Big Dog reliability and quality?

[dba777]

Hi all,

I have been riding japanese bikes since I got on two wheels. Current ride is 2008 Suzuki M109R. Looking to replace M109 with 2006 or newer Ridgeback.

I have read lot's of reviews on Big Dog stating that quality of the BG motorcycle is marginal, specifically consistent electrical issues, bike wont start, bad ignition modules etc...

Site posts lots of info on the BG quality:
Big Dog Motorcycles new and used

I would like to ask forum members for your opinion on the quality of the Big Dog bikes (specifically on Ridgeback).
Have you had many issues/problem with the BD bikes? If yes, whats most common problem?
Does dealer honor the warranty?
How is overall your experience with owning Big Dog?

 

[woodbutcher]

you know, you're right. BDM does have marginal quality. maybe you should keep your jap crap.

 

[ChopperJeff]

That site you have a link to is just full of crap! Yes, Big Dogs have their issues, but with 70,000 miles on my '05 Chopper, I'm still loving it! Yes, I've had issues, but Big Dog has ALWAYS stepped up to the plate and taken care of me... sometimes even fixing things outside the warranty. I also think the dealer has a lot to do with the customer's satisfaction.

I suppose though that if you want a super reliable, low maintenance bike, then go buy a Honda! However, if you want a bike that stands out from the crowd, and feels like a great machine under you while you ride, then get a Big Dog.

Even with the issues I've had with mine, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Big Dog.

 

[Mr Breeze]

DBA777,
As you know, ask 12 people, and you will get 13 opinions.

Unfortunately, I can't answer your direct questions regarding the Ridgeback as I ride a Pitbull, and so far, have not had any problems. I do, however, understand your concern.

I too was looking for a "custom" but was seeking a higher build quality that I thought a manufacturer like BD would have over a one-off custom builder. I was looking - as I suspect you are - a blend of the best of both worlds. The uniqueness of a custom, with the quality control of a mass produced bike. I too have read (and continue to read) about the problems with BD's and it is concerning that it would leave you stranded someplace. Yes, there are some here who may scoff and say that if you want quality then stick with what you have - but I don't think it is unreasonable to expect that a bike that costs over $20k have a decent build quality. To me, it isn't acceptable to say that it gives the bike character and it comes with the territory with owning a BD. There loyalists who continued to buy Harley's back when AMF owned them and they produced a far inferior product, just like there are loyal BD owners. Do I like my BD - hell ya. But I also have realistic expectations that with the appropriate maintenance, it will run well for a long time, and the dealer network will do the right thing in rectifying issues. But I'll be honest, if I want to take a long bike trip, I'm taking the BMW as there is no denying there have been problems with the BD quality. (but as I noted, I haven't yet had any)

 

[KnotSo]

The newest bdm on the opinion site is supposidly a 2007 and some posts talk about just buying a new 2002, while the negitive comments all sound like the same writer over n over.
All bikes have issues. If you are looking for maximum reliability, perhaps the jap bikes will be better for you.

Yet, you are thinking of an RB, one of the best, if not the best hardtails on the market. Power, handling, styling, drop dead gorgeous, that is a fine Big Dog.

I ride my scoot everywhere and can lay down some serious miles yet cannot lay claim to doing over 1200 miles in a day. I trust my scoot more than I do my HD, which usually sits in the garage, along with a buell..

Some riders have very few issues, a couple have had lemons, just like toyotas.

Get serious with yourself about what you want and how you really will use it.


These bikes are not for everyone.....

But for some of us there is no other choice

Good luck in your quest

 

[Vegas]

Having owned 3 Big Dogs and no longer owning one, I feel I can comment with a little less bias. You will NEVER come close to the reliability of you Jap bike. Not going to happen in a million years. Rigid mounted engine with 1960's technology. Do I really need to go any farther for you? My 03/05 we're very troublesome but my 06 was a damn good bike. Bottom line, they learned a few things with their guinea pig riders. I'd buy an 06 and up realizing that the bike will let you down when you don't want it to. If you have no mechanical prowess, your at the mercy of your local mechanic. These bikes aren't that hard to work on with the right tools. Bottom line is, what are your goals? I logged over 15k on big dogs. Had a great time with no regrets.

 

[Roaddawg]

I know my '05 chopper made the trip to Sturgis and back with no problems, but my buddies on their HD's (2006 - 2010) all suffered some maladies, wheel bearings, cam chain, saddlebag support, headlight

 

[PurpleDog]

If you frequent the Sushi-Bar regularly, that bike may not be a good choice for you......who knows.

Most here love Big Dog's - that's why we're here. Stay awhile and read up.

 

[BigDogBro1]

Buy what you want!

But if you want to ride the best factory custom motorcycles in the world, ride Bigdog!

Both my brother (BigdogBro2) and I both love our "07" Bulldogs. Sure, we've had a few minor problems but for sure can't say they're junk. Bigdog has always stepped up and covered all issues under their 2yr. warranty. I think a lot of problems I read about stem from incompetent mechanics and bad dealerships servicing Bigdog bikes. We rarely wash our bikes just dust them off. When they do require a wash we keep pressure spray water away from any electrical connection area and hand controls. We have also been caught in tornado like rain downpours and have no issues from that.

I recommend that if you do buy a new or used Bigdog bike you need to get involved with understanding the bikes systems and don't rely entirely on what a dealer says to fix it. If you're mechanically inclined and have worked on your bikes in the past, then you'll have a better experience with BDM. Finding this site already has given you a huge advantage!

There's a CUS in CUSTOM!

 

[Splitlog]

I would rather push a Big Dog than ride a Jap cruiser..and that will happen..If you get a Big Dog change out the EHC to a Wire Plus first thing and that will prevent 80% of any problems you will have.

 

[barhopper]

All those shitty comments were on a Harley site. Jealous M/Fers. You will love your Big Dog. Buy it, ride it, fix it when something happens. Makes you love your bike more when you really know how to fix it.

 

[Bmarchant]

Here is the thing. These are hot rods that you must spend time with. The guys that have issues, and bitch about it, for the most part, think they just add gas and ride. I ride mine every day from April to November (unless it really pours out) and its just fine.

Thats not to say some have not had real issues, like the TP boxes, things like that, but so has my 2007 Jeep Wrangler.

My 2003 Chopper has over 20k on it. bought it with 10k. I've changed the fluids, tires once, battery once (my fault) and rode the shit out of it. Every Sunday while my girlfriend sleeps, I clean it. While wiping it down, you look for loose stuff, things wearing, stuff like that. Part of owning one of these is maintaining it. If you do that, you'll be fine. If not, you'll bitch like some of the others. have.

You have to remember that we ask for help on this site when there is a problem. Every bike has problems. Otherwise, you wouldn't need tech's at the Harley shop, right? I've learned a lot from the guys up here, who are always willing to help you out if your bike is down. Plus, if you listen to them, you'll learn how to work on most of the things your self. Somebody up here has a saying "why have someone else fuck up your bike?" (sorry, can't remember who it is). Makes sense to me.

 

[MARV]

the reason most people work on their BD's is if you took it to a shop every time you needed repairs you'd get close to spending as much as the bike originally cost.

good for us they liquidate parts on ebay. but in the same breath they are fucking the dealers up the ass in parts sales. but thats nothing new as they've been changing vendors every 2 years or so

i agree they look good but..... chrome dont get you home

 

[1extremeskier]

7600 miles and only two issues. Battery needed to be replaced, and clutch plate got screwed up. Both fixed on BDM dime. Great bike, two years and going strong.

 

[OrangeSkullz]

I've rode & owned alot of different manufactures bikes, probably more than most on here. If you want reliability the jap bikes (Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha & Suzuki) CAN NOT be beat....say what you will.

I don't have a BD so you'll get a little less hoopla from me. Your not going to come on a BD site and get to many answers ragging a BD bike, just not going to happen. Most guys that had trouble with their bike and said, "fuck it" are more than likely not posting here anymore. (I DID NOT SAY ALL!!)

I went from a Harley-Davidson to an American Ironhorse bike. Granted my H-D was a '92 (back before they decided to flood the market), but the bike was damn solid for the 12 years I had it. I replaced the battery once and a voltage regulator....that was it. I sold the bike after 12 years of ownership for $1800 MORE than I paid for it, and I didn't have any money in aftermarket parts invested.

I ordered my AIH bike just the way I wanted it, from the paint scheme/color, wheels, motor, ect. Waited almost 5 months for it to arrive and 6 years later I couldn't be happier with the product I got from them. Other than replacing the speedometer because of "chrome flaking" (my old one never acted up....go figure), I haven't had any issues.

Do these bikes require a bit more attention...you bet your ass. Would I still own it if I had experienced quite a few problems...NO. When you lay down a shitload of money, you expect the piece to be reliable. I'm into mine for $40g (after taxes & accessories), but I feel like I got a Helluva bike.

With the market in the shitter and BD facing an uncertain future be very, very careful what & who you buy from if you go that way.

For an everyday bike I'd look elsewhere, but if your one of (us) those guys who dares to be different and isn't afraid of "what may/will happen"...you can't go wrong.

Best advice...have 2 bikes on hand just in case!!!

 

[419jasons]

I own a 2005 Honda Goldwing and a 2008 Ridgeback. Got 26,000 trouble free miles on the Honda, and 3,000 on the BD. I call one the sewing machine, and the other the jackhammer. I like them both. They can't be compared, because the only thing they have in common is the number of tires. I test drove a new Rocker C and hated it, went and bought the BD a few days later. Do your research, know what you want, then go get it.

 

[419jasons]

Oh, and you do know a Ridgeback is a rigid, right?????? There is a reason the K-9 is BDM's most popular model. Rigid choppers make good 2nd bikes.

 

[OrangeSkullz]

Rigid choppers make good 2nd bikes.

Not if you live in OHIO.... :lol:

 

[stryfox]

I'll toss my .02 in.
My first bike was a 1994 Suzuki intruder. It has been good to me. So good that I still own it. I wanted a chopperesque bike so I bought lots of cool parts from Europe.
Raked trees , longer tubes, shocks, seats, lights, changed lots of stuff.
It runs great still. The motor or trans has yet to be opened.
Only work that "needed" to be done was normal maintenance.
A couple batteries, brakes, fluid changes, fork seals, bulbs, ect.
Fast forward bought an 08 mutt a few months ago and have had the best 1100 miles to date.
I was suprised when I took a 220 mile trip with a passanger and was more comfortable and less fatigued than on my Suzuki.
When I started my research it was on building a bike. Big dog offered close to what I wanted to build for a fraction of the price of building one.
Now keep in mind I feel I got a great deal due to the economy.
I have no fear that something will break that I cant fix. It is only a bike afterall and there is a ton of useful info and great people here.
Figure out what you want and follow the path. If it leads you here we can hang out on the Internet. If it leads you elsewhere that's cool. Just enjoy the ride.

 

[avdhunter]

Rigid choppers make good 2nd bikes.

I was thinkin the exact apposite!!! thinkin of gettin a Can-O-Tuna as a second behind my Ridgy!!!