should I be concerned?

erldawg · Oct 18, 2012

DevilDogAVMC said:
Here's the Craigslist ad for the 03 I'm thinking about. What do y'all think of the paint? Any issues with that year and model I'll need to look at when I go check it out?

2003 Bigdog Chopper 107 ci (Price Reduced)

I think you should buy my K9....

bigdogtech01 · Oct 18, 2012

BadBrad said:
I know bigdogtech01 knows his shit, but also notice he's not riding an '05. I got mine with 4900 miles on it 3 years ago. First major FU was it broke a valve and dropped it into the cylinder destroying that whole front head/cylinder/piston. Then, it wasn't long before the new heads had worn valve guides allowing oil into the cylinder. TP rocker boxes/roller rockers are not an exact match for an S&S motor. The bolt holes may match but the roller rockers don't push straight down on the valve, causing pre-mature wear or even worse, breaking a valve. Next thing to go was the clutch basket. Upgraded to the beefier clutch basket. I changed out the EHC while it was still working. Bigdogtech says that's not an upgrade but I would have to disagree. The damn EHC's are so finicky and they tend to snowball when they have an issue, leaving you stranded. Next, the mainshaft broke while riding down the highway. Upgraded to the mainshaft big dog should have used to begin with instead of trying to save a few bucks. Raywood is the exception to the rule but I'm pretty sure he has upgraded a few of the items I've listed so far. He can attest to that himself. He pulled the heads due to a gas tank problem but also found that his valve guides were worn. I think he went back with S&S rocker boxes/roller rockers as many of us have done. I've had a few other issues not typical of the '05 so I'll not mention them. The list is long enough without it. Rocky, my wife, has an '03 that is rock solid and there's not a whole lot of difference between her 107 and my 117 other than the fact that hers is running all the time while mine often sits on the jackstand.

You are correct about me not having an '05 chopper. In fact, I don't even own a BDM. But, I have worked on many and know everything there is to know about them and know that yes, they do have some issues every now and then. I know for a fact that the Wire plus is an over priced POS. I can tell you, I love everything about the Bigdogs, every year, every model. I love riding them, and working on them even more. I'm only on this forum in hopes to help people in need of technical support. Bigdog is no longer available to help the customers with support, so this is the next best thing. What I post, I only post to help individuals, not to make false claims. I hope you realize this. There are things that we as technicians learn over the years that prove certain theories wrong.

erldawg said:
I think you should buy my K9....

I agree, beautiful bike

Fibersnake · Oct 18, 2012

I have an 05, just short of 30k on it now. Had the valve train changed out right at the warrenty end and still have the TP Rocker Boxes, though as far as I know the valve train is all S&S. Original starter was replaced due to leaking seal but that was at like at 6k, and the replacment is still going strong.

The EHC was replaced with a PDM, but never had a direct EHC failure (though I did have a power harnes that shorted and killed the EHC and battery).

No tranny issue, no clutch issue (replaced one cable at around 22K or about).

Other than that, basic maintenace, ride it sensibly and enjoy the ride. Not shy of getting on it an going (in facty will be leaving for about 1.5 to 2K ride either tomorrow or Friday. It could fail on me as soon as I start it or go for many many more miles. Part of the nature, oh BTW the bud I am riding with thi9s weekend has a new 2012 HD Delux and has had it back in the shop 3 times already (bad spoke truing and a few other minor issue).

Bobby Schulz · Oct 18, 2012

DevilDogAVMC, 03/04 are pretty good bikes IMO. The chopper models were some of the best that BDM ever put out. Just do your typical check over you would to most any other bike. Also check the wiring under the seat to see if it has ever had a leaking battery,wiring issues etc.

BadBrad · Oct 18, 2012

bigdogtech01 said:
You are correct about me not having an '05 chopper. In fact, I don't even own a BDM. But, I have worked on many and know everything there is to know about them and know that yes, they do have some issues every now and then. I know for a fact that the Wire plus is an over priced POS. I can tell you, I love everything about the Bigdogs, every year, every model. I love riding them, and working on them even more. I'm only on this forum in hopes to help people in need of technical support. Bigdog is no longer available to help the customers with support, so this is the next best thing. What I post, I only post to help individuals, not to make false claims. I hope you realize this. There are things that we as technicians learn over the years that prove certain theories wrong.

I agree, beautiful bike

My first sentence was that Andrew knows his shit. I read your posts and gain from them. We all have opinions and ours differ on the Wire Plus. Other than that, I'm strictly speaking from experience on the issues I've had with my dog that are the same issues other members have had with their '05/'06, making them common issues for that year bike. Since my tranny rebuild this spring, I've had no issues all summer and with a 12 month riding season, I hope to be riding all year. All the maintenance in the world would not have prevented the issues I had. BigDog used a few shitty parts for that year model and many of us have paid for it. I'm not selling my dog because of it, just stating the facts. What facts or threads do you base your comment in regards to the Wire Plus being a piece of shit? I have not read a single thread where someone's WP has crapped out on them, but I don't read every thread. As always, and I'm sure I speak for all, your knowledge and comments are always appreciated as we know we're getting information about our Dogs straight from the horses mouth.

Roaddawg · Oct 18, 2012

I have an '05 Chopper with over 50K on it. It has gone through rain, sleet and snow. I have done 1000 miles plus rides with friends on new and newer HD's who have had problems with their bikes. My Chopper has never left me stranded or on the side of the road. It's issues have been minor and repaired under warranty (speedo, leaky seal in starter when new, front wheel bearings).

I love the bike, which is really comfortable and does the long hauls nicely. It's always something when other bikers remark "Wow, you rode a chopper all that way!". Apparently they must think all bikes not of the cruiser style are harsh and unforgiving.

soonertodd · Oct 18, 2012

going on 42k on my 05 ridge,i changed out the tp boxes,upgraded to a bandit clutch.main issues have been starters and clutch cables

stlmikie · Oct 18, 2012

03 is the way to go!

bigdogtech01 · Oct 19, 2012

BadBrad said:
My first sentence was that Andrew knows his shit. I read your posts and gain from them. We all have opinions and ours differ on the Wire Plus. Other than that, I'm strictly speaking from experience on the issues I've had with my dog that are the same issues other members have had with their '05/'06, making them common issues for that year bike. Since my tranny rebuild this spring, I've had no issues all summer and with a 12 month riding season, I hope to be riding all year. All the maintenance in the world would not have prevented the issues I had. BigDog used a few shitty parts for that year model and many of us have paid for it. I'm not selling my dog because of it, just stating the facts. What facts or threads do you base your comment in regards to the Wire Plus being a piece of shit? I have not read a single thread where someone's WP has crapped out on them, but I don't read every thread. As always, and I'm sure I speak for all, your knowledge and comments are always appreciated as we know we're getting information about our Dogs straight from the horses mouth.

I'm sorry, just seemed like you came across as being a little hostile and making it sound like I didn't know what I was talking about. Thank you for the kind words. As far as the WP goes, if you look on here long enough, I know you will find posts about guys having problems with them along with taking several months to even get one. The M-Unit is a better made product and costs $200 less.

Moespeeds · Oct 19, 2012

I always tell guys to get 03 or 04. '05 and up are just a hassle if anything breaks, and shit will eventually break. I pretty much refuse to work on them anymore, too much headache tracking down parts or chasing problems related to the DSSC. 03-04 are just catalog built bikes that any half decent mechanic can work on and parts are all over egay. Toss the electrical system and you'll have a rock solid bike.

Bobby Schulz · Oct 19, 2012

Devil Dog.......devil dog.....

Brew · Oct 22, 2012

DevilDogAVMC said:
So I went and test road this. Usually pictures don't do a bike justice, but in this case I wish it looked half as good in person as it did in the pics. Rust, paint flaking off with rust under that, oil and grease where shouldn't have been. Speedo didn't work at all, clutch felt 10X harder to pull in than the one on my bike. And no matter what it always felt like I was lugging the motor unless it got to the top rpm range. Lots more I could go on about with it. Needless to say I was very upset with my first ride on a big dog. I can say the problems I saw with that bike was a problem all the bikes in that shop. Hopefully the next one I get to see isn't anything like that. I had such high hopes for that bike, and was very depressed when I saw that.

I'm sure if you looked at Bobby's you won't be disappointed. You'll be at ahhh and think this is what a scoot should be...

:2thumbs:

Bobby Schulz · Oct 22, 2012

:choppersmiley:

Tomtang aka Reptilejim · Oct 22, 2012

Thanks for being on this forum Andrew!

should I be concerned?

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