New to Big Dog. Chopper/K9 questions

[novemberclass]

Hello and nice forum here!
I am wanting to buy either about a 10 year old K9 or Chopper and had some questions since BDC is all new to me.
A little background, Ive owned a VTX 1300c for a few years now and want to graduate to something bigger and badder.

1. How is the handling/rideability of choppers and K9's?
2. How is the comfort? Im 5'10" for reference
3. Are these bikes high maintenance or not reliable? (Im not really a do-it-yourselfer but i will pay a shop for reasonable maintenance but i need to know if i will have to drag this thing into the shop once a month or something.)

Im finding that places dont allow test rides on these which is a catch 22 since they are not the cheapest bikes out there but i understand the insurance side of things on this. So i really need to know how these bikes feel and handle in comparison to my VTX if anyone could shed some light. Thanks guys

 

[francoblay1]

Welcome from Spain

 

[Brew]

Welcome from Washington state, hope you enjoy the site...

 

[garyb69]

Welcome from England and for your info i have had my 04 Ridgeback for 6 months now and my last road bike was a Fireblade. I've done a good couple of thousand miles with no problems but i would say the first 500 were scary as shit, the next 500 challenging to say the least but since then it's all been a blast, best bike i have ever bought by far (and i have had more than a few) and i wouldn't change it for anything. Apart for maybe Salma Hayek if she asked me nicely.

 

[novemberclass]

Welcome from England and for your info i have had my 04 Ridgeback for 6 months now and my last road bike was a Fireblade. I've done a good couple of thousand miles with no problems but i would say the first 500 were scary as shit, the next 500 challenging to say the least but since then it's all been a blast, best bike i have ever bought by far (and i have had more than a few) and i wouldn't change it for anything. Apart for maybe Salma Hayek if she asked me nicely.

why scary? what does that mean?

 

[francoblay1]

These bikes are TORQUE MONSTERS... totally different ride than japs... :2thumbs:

Don´t worry... you will love it, the grin in your face will be priceless

 

[garyb69]

Just not been used to riding anything like it in the 30 or so years i have been riding bikes mate, been riding Fireblades and R1's for the 15 years previous so it was always going to be a challenge for me. I guess if you have ridden a Harley or something similar before it wouldn't be as much of a big leap. Go for it, i assure you, you won't regret it.

 

[Doggin it]

I had a 2005 Chopper and it was one of the most comfortable bikes ive owned and ridin. I have a circulation problem and my right hand goes numb after awhile on any other bike (Easy on me boys) on the chopper it never did. Never owned one before, so after riding it for a day it was easy to figure out and the handling was way better than I thought. That was for a 250 rear tire. I don't know about the 300 or bigger tires.

 

[HMAN]

Welcome from Kansas. As others have said...wouldn't change it for anything. However these bikes are more like hot rods and need lots of TLC. Especially if the previous owner was neglectful. That being said, this is THE place to help keep your Dog barking. Keep us posted and we'll help when we can.

 

[Iman]

Welcome from Coastal SC

 

[Doggin it]

Welcome??????? Intro???????? Are you sleeping sir.

 

[Doggin it]

These bikes are TORQUE MONSTERS... totally different ride than japs... :2thumbs:

Don´t worry... you will love it, the grin in your face will be priceless

Welcome from Spain

Welcome??????????? Intro?????? Are you drinking again or just tired Franco.

 

[francoblay1]

Sorry, going to put my head down very shortly..... getting up in six hours!

INTRO

:2thumbs:

 

[Guillaume]

Welcom from Texas , The dogs get old on this forum , so don,t worry buy that dog and they keep you on the road and barking.:2thumbs:






Love is the feeling you get when you like something as much as your Dog

 

[Mickeetwo]

Welcome

 

[Mr. Wright]

Howdy, and welcome from Missouri.
Here's a story about my first encounter.

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/dog-pound/41017-short-stories.html

 

[woodbutcher]

as far as having to drag it into a shop once a month, i guess it depends on whether you are located in the U.S.A. or France, where your I.P. address shows you are located. what gives with that?????????

 

[novemberclass]

as far as having to drag it into a shop once a month, i guess it depends on whether you are located in the U.S.A. or France, where your I.P. address shows you are located. what gives with that?????????

I have an IP scrambler, glad to know its working. Are Big Dogs less reliable in France or something?

Im in Texas guys

 

[Nukeranger]

Welcome from Louisiana

I suggest you find one you can take for a ride. I find mine is comfortable for a Ridgeback. Every bike I have owned took a little work to be reliable and my Dog was no exception. I don't let anyone work on my bikes. So, if you end up with one that needs help, it can be costly. Especially if they don't know what they are doing. Expect to learn something about your bike even if you don't work on your bike.

 

[woodbutcher]

I have an IP scrambler, glad to know its working. Are Big Dogs less reliable in France or something?

Im in Texas guys

nah, it's just that your zip code is also a zip code in France, and i kinda doubt it would be easy to find a shop that knew their ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to Dogs in France. would have recommended, since you say you are not mechanical, that you should find a different skoot.