Big Dog chopper dilemma

[shrini23]

First of all its my first post here, so pls bear with me

Few questions before I buy a Big Dog
I'm thinking of buying a Big Dog as my 2nd bike. I see many 2006/2007 BD's on sale for half the price on MSRP.
These bikes have very little miles on them (around 4k-6k)

Are BD's reliable like HD's?
Would I be able to put lots of miles on them llike my HD? (I put around 8-9k/year on my HD)
Do I have dealers to service them or can I take to any regular HD dealer's to service it or any indy will do the job?
Are these choppers meant to be like a showpiece custom? (sitting in the garage most of the time than seeing road time)
Are they not meant to be ridden like HD on long rides/touring?

I really liked a Big Dog and one of my bud told me that 2006 K-9 with 11xxx miles is a lot on the bike, I'm not sure why he mentioned to me like that

Pls provide valuable inputs

 

[JR03CHOPPER]

For your first post you should really do an Intro. As far as reliable and ride'able...They are both and so much fun you'll forget about your other bike for awhile. Ask Raywood. I think he is upwards of 100,000 miles. Like anything else with Wheels or Tits, it'll take some routine maintenance.

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/introductions/

 

[Bmarchant]

I bought my 2003 chopper with 10K on it. 3 seasons later I have 27K on it, and all I've done is the typical routine maintenance that is required, fresh tires and a battery. Every Saturday morning, I go over the bike and make sure everything is tight, and to spec. Then I ride all week. Were going into my 4th season owning the Big Dog.

So my answer is yes, as long as you realize its a hot rod, and treat it as such. Its not a "just add gas and ride all summer" type of bike. I enjoy wrenching on it, as much as riding it. If you do that, you'll love the bike.

I'm sure others will jump in who have more experience then I do. Plus the best thing you did was join here. Lots of guys here can assist you if you do end up having an issue.

My Dog is the best bike I've ever owned, and I've been riding since I was a kid. Wouldn't trade it for anything.

 

[shrini23]

For your first post you should really do an Intro.
http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/introductions/

Sorry mate. Sincere apologies
Not to offend anyone...Have put a detailed intro

 

[BigDickPitBull]

I put 10,000 miles on my 05 pitbull my first year. only issue I have had is blown head gasket which was my fault for jumping on it before warmed up. finally snapped clutch cable a few weeks ago. other than that no issues

 

[aspen874]

I bought my 2003 chopper with 10K on it. 3 seasons later I have 27K on it, and all I've done is the typical routine maintenance that is required, fresh tires and a battery. Every Saturday morning, I go over the bike and make sure everything is tight, and to spec. Then I ride all week.

So my answer is yes, as long as you realize its a hot rod, and treat it as such. Its not a "just add gas and ride all summer" type of bike. I enjoy wrenching on it, as much as riding it. If you do that, you'll love the bike.

I'm sure others will jump in who have more experience then I do. Plus the best thing you did was join here. Lots of guys here can assist you if you do end up having an issue.

My Dog is the best bike I've ever owned, and I've been riding since I was a kid. Wouldn't trade it for anything.

I agree totally

 

[MyDogPete]

A buddy of mine has a 02 Mastiff that he purchased new that now has 121,000 on it. He's done 2 top ends on it, routine maintenance. Not saying that's all he's had to do but nothing major for the miles of asphalt that he's pushed under hiss ass on it.

 

[Roaddawg]

I have an '05 Chopper that I have ridden cross country several times. Most miles on it in one day was 1205 in just over 18 hours. Bike is comfortable for highways, byways and back roads. With 50k miles to date, I have had no major issues. I'm on my second set of tires, I have replaced brake pads, fluids and front wheels bearings on my expense. A starter, speedo and clutch basket have been replaced under warranty.

The bike has never let me down on all my adventures. Even when my original clutch basket cracked, I was in Wash, DC for Rolling Thunder. I still was able to ride throughout the city and then all the way home (1246 miles) without any problems except for the clutch chatter.

So, I can say that my Big Dog has served me well to date. It has seen unbearably hot weather in SD and TX, torrential rains in PA, sleet and snow in MN and W.VA and everything in between to boot and it still jumps to life, raring to go, in style, whenever I want.

 

[shrini23]

Guys is there a way I can increase the GC of a K-9 from 100mm to 125mm...

I keep travelling (job relocation) a lot and go to diff countries and take my bike wherever I go.,I've seen worst of roads & best of roads in diff countries

IMO 125mm is an ideal GC for all the countries i've visited so far as the bottom never scrapes.
Is there something I can do about this?

 

[ChrisK1969]

Hey Shrini23.....I'm new to this site as of about 9 months ago and I asked the very same questions that your asking to the much more experienced and veteran members of this forum - reliability, fun, daily driver, etc before I bought my 2010 K9 last august. I will gladly give you my opinions. The bike is a total blast to drive. I'm mean every time you fire it up and take it down the road you will always feel like your taking the ride of your life. It's literally that good. You really wont want to stop riding it. Lots of people will ask you questions, some may even snap a picture or two. Personally I think the bikes are pretty reliable too. I've only had a very few minor issues recently regarding the battery, and some stalling, but these problems are being addressed as I write this. Other than that, my bike has operated perfectly. I rode it almost everyday from August all the way up until mid December before putting it up. If you get one of these bikes, you'll never consider it to be your 2nd ride once you ride it. I've always liked chopper style bikes and was hesitant about buying something that was not a huge name like Harley, Honda, etc... I bought a Honda Fury a few years back and yes it was and still is a fun bike to ride once in while. I was happy with my Fury when I bought it but something told that there was something more out there than this. After reading 100's of internet articles, viewing 100's of photos and videos, and also talking and messaging people on this forum, I decided to take the plunge and just buy one. I can honestly say that I'm happy I did. I just wish personally that I was more mechanically inclined, but then again, that is what the shops are for. I hope you find a nice one. You wont regret it.

 

[Roaddawg]

I'm not sure how you would increase ground clearance on these motorcycles, unless you incorporated major frame modifications.

 

[bruce]

I have 35000 on my 2006 K9, I love it. It is a little hard to find a good mech. but a lot of good info here on this site and I think most of us do our own work. I remember when I use to bad mouth harleys until one day when I could afford one, I would put my bike up against any bike you or your friend has.

 

[stryfox]

Here is my .02
It is not like a new Lexus. You don't just drive it for 100,000 miles without doing anything.
These bikes are more like 1970's muscle cars. If you take care of them, maintain them and keep on top of them they will run and work. The difference is that they are muscle bikes. It is a ride like no other. If you wanted to go fast and turn and have fine refinement then a sport bike would be the best choice.
If you want a bike like a muscle car then big dog fits the bill. Just stay on top of it, learn how to spin some wrenches and have a blast.