Another EHC Issue

BDCU

Member
Been a little more than a year since getting my ’07 Mastiff and have logged over 3,000 miles on the machine, what fun! Since then, I’ve replaced the tires, battery and clutch plates, but haven’t had any electrical issues…until today.

I was going to take the dog for a ride, inserted my key into the ignition, turned it the quarter turn to the right and the horn started beeping, the lights were flashing and the starter began turning over! I immediately turned the key back off. Tried it again and the same thing happened. I disconnected the negative terminal, hooked it back up and it started normally. Figured it was a fluke instance and decided to still go for the ride.

About a mile down the road, the bike shut down completely. When I tried restarting it, the engine would turn over but not start, as if the plugs were not getting spark. I eventually got it restarted and made it back home.

So I’ve come to the realization that I need to replace the EHC. My question is, which option is best; Thunderheart Ignition Module, Dead One Customs ESC, WP Big Dog “HCM” Retrofit Kit? I'll do the install my self and want a unit that will be a clean swap and dependable.
 

Mr. Wright

Knows some things
There are several options, and your going to get as many answers. The last one I had to put in for a customer, I got from Big Dog. Simple plug and play.
 

shansel88

Member
I bought Axels EHC a few months ago. Installed it in minutes and have ridden trouble free ever since. I was like you where mine didn't completely die, it was hit and miss, but I went with plug and play and kept the stock as emergency back up in case something goes really bad one day.
 

kickstart

Well-Known Member
You have 4 options if the EHC is your problem, Axel, DOC, RIP or another EHC. There are many opinions on these replacements and price differences. The oldest is Docs and the newest is Axel the first RIP batch had problems and has a new mod.

I only had two units to choose from and went with DOC's because of the new backbone harness and new and heavier headlight wiring, it is plug and play however to install the new wiring the tank must be removed. You also have several options that can be added, that being a plus in my opinion.

Check them all, if $$$ is a problem the stock EHC is the cheapest way to go.
 

BWG56

Guru
You have 4 options if the EHC is your problem, Axel, DOC, RIP or another EHC. There are many opinions on these replacements and price differences. The oldest is Docs and the newest is Axel the first RIP batch had problems and has a new mod.

I only had two units to choose from and went with DOC's because of the new backbone harness and new and heavier headlight wiring, it is plug and play however to install the new wiring the tank must be removed. You also have several options that can be added, that being a plus in my opinion.

Check them all, if $$$ is a problem the stock EHC is the cheapest way to go.
Well said:old2:
 

BDCU

Member
How old is your battery? A low battery can cause some of those issues also, have it load tested
Kevin, the battery is good, only a few months old, a Duracell Ultra with 310 cold cranking amps and is always on a trickle charger when not in use.
 

BDCU

Member
Guys, I appreciate your responses, thanks. I like to use Wild Steed Works when I can, especially if the item is at lower cost than on other sites, but I at can't seem to locate the Axel EHC kit for $475 that you refer to. There is the EHC R.I.P and the EHC R.I.P. Gen II kits for $650 & $750 respectively.
 

Hirter6Pack

Not Quite A Guru
I had the same battery only a year and a couple months old. Although it would hold a charge it did not stand up to a load test. Meaning it would drop down to very near 6 volts while cranking, as I was told, into no mans land.
 

kickstart

Well-Known Member
Kevin, the battery is good, only a few months old, a Duracell Ultra with 310 cold cranking amps and is always on a trickle charger when not in use.
The only way to know if your battery is good is to test with a volt meter and have it load tested. If you encounter problems this is the best place to start and it does not matter how old the battery is. Run the trickle an hour a day not all day.
 

BDCU

Member
The only way to know if your battery is good is to test with a volt meter and have it load tested. If you encounter problems this is the best place to start and it does not matter how old the battery is. Run the trickle an hour a day not all day.
Thanks for the advice Pat.
 

BDCU

Member
I purchased the EHC unit through Wild Steed Worx, $550 and it was literally a 20 minute swap-out. Would have been faster except I had to drill a new 1/4" hole in the mounting bracket on my bike because the bolts on the new EHC unit are farther apart.
 
Top