has done over $10,000 worth of warranty work on in the last 5000 miles (I have receipts)!!! That averages out to about 500-800 miles in between shop visits and each shop visit has the dog tied up for anywhere from 1 week at the least to 8 weeks at the most. I say that is a bit ridiculous for a $30K bike that is as simple as they are built.

I have been riding bikes religiously for 20+ years, and if you count the moto-x racing I did leading up to the streetbikes, you can add another 5-6 years on that. I LOVE working on bikes, and if i didn't have problems, I would still work on it.

So, for the guys that ride religiously and can't keep your bikes on the road...

...I don't know really what to tell ya, other than I have been there and it sucks!!!

Not that I wanted to bitch, but wanted to let you know your not the only one out there!

 

[lee]

exactly why you have to try and learn to do some wrenching yourself

 

[Mickeetwo]

I know you've had a rough go with the dog. Hope it gets better. I've had some problems also......but sure love the dog. Good luck

 

[bdmridgeback]

That is why I didn't sell mine long ago... I love wrenching and don't want to give the dog up. That is why I gutted mine and ditched all the BDM electronics. Should be good for the long haul now!!!:2thumbs:

 

[thexaulted]

T, I totally know what you mean. When I originally bought my BD, last January, used with a little over 3,000 miles on it I said I am going to keep my HD (as I have it customized my way) to make sure I like this BD.

Well, I take my HD to the rally's and everything else because the BD is always going down. I don't want to go to someplace, drive, pay for a room and have nothing but problems. My HD just keeps starting and running! Love the way my BD looks and how much attention it gets but hell if you want to go out it will break down. If you think about it...................an S&S motor and a Baker trans...............this thing should be bullet proof, yea right! Check out my two past posts, two Sat. nights in a row, take the old lady out, dinner, and problems, nothing else. I can not believe that any company can make a product this bad and still be in business!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good luck my brother!

 

[Vegas]

Some of this stuff is avoidable while others aren't. If you are not checking every bolt on the bike every 2500 miles, if something falls off then it's on you. A battery is a maintenance item. 05 had crummy clutch in the beginning of the year. The 03 bikes need compression releases bad. They eat starters for lunch. I went through 3 on my 03 chopper in 3000 miles. That bike was a pile of shit. This may piss off a few but I wouldn't touch a bike pre 2006 with a 6 foot poll. You need to look over the bike closely at least every 2500. Keep the EHC connectors full of dielectric grease, make sure all your connections are tight and have grease, make all the needed adjustments to the carb, clutch, belt, etc. or find a good wrench that will. I'll say it again, you take it into most shops they are not going to bolt check your bike. No way in hell. As the old saying goes, if you want something done right, do it yourself. Right GAS!

 

[bdmridgeback]

No, Gas says, ""Why pay somebody else to fuck up your bike?"

 

[Nomad2day]

I agree with both of the two above post.........Mine is a 2007 EFI Bulldog
Screw letting someone else work on your ride and cause you grief.......
I hate it for you bro....Your scenario was my first riding season on the Big Dog and it even went to Kansas for some hands on shock treatments. Next early winter and spring I let others wrench on it only to drive me crazy wondering what the f?ck is going on. Finally said to eliminate the problem areas and do the work myself when possible. Bike runs like it never did before and it is a joy to ride. If only the chassis is left from Big Dog I will be happy then... I gave up the first two riding seasons to try and get it right...
Neil

 

[BBChopper]

Ive had to do the push start thing, hell last years at Biketoberfest!!!! I'd rather puch start my Dog than ride my old Honda!!!! And it was a bad azz custom Rice Righteous Ride!!!

 

[Gas Man]

No, Gas says, ""Why pay somebody else to fuck up your bike?"

Either way the point is taken.

I too hate fixing my bike. I like to wrench but hate to fix things when a bike is down. But as a wise young woman, Ms Vickie, told me when my bike was down once... "Just be glad you HAVE a bike to be broke."

 

[Chopper Dave]

yeah sorry to hear about your scoot T......hope you get back on the road soon.....

 

[Moespeeds]

That's why this forum is here. If you don't learn to troubleshoot and fix all this crap yourself, it's likely to be a rough ride, and it doesn't get any easier! 2005 seems to be an especially bad year, my buddy has one and what a piece of shit. Now he is completely clueless, doesn't even own a tool, but I hate working on it because I go to tighten something, and find 5 more things wrong.