Having been a long time fan of big dog choppers its finally time to step in. I had an electra guide and custom fatboy which I recently sold. Never an issue with either bike. I’ve never rode owned or sat on a chopper but know I need one fourth quarter. The big dog chopper is what I’m looking for. Is there a particular one or engine I should shy away from? or a particular year to avoid? This will be my last bike so i’m not going to be making 1000 mile weekend runs anymore just a bit around town and garage art. Any advice will be greatly appreciated indeed. Thank you Jim
Considering a Big Dog question
- Thread starter codabass
- Start date
mjsk9
Well-Known Member
Welcome to the forum Jim! You have come to the right place for everything Big Dog! A lot of knowledgeable members on this site. Appears as though you might be using the word "Chopper" generically or interchangeably? If so, you might want to consider a few basic questions so members can provide the information you are seeking. Are you interested in a hard tail; i.e., Pitbull, Ridgeback, etc. or soft tail; i.e., Chopper, Mastiff, K9, Bulldog, etc.? Do you like the "fat" tires (300, 330) on the back? I personally am partial to the Big Dog K9. I began my search for "Choppers" in 2004 and looked at all the major production builders including American Iron Horse, Big Dog, Bourqet, Saxon, Swift, etc. and decided Big Dog was the brand I would pursue. In 2005 I decided to go with the Big Dog Chopper model until I learned that in 2006 they were coming out with a 300 tire model, the K9, so I waited until 2006 to buy my new K9 model which turned out to not only be V-Twin Magazines bike of the year, but also Big Dog's best selling model ever.
Below is a site that will shed some light on the "basic" specifications by model for the years 2005 through 2011. You can click on various sub categories that include: Performance, Ride & Comfort, Quality & Reliability and Value. Hopefully this will assist in some of your basic questions.
2006 Big Dog Motorcycle Reviews, Prices and Specs
Here is a "SnipIt" to show the basic information you can look at....
Below is a site that will shed some light on the "basic" specifications by model for the years 2005 through 2011. You can click on various sub categories that include: Performance, Ride & Comfort, Quality & Reliability and Value. Hopefully this will assist in some of your basic questions.
2006 Big Dog Motorcycle Reviews, Prices and Specs
Here is a "SnipIt" to show the basic information you can look at....
1 B.M.F.
Well-Known Member
Welcome from Texas Jim. I have an 04 and a 05. Both are choppers. Both are great bikes. Both have the 250mm tire on rear. The 04 is left side drive with a 107 engine. The 05 is right side drive with a 117 engine. Both run great. Lots of people say shy away from 05 due to emissions, mine has 11,000 miles and has the EHC replaced and I have been riding worry free. It cranks right up and I ride it anywhere. I haven’t made a 1000 mile weekend trip so I can’t say anything about that. Just make sure all bolts are loctited and you’ll be worry free with bolts vibrating loose. My 04 has 4500 miles, I love this bike. It has lots of torque. I feel each person is different and has different taste. I’m a chopper guy. I love the chopper. Some people don’t like the chopper and just like the pit bull or the mutt and so on. There all works of art. There all beautiful bikes. There are lots of models for sale. Take your time pick the model for you then do lots of research on the bike you want, try and find out what upgrades have been done. Then go it. Happy hunting. Post lots of pictures of the one your looking at maybe someone will know a little about the bike your looking at. If it needs something HDMi and wildsteedworx has everything you need to keep your dog on the road. Good luck.
Mikeinjersey
Well-Known Member
Welcome from NJ,
Great link MJSK9 !! I have an 07 K9 and could not be happier. I like the soft tail but have no experience with the hard tail models. The ride is very balanced and comfortable . The 300 tire likes to stay upright so you may need to lean a little more on curves than a narrower tire. You will need to get used to compliments regardless of which model you buy.
Great link MJSK9 !! I have an 07 K9 and could not be happier. I like the soft tail but have no experience with the hard tail models. The ride is very balanced and comfortable . The 300 tire likes to stay upright so you may need to lean a little more on curves than a narrower tire. You will need to get used to compliments regardless of which model you buy.
Mr. Wright
Knows some things
The last two guys have you covered quite well. Being a Big Dog repair shop, I'll throw my 
in. The 03's were still using a lot of Harley parts, but in 04 is when they started being a really refined bike. The 03 - 04's are still my favorite, because the are a lot smoother riding bike, as I'm sure the 05 chopper is too. 05 is when the government cracked down on emissions, so they went from the 107ci engine to the 117, and choked it down. The 117 is actually a detuned 124. So you will find the 117 has more vibration.
Over the years, a rumor got started about these bikes having electrical problems. This came about, mainly because people were buying cheap batteries. There was nothing wrong with the EHC's that came in them. The problem steemed for the fact that there wasn't any protection between the battery and the EHC. So if a battery shorted out or a voltage regulator shot craps, it would smoke the EHC.
When you get to looking for yours, remember this one important fact, most of us will testify to. Your Dog will find you. You will look at some and be tempted to buy out of eagerness, but we will tell you, you will know when the connection is made. My first one, was brought to me in baskets. Loved that bike.
Remember these bikes are 10 - 20 years old now, and most have been road hard and put up wet. But with the group of people that is on this forum, there isn't anything that we can't help you repair. And with HDM, Big Dog parts King, and Wild Steed worx, we have plenty of parts to keep these going for many many years.
in. The 03's were still using a lot of Harley parts, but in 04 is when they started being a really refined bike. The 03 - 04's are still my favorite, because the are a lot smoother riding bike, as I'm sure the 05 chopper is too. 05 is when the government cracked down on emissions, so they went from the 107ci engine to the 117, and choked it down. The 117 is actually a detuned 124. So you will find the 117 has more vibration.Over the years, a rumor got started about these bikes having electrical problems. This came about, mainly because people were buying cheap batteries. There was nothing wrong with the EHC's that came in them. The problem steemed for the fact that there wasn't any protection between the battery and the EHC. So if a battery shorted out or a voltage regulator shot craps, it would smoke the EHC.
When you get to looking for yours, remember this one important fact, most of us will testify to. Your Dog will find you. You will look at some and be tempted to buy out of eagerness, but we will tell you, you will know when the connection is made. My first one, was brought to me in baskets. Loved that bike.
Remember these bikes are 10 - 20 years old now, and most have been road hard and put up wet. But with the group of people that is on this forum, there isn't anything that we can't help you repair. And with HDM, Big Dog parts King, and Wild Steed worx, we have plenty of parts to keep these going for many many years.
knothead
Second Chance Customs
I agree with Mr.Wright, 03 and 04 is my favorite years also....just a personally preference for me....i like the left side drive better and the primary is basically all harley style...i have had a 300 rear tire before but i like the way the 250 tire rides and handles.....nothing wrong with all the other models its just basically what you want and like.....plenty of folks on here to help you with anything on whatever model you choose
knothead
Second Chance Customs
I cant speak for everyone on this but for me it was i just wanted a strecthed out bike....i had wanted ones for years and years...when i saw the big dog i was like yep this is the one....i rode several different style bikes like this including iron horse and several other bike builders....Big Dog rode and handle the best....Now i have 5 Big Dogs.....
Damn Knott! I didn’t know you had 5! That’s awesome!! You are literally running the Dog Pound!
Hey Jim! Welcome from Florida. You will not enjoy riding a motorcycle more than a BigDog. I didn’t know what a BigDog Chopper was until Memorial Day last year. Now I own 2. 2000 Vintage Sport Chopper & 2004 Ridgeback. I personally have always liked hardtails, but Mama doesn’t! Lol. Chopper is a softtail. I don’t think I ever seen such nice looking motorcycles! Happy hunting! Keep us all posted! Cheers!
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knothead
Second Chance Customs
Lol i know of one guy at last count has, best i can remember, 10 or 11 dogs...another guy has 8....there are several that has 4 or moreDamn Knott! I didn’t know you had 5! That’s awesome!! You are literally running the Dog Pound!
I sure did not know that! But that is so cool! I think a K-9 may be in my future. I been looking... lol. You know that old saying... He who has the most toys... Wins!
Mr. Wright
Knows some things
My love for them came a little different. I was actually partial to other brands and styles. After a few years of working on them and riding them, I came to the realization of just how well built these bikes are. Plus, I've ridden many other choppers, and none handle as well as these bikes do. I live in the Missouri Ozarks, and we ride these bikes like crotch rockets. Dragging pegs and frames all the time.
avatharv
Member
I have an 06 K9, and you can't beat the power. My prior bike was a 2000 Yamaha XVS 1100 and my K9 rides highways better than my Yamaha did. The stance and the look can't be beat. I almost bought a Mastiff, but the 2 I was going after sold and I decided on going the chopper route. I love it.
Mr. Wright
Knows some things
Not all mine, but everyone need their garage to look like this.
Mr. Wright
Knows some things
And friends like this.
speechless wowHey Jim! Welcome from Florida. You will not enjoy riding a motorcycle more than a BigDog. I didn’t know what a BigDog Chopper was until Memorial Day last year. Now I own 2. 2000 Vintage Sport Chopper & 2004 Ridgeback. I personally have always liked hardtails, but Mama doesn’t! Lol. Chopper is a softtail. I don’t think I ever seen such nice looking motorcycles! Happy hunting! Keep us all posted! Cheers!
I recall going to alot of bikes shows in the 2004-2009 era. Living in socal there were plenty of bikes shows every weekend. A coworker gave me tickets to a show and Im thinking I dont need a GD motorcycle. But free tickets and nothing else to do on a sat so I went. I was quickly addicted. Then started going to a bunch of shows. Choppers at that time were very expensive as they were new. So after two bikes and 60k miles I sold them both a figured that was it i’m 62. A year has past and I dont think about it much (riding since 1971). Then a few weeks ago I saw a guy my age at a local little pup get on his bike. It was a big dog. Watching as he fires that beast up and riding away I was over come with the thought what the he’ll I’m I doing here sitting and watching. This is forth quarter nearly died 2 years ago from stroke have no regets get a bike again and just ride. But then i’m thinking its time get a chopper wanted one for decades and tomorrow my not come. So get one old man and put to rest the regrets that will come if you dont. So my hunt is on and cant sleep at night looking at bikes. Breath taking. I like the advice you folks give let the dog pick you! Well said so thats what i’m going to do. Search and hunt but the momnet it picks me
out comes the check book! You guys are really great help and influence. Thank you for the warm welcome didn’t see that coming great bunch of folks right here
out comes the check book! You guys are really great help and influence. Thank you for the warm welcome didn’t see that coming great bunch of folks right here