Please Help!! 2004 Big Dog Ridgeback

[onebadGTO]

Hello all and thanks for any help you can provide!

I'm looking to buy my dad a 2004 Big Dog Ridgeback as a retirement gift and went to look at it today. It's a beautiful bike but it did have a few issues that im hoping someone could help me with. (Not mechanically inclined)

The bike started up nice and ran fine but had a few electical issues. I first noticed the odometer was not working (not sure about speedo did not test drive). Also the headlight was not working along with the left turn signals. Right turn signals and break lights did work.

Anyone have any insight for me? Major issue or do you think it would be an easy fix?

Thanks again!! I look forward to hearing from you

 

[Brew]

Welcome from Washington State, hope you enjoy the site. First, you do relize you're buying a rigid for your father correct?

Second, the headlight could be the connector inside the bucket. They have been known to overheat and melt. You'll need to investigate! As for the turn signal and odometer it could be as easy as a lose connection to wires rubbed bare.

The turn signal wires have been known to rub bare against the rear tire in the fender well.

Odometers have had soldered connections come loose within the unit, but also under the tank, wires have shaffed and shorted out before also.

You'll need to look at the bike and these are some of the common issues that have been discussed here in the past...

 

[onebadGTO]

Brew. Thank you for the quick response and helpful information.

I am aware I will be buying my dad a rigid (wasn't my choice for him, he wants one!) haha

But back on the main reason I posted, it sounds like the issues at hand seem to be very minor and not costly. I just do not know enough about these to know if they could be easily fixed... Or it could be one big headache and money pit.

 

[Dakotabos]

If you don't wrench yourself it can get costly.

Great that you are buying your dad a chopper. But it is rough on the old back.... Especially a hard tail