Electrical Nightmares....!!! Myth or Fact?

[Moespeeds]

Is it safe to assume the 03 Dogs are most likely not going to experience the electrical meltdown?

I've never seen or heard of an '03 having an electrical problem beyond a bad starter relay, but I only know 4 guys riding them. If you are afraid to turn a wrench, or need to count on a dealership to fix the bike, best get a Harley or a Honda. Having said that, this site contains all the knowledge and expertise you will ever need to handle any problem that may arise, as long as you are willing to take the time and get your hands dirty.

Me personally I'd get the '04 as long as it had the 117ci. If they are both 107's and the styling is the same go with the '03.

 

[Th3InfamousI]

I've never seen or heard of an '03 having an electrical problem beyond a bad starter relay, but I only know 4 guys riding them. If you are afraid to turn a wrench, or need to count on a dealership to fix the bike, best get a Harley or a Honda. Having said that, this site contains all the knowledge and expertise you will ever need to handle any problem that may arise, as long as you are willing to take the time and get your hands dirty.

Me personally I'd get the '04 as long as it had the 117ci. If they are both 107's and the styling is the same go with the '03.

You said "Wire Harness" - Do you know if its Wire Plus or just the harness was upgraded as there was a recall specifically on the main power harness for the 04 model which had a tendency to come loose.

The EHC is actually still good its the harness that was not keeping the solid connection. This is the issue I have, I did a temp fix of zip tie the harness to the EHC as I can not get the new harness under the recall. I am just going to switch to the wireplus. Peace of mind, and also be able to sell the unit and recoup some cash since the EHC is solid.


Here is the recall information from one of my prior posts

Big Dog is recalling certain 2004 Chopper, Bulldog, Ridgeback, Mastiff, Boxer and Pitbull motorcycles. There is a possible loose connection between the harness connector and the electronic harness controller. This condition may cause the motorcycle to experience intermittent loss of electrical power to various components, which can lead to, among other things, a loss of headlamp function or a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Big Dog will notify owners and dealers will repair the motorcycles free of charge. The safety recall began on May 24 2010. Owners may contact Big Dog at 316-219-9121. NHTSA campaign ID no. 10v180

 

[Fibersnake]

I got an 05 Mastiff, my first EHC was changed under a TSB within the first year, though the orginal was fine. The improved EHC was in for a few years but then one day while doing maintenance and waterproofing the connectors with Di-electric silicon, I jammed a pin and broke the one from the EHC for the Oil Pressure idiot light, so replaced it when the EHC were somewaht cheap (just over $300 then). That one last for another couple of years but got shorted out due to chaffed power harnes issue, put the second one back on with the non-functioning Oil Pressure light. It went for a good year until I decided to upgrade to the BDPP PDM to be on the safe side since BDM was no longer around and BDPP had a new option.

Changed my whole system out using the PDM (which I do not think is available for the 04 and earlier models, but not sure on that or if they are working on one or not). The PDM was a breeze, seems to work fine and has features I like. The kit included not only the brain (PDM) but new wiring harness and even battery tray. Was able to save the ole EHC and harnes in case the PDM does fail or to pass to some member in desperate need that I may know.

Bottom line, to the best of my knowledge, even though I had 3 EHC, none of them failed due to EHC (one was upgrade, one I broke and the thrid got shorted due to harness). Have close to 30k on the bike, it is 7 years old, never hesitated to go for a ride be it short or multi day. A few times over 500 mile days easily. I expect long life and many happy miles with the PDM, other have gone the WP route and from best gather information, majority seem happy. I prefered the PDM-we will see!

Learn to wrench and do the work yourself and bascially get it right, keep it maintained and ride the SOB and enjoy the miles, do not worry about the possiblity of being stranded anymore than one would be with a 3 year old car and having a battery go south. If it happens, get it back home and fix it and then ride some more. Wrenching and unexpected adventure are part of the culture, be it the unexpected torential rain storm, snow dusting, love bug swarm, kettle heat, flat tire, dead battery or broken electrical. Frustrating all, but part of the adventure and for the most part once one gets over it and back on the road, the feeling and the memories cannot be replaced. That is part of the biker culture be it on a BD, Honda, MTM, Duc, Kawaii or a Vespa, enjoy the ride!!!!

 

[cpmman]

This is all great information... I am not afraid of wrenching but dont like chasing welectrical issues. Someone said it earlier...Just ride and enjoy..and that is what I am going to do..

The Ultra Classic is for her and I but every chance I get (especially when she goes shopin) I am going Chop'n!!

Thanks...

 

[BWG56]

I'm problem free with 12K on the odometer, but now that I said that I'm doomed.:lol:

 

[ksmike]

The mfg. date on my 2010 Bulldog is 03-09. Did BD do any upgrades or improvements to the EHC control in the later years or where they all the same from 2005 up?

And, what causes or goes wrong with the EHC? Is it water in the hand controls or a short in the wiring that takes out the controller? Or do they just seem to give up for no reason?

 

[oldmutt]

The best ehc units are supposed to be 2008 and up. I changed my 08 out when one day I went out to the garage and went to start the bike. I turned the key, pressed run and then pressed start. I got the 4 ways. I checked the ehc lights and it said my low beam was out. I took the bulb out tested it put it back and the bike started up. If this would have happened at 1 am in the middle of no where I would have been in deep shit. The next day I ordered the wireplus from Jake. I sold my ehc and ignition switch on ebay and my total out of pocket cost was $30. I considered the day I spent putting it in as bonding with my bike. Now I start the bike without the lights and if the low beam is out I will ride with the high beam. IMO the ehc is too over protective. I am now a happy camper and enjoy every minute I get with the bike. If you are going to worry about all of the things that can go wrong you will never get the ultimate experience riding your bike.

 

[reloaderbmg]

THERE WAS A SOFT WARE FLASH FOR THE 07 ECH, MINE HAS BEEN FINE SINCE,
ENJOY THE BIKE AND RIDE!!!
IF YOU HAVE PROBLUMS COME BACK AND SEE THE GUYS THE FORUM
HAPPY TRAILS

 

[bdmridgeback]

The best ehc units are supposed to be 2008 and up. I changed my 08 out when one day I went out to the garage and went to start the bike. I turned the key, pressed run and then pressed start. I got the 4 ways. I checked the ehc lights and it said my low beam was out. I took the bulb out tested it put it back and the bike started up. If this would have happened at 1 am in the middle of no where I would have been in deep shit. The next day I ordered the wireplus from Jake. I sold my ehc and ignition switch on ebay and my total out of pocket cost was $30. I considered the day I spent putting it in as bonding with my bike. Now I start the bike without the lights and if the low beam is out I will ride with the high beam. IMO the ehc is too over protective. I am now a happy camper and enjoy every minute I get with the bike. If you are going to worry about all of the things that can go wrong you will never get the ultimate experience riding your bike.

+1, couldn't have said it better myself.

And as oldmutt stated, the EHC is not junk, but really a very technically advanced unit that should be running the turn signals, headlight and starter on the Apollo 13 !!! :2thumbs:

It is just too sensitive and really over engineered for this type of a bike.

I also did a install for a customer couple weeks ago...

$470 for WP374 module, $450 labor, so $920 and sold their EHC on ebay
for $300 for a total of $620. Would have been $170 if he would have installed it himself.

 

[Moespeeds]

I'm with Jake on that. Putting that EHC in a Big Dog is like attaching an Ipad to a jackhammer. Solid state electronics have no business on a bike with a solid mounted motor.

 

[Nukeranger]

I'm with Jake on that. Putting that EHC in a Big Dog is like attaching an Ipad to a jackhammer. Solid state electronics have no business on a bike with a solid mounted motor.

That's funny but so true.:roll::roll::roll::roll:

 

[Thors]

I'm with Jake on that. Putting that EHC in a Big Dog is like attaching an Ipad to a jackhammer. Solid state electronics have no business on a bike with a solid mounted motor.

Could be wrong but isn't the wire-plus all solid state? As far as I can tell so far it uses SS relays throughout. SS relays which are very sensitive to shorts...ask me how I know... :lol:
I went through the wiring nightmare with my new-to-me 05 Pitbull. If you are handy and like electronics, there is nothing on the bike that you can't work with. It's all pretty basic stuff. Ingnition control and a bunch of latching circuits to handle the digital hand controls. The hardest part is the cramped quarters wiring. It's not a lot of fun working with crimpers and such while jamming your hands into tight spots.

 

[Tattooedirish1]

I have an 03 Chopper with original EHC over 10k on it, My Brother has an 03 chopper original EHC over 10k on it. I ride in the rain, wash the bike at the car wash, Hell Ive even Jump started the damn thing with cars and trucks. My bike is great.

My father always told me " If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

If the scoot is in good shape and looks to you like its been taken care of, don't create issues by worrying if something may go wrong down the line. Do your regular maintenance, deal with any issue that may arise, but until then, just F*ckin ride it.

 

[stlmikie]

Tattooed nailed it on the head

 

[Nukeranger]

Yep, X2