2005 Chopper parts availability

[Twisted]

Hey guys, new guy here. I'm going back and forth between buying an 04 RT or and 05 DT Big Dog Chopper, both the same price, and around the same miles. I really like the idea of having the 117 motor, right side drive, extended controls, sissy bar mount and the DT frame that's on the 05 I'm looking at. Just wondering how scarce are parts that normally go on these bikes? I read they are notorious for the clutch carrier, main shaft, and electrical issues, all of which I see are fixable and available. What else on these bikes can go that is hard to find/ not made anymore? I heard the 04 with the left side drive is easier to find parts due to the HD style primary and trans. Just trying to make a good decision on which year I want to go for. The 04 had the electronics upgraded and a new baker 6 speed installed. Thanks

Twisted

 

[KaptinAmerika]

Its a tough call.
Ride them both and buy the one you like the most.
The 05 will likely, over the years, cost you a little more for parts if they need replacing.
If they have upgraded the electrics properly, I've had my fill of so called electrical upgrades on BDs, then the 04 may save you 700 to 1500 dollars over the 05. That's a hard call to make though as there are plenty of BDs out there running OEM electronics with zero issues.
In the end though I have to say again, ride them both and buy the one you like the most.

 

[Twisted]

Thanks for your input. Problem is the 05 is 2 hours away, and the 04 is 5 hours away. Good thought about the upgraded electronics, said it was done at a custom bike shop but like you said, you never know if it was done right. That's why I always like to work on things myself, don't trust anyone!!! Might go down tonight of tomorrow to look at the 05 seeing as its not too far away.The 05 is a lot cleaner looking, and gets ridden, the 04 has only been ridden 100 miles since 2012, just sits in the garage and gets started up once a month. But for the price I don't think I can go wrong with either.

Twisted

 

[francoblay1]

 

[Twisted]

You got it...

Black with stripes is the 05 and the red with ghost flames is the 04

Twisted

 

[Mickeetwo]

 

[FrankBDPS]

The belt drive and the paint add some value to the red one. I am partial to the red ones though.JMO I don't think you could go wrong with either one. Good luck.

 

[Twisted]

Yea, I like the paint on the red one too, but have have no problem repainting the black one down the line. I painted my last car in the garage and came out great. Decisions suck!

 

[KaptinAmerika]

Both nice rides but I would buy the 05 and repaint.

 

[Twisted]

Thats what I'm leaning towards as long as its in as nice in person. Has more that I like on the bike, Vance and Hines Big Radius pipes, 117 motor with manual compression releases, right side drive, extended controls, struts set up for sissy bar so I can carry a bag, and hasn't been sitting. Plus I like how the DT frames never had recalls like some of the 03-04 Rt's. Only one way to tell, get my ass down there and check it out!!!

Twisted

 

[KaptinAmerika]

Move it mister
Ridin times a wastin

 

[Dragonslave]

Both nice rides but I would buy the 05 and repaint.

Same here

 

[BadDawg Bill]

BD bikes use S&S motors, and carbs and Baker trans, that is about the only thing they have in common with other customs. Almost every other part is custom BD.

BD closed down almost 5 years ago so how many new parts do you think are out there and what do you expect to pay for them if you can find them? They are great bikes (minus the electronics) but if you are going to buy one be ready to get inventive to keep it running.
Good luck.

 

[Twisted]

Move it mister
Ridin times a wastin

You got it! Just talked to the owner, gonna meet up with him tomorrow around noon to check out the 05.

Any advice on what to look for on a used Dog, other than the standard?

 

[Twisted]

BD bikes use S&S motors, and carbs and Baker trans, that is about the only thing they have in common with other customs. Almost every other part is custom BD.

BD closed down almost 5 years ago so how many new parts do you think are out there and what do you expect to pay for them if you can find them? They are great bikes (minus the electronics) but if you are going to buy one be ready to get inventive to keep it running.
Good luck.

I don't mind getting inventive, makes you think!!! If all you guys keep em going, then it can be done!!!

 

[KaptinAmerika]

Don't mind BadDawg Bill
He here to remind us kids how rough the old days were......

 

[Diesel Dan]

Its a tough call.
Ride them both and buy the one you like the most.
The 05 will likely, over the years, cost you a little more for parts if they need replacing.
If they have upgraded the electrics properly, I've had my fill of so called electrical upgrades on BDs, then the 04 may save you 700 to 1500 dollars over the 05. That's a hard call to make though as there are plenty of BDs out there running OEM electronics with zero issues.
In the end though I have to say again, ride them both and buy the one you like the most.

VERY good and honest advice there Curtis!!!!!!!! Ride them both,and pick the bike that makes YOU happy

 

[francoblay1]

Don't mind BadDawg Bill
He here to remind us kids how rough the old days were......

 

[KnotSo]

Toss up a linky to the one you do not buy as someone else here may be interested.

 

[Twisted]

Will do, always willing to help someone else out! I'm hoping this 05 is as nice as it looks seeing as its only 2 hours away. Not looking forward to a 10 hour round trip for 04, but willing to travel for a good bike. Got both of them down to $8000 so I'm not expecting perfection. I was actually considering a Victory Jackpot or an older softail before I found these just because it was all I could afford.