I have been following many threads on EHC replacements and in most cases they were replaced due to problems that lead to the EHC. I thought I might have had a problem myself about 1,000 miles ago but after replacing the battery, making sure the connections were and stay tight at the battery and replacing my faulty battery charger I have had no problems. We are now fortunate to have many options now as compared to years ago which is a plus but should I change the EHC before it causes problems or just ride it out. I have a 2008 Mastiff (Carb) and it now has about 6300 miles on it. Thanks Bruce
When and should you pull trigger on replacing the EHC
- Thread starter BruceMerc
- Start date
I agree. If you keep a good strong battery in it, and keep all the connections tight and greased, you will more than likely not have any problems.
BadDawg Bill
Well-Known Member
I agree. BUT when it fails old school wire it and ride without problems....
Coolbreezin
Active Member
I agree wholeheartedly. My tranny seal was being replaced and when they went to start it, they discovered the EHC took a poop. He installed a points system and she fires right up. That was step one of many to rewire the scooter and get rid of the problematic EHC. Wire it old school style and youll find its a lot easier to diagnose later.
SKOGDOG
One of the old ones.
Can't produce hard data, but I have a general impression that the newer EHC's are better than the early ones. The 2008's seem to have few failures, and I suspect the actual EHC failure rate is pretty low percent-wise. In fact, this would make a great survey question.
I have a 2008 K9 approaching 65,000 miles, and Blacktopper has a 2007 with 75,000+, a 2010 with about 25-30,000 on it, and a 2008 Ridgeback (low miles). Neither of us has ever had an EHC problem.
I firmly agree with Honch and Mr. Wright--if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I have a 2008 K9 approaching 65,000 miles, and Blacktopper has a 2007 with 75,000+, a 2010 with about 25-30,000 on it, and a 2008 Ridgeback (low miles). Neither of us has ever had an EHC problem.
I firmly agree with Honch and Mr. Wright--if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I won't give you a false sense of security or the sky is falling opinion (plenty of both here). Just be prepared should anything adverse happen. Good luck mate.
Coolbreezin
Active Member
Get AAA and carry a 6-pack with you in a cooler for those long waits on the side of the road. Its a thought.
01Mastiff
Active Member
Why anyone would own a BD and not replace the EHC is more of a mystery to me than women. I was doing 80 on the freeway when mine decided to crap for the last time and shut everything down all at once. Good times were had by all! My asshole puckered up so tight I thought I'd never be able to use it again. They are a known problem. No one in their right mind is going to buy a used BD without an electrical re-do, so either re-wire and help yourself on the resale end; be ready to take a beating if you ever want to sell the bike; or hold on to the bike forever. Sure there are some EHC's out there that have never failed but there are fewer folks that own them than there are powerball winners. It's cheap insurance. EHC's did 2 things for BD. #1 they resulted in Bigdogbiker (where 9 out of 10 posts have always been EHC related) and #2 they killed off the company.
MossBerg590
Active Member
I agree with replacing it before it breaks. You dont wait until your brake pads are down to metal before replacing...same concept to me. Dont wait until your stranded or chasing electrical gremlins for weeks. Curtis has axels new ehc to sell, id buy one now, know that your not gonna get stranded and either keep your original as a spare or sell it while it still is functioning.
BadDawg Bill
Well-Known Member
The EHC isn't the only problem. Most bikes on here are over 10 yrs old. Where are you going to find (and afford) controls when yours go bad?
BWG56
Guru
Well ya don't need a horn and you can use hand signal for turns, use a slam button to start and just throw a toggle switch on for your high/low beam and your good to go, old school.
Coolbreezin
Active Member
Thats the route Im going.Well ya don't need a horn and you can use hand signal for turns, use a slam button to start and just throw a toggle switch on for your high/low beam and your good to go, old school.
TapioK
Well-Known Member
Bill has a point there. My chromed controls have started pitting, new ones cost like they are made of gold... Oh well...
