future of Big Dog bikes?

[jjarkys]

I'm not on this site very often, (too damn busy, but I'm stuck at home with pneumonia), so I'm not exactly sure what issue you're talking about. As far as a random shutoff issue, in my experience, most of the ones we've seen have been EHC related.

cajonesvtwin.com

Lots of posts about bikes just shutting off as if the key was turned off. Usually it just takes a simple cycle of the key off and then back on and bike starts right back up. Possible fix suggestions usually range from ehc to cam sensor to key switch to backbone harness, you name it. And maybe it's different for every person and all these things could be the problem. I was just wondering if you had dealt with this and if there might be a common issue that you find more often than others. If ehc seems to be common, what do you usually do to remedy? Thanks.

 

[C.A. Jones]

We like the Wire Plus kits. I know there are a lot of people on this site that seem to have had problems with them, but we've never had a failure, and we've probably installed a hundred or more of them. However, we do NOT advocate using their cheesey Sportster key switch. It doesn't fit, and the BDM switch believe it or not, is a good key switch. You just have install a starter relay to make it work. C.A.Jones V-Twin | Custom Builds, Parts & Service

 

[HMAN]

However, we do NOT advocate using their cheesey Sportster key switch. It doesn't fit, and the BDM switch believe it or not, is a good key switch. You just have install a starter relay to make it work

Or throw in a Ford 8N tractor switch. Perfect fit and function! Just saying....

 

[NascarNutCase]

They will have to pry my cold dead hands from the handlebars. I ride with a group of guys in a club and my Mastiff is ALWAYS the first bike in the group folks walk up to and have a look. My girlfriend found me because of it too. I can't picture myself ever getting rid of her. I had a rear hub issue with mine last spring, but I got that resolved. Had a starter issue this past fall, but got that replaced too. I had electrical issues in the first or second year I owned it, but that too got resolved. I have never run across an issue that couldn't be solved between my shop of choice or this forum. I don't see a reason to abandon the Mastiff. It's just too nice of a bike.

 

[Slick-Dog]

Wow the Regulator looks like the 03 chopper ... Specs

 

[Trainguy]

They will have to pry my cold dead hands from the handlebars. I ride with a group of guys in a club and my Mastiff is ALWAYS the first bike in the group folks walk up to and have a look. My girlfriend found me because of it too. I can't picture myself ever getting rid of her. I had a rear hub issue with mine last spring, but I got that resolved. Had a starter issue this past fall, but got that replaced too. I had electrical issues in the first or second year I owned it, but that too got resolved. I have never run across an issue that couldn't be solved between my shop of choice or this forum. I don't see a reason to abandon the Mastiff. It's just too nice of a bike.

Ya Baby:2thumbs::2thumbs::2thumbs:

 

[bearman]

Frank, can we get one of them mopeds with a frame stretch and some saddle bags?
How about a fat rear tire?

 

[BBChopper]

They will have to pry my cold dead hands from the handlebars. I ride with a group of guys in a club and my Mastiff is ALWAYS the first bike in the group folks walk up to and have a look. My girlfriend found me because of it too. I can't picture myself ever getting rid of her. I had a rear hub issue with mine last spring, but I got that resolved. Had a starter issue this past fall, but got that replaced too. I had electrical issues in the first or second year I owned it, but that too got resolved. I have never run across an issue that couldn't be solved between my shop of choice or this forum. I don't see a reason to abandon the Mastiff. It's just too nice of a bike.

X2, in 2012 I was fighting back issues again and started talking about selling mine but was talked out of it by a good friend who said you'll feel allot worst watching it go down the driveway, that bike is your pride and joy sitting there!! He was right and I had my second surgery and was grateful for his words even though he's a total Azz Hat!

 

[shortfuse]

Ive been thinking the same thing about these bikes and availability of parts from guys on here if something goes wrong, good to hear! I had an issue with my 06 Chopper last summer with the run switch, would just click, thinking it was the battery took it down to I thought was a reliable chopper guy who has built customs from ground up, battery shot and VR was bad as well, so put new ones on. Rode the first day at Sturgis, stopped in Keystone, turned bike off and noticed a high pitched sound, didn't think anything of it, got back on it 20 minutes later, rode back to Rapid, shut it off and was still doing it, the battery was so freaking HOT it was hissing, lucky it didn't explode so the VR overcharged the battery and fried it. Ended up finding another battery and regulator from a local shop in Rapid, thankfully no issues rest of summer/fall, until I put it away for Winter it started doing same thing, hit switch and click, so maybe issue is in the switch? What are you guys running for batteries? I was told by Justin at Fury in St. Paul to run a Harley softail battery vs. the interstate one I bought with higher cranking amps. Hopefully I have no issues this spring when the Dog comes out to play but if I do I'll be coming here to get help...thanks! Jason

 

[Ray]

We like the Wire Plus kits. I know there are a lot of people on this site that seem to have had problems with them, but we've never had a failure, and we've probably installed a hundred or more of them. However, we do NOT advocate using their cheesey Sportster key switch. It doesn't fit, and the BDM switch believe it or not, is a good key switch. You just have install a starter relay to make it work. C.A.Jones V-Twin | Custom Builds, Parts & Service

If you have a exmark zero radius lawnmower you can also use the key that fits the mower to start your scooter with the BDM switch. You can then take it out, leave the bike running and go cut your yard. I thought my key switch was faulty or just worn out when we ran across this issue. I put a brand new BDM switch on mine still thinking the old one was just worn out. Then one day I said to myself , "Self you never checked to see if the mower key would still start the ole scooter did you?" I answered self, "No, I just figured it was worn out, but since the mower is sitting very close let's try it , ok! " The mower key fit perfectly into the brand new switch and started it up. Then I took the key out and replaced it back into the mower and installed a cheesey sportser switch that the lawn mower key won't start. The exmark key switch would very possibly work it just wouldn't look as pretty.

Ray

 

[TapioK]

So number 3 is a big thing with our Big Dogs

Some engines don’t run at all
Some run by them selves
Some just run as asked.

Of those that run,

Third of owners are worried they don’t find a proper key
Third are worried every key fits
Third never thought about it.

 

[Five Five]

Not an issue, nor do I see a problem

 

[FrankBDPS]

If you have a exmark zero radius lawnmower you can also use the key that fits the mower to start your scooter with the BDM switch. You can then take it out, leave the bike running and go cut your yard. I thought my key switch was faulty or just worn out when we ran across this issue. I put a brand new BDM switch on mine still thinking the old one was just worn out. Then one day I said to myself , "Self you never checked to see if the mower key would still start the ole scooter did you?" I answered self, "No, I just figured it was worn out, but since the mower is sitting very close let's try it , ok! " The mower key fit perfectly into the brand new switch and started it up. Then I took the key out and replaced it back into the mower and installed a cheesey sportser switch that the lawn mower key won't start. The exmark key switch would very possibly work it just wouldn't look as pretty.

Ray

I like the idea of walking out to the garage with a key that fits the lawn mower and the Big Dog. The grass would be as tall as the house!

 

[francoblay1]

So number 3 is a big thing with our Big Dogs

Some engines don’t run at all
Some run by them selves
Some just run as asked.

Of those that run,

Third of owners are worried they don’t find a proper key
Third are worried every key fits
Third never thought about it.

Maybe 3 (or more) should just go and by themselves a Harley or a Honda for that matter!