Reliabilty of Big Dogs?

Energy One
ChopperJeff

ChopperJeff

Active Member
I have a friend who is toying with the idea of getting a Big Dog. He currently has a 2000 Harley Deuce with 72,000 miles on it, and is looking at getting a new bike. He likes the looks of the K-9, but has concerns about reliability. I have an '05 Chopper and he's well aware of the issues I've had. I'm thinking though that by now Big Dog has worked out most of the bugs... at least one would hope.

Has anybody out there have any input on this? Especially if you've got an '07 or newer Dog.

Thanks.
 
txchopperguy

txchopperguy

Well-Known Member
These are VERY high performance machines, factory built hot rods if you will. And while the newer models do have more of the bugs worked out than our 05's, they will always require a bit more attention that your run of the mill, stock, undertuned, production type bike like a Harley. Does a Ferrari require more a little more up keep than a Camaro? You betcha! Is it worth it? Everyone has to decide that for themselves. I for one am glad that I never owned a Harley, and steped right up to the Big Dog. And for the record, Harleys do have their fair share of problems as well...NOTHING is perfect.
 
ChopperJeff

ChopperJeff

Active Member
Good points... and when I was talking to him, I did mention the fact that Harleys have their fair share of issues. I know I would not hesitate at buying a new Big Dog... just can't beat the custom look, and at a price that's cheaper than a Harley that's been "customized" by $10,000+ or added parts.

Don't get me wrong... I love Harleys, but the Big Dog is such a good looking, well performing bike that needs no additions in order to stand out.

Sure wish they had a model with a rubber mounted engine though.
 
barhopper

barhopper

Another round please
txchopperguy said:
And for the record, Harleys do have their fair share of problems as well...NOTHING is perfect.
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They sure do. The 07's had the rear cylinders get so hot when in stop and go like conditions, they had a software upgrade to shut down the rear cylinder when it got to hot. Thats crazy.
 
P8RIOT

P8RIOT

Well-Known Member
Calendar Participant
What Tx said - Harley's don't have the flawless reputation they would like to portray. Most of them, however, are very reliable. Similarly with Big Dogs - most have little or no trouble, but the ones that do are highly publicized because of wonderful forums like this one, where a lot of the dialog is focused on problem solving.

Personally, I have 7000 miles on my 2007 K-9, with no problems at all so far. 2005-2006 were some tough times for BDM, but most of those problems have been resolved on the newer bikes.

I still can't believe all the attention my bike gets. Like the ads say, do you want to step outa the pack, or just stay on the porch?

Will a stock Harley be more reliable over all? Probably. Will you have more fun on a Big Dog? Oh, YEAH! :up:
 
ChuckRB05

ChuckRB05

Active Member
P8RIOT said:
2005-2006 were some tough times for BDM, but most of those problems have been resolved on the newer bikes.
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Yes they were. I was always making sure that all the recalls and service bulletins were up to date. I was calling service on a consistant basis. I really never had any downtime (except when my top end was rebuilt & that took less than a week) with my 05.
 
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onaprwl

onaprwl

Onaprwl
TXCHOPPERGUY said it perfectly. If you have ever owned a hotrod, it's 50% under the hood, 50% behind the wheel, 100% attention. Thats what it's all about. Buy a regular car and drive it all the time and get passed by with no attention like everyone else. It's your prefference. I know this only to well.
 
BigDogBro1

BigDogBro1

Made in the USA
BigDogBro2 has over 4000 miles on his "07" Bulldog with no problems except for cracked side covers and chin spoiler all repainted to match "Burnin Ben's" paint job under warranty. I purchased my Bulldog late 07 aware of his small problems he had. I have no regrets on my decision to buy a BDM product. Granted I only have 200 miles on mine thus far, but I can say its been 200 miles and nothin but smiles.

Indeed these are the factory Street Rods of the industry and need to be treated as such. If you don't want problems with anything - walk.

If you want to enjoy riding the best factory custom in the world, buy BDM.
 
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marinecorpsmike

marinecorpsmike

Active Member
I agree. Overall Big Dogs are very reliable especially considering the high performance nature of the bikes. The components are top quality and the company does a good job with customer service. Plus they are a hell of a good value when you compare them with other custom bikes. Also you can't put a price on the enjoyment you get riding down the street on your Dog! I own a couple Harleys and although I like 'em , it's just not the same. When I walk through the garage I always touch the Mastiff not the Harley.
 
sun_bill1974

sun_bill1974

Active Member
I'm fortunate enough to have both ends of the spectrum......the HD is more practical, but the K-9 stands out....it really depends on your personality. As far as reliability, I haven't had any major issues with either (knock-on-wood)...
 
B

BubbleHead

Big Dog Biker test account
ChopperJeff said:
I have a friend who is toying with the idea of getting a Big Dog. He currently has a 2000 Harley Deuce with 72,000 miles on it, and is looking at getting a new bike. He likes the looks of the K-9, but has concerns about reliability. I have an '05 Chopper and he's well aware of the issues I've had. I'm thinking though that by now Big Dog has worked out most of the bugs... at least one would hope.

Has anybody out there have any input on this? Especially if you've got an '07 or newer Dog.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
as it's been stated here already, yes BDM's do require some additional attention but it's a superb custom machine not a piece of cookie cutter sameness that some manufactures put out. I have an 07 Chopper that has had little to no real issues. Some very tiny things but nothing that has required it being in the shop as of yet and I have over 9000 miles on mine. I have owned many Harleys and liked them all BUT there is nothing so far in all my 40 plus years of riding that comes close to my Dog. Nothing. Amen :up:
 
emcclary

emcclary

Active Member
Its more important that you have a good dealer to deal with than anything especially during your warranty period. Their will always be minor issues to deal with on any higher performance MC but a dealer can make or break your tolerance on it. My bike has had no major issues that weren't taken care via service bulletins or recalls but my dealer has not been as reliable with their servicing times or fixing a problem regarding tuning. I have had much better success with that doing it myself instead of them making an adjustment running the bike for two minutes and saying see its fixed only to get on it and have the same problem five miles down the road.
 
T

twowheel99

Active Member
Vegas said:
I would have both. Tell him to buy the K9 and keep the harley.
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I would definitely have to agree with Vegas, I also own the bastard year Big Dog "05's" and all of you fellas that ride the newer models need to appreciate what the 05 owners have been through as a test bed to improve the BDM product line. I can not mention how many times my Ridgeback has been back to the Vet for some of the damnest problems. Still I love the machine and being a gear-head I refused to throw in the towel on my BDM. The most positive thing I would have to say is the BDM customer service and commitment to making things right. I have owned H-D's since 1989 and have had my share of trouble with them, but having two bikes opens up a lot of options in case one is in the shop for service or repairs.......
Ride Safe & Peace Out
 
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