Help on Bulldog Purchase

[gabe]

Allright so I was planning to take care of a few things and maybe pick up a bike in the fall/winter. Now all of a sudden a 2004 Bulldog has come up and the guy's asking $9k. Any way all my plans could be going out the window here if you guys approve.

Has 24k miles, has had 4 owners the guy has all maintenance records recently had valves checked, all fluids changed, drive belt, clutch, tires, comes with a windshield, king & queen seat, V&H Big Radius Pipes, .600 lift cam, he said the EHC was replaced under warranty back in 06 .....

It's 4 1/2 hours away so if I go there to look at it I'm going to be 90% sure I'm bringing it home. Take M.O. with me and unless it fails the test ride it'll come with me....but want input what should I walk away from, what should I look for?

 

[Mr. Wright]

Can you post that pic you showed me. and where is it located? Someone may know this bike.

 

[chacha]

Look Close at the following;

1. Forks for leaking -- these are inverted on this model and they can be a pain sometimes.
2. Ask if the lifters have been changed -- S&S calls for change at 25K
3. Look for tranny leaks at the shaft seals and the countershaft cover. This was the only RSD model that year.
4. If it's a 2004 BDM wind shield for that model, check the mount for cracks--it's a known problem area.


Good luck. That's a great price if the bike's in good shape.

 

[gabe]

Bike's in Burlington, KS. I did ask if there were any oil leaks anywhere and he says not. Also in the original post I said valves checked and I mistated he said lifters. Done by a S&S certified or something shop....so far sounds like there might be a road trip coming up for me.<a href="http://s326.photobucket.com/user/gaba53/media/_image_zps8bb875e7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k422/gaba53/_image_zps8bb875e7.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo _image_zps8bb875e7.jpg"/></a>

 

[Letbigdogintocanada]

24 k is high,so make sure u do a good check on what has been done ,and the guy ain't bullshitting,check all the fluids,that will tell a lot ,also if its been ridden in rain a lot.brakes callipers ,wheel bearing ,whatever wasn't rebuild,brobably needs to be with that mileage,just watch so its not a money pit,also u can check the charging system with a voltage reader,open the gas cap and c how the liner looks like,good luck!!!

 

[liferider]

Unscrew the gas cap. If it is tight to unscrew and remove as well as put back in. He has been running ethanol fuel. With these longer rake bikes turn the handle bars stop to stop, listen and feel for popping in the neck bearings. Look at the teeth on the rear pulley as well as the transmission drive pulley. If they are warn and have to be replaced, your looking at $500-$1200 depending on what you go back with as well as if a mechanic or you wrench it yourself. Remove the seat and look at the EHC 03 & 04 models used Heart. See if it was updated with a wire plus EHC. Look at the exhaust tips. If they are white or grayish he has been burning quality high octaine fuel. If they are black and smutty, probably low grade low octaine ethanol blend.

 

[gabe]

Great feedback guys. I appreciate it. I think it's at least worth making to trip to see what it looks like. I'll check everything suggested.

 

[HMAN]

If it doesnt work out, there is a 2004 Mastiff on Wichita Craigslist. Looks like he took care of it. Asking 10,500 but I'll bet cash will talk....?

 

[mirage814]

there is an 05 here in Pittsburgh that has 1700 miles on it with lots of upgrades. Asking 12,5K but bet he would take less. You may look around for less miles?

 

[gabe]

All right I've got a check for him ready to go....gonna actually make the trip to go see it tomorrow. If it's a piece of crap I'll still walk away, but the guy seems honest enough. Actually negotiated 300 bucks less after he lost the sissy bar. I think it's a solid deal as long as everything is as described.

 

[Mr. Wright]

Good luck

 

[gabe]

Thanks. If everything works out we might be doing some riding this weekend.

 

[05 old dog]

04 bulldogs were still left side drive....big changes in 05

 

[chacha]

Incorrect. The 2004 Bulldog is RSD.

 

[05 old dog]

your right...was picturing my buddys 04 ...dont know why i thought it was lsd.

 

[gabe]

Brought it home, it was a long ride on a 100 degree day and some of that in rush hour traffic in KC, but finally made it. Of course it's got a few nicks but overall very straight. And definitely going to have to see about getting some gel inserts or something in the seats.... also calculated 53 mpg on the return trip which surprised the hell out of me...anyway here she is. Thanks for all the input and telling me what I needed to look for.<br><a href="http://s326.photobucket.com/user/gaba53/media/148770ad-1219-4965-82a4-cff22b664814_zpsd0fb5aa6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k422/gaba53/148770ad-1219-4965-82a4-cff22b664814_zpsd0fb5aa6.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 148770ad-1219-4965-82a4-cff22b664814_zpsd0fb5aa6.jpg"/></a>

 

[chacha]

Congratulations and she looks great!

 

[Maverick]

Nice looking ride. I too was riding through KC rush hour in the 100 degree heat yesterday. Kinda sucked.

 

[Brew]

Congrats on the new scoot, she looks great... :2thumbs: