K9 purchase advice needed for 2013

[zenBD]

Hey guys... Looking to buy a k9 sometime soon, but I'm having a hard time of it. This would be my first BD, so I have no experience with the technical issues inherent within. I have been doing a lot of reading in this forum and reading reviews where I can find them. I have read about all kinds of issues with electrical components and oil leaks and what-not. I have also been scouring the web for available bikes. I'd like to know if anyone has any advice regarding what to steer clear of, or anything in particular I should look out for when buying. Also, if anyone has anything to say about the quality of a specific year. I really can't spring for anything 2010-2011, and 09 is probably a stretch. Not to mention, anything 09-11 are quite scarce. I was thinking that 08 was a less "troublesome" year, but I have been finding a lot of them for sale with low miles... Also a lot of 06 & 07. Low miles makes me feel like people are dumping them for a good reason. Are the 09s-11 much better technically? Should I hold out for one, or try my luck with an earlier year? If you had it to do again, & now that Big Dog is done, would you even buy one today?

Thanks

 

[aspen874]

I think the K9's after 2006 were basically the same except for the wheels and EFI for the later years. I don't beleive people are dumping them either. There are some really nice bikes for sale for good prices due to the economy. They do require more maintenance than other bikes which brings me to my favorite saying

" BigDogs are like beautiful women, expensive, high maintenance and fun to ride. "

 

[krkostecki]

I bought a 2007 Pitbull over a year ago that only had 2,600 miles on it. It's not so much that the low mileage indicates problems but more the fact that they are weekend riders for a lot of people. Knock on wood, but my bike has not had any problems as of yet and it's over six years old. I would simply ask the owner if there are any issues with the bike electrically or otherwise and make an informed decision based on the fact that these bikes are no longer in production. However, with the help of the great people on this forum, there are no insurmountable issues. Best of luck with the purchase.

 

[jimizee028]

Low miles plus for sale also might just mean people just dont have the time,and the bike is only sitting around collecting dust,so eventually it goes up for sale...I also notice that little red corvettes arent the only thing men buy when going through their mid-life crisis......:lol::roll:

 

[zenBD]

Thanks for the input. Those are definitely sound points of view... Pretty much the way I have been looking at it, but I tend to question myself... Am I looking through rose colored glasses? The purchasing decision is further exacerbated by the fact that there is no blue book on these bikes. Asking prices are all over the place. I'm looking at one 08 with under 600 miles with an asking price of around 14k. Other guys have 08s with 5-15k or more and are asking $20k or more. So, it is hard to determine what is reasonable. On one hand, I say: "something's got to be wrong with the cheap ones." On the other hand I say: "maybe the expensive ones are just guys who don't need to sell, & will only part with their baby for a price they can live with." Also, You have the occasional guy who expects to get back every dollar he put into all of his aftermarket upgrades (this is the same with a lot of Harley guys). So, maybe I should jump on the cheap ones. However, maybe the cheap ones are just a nightmare waiting to happen.

 

[francoblay1]

Thanks for the input. Those are definitely sound points of view... Pretty much the way I have been looking at it, but I tend to question myself... Am I looking through rose colored glasses? The purchasing decision is further exacerbated by the fact that there is no blue book on these bikes. Asking prices are all over the place. I'm looking at one 08 with under 600 miles with an asking price of around 14k. Other guys have 08s with 5-15k or more and are asking $20k or more. So, it is hard to determine what is reasonable. On one hand, I say: "something's got to be wrong with the cheap ones." On the other hand I say: "maybe the expensive ones are just guys who don't need to sell, & will only part with their baby for a price they can live with." Also, You have the occasional guy who expects to get back every dollar he put into all of his aftermarket upgrades (this is the same with a lot of Harley guys). So, maybe I should jump on the cheap ones. However, maybe the cheap ones are just a nightmare waiting to happen.

JUST DO IT!!! :2thumbs:

 

[BigDogRick]

Um...what Franco says

 

[Bowhunter]

If a EZ Pull clutch is important to you to lessen hand fatigue, the EZ Pull started in '08.

 

[LUPHOLE]

I think the K9's after 2006 were basically the same except for the wheels and EFI for the later years. I don't beleive people are dumping them either. There are some really nice bikes for sale for good prices due to the economy. They do require more maintenance than other bikes which brings me to my favorite saying

" BigDogs are like beautiful women, expensive, high maintenance and fun to ride. "

x2 well said!!!! i love my k-9 and i would buy another---even with big dog out of business.
in 2010 the old girl hauled my fat ass 5200+ miles to sturgis with no problems. i hope to try the same again in august.
life is short, go for it, chuck

 

[joey1158]

what is it someone once said, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. . . . . .

 

[zenBD]

Yeah, Joe... that's what I'm worrid about You guys are like my conscience...

Devil: "Go for it! You're dying to own one! They are awesome!"

Angel: "Geeze...I don't know... What if it winds up being a big pain in the ass, and won't stay on the road like your old FXR.."

Devil: "Whatever! It has a 117" and it is freakin' bad-ass, Man!!"

So-on & so-forth

 

[zenBD]

P.s.... I love the fact that people actually have constructive input in this forum... In the short time I've been here my posts actually get read and reacted to...I've gotten swift, thoughtful advice. Quite a change from some others out there.

Just wanted to say... Great to be a part

 

[Wills67]

Consider this. The main mechanical stuff you might really need to "worry" about are standard parts. S&S motor, primary uses standard parts, Baker trans, PM brakes... All stuff you can readily get parts for. As for the electrical, talk to the Kaptain at WSW if you really end up needing something aftermarket. I did the once over on my '04 Mastiff when I got it just because that's what I do when I but a used vehicle. Since then I have put on about 9K miles in just over 2 years. I'd say go for it, give it the once over (fluids, brakes, etc...) and ride the Hell out of it!

 

[mymastiff]

On the nose Aspen, your saying sums it up very nicely!

 

[okie_dog]

Go for it man! I bought my 09 k-9 almost a year ago and love it. It only had 5k miles on it, some people just don't ride as much as others or don't have the time to. My only negative comment on the k-9, is there are only two brands that make the 300 rear tire, Avon and Metzeler. Not saying anything bad about either brand, just wish we had more than 2 options. But I lovely k-9 and wouldn't trade it for anything and would take a lot of money to talk me into parting with it.

Sent from my SCH-R530U using Tapatalk 2

 

[zenBD]

Consider this. The main mechanical stuff you might really need to "worry" about are standard parts. S&S motor, primary uses standard parts, Baker trans, PM brakes... All stuff you can readily get parts for. As for the electrical, talk to the Kaptain at WSW if you really end up needing something aftermarket. I did the once over on my '04 Mastiff when I got it just because that's what I do when I but a used vehicle. Since then I have put on about 9K miles in just over 2 years. I'd say go for it, give it the once over (fluids, brakes, etc...) and ride the Hell out of it!

Yeah... That's kinda the way I've been feeling.

 

[txcrod6]

JUST DO IT!!! :2thumbs:

X2 :up:....plus you can actually get a blue book value. Motorcycle - Kelley Blue Book and click on the see all makes to find big dogs. hope this helps and good luck!

 

[joey1158]

There is no doubt in my mind that you will love havin' a Big Dog. No doubt whatsoever. What none of us wants is to be left stranded out in the boonies. When you've just purchased one this is even worse. Then to finally get it to a garage (that knows what it's doing) only to find out that something is seriously wrong, well, none of us wants that. But you probably won't find out until you buy one. Is there a mechanic in your neck of the woods that you would trust to go over the bike? I, myself, am no mechanic so I have to rely on them. It's a gamble but from what I've read, most here would do it again almost regardless of any mechanical/electrical issues. They can all be fixed. More importantly, find one you like. Color and style probably most important. The rest can be changed. Don't buy one just because it's cheap. Buy one you LIKE! Even if that takes some time to find. Best of luck to ya!

 

[zenBD]

I hear what you're saying Joe... there is a mechanic close to me who works on Big Dogs... Carl's Speed Shop in Daytona Beach... these guys have been around forever, and are quite reputable. Problem is, every bike I'm finding is far from me (and I mean far)! So, it will be next to impossible to have a mechanic check it out first it seems.

 

[zenBD]

X2 :up:....plus you can actually get a blue book value. Motorcycle - Kelley Blue Book and click on the see all makes to find big dogs. hope this helps and good luck!

Thanks, Carlos... but I'm not finding Big Dog on the Kelly Blue Book list. Thought it might have been BMC, but if you check out the years and models it's the wrong company. Am I missing something?