I've read a lot about expectations for Big Dogs to have extra maintenance.
I for one find them less complex (except for that whole EHC mess)
and with them being stretched out, provide additional room to work on.
I also haven't found them any less reliable, I'd much prefer working on a Big Dog than a Harley (other than waiting for parts in the mail)
I agree, Harley’s have their own issues. Last yr at BB&BBQ Dave had to come get me and CeCe. I went with the group to Eureka Springs. On the way back my clutch completely stopped working on my 2018 Ultra Classic. Had no idea HD recommends complete clutch fluid replacement every 2 yrs do to condensation build up in the hydraulic clutch! All bikes have issues so choose what medicine you want to swallow! BTW, Bigdog clutch cable under $200 last 8-10 yrs. HD clutch fluid swap out $225.00 every 2 yrs!
While I’m on my soap box:
Non of the bike manufacturers tell you a damn thing about maintaining these bikes when you buy them, Not HD, not Bigdog, not Polaris. It’s a learn as you go. When I bought my Bigdog chopper in 2004 the dealer didn’t tell me every time I would romp down hard I would cause the primary gasket to start dripping until I changed it out. Then when I romped down again drip drip here we go again till I put my BDL open primary on. HD didn’t say hey BTW you have to bring your bike in every 2 yrs regardless if you ride it or not for a $225.00 fluid swap out due to condensation build up in the clutch. Polaris didn’t say a word about, hey you might want to carry an extra belt and some tools to swap it out when not if it breaks but when it breaks and your 6 miles down a trail in BFE! Oh and here is how to do the belt swap out. With play toys like we use, you better get pretty good swinging wrenches and how things work.
