Fellas, am looking at buying an 04 Big Dog Chopper this Tuesday if all goes well but was wondering if those in the know could give me some advice as to what to look for, look out for, avoid, and price, etc?? Ridden bikes for 30 years but never a Chopper and while I love the look am a bit wary of them too. Advice and thoughts would appreciated..
Advice on an 04 BD Chopper
- Thread starter panzerman
- Start date
Little more about the chopper I am looking at; it is an 04 with a 107" 2399 miles new tires BUT I have yet to ride it or see it in person, that comes on Tuesday. Have heard some rumblings about tranny issues but not sure if that is a real problem or just pissed off folks that have a chip on their shoulder.
Brew
Troop Supporter
The S&S 107 motors are strong running motors, haven't heard of really any issues with them. When it comes to the Tranny, it seems the 2005 models had main shafts that were weak due to a hardening issue from the manufacture. Also the clutch basket seemed to fail on some. When getting parts you shouldn't have any issues either. Most Harley dealers will have what you need. We also have numerous vendors that are members on here that can help out in the parts department. Suggest you take a test ride if you can and if it's running right, I guarantee you'll be sold with a smile on your face! Ask the owner/seller if he had all recalls complete. I’m sure someone else will chime in to help out more…
BroadBand
Since late 60's
I have an '04 Chopper with 17,000 miles. After installing the Wire Plus, I have had zero issues. Check to see if it has the WP.
I am on my original rear tire still, although this next riding season it will need replacement. The front was replaced around 10K. You might ask why he has new tires with less than 3k miles, the guy may have smoked every green light...
Check out any other wear items like the belt and make sure the lights all work. If it's cherry with a WP - grab it.
:zz2cents:
:flag:
I am on my original rear tire still, although this next riding season it will need replacement. The front was replaced around 10K. You might ask why he has new tires with less than 3k miles, the guy may have smoked every green light...
Check out any other wear items like the belt and make sure the lights all work. If it's cherry with a WP - grab it.
:zz2cents:
:flag:
ChopperFred
Member
I also have an '04 Chopper DT with 13,000 miles and it runs great since the Wire-Plus. It also has less proprirtary parts than later models and is based on a Harley Softail. I got the BDM Service Manual and a Harley 1997-98 Softail Manual and between the two, all service stuff is covered. Good luck.
Thanks
Thanks to all for the comments. What is Wire Plus and how did you fix speedo issues?
RAW Blue Rider
Active Member
My 04 Ridgeback has 18k miles and has had almost no issues at all.
Runs great, rides great. Unless someone beat the bike for all 2400 miles it should be super.
Took me almost 5k miles before she really loosened up and ran like I hoped.
Happy Motoring!
RAW
Runs great, rides great. Unless someone beat the bike for all 2400 miles it should be super.
Took me almost 5k miles before she really loosened up and ran like I hoped.
Happy Motoring!
RAW
That is too much. You can get an 05 or newer for less than that and it will be RSD which you will like more.
I've had an 03 and my 05 both bought in San Diego. RSD all the way for that price
Bobby Schulz
Active Member
I dont feel it is too much for a nice bike...I say if you really like the look to go for it.
Now on to the issues...
Transmission on that year is a pretty good one with VERY few problems so that is a non issue. The ones that have the issue are the DSSC in 05 up.
I would suggest checking the speedo to make sure it works.
Put a wire plus on it even if its working now as they tend to go out at the worst time.
Check the LED's in the turn and tail lights.
Other than that just check the tires,and stuff like leaks etc.
Now on to the issues...
Transmission on that year is a pretty good one with VERY few problems so that is a non issue. The ones that have the issue are the DSSC in 05 up.
I would suggest checking the speedo to make sure it works.
Put a wire plus on it even if its working now as they tend to go out at the worst time.
Check the LED's in the turn and tail lights.
Other than that just check the tires,and stuff like leaks etc.
I live right up the road from you Ray (Twentynine Palms) Ok too much but still want to look and ride today at least. Who knows maybe they will come down alot?? It is at Skipfordyce in Riverside. What are you thinking for ballpark price?That is too much. You can get an 05 or newer for less than that and it will be RSD which you will like more.
I've had an 03 and my 05 both bought in San Diego. RSD all the way for that price
TimNY
Well-Known Member
J
I think its kinda high also, I'm glad I asked.
But if its the bike your looking for - 04 BDM with the corect paint ect....
Make him an offer. But there are better deals out there. Theres a member here who is selling a 07 K-9 for about that.
Wire Plus is an up graded computer set up - the stock EHC has been known to have issues. Don't worrie about the speedo either - if it brakes its a easy fix also - if you think you need one anyway
.
Its a buyers market - you don't bneed to jump on the first bike you see.Shop around.
I think its kinda high also, I'm glad I asked.
But if its the bike your looking for - 04 BDM with the corect paint ect....
Make him an offer. But there are better deals out there. Theres a member here who is selling a 07 K-9 for about that.
Wire Plus is an up graded computer set up - the stock EHC has been known to have issues. Don't worrie about the speedo either - if it brakes its a easy fix also - if you think you need one anyway
.Its a buyers market - you don't bneed to jump on the first bike you see.Shop around.
rode it
Roger that and thanks Tim. Bike was on consignment and had to put a healthy cash deposit to ride her. It was an 04 with a 117 not a 107 and I was impressed, it rode better than my 109!! But they would not budge at all on the price and I don't blame them much I guess as they had a bunch of folks looking at it and lined up to ride it. Long story short I ended up trading for an 09 Road King with some bells and whistles and chrome and low mileage. The desire to have a chopper is still there more so than ever after the test ride just going on the back burner once again for a period of time. So in the meantime I will stay here and get educated on Big Dogs until I am in position to buy one. Thanks for all the advice!!
Roger that and thanks Tim. Bike was on consignment and had to put a healthy cash deposit to ride her. It was an 04 with a 117 not a 107 and I was impressed, it rode better than my 109!! But they would not budge at all on the price and I don't blame them much I guess as they had a bunch of folks looking at it and lined up to ride it. Long story short I ended up trading for an 09 Road King with some bells and whistles and chrome and low mileage. The desire to have a chopper is still there more so than ever after the test ride just going on the back burner once again for a period of time. So in the meantime I will stay here and get educated on Big Dogs until I am in position to buy one. Thanks for all the advice!!