2003 CHOPPERS

Energy One

MULCH63

New Member
My wife sold her HD and is looking at 03 BD Choppers. I remember reading 03 was before the dreaded ECH. Anything we need to be aware of on the 03?

jim
 

Raywood

The Pirate
Staff member
Calendar Participant
Troop Supporter
My wife sold her HD and is looking at 03 BD Choppers. I remember reading 03 was before the dreaded ECH. Anything we need to be aware of on the 03?

jim
Yeah, it has an EHC!!! My first BD was an 03 and many members here have one. I prefer the 05 and newer though for the RSD.
03's suffered from the recall for the broken frames. So ensure the one you buy has been fixed. It was on all the RT frames.

Good luck

:flag:
 
03 RT Chopper here.

I have a 03 RT Chopper. I did have the frame recall and gas tank mount recall. I have a little over 10,000 and the only problem I have had is I replaced 1 starter. Compression releases can be installed and I'll go this route if I or when I replace another starter. I like this year model because it doesn't have all Big Dog parts.
 

Bmarchant

Active Member
I too have a 2003 chopper. Before I bought it, I contacted Big Dog about any outstanding recalls (thanks to this site). The bike is totally stock, and has had zero issues after 12,000 miles. 2000 of them put on by me this year so far. The Mechanic who has serviced the bike since it was brand new is my brother inlaws brother, so I know everything that has been done to it. All it has needed is normal servicing......

Chopperfreak is correct, because it has mostly standard parts, the guys at the shop say its a breeze to work on. Something to think about.
 

MULCH63

New Member
I too have a 2003 chopper. Before I bought it, I contacted Big Dog about any outstanding recalls (thanks to this site). The bike is totally stock, and has had zero issues after 12,000 miles. 2000 of them put on by me this year so far. The Mechanic who has serviced the bike since it was brand new is my brother inlaws brother, so I know everything that has been done to it. All it has needed is normal servicing......

Chopperfreak is correct, because it has mostly standard parts, the guys at the shop say its a breeze to work on. Something to think about.
Thats why I'm leaning toward an 03.....

jim
 

thexaulted

Member
I have the 03 Chopper also. I did have quite a few electrical issues. Had the EHC taken out, rewired with the Wire-Plus 143 for the lighting and signals. Three fuses now control the electrical system. The dyna 2000 ignition put in and she is much better! And like they said a lot of standard parts which is a big plus! I believe that the frame recall was the DT's though. If you contact big dog with the VIN they will tell you if it is one and if it has been fixed.:up:
 

Nexus6

Member
Bought an '03 NEW never had any problems. Did the recall and it came back better than ever. Put in a new Speed sensor the other day ... it's just fine now. main reason I like it is cause of the "standard" parts.
 

coach

Active Member
I love my 03 DT Chopper....bought it new....no issues. :2thumbs: As said, aftermarket Harley parts work. I would buy another in a heart beat, thou, the new bagger peaks my interest, just not for $40K
 

NYchopper

Member
I have over 15,000 miles on my 03 RT Chopper with zero problems. Still puts a big smile on my face every time I ride.
 
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