Any reason not to buy an '05 Ridgeback?

[machete]

Deciding to travel to see and maybe buy a 2005 ridgeback. Some guys have told me to only consider '06 and newer....

noone ever tells me why. I know about the VR recall, this one has been changed, low miles, good price, good location for me...

just wanted to check w you guys.

Let me know.

Thanks!

 

[PurpleDog]

EHC is improved in later models, 05 still used TP rocker boxes....others will chime in, but both those are fixable of course.

 

[BBChopper]

Love my 05, you cant have her! Change my boxes had all recall and service bulletins done. No real issues other than a input shaft bearing.:2thumbs:

 

[Relic]

One other thing to add:

Clutch carrier will also need to be replaced. 05's had the weak one and the center is known to break out. Not a big deal to change.

 

[woodbutcher]

'05 had the super "E" carb with restrictor plates but that can be changed out easy enough.

 

[surferdude]

Just depends on what you want. Happy with my 05 Ridgeback ... did replace the Clutch. going to replace the EHC someday but it ain't broke yet so ... if the price is good then test ride it ... There's alot of knowledge here on the forum to keep you going.

Any BigDog will be a great choice.....

 

[soonertodd]

05 was the first EPA bike, e carb,intake restrictors,small valve heads. i have put S&S rocker boxes on mine,upgraded to a bandit clutch,pulled the restrictors and re-jetted the e carb. runs fine,not a power monster but it is good enough for me now.if i ever have to go into the motor i will do it like it should have been done. got 32k on it now,on long trips gets bout 50mpg has been a great bike. try to make sure the recalls have been done,cause now you won't be able to get them done by big dog

 

[Fibersnake]

Have an 05 and mine did have an updated clutch carrier and never had a problem with the clutch due to parts. Also I have gone through a couple of EHC but none were directly due to BD fault totally.

No problem with tranny or driveline at all. Did have the valve train changed out due to excess wear on guides from T&P to S&S but still have the TP boxes and never been a problem.

Over 25k on the bike and if the price is right, would never hesitate to buy another one.

 

[Big B]

I agree with all the answers so far. I bought mine new off the showroom floor. Have all recalls done and changed out the pipes. Otherwise stock and not a problem or anything done outside of normal maintenance.

 

[dingo]

I believe the '05 Ridgebacks had a wheel recall due to cracking and waiting time for replacement wheels was upwards of 12 months for some.....given the current state of BDM, best to make sure that was completed.

 

[machete]

Great info everyone. Thank you!

 

[Moespeeds]

If I were you I'd stick with a Left Side Drive model (2004?). You avoid the whole DSSC issue, and the only proprietary part on the whole bike is the bars/controls which are easily changed. Other than that you will have an Evo style rigid that you can get parts and service for pretty much anywhere.