Noticed an 02 Pitbull on FB in my town

[Matt300ZXT]

I am getting the itch for a bike again so I've been seeing what's around me locally on Fb Marketplace. I ran across an 02 Pitbull with low miles for $6600, they lowered it from $7200 I think it was. Anywho, I had never heard of them but I dig the look of the bike. I was watching some videos, reading some reviews, and I found out about the rampant electrical issues the bikes suffer from, but when looking around for aftermarket solutions, they all seem to be geared towards 04 and newer bikes, not the older ones.

I asked the lister if the bike has had any of the parts replaced or if it's an original bike and they replied saying it was all original, no issues with any parts I mentioned (harness, speedo, starter) and that her husband and his brother have been mechanics their entire lives and that the brother bought it new and sold it to the current owner. Do the earlier bikes not have as many issues? Was there a supplier change or redesign in the 04 era that has led to the problems?

 

[chubs]

I am getting the itch for a bike again so I've been seeing what's around me locally on Fb Marketplace. I ran across an 02 Pitbull with low miles for $6600, they lowered it from $7200 I think it was. Anywho, I had never heard of them but I dig the look of the bike. I was watching some videos, reading some reviews, and I found out about the rampant electrical issues the bikes suffer from, but when looking around for aftermarket solutions, they all seem to be geared towards 04 and newer bikes, not the older ones.

I asked the lister if the bike has had any of the parts replaced or if it's an original bike and they replied saying it was all original, no issues with any parts I mentioned (harness, speedo, starter) and that her husband and his brother have been mechanics their entire lives and that the brother bought it new and sold it to the current owner. Do the earlier bikes not have as many issues? Was there a supplier change or redesign in the 04 era that has led to the problems?

For what it's worth, I've had my 02 pit bull going on 8 years now, Only electrical problem was the ignition module died and had to be replaced, That was around 4 0r5 years ago. Tires replaced twice, and new battery twice . Speedometer hasn't worked since I bought it ( but who really needs to know how fast they're going) Oh, I forgot to mention the wire that feeds the coil broke off at the terminal while at the get-together down at Mastiff Dave's last year but it was a simple fix,. Personally. I'd say go for it ,( By the way, Welcome from Indiana!)

 

[Rottweiler]

To answer your question. Yes 2004 was the first year for the newer EHC witch is a small box / computer system. In 2005 and newer they switched to right side drive and modified the EHC again. Prior to 2004 they where wired more like a older Harley.

 

[Mickmorris]

This is a 2000 Vintage Sport with the original Thunderheart ehc & wiring. Runs great! I agree that you should go for it! It will be a life changing experience. Keep us posted!!

 

[Deathstar88]

The 2002-2004 Pitbulls are the most reliable in my opinion. Old school reliability

 

[Mickmorris]

The 2002-2004 Pitbulls are the most reliable in my opinion. Old school reliability

 

[Chong]

Welcome from Michigan !

04 Bulldog & 03 Chopper here ..
(Oh.. & 02 FLHT)

Love' em

Go for it !

Bonus ... great bunch of people here .. and some awesome get togethers ...

 

[Matt300ZXT]

I'm going to try and call my credit union tomorrow to see what kind of financing they'd hook me up with. Never ridden a chopper but I'm attracted to the look for one, and the seat height compared to a crotch rocket. I had an Aprilia RSV Mille liter bike a year and a half ago or so and never got the initial maintenance/upkeep done before I sold it to buy my AMG weekend car but that seat height was crazy lol

 

[DynoDave]

Recently sold my '02 Mastiff. Main difference between Mastiff and Pitbull is Mastiff is a softail.
Great bike! These big inch motors without compression releases need a good starter and battery.

 

[Matt300ZXT]

Well the bank has approved me for a long big enough to buy the bike, and have some left over for the taxes. Assuming it'll clear up enough today weather wise, I'm going to go check it out and see if I like the look of it in person, inspect it for scratches, dents, dings, anything broken, etc. Then in a few days, I'll get one of my friends in town that is well versed in bikes and riding them to go with me to give it a test drive and make sure everything works, it shifts, etc.

Step 1: get the bike and get it in my garage
Step 2: learn to ride lol

I need to find a friend with an older ratty bike that will let me ride it around in a parking lot to get these figure 8s and u-turns down pat before I go take my MSF course. The earliest classes available are in mid May so that gives me some time to practice a little so I'm ready to slay those techniques in the test and get my license and cheaper insurance. Then, I'll just have to work up the balls to take my bike out for the first time and get it out into traffic. Unfortunately, in my town I have to go through a lot of red lights and a TON of traffic to get just about anywhere I'd want to go.

 

[Rottweiler]

Find a friend who has a dirt bike. Then find a nice open field. Have fun.

 

[chubs]

If you've ridden in the past, you will at least have some experience under your belt. One important thing too remember is that very few car drivers are going to be looking out for bikes and can mess you up in a heartbeat .Also, you don't need to be afraid of the bike, but always keep an abundance of respect for it because as soon as you get over confident and cocky, invariably you will screw up , and end up getting hurt (or worse). All that aside, I think you'll do just fine. P.S ,I hope that bike is what you're looking for, and If it is, you'll love it ! Stay safe Friend !

 

[DynoDave]

Good idea to practice on another bike. With the front end rake these bikes have it makes tight turns more difficult. When I went to renew my motorcycle license the DMV required a road (parking lot) test. Totally ridiculous as it doesn't simulate real world situations at all. Anyway, I couldn't make it through their closely separated cones. Took a friend's bike and went through easily.

 

[Chong]

This is awesome.. quite an investment you've made already .

One thing to point out .. Pitbull is a hardtail . So make sure as much as possible your good with the firm ride !

 

[Matt300ZXT]

She's sitting in my garage right now I'll be posting about her in the vintage Big Dog subforum since she's technically vintage by Big Dog standards. She needs a couple maintenance items but she's ready to rock as is.

 

[Chong]

She's sitting in my garage right now I'll be posting about her in the vintage Big Dog subforum since she's technically vintage by Big Dog standards. She needs a couple maintenance items but she's ready to rock as is.

Awesome... congrats !!

 

[JustDennis]

Cool. I had a Pitbull for awhile also. Loved the bike but the hardtail frame got tough on my old back. I just bought a 2004 Chopper and it's on the way. Should be back on a Big Dog by the weekend.

 

[Matt300ZXT]

That's a sweet looking bike, I dig the paint scheme.