Forum Etiquette

KnotSo

Admin
Staff member
Big Dogs are not for everybody.

You will only do yourself a huge favor by doing a lot of research on the bikes you are interested in and making sure this is the bike you really want.

These bikes are long, heavy cruisers, have big tires, big inch solid mounted motors, they are not crotch rockets, they do need maintained and can be finiky, as do most wives n girlfriends. These are not highly refined motorcycles, and issues will arise, the prudent buyer purchases these bikes knowing this upfront. Yet some think just because they spent 25k or more on a BDM, that it will not have issues and then freak out when something happens and are not mature about getting the issue resolved.

It does not matter to me why a person buys these type of bikes, yet when they do, they should understand what they are.

They should also understand that BDM has sold over 26000 bikes and many owners are on their 2nd, 3rd or 4th Big Dog. There is a reason for this, these owners completly understand what these bikes are and how best to care for them. When an issue comes up, they do not blame anything on everyone else. What we all need to understand is that when we read a couple dozen threads on issues with these bikes, is that this is such a small number in relation to the number of bikes sold that in the big picture, it is not worthhy of blasting the company for all these known issues. Not to diminish the problem that an owner is having 'cause that is a huge problem to him. Yes there are known issues, and I can assure you the factory is working to resolve these. In 2005, Sheldon put his whole focus on resolving the issues and the result is that '06 and up are almost issue free. Yes, there are still items to be worked on, and they are. If you expect the factory to answer whining and bitching in these forum's, well why would they reward that behavior? Master Tech's from the factory have come out and responded to mature, responsible posts. In the overall scheme of Big Dog Motorcycles, this company has produced thousands of production custom bikes that are reliable and have gone above and beyond at times that any other company would not have.


Forum Respect:
If you are new to this site, or any forum for that matter, with Respect to the forum members, please do a complete Intro, then join in on some of the biker related items in these threads.

When an issue comes up on these bikes, we welcome all who have utilized the search feature first, then if they still have a question, to state it in a post with all the symptoms and what nots the bike has gone thru. Spell out the issue in a timeline and a step by step of what it is doing and what you or the dealer have done to try to fix it. We take great pride in helping ppl fix what ails their dog and in virtually every case, we do. If not we can steer you in the right direction to resolving your issues.

Dealers:
There are good and bad. Some dealers have excellent Techs, some are learning and not all know everything. Yet, a great Tech knows his worth and may move on to another opportunity leaving a dealer with Techs that are not up to speed yet. If the bike is still under warranty, find an authorized repair facility that you like and trust.

If your scoot is out of warranty, it would behove you to buy a repair manual, read it, and when issues arise (and they most certaintly will), you can do proper research (this forum has probably answered everything at one time or another), then come out and let us know what we can do to help get you back on the scoot with a big grin

Now, a new poster who comes on here pissing and moaning and slamming BDM, it's dealers and other owners, will not be happy with some comments. This is going to happen in all facets of life, and on all forums.

Would you, on your first day on a job walk into the Owners office and start bitching about his products and demanding action? Doubt it, but if you do, you will not be happy.

Respect is expected on this forum.

These are my thoughts and if any of this needs clarifying, PM me.

Now, get out and ride these beautiful bikes that were built to be rode hard and put away wet.

 
Last edited:

Old Hippy

It's 4:20 somewhere
Calendar Participant
Etiquette.....!!!

Is it improper Etiquette to correct one's spelling??? Just tugging your strings KnotSo.!!! But in all seriousness, I agree wholeheartedly with your post. I jumped into the fire...both feet first when I purchased my Mastiff, and it would be an understatement if you said I was overwhelmed..!! It is a custom, and it has it's own little quirks. But the more I ride, the more I try to maintain,...the more I scan the posts on this forum....the more I love this Scooter. I could have followed the herd and bought a cookie cutter Harley, but I wanted to be different and different I became.!! WOW.....these Scooters are unique and top of the line. If I ever get the need for a different motorcycle, it will be another Big Dog. The looks it receives and the comments it generate are priceless. I have yet to get that "tit flash", but I still keep an eye out for that one frisky female who will do the dirty..!!

Another note....this forum makes owning a Big Dog all that much more enjoyable.!!!


:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::2thumbs::2thumbs::2thumbs:


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

stnick

Member
It may sound funny but I purchased this bike hoping I would have a bike to maintain and to tinker on. For me, anytime spent with the bike is a good time. I actually enjoy waxing and polishing. Sick huh.. The relationship between man and machine is priceless.
 
I totally agree! I am more of a reader than a poster and have found this site and it's members extremely helpful. I love my K9 and wouldn't trade it for any other bike. I also love to work on it myself and take great pride in everything I do to it.
 

Raywood

The Pirate
Staff member
Calendar Participant
Troop Supporter
Great post.

As for your dealer or authorized service center just ask you dealers service manager how many Tech Summits his mechanic has been to. That will tell you if they really know what they are doing with your bike especially the electronics.

I'll tell you about 2 experts I know of:

Shannon at the Tampa dealer. 8 yrs experience (long time for a mechanic!)

Thomas at the Washington St dealer. Many years experience and many "tech summits".

Lots of new "freshly" graduated mechanics out there that shouldn't be working on your bike if you ask me. :D
 

woodbutcher

Mr. Old Fart member #145
Staff member
excellent post, KnotSo. was also wondering if there is any way to install a set of "probie" regulations to be adhered to with a probationary time period involved. just thinkin'.
 

rip

Well-Known Member
There are people out there that can make there best day a miserable one just by themselves. I have yet to do anything much to my Big Dog at this point but plan on diving in as time permits. I couldn't have asked for a better all-around bike than my Bulldog..... just treading water until I can give him a buddy something like a K9. KnotSo I'm with you 100% and let the wind blow. :up::up::2thumbs:
 

Thumper169

Well-Known Member
To hell with all of you, Big Dogs suck and you know it,











Ok, I'm just messin with ya, good post. I was a bike mechanic for 9 years and a service manager for a Harley dealership as well as a Honda/Suzuki shop and they all have their place but for me it's Big Dog all the way!
 
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