Guys what gives here ???

[MULCH63]

I never owned a BD HOWEVER I'd love a chopper again. I've mostly had Harleys and been on bikes 33 years. Any way I am looking at swapping my current Harley for a chopper possibly Ridgeback. just bored with my Softail and love the looks of the Ridge.

Well seems like these bikes have MORE then their share of issues. I do all my own wrenching but reading there is a load of cash needed to keep the bike right. All new module and wiring, can't get it wet, possible clutch issues, a bunch of recalls, charging system marginal. Don't get me wrong HD has its share but I put 8000 miles on my bike without a hiccup. i'm sure there's Dogs out there like that but it seems a gamble.

I know that the AIH bikes are problems,many so call customs are issues and I don't want to build my own. I am trying to talk myself past the fear of sitting along the road saying "shouldn't have done it". In time I could put out the cash to get the bike right but got college kids right now. Need to get my hands on a Ridge that already has upgrades I guess.

Guys I know I'm new just going by what I read. So don't flame

PS: posted my HD I just finished


jim

 

[Roaddawg]

Jim,
I don't really think it is as much as gamble as it may seem. Big Dog definitely stands behind their product so if there is an issue, replacement is typically under warranty.

I think the vast majority of BD owners simply start the bikes and ride. I know I have, mile after mile, without hesitation. My only recurring problem to date was the speedometer, which BD replaced, no questions asked, and I have had no further issue with it since.

I think because we have such a great site here and there is so much information available to so many members, even the smallest of items is posted, discussed, diagnosed and most often, a member has a cure for.

So, if you find the right Ridgeback you are seeking, try it out and then jump right on in here. I think you will find that riding one of these bikes definitely gets you alot more attention than the HD. I know it did for me.

 

[woodbutcher]

welcome. :2thumbs:

not a ridgeback but got right at 8k on a k9 with virtually no problems. remember, on almost any forum, you are going to hear what went wrong , not what went right.

 

[Bmarchant]

Hi Mulch63,
Remember there are 25,000 Big Dogs sold and only a few real issues. Honestly, its not what it might look like. We discuss any issue big or small on here.

The electricial issue you mentioned is an issue with a vendors part (shout in guys if I'm speaking out my a** here) not the quality of the BDM company making the bikes.

This forum allows those, like me, that are totally able to turn a wrench or two but don't have the background or experience, the ability to list any small issue, get a quick diagnosis of what it might be from a bunch of great guys who know the bikes, and fix it so we can keep riding. That way, its not in the shop for a week, costing $70 to have someone fix a strange vibration, by tightening up the top engine mount bolt when anyone of us could have done that in two minutes. Or as one of the members here has listed (sorry, can't remember who it is) "Why let someone else phuck up your bike".

These are great bikes, and I'm really glad I bought one. I've had a constant grin on my face since my first ride. Couldn't ask for more out of a bike.I'll take a Big Dog any day of the week. You wont regret getting one.

Bmarchant

 

[TCALZ06]

The forum is great but you hear about everything. You have to look at what percentage are having big problems and I think it is fairly small.

I have about 14k on my 07 K9 with only a broken clutch cable. I have a friend with about 20k on is AIH and he did have a trans problem but thats it.
It seems to me the hardtails have more problems which to me makes sense since that computer/wiring is getting the shit beat out of it.

I think his name is night train that mentioned BDM fixed a lot of problems in wiring in 2007. Most of the problems seem to be 2004-2006. I have a friend with a 99 BDM and he has had no problems

 

[MULCH63]

I appreciate all the good words thanks. I'm actually looking at an '05 though.


jim

 

[Marco Polo]

I had some little problems right off the bat with mine Jim and I immediately thought maybe I made a bad choice in switching but when I think about the problems I've had they've been from the dealer prep more then anything. I can tell you this however, there is definitely a feeling here that it is normal to spend more time wrenching then I ever had to with either of my previous bikes. Someone told me that's the price you pay for looking cool but that's never been the primary reason I've bought a bike. Sure, the cool factor of the Dog determined how much I'd pay for one but then again, if I've already paid 4 times as much shouldn't it be built better as well?

My advice is to assume that there might be a little bit of a trade-off when you make your decision and then you'll be even happier you did it when you discover first-hand that you're not near as likely to have problems as it seemed from what you read.

 

[ALDog]

I traded an 07 VRod for an 08 Ridgeback and have no regrets, infact I am very happy about the change. I've had no issues with my Big Dog. I think just like anything else, if you maintain them well you will be fine but there are always exceptions to that rule. However from all indications BDM stands behind their product. Other point is just as previous posts mention, this site could easily give someone a negative image of the Dogs because one of the benefits of the site is everyone pitching in to help diagnose issues. Not many people just post "Hey I went on a 350 mile ride today and all was well" or "I just hit 5K miles and still no issues". I say if you like the dogs, test ride and if you still like it, go for it!!!

:up:

 

[BorgerBigDog]

Also some of the issues with these bikes are probably created by the Owner or someone else who has done mods.Lots of members here get into a kick ass S&S motor with plenty of power and HOP it up. That is my plan when the finances come.Electrical issues do suck i have a 06 Ridgeback i have not had any problems but if i do it is comforting to know you have the back up of a great forum crowd to help you through it.After being on this site i wish my bike was an 07 or newer you have the choice to get the 05 and maybe it wont have any problems. Like said in this thread keep it maintained and you will be all good motor and other parts i found out it is a very good idea on all bikes especially the hardtails to go over the bike before a ride. The first stop light you pull up to on the bigdog or gas stop will assure you that you made the right choice..:2thumbs: :2thumbs: :2thumbs: Good Luck and hope you get the bike you want....

 

[bdmridgeback]

I appreciate all the good words thanks. I'm actually looking at an '05 though.


jim

The 2005 model year is the one and probably the only with all the issues. Once the EHC, clutch carrier, charging system, and some waterproofing is changed on the 2005, it should be pretty reliable bike. The 2006 and newer bikes have a lot less issues.

 

[Mongo]

Go on any other forum that gives you tips about how to fix your bike or vehicle and it will seem that all they have is problems. My Big Dog has had fewer problems then my buddies Honda VTX and they are suppose to be reliable bikes. Just remember if you get a bike with hardly any miles on it your probably going to have to tinker on it because the previous owner didn't ride it that much and probably didn't maintain it as well as someone who put some miles on their BDM. Besides working on them is part of the fun of owning one.

 

[jimizee028]

I got like 15000 miles on mine and have had really no crazy issues,,,speedo went out,took a call to dealer ordered the part via phone stopped by while i waited and installed it,right now i have a leaky starter(doesnt even sound normal does it) and the starter is waiting for me at the dealer as soon as i take my bike there to change out...and under warranty i may say...the only money i have spent is on gas oil upgrades or mods and shiney new shit for the bike plus new tires...for christ sakes even the insurance was lower than my soft tail....i think the guys with the big problems are a small percentage and if you do your homework like you are and stay away from the problemed years then you will also walk around with a shit eating grin everytime you are about to ride or when you just get off of it....good luck with your research...keep us informed

 

[Fibersnake]

Well I have the 2005 and yes I did have a starter go out way back at the begginning. Also I had my heads replaced due to losse guides. One speedometer replaced due to broken seal for the odometer reset (my fault replaced under warrenty nonetheless) and a clutch cable at nearly 20k mile.

That all said I would not change a thing and it has never left me on the side of the road nor have I ever been hesitant to ride it. Ride it on what at times seem to be routine 400-500 milers just joining up with other forum members for the day, or numerous times on 1000 miles plus trip including one non-stop of just over 700 miles.

It does help to learn to wrench for taking care of any little items and more importantly to do the proper maintenance on it, from keeping the battery tender going, to air pressure to doing routine checks for bolt tightness and letting Loctite be your friend. Also good dealer helps at time, but the best source is your own wrenching and the fine folks on here.

Had issues with almost evev bike I owned, some more than others, have not had as much fun as I do on the BD with any others with exception of some trial bikes back in the woods.

Welcome aboard and let us know what you decide, but regardless if the forum says Bike Dog Bikers, we are open to all that love being on two wheels.

Ride safe and ride smart.

 

[hoat]

I got 25k on my 07 k9 and I have only had minor maintenance items

 

[Vegas]

Big Dog builds a quality bike. End of story.

 

[PurpleDog]

I did about ~200 miles today on my K9; the only problem I had was getting lost in St. Petersburg Fl. I was thinking maybe WayCool would help me outta there, but he wasn't anywhere to be found....

Just trying to get 12k on the clock before I go back home, seemed simple enough.

 

[fmschatz]

Look at the thread on if "you would buy another BD" Yes!

 

[K9Anniv]

I had over 5,000 trouble-free miles on my 2005 Chopper. Just traded it and 2 Harley 100yr Anniv Screamin' Eagle CVO's in for a 15th Anniv K9. Rode it home from my dealer yesterday and it is AWESOME!!! :2thumbs: You'll never get the same 'adrenaline rush' nor the attention on a Harley as you will on a Big Dog, I guarantee it!

 

[V]

Well Jim you heard whats been said. What color are you gonna get?

 

[BigSpenda864]

The nature of the forum simply draws people talking about problems. The vast majority have no real issues at all. The only probems I've had have been self induced... not the bike itself.