Big Dog reliability and quality?

[FST954]

I have been riding motorcycles my whole life and have loved them all I have an 04 Ridgeback and I ride the hell out of it! Sure they are finicky bikes and yes they have some quality issues but all in all they are a dam good bike. You will have more fond memories then bad if you own one of these bikes

They are fairly easy to work on also and if you cant figure it out just ask there are some very intelligent people on this web site

 

[imthewildman]

all I can say is Im not happy with the reliability at all or the customer service, nobody likes sittin on the shoulder broke down, no matter how good thier bike looks, if you do then just take your engine out then push it around the neighborhood, my next bike will be from Japan, I know I know, someone will chime in and tell me "well go buy one!".

 

[snake1962]

Search the site, there are many stories of customer service far beyond what you'd ever get with another manufacturer. BigDog replaced my front then my rear wheel that was 6 months out of warranty absolutely free when the chrome started to peel. Biggest problem is the EHC, and when it becomes an issue most rip it out and replace it with the wireplus and keep riding. No matter what still the coolest bikes on the planet hands down. Do most of us have more than one bike yes, but different bikes for different reasons. Will I ever get another Jap bike probably so, but won't be ditching the K9. If anything as soon as Harley drops the VRod completely my loyalty to them ends and will be looking for another bike in the stable that my wife can ride as well, and I do like the Suzuki M109. What's your problem with your current bike? Anyway that new K9 jr, or should I say the K9-250 looks like a good bike for the wife.

 

[gixxbynite]

The happiest owners in my opinion are the ones that actually ride their bikes and have learned to do their own work on them. this way if there is an issue, your bike does not have to sit in the shop for weeks in ??? it can just sit in your garage until you get what you need. as far as being reliable, the reality is that they are not as reliable as you would want them to be compared to what you are riding now, but i feel once you have put on some miles and worked out all the break in kinks, and did some preventative maintenance then you should have a reliable machine. good advise would be to look at all the problems others have had such as clutch cables, electrical issues, and trans & starter problems. and try to avoid that pitfall before it happens by replacing parts early or having spare parts on standby. once again, thats assuming you like to work on your bike yourself. if you are the type to take your bike back to the dealer because you heard a squeak or whine, then this bike will probably really frustrate you. if you really enjoy riding and thats your main objective,(parking lot pimps, starbucks junkies, bike night only riders cover your ears) then i would suggest if you have the means to try and have a less troublesome bike as a second bike such as your 10r. this way if you do have the issues with the bigdog, you can still ride. of course not all are blessed with the means to have access to multiple bikes, so if this is your case and you are concerned with reliability and issues with the Big dog bikes, then my advise would be to not purchase one and keep your suzuki, or maybe consider a VRSC product from Harley. i say this because of the constant shrinking dealership support from Big Dog as well as the parts and backorder issues. you have to be sort of a do it yourself kind of person to avoid the frustration of having your bike sit at the dealerships for weeks to months. if something does happen. and to be honest with all respect. most that have to ask the original question which started this thread, should not purchase one to begin with. as there will be issues. Good luck to you whatever you decide. either way you cant loose if its two wheels. in the end thats whats its all about to those that actually get bikes for the purpose of riding them. :up:

 

[Bmarchant]

I think gixxbynite and Orangeskullz both had great answers. Work on your own bike (thats part of owning one) and two, if you want an everyday bike, look else where.

 

[chihuasbigdog]

These bikes are not for everyone.....
But for some of us there is no other choice

X2!!!

 

[KnotSo]

How do you like your Big Dog?

Hi all,

I have been riding japanese bikes since I got on two wheels. Current ride is 2008 Suzuki M109R. Looking to replace M109 with 2006 or newer Ridgeback.

I have read lot's of reviews on Big Dog stating that quality of the BG motorcycle is marginal, specifically consistent electrical issues, bike wont start, bad ignition modules etc...

Site posts lots of info on the BG quality:
Big Dog Motorcycles new and used

I would like to ask forum members for your opinion on the quality of the Big Dog bikes (specifically on Ridgeback).
Have you had many issues/problem with the BD bikes? If yes, whats most common problem?
Does dealer honor the warranty?
How is overall your experience with owning Big Dog?

 

[FrankBDPS]

Even though mine is still on the table being finished up I love walking into my garage just looking at it. Yes at one point I was pissed it was taking me so long to finish it and wanted to sell it but it is a labor of love and when it is done it will be they way I want it. I can't wait to ride it again and am looking to add a second one to the pound.

 

[Coolbreezin]

1) Have you had many issues/problem with the BD bikes? If yes, whats most common problem? 12 starters in ten years. 7 in the first 2 years. All 7 covered under warranty. Horrible corrosion on some aluminum. BDM blamed me and said I ran through something. My seat pleather (plastic/leather) cracked and tore within the first year. BDM blamed me saying I used the wrong chemical on it. Speedo replaced, inner primary replaced, tons of other crap I can think of right now.

2) Does dealer honor the warranty? Some they did, most they didnt. But their gone now so it doesnt matter. Get the warranty from the bank you finance with.

3) How is overall your experience with owning Big Dog? Its a beautiful paperweight. With all the grief Ive gone through over the past ten years, I would not buy another. When people ask me specifically about owning/riding a chopper. I tell them to join the forums and research extensively.

Some friendly advice...if you do own a BDM...get AAA.

...and Woodbutcher, as for the "jap crap", I had a 900 Ninja for 21 years it never left me stranded. Plus, go to any All American Harley store and note 99% of their stuff clearly states Made in China. So please be respectful, he was and still is in the wind like us.

 

[Viking]

Hi all,

I have been riding japanese bikes since I got on two wheels. Current ride is 2008 Suzuki M109R. Looking to replace M109 with 2006 or newer Ridgeback.

I have read lot's of reviews on Big Dog stating that quality of the BG motorcycle is marginal, specifically consistent electrical issues, bike wont start, bad ignition modules etc...

Site posts lots of info on the BG quality:
Big Dog Motorcycles new and used

I would like to ask forum members for your opinion on the quality of the Big Dog bikes (specifically on Ridgeback).
Have you had many issues/problem with the BD bikes? If yes, whats most common problem?
Does dealer honor the warranty?
How is overall your experience with owning Big Dog?

Most of us on here has extensive riding experience. That doesn't really matter though. You are asking people on a Big Dog forum to compare Big Dogs to a Suzuki, what do you expect the answers will be?

I was a factory Suzuki racer and the first one to race the GSX-R, raced bikes since I was 5 years old, and pretty much have driven all over this planet we live on. I have a 2006 Big Dog K-9 and will never sell it or trade it in. It's a passion on a level a few notches above most HD guys. The S&S engine is old school, push rod, carburated, and not a comparison to a Jap engine in any way, shape, or form. The BDM is out of business and parts can not be found at any local MC shops. Pick your battles my friend, if you love the above mentioned attributes and own a well equipped tool box, you're about to get one of the best rides known to mankind. If you're about finance, warranty, and reliability, then go look for another Jap.

Just my $0.02 on the matter....

 

[CHOPTOP45]

x2 kim

:up::up::up::up::up:

Most of us on here has extensive riding experience. That doesn't really matter though. You are asking people on a Big Dog forum to compare Big Dogs to a Suzuki, what do you expect the answers will be?

I was a factory Suzuki racer and the first one to race the GSX-R, raced bikes since I was 5 years old, and pretty much have driven all over this planet we live on. I have a 2006 Big Dog K-9 and will never sell it or trade it in. It's a passion on a level a few notches above most HD guys. The S&S engine is old school, push rod, carburated, and not a comparison to a Jap engine in any way, shape, or form. The BDM is out of business and parts can not be found at any local MC shops. Pick your battles my friend, if you love the above mentioned attributes and own a well equipped tool box, you're about to get one of the best rides known to mankind. If you're about finance, warranty, and reliability, then go look for another Jap.

Just my $0.02 on the matter....

 

[JeffM]

I used a an expression on another post regarding speed, i'm sure it applies here probably more so.
"A Jap bike may beat me to the next bar, but when i get there on my K9 i look fucken cool"
That about sums it up.
If you want function and reliability go to a Honda dealer, if you want something to stand out, challange you, give you something to sit admire while polishing/maintaining/adjusting and you don't mind getting your manicured nails damaged then a BDM is the correct choise. Also if you want to look like everyone else then maybe a BDM is not for you. IMO

 

[Coolbreezin]

I used a an expression on another post regarding speed, i'm sure it applies here probably more so.
"A Jap bike may beat me to the next bar, but when i get there on my K9 i look fucken cool"
That about sums it up.
If you want function and reliability go to a Honda dealer, if you want something to stand out, challange you, give you something to sit admire while polishing/maintaining/adjusting and you don't mind getting your manicured nails damaged then a BDM is the correct choise. Also if you want to look like everyone else then maybe a BDM is not for you. IMO

Well spoken JeffM.

 

[francoblay1]

I used a an expression on another post regarding speed, i'm sure it applies here probably more so.
"A Jap bike may beat me to the next bar, but when i get there on my K9 i look fucken cool"
That about sums it up.
If you want function and reliability go to a Honda dealer, if you want something to stand out, challange you, give you something to sit admire while polishing/maintaining/adjusting and you don't mind getting your manicured nails damaged then a BDM is the correct choise. Also if you want to look like everyone else then maybe a BDM is not for you. IMO

:iagree: :up:

 

[HMAN]

Just like assholes, everybody got an opinion. Good thing the OP is years old.

 

[DynoDave]

 

[Snuffy]

It’s like anything you have. It’s mechanical and will break. Needs maintenance and repairs. If you don’t like BDM I personally don’t give a fuck. Don’t be on this forum whining and crying about big dogs just get on the Harley forum with all the other snowflakes and be happy. I love my big dog and don’t care what you think. Enjoy what you have, ride safe , and enjoy your life without hating on others for what they choose. .

 

[mittens]

I think mine has been solid after i fixed the neglect from the Original owner. 11 years and still riding and breaking necks and hurting Harleys feelings.