Big Dog Compability parts with other brands in the market

[andrelouro88]

Hi, I hope someone could enlighten me, i have already read some topics on the forum when something mechanical goes wrong you use the OEM parts and my questions are:

-Are big dog frames like mastiff 2005 compatible with parts from HD for example swingarm bearings or neck bearings?

- Could you change the primary and the transmission with other brands in the market or use HD SE parts?

Thanks.

 

[Twistedspoke100]

Good question, I know the primary and trans from 05 to 11 are exclusive to bigdog only. You can install Harley compatible primary and trans but the trans mount on the frame would need to be modified.

 

[Mastiff Rider64]

And to answer your question about the swingarm, the answer is no. These frames were Daytec frames and built custom for Big Dog motorcycles. Only difference between a 2005 and 2006 frame was the type of gas tank it used. A 2005 had a dual gas tank with a 250 back tire, the 2006 had a 1 piece coffin style gas tank that used a weird rotating piece to lock it on to the frame and a 250 tire. The 2005 and 2006 Mastiff models (as far as the pro streets) were the only 2 years that these swingarms were used being a 250 tire. The only interchangeable parts that I know you can swap from a Harley to these swingarms is the hidden shocks from a 84 thru 97 Harley Davidson softail. They have to be the narrow kind. The pivot shaft, bearings and axle locks are completely different then a Softail model and I've owned a 92, 96 and 97 softtail custom, and I currently have a 2006 Mastiff and 2009 Bulldog Bagger Anniversary model and recently changed out the pivot shaft because I broke mine.... guess I'm still a little high on the torque side of things. on the frames tho I do believe a softail customs gas tanks will mount on to the big dog frame, even tho the design i believe is a little different, but should be interchangeable.

 

[andrelouro88]

And to answer your question about the swingarm, the answer is no. These frames were Daytec frames and built custom for Big Dog motorcycles. Only difference between a 2005 and 2006 frame was the type of gas tank it used. A 2005 had a dual gas tank with a 250 back tire, the 2006 had a 1 piece coffin style gas tank that used a weird rotating piece to lock it on to the frame and a 250 tire. The 2005 and 2006 Mastiff models (as far as the pro streets) were the only 2 years that these swingarms were used being a 250 tire. The only interchangeable parts that I know you can swap from a Harley to these swingarms is the hidden shocks from a 84 thru 97 Harley Davidson softail. They have to be the narrow kind. The pivot shaft, bearings and axle locks are completely different then a Softail model and I've owned a 92, 96 and 97 softtail custom, and I currently have a 2006 Mastiff and 2009 Bulldog Bagger Anniversary model and recently changed out the pivot shaft because I broke mine.... guess I'm still a little high on the torque side of things. on the frames tho I do believe a softail customs gas tanks will mount on to the big dog frame, even tho the design i believe is a little different, but should be interchangeable.

Damn to break the pivot chaft you ride like you steal it i hope when i need the bearing parts they still is available that is my main problem parts available i bought a BD rather than a HD that every one has but know i have always this doubt...

 

[andrelouro88]

And the frame with the VIN number it gave me a BD frame and not a Daytec frame i really hope there isn't a problem...

 

[Mastiff Rider64]

And the frame with the VIN number it gave me a BD frame and not a Daytec frame i really hope there isn't a problem...

well it would give you a BD frame because daytec made the frame for big dog and once big dog put their vin on the frame its then titled as a big dog not a daytec. I work at BMW manufacturing plant in the USA and some of the parts we install in these SUV's are made by other manufacturers and we don't title the BMW as the venders name. Same thing with big dog.

 

[andrelouro88]

Haaa ok good to know i have read that some frames could crack is this the the frames they talk about?

 

[Mr. Wright]

You are worrying too much. As far as parts availability, there will be enough parts to outlast your lifetime. As far as the problems you read about, remember this, people only post when they have a problem, you don't hear about the thousands that are out there riding with no problems. Yes you may have a problem sometime, but so do Harleys and other brands. These bikes were rated number one in customer satisfaction at one time, so stop worrying about the what ifs, and enjoy your new bike

 

[Pddain]

You are worrying too much. As far as parts availability, there will be enough parts to outlast your lifetime. As far as the problems you read about, remember this, people only post when they have a problem, you don't hear about the thousands that are out there riding with no problems. Yes you may have a problem sometime, but so do Harleys and other brands. These bikes were rated number one in customer satisfaction at one time, so stop worrying about the what ifs, and enjoy your new bike

Well said Mr Wright. I have done the top end, the transmission, the starter the controls, new paint, new sissy bar and re- wired a 15 year old Mastiff that was abused. HDM, Baker and S&S have been there the whole time. HDM was the least expensive and had upgraded some parts to improve reliability. (Ie: the starter). They were extremely responsive and the most knowledgeable.

No issues with finding parts or tech guidance. Took me a bit to find a good mechanic, but even that was solvable. The support from the forum was spectacular

Don’t create an issue before it happens. Life is too short to worry, just ride and wrench when necessary.

 

[awg]

Haaa ok good to know i have read that some frames could crack is this the the frames they talk about?

I think the frames that were made in Canada had issues? Would crack underneath? I think they were called RT frames? Rolling Thunder.

 

[Twistedspoke100]

You are worrying too much. As far as parts availability, there will be enough parts to outlast your lifetime. As far as the problems you read about, remember this, people only post when they have a problem, you don't hear about the thousands that are out there riding with no problems. Yes you may have a problem sometime, but so do Harleys and other brands. These bikes were rated number one in customer satisfaction at one time, so stop worrying about the what ifs, and enjoy your new bike

Hey Wright I figured you would know this, is the Stator on the 05 and up dogs the same as any aftermarket HD one and is there one you recommend over others

 

[Mastiff Rider64]

I think the frames that were made in Canada had issues? Would crack underneath? I think they were called RT frames? Rolling Thunder.

correct

 

[Canuk Dawg 13]

Finally someone who knows where frames were built ! Mastiff R has the right history , but sadly mistaken saying the ones built in Canada are the problem ones , I could say more but for now I will shut up ! Frames were built in Canada , Quebec to be exact ! before you know history please dont throw arrows ! all cool just dont listen to gossip < peace out Riding Brothers

 

[Mastiff Rider64]

Finally someone who knows where frames were built ! Mastiff R has the right history , but sadly mistaken saying the ones built in Canada are the problem ones , I could say more but for now I will shut up ! Frames were built in Canada , Quebec to be exact ! before you know history please dont throw arrows ! all cool just dont listen to gossip < peace out Riding Brothers

From what I remember about the frames cracking wasn't the builders fault it was the maker of the piping used. I just remember that it was mentioned that the frames that I heard about cracking came from Canada. I'm not saying all problem ones came from Canada just the ones i knew about.

 

[Canuk Dawg 13]

All cool man just so like you have the knowledge that frames were built in Canada < so many cant accept this fact ! not here to explain < just is what it is ..... it would blow most away knowing the hard facts , so I dont .....just remember marketing and the price of metal ! thats where this should rest or we will make some big heads shrink LOL

 

[francoblay1]

........... A 2005 had a dual gas tank with a 250 back tire, the 2006 had a 1 piece coffin style gas tank that used a weird rotating piece to lock it on to the frame and a 250 tire.....

Not sure if you r talking about Mastiff only.... but 06 K9 have a 300 rear tire.

 

[Mr. Wright]

Hey Wright I figured you would know this, is the Stator on the 05 and up dogs the same as any aftermarket HD one and is there one you recommend over others

It is, but why would you spend more money elsewhere, possibly buying an inferior product, when HDM has what you need.
Wild Steed Worx is also a vendor on here and sells them too. Supporting the vendor on this site, that work hard to supply us with the best parts and accessories available, will keep our beloved Dogs on the road for many years to come.

 

[Twistedspoke100]

It is, but why would you spend more money elsewhere, possibly buying an inferior product, when HDM has what you need.
Wild Steed Worx is also a vendor on here and sells them too. Supporting the vendor on this site, that work hard to supply us with the best parts and accessories available, will keep our beloved Dogs on the road for many years to come.

Agreed, I have bought many things from HDM already, I just wanted to see if there was one that was recommended to use over another.

 

[Mastiff Rider64]

Not sure if you r talking about Mastiff only.... but 06 K9 have a 300 rear tire.

yes sorry mastiff only

 

[Mickmorris]

Pretty sure BigDog only used the RT frames for a couple of years. ‘03/‘04 You can still buy frames from Rolling Thunder for custom builds though.