2008 Ridegback w/330 rear vs. K9 w/300 rear

[K9Anniv]

Anybody have personal experience riding these two models side x side for a comparison they could share with me? I've been considering trading in my '05 Chopper for a K9, but I just saw a new Ridgeback with an awesome paint job which interests me. The 330 rear is impressive to look at..I'm just not sure about the ride. The dealer's not letting it out for a test ride, as it's the only one he's got plus it's got the premium paint. I've got a Harley Roadking for long hauls, so the chopper's for fun and short trips. Most secondary llinois roads are "wagon trails" with lots of bumps and potholes..:angry: so, Ridgeback ride quality is a concern. Thanks!

 

[V]

I have a 08 Ridgeback and I think it rides great. Would not switch if I could. To me there is not a lot of difference but it also depends on where and how you ride.

BUT you shoud find a dealer that will let you test ride a bike or a buddys bike to try before buy. As you know once you sign and are out the door ain't no turning back

V

 

[ajo771]

I rode An Iron Horse rigid a few weeks back and was surprised at the ride. Really couldn't tell the difference from My 07 Chopper. Yesterday I rode the new Pitbull rigid with suspended seat. Hated it. Could definitely tell it was a rigid. I too would like to swing a leg over the new Ridgeback.

 

[Gas Man]

Was it proflyer or vac that just got the 2008 ridge after trading in his 2006 somin...

 

[V]

Was it proflyer or vac that just got the 2008 ridge after trading in his 2006 somin...

It were me Gas

 

[Gas Man]

Ok...sorry... couldn't remember... so speak up...

 

[K9Anniv]

anyone?....anyone?....Bueller?....Bueller?...
Surely somebody out there in Big Dog forum-land has ridden the K9 and the new Ridgeback w/330mm rear to give me a comparison...no??

 

[V]

I have the 08 Ridgeback (05 Pit previous) as noted but have never ridden a K9, have ridden lots of Ironhorse with air ride and softail type suspension but have had no problems with the Ridge where I would want the other.

Still its all up to how you ride and your territory. If I was you and was going to make a $30G purchase I would find a way to ride a couple of bikes even if they aren't new or a different brand just to get the feel before laying down your hard earned geek ($)

V

 

[bkarma6]

GO K9

I own an 05 Ridgeback and last year rode an 07 K9 and 07 Ridgeback, each for about an hour. The Ridgeback looks bitchin, but it takes its toll on you, especially if you take a few hard knocks early in the day. It doesn't take long to wear you out unless you're on really good roads. I didn't see any appreciable riding difference between my 05 and the 07 Ridgeback (both are RSD with 300) but the K9 I could have ridden all day. With the integral airshocks (controls are built into the handlebars) you can drop the K9 down to the rubber when you land and still enjoy the suspension ride the rest of the time. I would take the K9 in a minute, but i've got an old back too.

 

[K9Anniv]

UPDATE -- I rode both today at my dealer's open house - an '08 Ridgeback and an '08 K9, one immediately after the other..

I like the Ridgeback's looks and the feel when sitting on it and, to my surprise, it handled curves in the road very well with that big 330 rear tire.

However..I found out in short order there are 3 things you'll need to survive riding one of these on most Upper Midwest roads:
1. a mouthgard (my teeth clashed together more than once when I hit bumps)
2. a kidney belt (bumps are worse than potholes for jarring your innards! )
3. a jock strap (to keep the 'nads from bouncing off the pavement when you inevitably hit those bumps!:lol: ).

Since I like riding my Dog more than just looking at it, my vote goes to the K9 , which is a pretty damed good looking bike itself..:up:

 

[TXDOG]

I have a 08 Ridgeback also and let me say....Your going to feel the road on any bike you ride. Big Dog has redesigned the Ridgeback to be a smoother ride and as far as I can tell they have succeded in doing so. My wife and I just got back in from riding her all day and we both agreed that it was a great ride. I have owned her for 2 months now and have 2200 miles on it and I can say for sure this bike is great and was no mistake by any means.

 

[K9Anniv]

TXDOG - make no mistake about it, I love the Ridgeback - it looks and feels great when I'm sitting on it, and it handles much better than I ever expected. It's just that after many years of owning and riding rubber mounted, "shock absorbered(?)" Harleys and now a softail Chopper, I guess I've developed a "sissy-butt"!:lol: :loony: Now, if they'd just modify their K9 to have that massive 330 rear tire...

 

[BubbleHead]

RoadKing, if BDM does that they won't be able to make them fast enough. What would they do with all the trade ins, including mine? Everybody would want a K-9 with the 330 , wouldn't they? Best of both worlds, so to speak. Although Shredder says his Ridgeback rides fine and I'm inclined to believe him. His by the way looks so fine one would tend to forget what ever ride differences there were

 

[dogvet]

"sissy-butt"!:lol: :loony:

Now that sounds too fuckin gay! I don't think that kind of language should be allowed here!:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :2thumbs:

You should probably stick to something with a rear suspension.

 

[RIDGEBACKPHATTY]

hey who's your dealer Jamies up in west bend near milwakee is only about a hour from you they will let you test ride any bike, bd, bbc

 

[PROFLYER]

As previously stated, I have the K9 with air ride. I just did a 2800 mile trip that wouldn't have been possible on a hard tail. I let all the air out for one tank (120 miles) just to see what it would be like to have a ridgeback and have re-affirmed the fact that a hard tail is a zip code bike.

 

[K9Anniv]

Dogvet - it was meant to be a joke! Just for that, I may haul off and buy the Ridgeback! I like the looks of that bike better than a K9 anyway. Besides, I've also got a 2003 Screamin' Eagle Roadking sitting in the garage for those long haul, "sore butt" kinda days! Anyway, a Ridgeback should help me stay alert watching out for all those potholes and bumps in the road!

Ridgebackphatty - I do go to Jamie's Customs in Big Bend, WI - great bunch of people!

 

[Vegas]

As previously stated, I have the K9 with air ride. I just did a 2800 mile trip that wouldn't have been possible on a hard tail. I let all the air out for one tank (120 miles) just to see what it would be like to have a ridgeback and have re-affirmed the fact that a hard tail is a zip code bike.

I have to ask why? I know I'm not cool enough for a Ridgeback.:roll:

 

[PROFLYER]

^? Huh?

 

[nycedog]

Bad News

UPDATE -- I rode both today at my dealer's open house - an '08 Ridgeback and an '08 K9, one immediately after the other..

I like the Ridgeback's looks and the feel when sitting on it and, to my surprise, it handled curves in the road very well with that big 330 rear tire.

However..I found out in short order there are 3 things you'll need to survive riding one of these on most Upper Midwest roads:
1. a mouthgard (my teeth clashed together more than once when I hit bumps)
2. a kidney belt (bumps are worse than potholes for jarring your innards! )
3. a jock strap (to keep the 'nads from bouncing off the pavement when you inevitably hit those bumps!:lol: ).

Since I like riding my Dog more than just looking at it, my vote goes to the K9 , which is a pretty damed good looking bike itself..:up:

I was hoping not to read something like this. Thanks for the feedback. I sold an 06 chop and now back in the market for an 08 K9 or Ridgeback. Went to the Orange County BD open house yesterday here in California and checked them both out. Personally, they're both great looking bikes but the Ridgeback is the real deal as far as looks and riding position. Except it sounds like I'm cringe everytime I see railroad tracks coming? I haven't made up my mind yet but I'm leaning toward the Ridgeback. For any other Ridgeback riders out there, does it really ride that rough? Thanks...