New Pics of ride!!! Why does my 03 Chopper look like an 04 ??

JWScarab

JWScarab

Active Member
Finally got pics of the new ride taken. My old one (also 2003 BDM Chopper) looked different. It had a slightly different frame, it had a more rounded gas tank, it had a flat ignition cover, and it had different BDM logos on the engine (these were BD cursive), it did not have a tach.

This new one looks just like an 04, but it is actually an 03. It titles 03, Insurance VIN comes up 03, and the sticker on the tank matches the frame and the title - all 03.

Why all the differences in that same year bike?? Was it a mid year production number change? The VIN is 5J11NBJ103W0008xx

Thanks! :choppersmiley:
 

Attachments

liferider

liferider

Looking forward to retirement
I have a 2003 Chopper but papered as a 2004. In 2003 compression releases were optional so all 107's heads were tapped for them. In 2004 compression releases were not optional they were standard. Mine was one of the last Rt's to be assembled according to Bigdog but it was papered as a 2004.
 
liferider

liferider

Looking forward to retirement
Mr. Wright said:
Other than the upgraded coil cover, it looks like mine.
Click to expand...
That's how Strokers determined my bike had not been recalled. So I sent it back to Big Dog back in 2007 for the fix. I broke 3 coil covers from back bone flex. And honestly I did not know about the recall. I had talked to big dog several times trying to figure out problem. They never mentioned a recall. Finally I loaded the bike up and brought it to Strokers in Dallas. Within a hr they figured the problem out and had it so that the bike was being shipped back for the fix. Came back with new style coil cover
 
JWScarab

JWScarab

Active Member
I know I have a lot of questions but
is my tank an 04?
why is the sticker under the tank?
is my frame the one that needs recalled?
how do I tell if I had the recall?
is mine a DT or RT?
where are the compression releases?

I'll do a lot of searches for info too.

I'm soooo confused......lol

p.s. - I'm working with Curtis now to get the right parts to fix her up!
 
BBChopper

BBChopper

Supports 2 Disabled Vets
Troop Supporter
JWScarab said:
I know I have a lot of questions but
is my tank an 04?
why is the sticker under the tank?
is my frame the one that needs recalled?
how do I tell if I had the recall?
is mine a DT or RT?
where are the compression releases?

I'll do a lot of searches for info too.

I'm soooo confused......lol

p.s. - I'm working with Curtis now to get the right parts to fix her up!
Click to expand...
Stickers under the tank where removed from the down tubes and put there by a moron!:rolleyes:
As far as recall, null point ride it.
The compression releases are in the center of the Rocker Boxes, the rocker boxes are the chrome things on the heads, the heads are on top of the motor.
Try the search this is all available.
 
JWScarab

JWScarab

Active Member
I'll do searches guys! No worries. Sorry for all the basic questions. I'm learning. Thanks!

......the heads are on top of the motor...... That's funny! Seriously!

Sorry guys - Im used to working on my 69 Mustang. I did work on my old 03 BDM Chopper (fluids, rims off, starter swap, etc) but I have a lot to learn on bikes. Wiring is not my best skill set either, but I will learn.
 
BBChopper

BBChopper

Supports 2 Disabled Vets
Troop Supporter
JWScarab said:
OK, if the compression releases are by the spark plug - I don't have any nor are the heads tapped for them?
Click to expand...
You have to look and see if there is a plug in the hole, if there is it's tapped which it probably is but I know allot of 03 and 04's running around with out them!
 
JR03CHOPPER

JR03CHOPPER

Well-Known Member
He meant the holes in the heads on the top, i.e....not where your spark plugs are. That is where the compression releases are. According to your VIN...your chopper is a Daytec Frame like mine. Someone replaced the coil cover. I have the old, flat coil cover. As far as I knoe Rolling Thunder frames were on that recall. Regardless there is nothing you can do about any recalls now. As far as the logos....don't have an answer. Everything else looks just like my 03 DT. Including the tank.
 
Mr. Wright

Mr. Wright

Knows some things
Supporting Member
I'm soooo confused......lol

Let me see if I can clear this up.
1. turn key on.
2. with right thumb, push the run - stop switch to the run position.
3. with the same right thumb push the start button
4. go ride the thing and don't worry about the little stuff.

If something falls off, stop and pick it up, and we'll help you put it back on.:up::cheers:
 
grizfish

grizfish

Active Member
This is what I think, but I have been known to be wrong.

Looks like a Rolling Thunder frame. Your 5th photo shows the recall mod, which is an added tubular section going from the steering neck gusset to the upper engine mount tubing. This is to keep the frame from flexing under load.

The upper engine mount bolt screws into a round section of the frame. On the other side (R) of that round section there should be a maple leaf shaped indentation with "Rolling Thunder" wrapped around the leaf.

When the scoot went in for the recall, they replaced the flat ignition cover with the rounded style. They also installed upgraded gas tank mounts and a different upper engine mount. There was a rumor that they also installed an electrical mod.
 
gabe

gabe

Active Member
The hole in the top of the rocker box at 12 o'clock in this pic is where your compression releases are (or would be). And a wire running under the rocker box but above the head from them if they were there. I can't say for sure 100% but I think from the angle of your pic we'd be able to see the top of the compression release if it was there but I don't and I don't think I see the wire running out from under the rocker box. So I'm leaning towards you don't have them, but who cares as long as it starts and runs ride it.
 
JWScarab

JWScarab

Active Member
Like this?....lol! I may be slow but I do soak it all in.....lol. Thanks Guys, great help on this site.

I talked to Curtis last night - what a great helpful guy! First Im going to go thru the under tank wiring and battery connections. If that doesnt fix things, I am ordering a new ThunderHeart Ignition box kit (the RIP wont work in my 03). Im also ordering a compression release kit from Curtis. Im excited to pull the tank and start lurking and checking the other wiring out! Even if I have some issues in the harness itself afterwards, at least the new (old) Thunderheart will be a better setup so I will most likly need it.

I like to do one thing at a time but I will most likely order a new speedo and rear kickstand from him too. Also on the todo list is extended controls.

I would just jump on and ride like you guys are saying but I have no brake lights - yikes!
 

Attachments

Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top