Any problems with the 05 Bulldog

Energy One
I just purchased a new 05 Bulldog leftover. Long story short, a store went out of business and the bike was tied up with banks and a dealer by where I live ended up with the bike. I was just wondering if there is anything i should watch out for or any recalls i should be worried about. It does of the air suspension. Thanks.
 

N8KAM

Well-Known Member
Welcome to the pound.... :2thumbs: Any BDM dealer should be able to let you know the status of all the recalls that apply to your bike.. Or just call BDM direct..:up:
 

HDLARRY

Active Member
05 has a number of issues but nothing that can't be fixed. Hope they gave you a factory warranty with it. If not I would get an after market warranty that covers everything, especially the electronics. It took about a year to get through most of my warranty issues but all were fixed in short order thanks to having a quality dealer in my area.

Mostly you hear about the problems on here but lots of people have had none to speak of. Spend some time reading the old posts and you'll get a feel for the kind of issues to watch for.
 

IrishGuy

Active Member
I have an '05 ridgeback. It too had a few small issues initially but were fixed by service bulletins. Bike has been absolutely solid ever since.

Call any dealer and ask them if your bike needs to have any service bulletins done. They'll ask for a # on the neck of your bike and they can tell you if you do.

HDLARRY is right, you mostly hear about problems on here a few people are having. The rest of us are out busy putting lots of miles on our bikes :cheers:
 

lee

Well-Known Member
I got an 05 bulldog and the only real failure I've had is the EHC. Doesn't mean it will happen to you though. You might also need to check on your clutch carrier from time to time as they have been known to break. Mine didn't but I changed it anyway but that was as much an upgrade as anything else. 05's also had E carbs (rather than G) and restrictor plates in the intake manifold. Its not a weak point in mechanical terms but does restrict the breathing. Plenty on here on that. My air ride also looses pressure but only over time. I guess most do. Enjoy it. The most important thing is good quality, regular maintenance.
 

N8KAM

Well-Known Member
here is a website to check for recalls/ service bulletins etc..
ODI - Office of Defects Investigation
This is what comes up..

Report Date: March 15, 2009 at 09:14 PM
Search Type: VEHICLE
Make: BIGDOG
Model: BULLDOG
Model Year: 2005






Results : 9 | All records displayed
Make: BIGDOG Model: BULLDOG
Model Year: 2005
Manufacturer: BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES, LLC Mfr's Report Date: MAY 18, 2005
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 05V233000 N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: STRUCTURE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 180
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE FRONT FENDER BRACKETS COULD FAIL ALLOWING THE FRONT FENDER TO DETACH.
Consequence:
IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT FENDER BRACKETS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 31, 2005. THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY 06V122.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Check to Request Research. Submit below.

Make: BIGDOG Model: BULLDOG
Model Year: 2005
Manufacturer: BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES, LLC Mfr's Report Date: SEP 21, 2005
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 05V432000 N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS
Potential Number of Units Affected: N/A
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE REAR WHEEL HUB BOLTS COULD LOOSEN AND BACK OUT ALLOWING THE HUB AND BRAKE ROTOR TO DETACH FROM THE WHEEL WITH AN ASSOCIATED LOSS OF STOPPING POWER.
Consequence:
THIS CONDITION COULD OCCUR WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REMOVE, CLEAN AND REATTACH THE REAR HUB BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BIG DOG AT 1-312-267-9121.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Check to Request Research. Submit below.

Make: BIGDOG Model: BULLDOG
Model Year: 2005
Manufacturer: BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES, LLC Mfr's Report Date: JAN 20, 2006
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 06V019000 N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: STRUCTURE:MOTORCYCLE KICKSTAND/CENTER STAND
Potential Number of Units Affected: 9726
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE KICKSTAND SPRING MAY STRETCH AND DETACH FROM THE MOUNTING BRACKET OR THE KICKSTAND.
Consequence:
THIS WILL ALLOW THE KICKSTAND TO DEPLOY INTO THE EXTENDED POSITION AND CAUSE A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW KICKSTAND SPRING FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 17, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BIG DOG AT 316-267-9121.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Check to Request Research. Submit below.

Make: BIGDOG Model: BULLDOG
Model Year: 2005
Manufacturer: BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES, LLC Mfr's Report Date: MAR 27, 2006
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 06V122000 N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: STRUCTURE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 364
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE FRONT FENDER BRACKETS COULD FAIL ALLOWING THE FRONT FENDER TO DETACH.
Consequence:
IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT FENDER BRACKETS FREE OF CHARGE. (BIG DOG RECALLED CERTAIN BULLDOG MOTORCYCLES IN MAY 2005. BIG DOG REVISED THE REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS AND IS RECALLING ALL THE 2005 BULLDOG MOTORCYCLES. IF YOUR MOTORCYCLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN, IT WILL NEED TO BE REMEDIED AGAIN.) THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 24, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BIG DOG AT 316-267-9121.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Check to Request Research. Submit below.

Make: BIGDOG Model: BULLDOG
Model Year: 2005
Manufacturer: BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES, LLC Mfr's Report Date: JUL 28, 2006
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 06V301000 N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2711
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE IGNITION MODULES ARE ORIENTED WITHIN THE BATTERY TRAY IN A WAY THAT MAKES THE IGNITION MODULE SUSCEPTIBLE TO VIBRATION.
Consequence:
THIS SUSCEPTIBILITY TO VIBRATION MAY CONTRIBUTE TO A STALLING CONDITION THAT COULD OCCUR WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING AND RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW IGNITION MODULE MOUNTING SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 25, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BIG DOG AT 316-267-9121.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Check to Request Research. Submit below.

Make: BIGDOG Model: BULLDOG
Model Year: 2005
Manufacturer: BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES, LLC Mfr's Report Date: JUL 28, 2006
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 06V305000 N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2101
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE ELECTRONIC HARNESS CONTROL (EHC) MODULE CAN FAIL RESULTING IN A TOTAL SHUT DOWN OF THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRONIC POWER.
Consequence:
THIS CONDITION COULD OCCUR WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EHC MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BIG DOG AT 316-267-9121.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Check to Request Research. Submit below.

Make: BIGDOG Model: BULLDOG
Model Year: 2005
Manufacturer: BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES, LLC Mfr's Report Date: OCT 05, 2006
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 06V389000 N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: STRUCTURE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2494
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE LONG PIVOT BOLT MAY BEND OR BREAK DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF THE MOTORCYCLE.
Consequence:
THIS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE REAR FENDER TO ABRADE AGAINST THE REAR TIRE WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE IS BEING DRIVEN. THIS CONDITION COULD OCCUR WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LONG PIVOT BOLT AND, IF NECESSARY, STRAIGHTEN THE REAR FRAME SIDE PANEL. THE SHORT LEFT SIDE PIVOT BOLT AND PIVOT SHAFT MAY ALSO BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BIG DOG AT 316-267-9121.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Check to Request Research. Submit below.

Make: BIGDOG Model: BULLDOG
Model Year: 2005
Manufacturer: BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES, LLC Mfr's Report Date: AUG 06, 2007
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 07V356000 N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Potential Number of Units Affected: 7611
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, A WARPED BUS BAR WITHIN THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR CAN CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence:
THIS COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING CIRCUIT BREAKER LOCATED BETWEEN THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR POSITIVE BATTERY LEAD (B+ LEAD) AND THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL WITH AN ALTERNATIVE CIRCUIT PROTECTION DEVICE THAT WILL PREVENT A THERMAL EVENT IF THERE IS A SHORT TO GROUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 1, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BIG DOG AT 1-316-219-9129 OR EMAIL TO CUSTOMER.SERVICE@BIGDOGMOTORCYCLES.COM.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Check to Request Research. Submit below.

Make: BIGDOG Model: BULLDOG
Model Year: 2005
Manufacturer: BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES, LLC Mfr's Report Date: DEC 11, 2007
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 07V580000 N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: STRUCTURE:BODY
Potential Number of Units Affected: 8061
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE REAR FENDER STRUT ATTACHING BOLTS CAN FAIL ALLOWING THE REAR FENDER TO DETACH FROM THE MOTORCYCLE.
Consequence:
THIS COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING AND COULD RESULT IN AN INJURY OR A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REMOVE EXISTING STRUT BOLTS AND REPLACE WITH HIGHER TENSILE STRENGTH ATTACHING BOLTS AND UPDATED WASHERS. HIGHER TORQUE VALUES WILL BE OBSERVED WHEN INSTALLING THE REPLACEMENT FASTENERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 21, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BIG DOG AT 316-267-9121.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
 
Thanks alot guys. I did buy this from a dog dealer so I hope he will take care of me. Yes the bike did come with the factory 2 year warranty and 6 month paint and chrome warranty.
 

lee

Well-Known Member
so both my fenders could come flying off while I'm going down the road! That gives me something to look forward to! :roll:
 

MARV

Well-Known Member
so both my fenders could come flying off while I'm going down the road! That gives me something to look forward to! :roll:
shit with your luck lately they'll fall off in your garage while your putting air in the tire! :D

just kidding Lee. that bikes a turn away from reliability drive! :2thumbs:
 

lee

Well-Known Member
good replies gents :D Whilst we are on the subject Marv, just how do you put air in these tyres? Actually, lets not go there again :D
 

MARV

Well-Known Member
good replies gents :D Whilst we are on the subject Marv, just how do you put air in these tyres? Actually, lets not go there again :D
me thinks there's a "how too" on that subject but lucky for me i cant find it. :)
 
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