2004 Chopper

awg · Oct 10, 2011

I have a 04. I have had only two issues. First was problems with the headlight. Second was the speedometer. It kept fogging up to a point where I couldn't see the needle any more. Had to replace it with a Dakota. Other than that I have been very happy. I have a RT frame which has been great! Other than that I don't know of any other known problems. If you do buy it have fun riding it. Its like nothing else out there!

Nukeranger · Oct 10, 2011

FYI, most everyone's BD speedometer has fogging problems. Dakota Digital rocks.

awg · Oct 10, 2011

They have a real nice 04 Chopper on Ebay now. You may want to check it out. Its blue with flames.

Top1371 · Oct 10, 2011

I don't have a chopper but I do have an 04 Ridgeback... Every problem I've had except a couple blown seals has been electrical. EHC (had the new style when I bought mine as well) the Thunderheart ingnition, and the speedometer were all replaced within a 6 month time period.

Moespeeds · Oct 10, 2011

03/04 are the most trouble free models out there. They are the only years that I would personally own or recommend. Rock solid drive train and easy to get parts for. Once you get the electrical sorted out they are great bikes.

Chopperman · Oct 10, 2011

04 RT Chopper. Love it. EHC and rear pulley chirp were my big problems. Both fixed. No speedo problem.

DRBarnhart · Oct 11, 2011

Husker-Wolf said:
Solenoid doesn't work, but a manual plunger is installed. Bike has 4K miles and is in great shape.

I'll assume by "great shape" you mean it's shiny? As for me, I'd find out why the solenoid doesn't work before buying it! It could turn out to be anything from dirty contacts in the starter solenoid to some nasty wiring problems!

Just remember, it's STILL a buyer's market out there...

:zz2cents:

Dennis

stlmikie · Oct 14, 2011

I think the EPA stuff started mostly in 05. The e carb, taller jugs and restrictor plate.

TimNY · Oct 18, 2011

Jeff
03 / 04 Choppers rule. I'm just a big fan of left side drive bikes.05 they went right side drive for ballence or something. Still prefer left side 03/04- easy to get parts-HD stuff works.
Let us know how you make out.

Ray · Oct 18, 2011

Really enjoy my 2004 scooter but I got mine kinda like a rescue dog thing. Previously it had been abused left sitting out in the weather several months by someone else. I replaced the speedo - it was full of "Water",, new speedo stills foggs up, EHC died on it, replaced with wire plus ( thanks again Jake),, Replaced headlight with wolf headlight tiny dent in headlight rim after it was dropped,,,I replaced both tires, dyna beams in both ( thanks again Jake) the avon 250 barely rubs the belt,,, The longest I have ridden it in one day was a little over 500 miles,,, lots of 100 -150 mile rides ( back roads around here ),,, You will begin to lose the feeling in your butt about the time it needs refueling a little over 110 miles,,, It is not a hyrid , you can not ride it on dirt trails or rough roads, ridged frame will shake your teeth out,,,I have polished and waxed the ever loving crap out it getting it back like it should be looking,,,constantly wiping it off

,,, Oh, you will need to replace the original ignition switch with switch Jake sells not just because it is better but the main reason is you can take a lawn mower key (if you know which one fits it ,, I am not telling ) and start it up and drive off

... I couldn't imagine another scooter,, I have spent a lot of time cleaning back up but it was worth it.

Ray

Slick-Dog · Oct 18, 2011

I love my chopper PERIOD. Loose ground wires is all Ive had.....SO FAR

Killerdog · Oct 18, 2011

I have a 2004 ridgeback....and all i got to say is softails are for PUSSIES. :whoop:

only real problems i have had were from the previous owner not doing good upkeep on it..i have 12k miles on mine. True fact rough rodes kick you in the kidneys but WTF never trade class for sissy comfort...:2thumbs::2thumbs: RIDGEBACKS RULE......RIDE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT...NUFF SAID

Chopperman · Oct 19, 2011

Hey Killerdog. I will stick with the softtail I am for sure a puss :whoop:

. I've been on some long rides and I, my ass, my kidneys, my back, my wife, love that softtail...:flag: I've had a few guys with ridges ask to trade me, or say they couldn't make the ride, cuz they can't ride that far (pussies).. Of course I am from Idaho, and we don't have to many smooth roads just one long pot hole. I love the way the ridgeback looks, but you can't be a sissy if you own one.... Pass the word on to the guys I know would ya. Cuz I keep telling them to get a bike they can ride.

Tattooedirish1 · Oct 22, 2011

Love my 2003 chopper, I too need to used the plunger on the starter. Just haven't had the time to replace anything yet. Too busy riding the shit out of the bike!!!

Raywood · Oct 22, 2011

Husker-Wolf said:
I'm looking at getting a 2004 chopper and was just wondering if there were any known issues with this model year? It does have the newer style EHC installed and stage one upgrades. Solenoid doesn't work, but a manual plunger is installed. Bike has 4K miles and is in great shape.

Keep in mind that all the 04 RT frames were recalled for cracks. You can see all the recalls in the tech section for each year bike. How much do they want for it?

:cheers:

grizfish · Oct 22, 2011

You should find out if the ’03 Chopper has the early version RT frame. If so, was the bike sent to Big Dog for the required repairs?

My ’03 came back from the repairs with the frame repainted and almost matching the paint on the fiberglass fenders and steel tanks (oil and gas). There were no noticeable cracks in my frame. Later, the gas tank had a leak at one of the rear mount locations. It also required fixing and repainting under warranty in Wichita. Looked like a bad weld that cracked and/or from the flex in that part of the frame, or whatever.

The “Safety Recall Notice” included the following:

“Big Dog Motorcycles, LLC (BM) has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists on all 2003 and 2004 Chopper models, manufactured with the early version Rolling Thunder frame, on which a stress crack may emerge in the frame. This condition could occur without any prior warning.”

While my scoot was in Wichita for frame repairs, they replaced the original billet coil cover with the ’04 style (chromed aluminum casting). That didn’t fly with me. So, I raised hell until they sent me the billet cover. The reason I mention this is the photo of the ’03 in Tulsa has the ’03 style billet coil cover. Can’t tell for sure from the photos, but it doesn’t look like a RT frame. So, maybe not an issue.

Haven’t had any problems with anything on my ’03 Chop for the past 6 years. Except the normal wear items like tires, brake pads, and rubber on the foot pegs always wearing away. But that doesn’t count being rear ended while sitting at a stop light last year. More damage to me than the scoot.

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