Ignition advise

[Smoke67]

Joined the site recently and really wanting a BD in the stable. I have settled on a K9 as this will be easier on my back. Every chance I get I am reading about something on this site. I have my eye on several 06 K9's. The milage varies but would like to stay under 10k. If I get one that has original ignition and wiring, would it be wise to go ahead and update both? I can do this myself. If the consensus is yes, what are the best components to go with? I'm trying to ileviate a problem before it starts. There are so many threads on this issue I could use help narrowing it down a bit.
Thanks,
Frank

 

[pknowles]

Is there a reason for just looking at the 06 K9s .

 

[Mr. Wright]

#1, welcome. K9 is a great choice, and you will love it.
The one thing to remember, people post on here when they have a problem. So when you're looking to see what problems these or any bike may have, it will look over whelming. What you don't see, are the thousands out there, still running their original EHC' s, with no problem.
For the most part, there is nothing wrong with the EHC,' s or the electrical in these bikes. The problem and the bad rap that everyone talks about, stems from the fact that there is no protection between the EHC and the battery. If you run a cheap inferior battery, and it shorts out, there is a good chance it will fry the EHC.
What it boils down to is maintenance. Keeping battery cables tight, all electrical plugs greased. Etc.
Buy the bike and ride it. We'll teach you how to keep it on the road, if you will make this site a daily stop off. We're like a family here, and are very concerned about keeping our brothers on the road.
We have plenty of parts available, and new ones being developed all the time.

 

[PROFLYER]

Find one that has NOT had the factory harness hacked up. Some guys have let shops hack these up to bandaid fix an issue that is often diagnosed incorrectly (as Mr. Wright said above). Find one that's all stock and exactly what you want. If you can wrench, we can help you fix anything! Good time to be buying one, and if you can get a clean one with low miles from a guy who has maintained it well that's all you need. A dakota digital speedo is a nice upgrade, as is one with a 585 cam swap. Tires can be replaced pretty cheap now, so one that needs tires can be bought for a decent discount as most guys think they're a bear to change. Shinko makes the front and rear and they're great and cheap. Feel free to post links to the few you're looking at and we can help from there.

 

[Smoke67]

Is there a reason for just looking at the 06 K9s .

No particular reason. Just have several 06' close by. Open to any years.

 

[KaptinAmerika]

BD used high end materials for the wiring systems so why pull it out for something offering lower end components.
As already stated above address the key issues like the stock charging system etc and you will not have issues.

 

[Smoke67]

Thanks Mr Wright and Proflyer,
I guess if it ain't broke don't fix it. I have 3 on my radar, just determining what I want to spend. Several scattered across the country. I hate buying anything I haven't seen in person. It just seems odd to me that some have so few miles. I usually ride at least once a week, several times when the weather permits. I know the miles I have put on my two bikes in the last year. How does someone buy a BD and not ride it? Some of the mileage posted on the bike I see online seem to good to be true. Comments welcome!

 

[Mr. Wright]

Last year, I picked up an 04 Chopper from a guy that was the second owner. The bike had 5600 miles on it and the original tires from 04. Blow my mind too. Since then I've more than doubled the mileage.

 

[fiftyonefifty5150]

Welcome from New Jersey!!! Best of luck on your search. Be patient, you will find "the one".

 

[Jersey Big Mike]

when my first 08 K-9 got parked on (and totaled) in 13 it had 57K miles on it -- I bought it new in May 08.
I found another 08 K-9 that had 1,515 miles on it, a year later it had 11, 500+ miles on it.
Had a couple of slack years, moving, injuries etc. But this year since beginning of May I've got apprx 10K on and am replacing the rear tire again! (and that was with 6weeks down with broken ribs and damaged bike).
It always amazes me the people that bought these and don't ride.

 

[Brent Herridge]

Welcome. Shannon is right - mostly problems are what you see posted.

I've had my share of them over the past year that I've had it, but I've also doubled the bike's mileage (6 to over 12 now) and really enjoyed it.

 

[Reddickracing]

Welcome from Louisiana, 06 K9 myself.

 

[knothead]

Just buy it if you like it....nothing about it that cant be fixed...trust me ive got 3 big dogs and building a 4th...best bikes on the road in my opinion

 

[PROFLYER]

I agree on finding one you like and that you can see in person. Buying anything mechanical sight unseen is tough. If you do, I'd ask the seller to disclose and send pics of all damage so there are no surprises. Scratches and what not happen, but should be disclosed. Pics from 3' away or more don't often show that. When I bought my 68 camaro the guy sent me a whole dropbox link full of every scratch or rub that he could find. It showed up looking exactly as I assumed it would.