Snapped swing arm weld joints

Energy One
C

cantik1

New Member
Greetings all. Had an issue and wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this or heard of it happening to someone. I was riding at about 75mph with a passenger and we hit a pot hole in the road. After a mile or two, my bike started skidding on the highway, and white smoke was everywhere and the bike was stopping rapidly. Scared the heck out of me and the passenger (especially the passenger), and I was able to steer the bike to safety from such a speed. After getting off the bike and examination, I found that the swingarm welds had failed! Both swingarm weld joints had snapped and that in turn caused the back fender to fall onto the back tire, thereby causing the rapid skid and sudden stop. I ride a 2003 Bulldog and it has less than 15,000 miles. I sent two notes to Big dog management, but have yet to get a reply.

Anyone ever heard of such a problem? I had my swing arm rewelded, but this surely wasn't cheap and I'm trying to contact the company. Any ideas?
 
Moespeeds

Moespeeds

Well-Known Member
I'm betting he had it welded after the accident. Call BD, find out who made your frame, and go directly to the manufacturer. I doubt that you will get any money back, now that you've repaired it before contacting them, but it's worth a try.
 
barhopper

barhopper

Another round please
Its tough to try and get something for your problem on a bike that is 6-7 years old. Just consider it part of the job in owning a bike. It seems the pothole did the damage, not a bad frame. Was your passenger a big person? J/K.
 
Raywood

Raywood

The Pirate
Staff member
Calendar Participant
Troop Supporter
I wonder what happened with this? :confused:

Hopefully he got it back road worthy again. :D
 
Baby Ray

Baby Ray

Well-Known Member
I wonder how big his passenger was? I see raywood can put it to the limit. Is there a weight limit?
 
C

cantik1

New Member
Hi guys. Thanks for the responses. I haven't called the company yet. No, the passenger wasn't a big person. She weighs about 145lbs. Never had a problem before the swingarm snapped. While riding the bike, after hitting the pothole, it snapped, and the fender fell onto the tire...then the skidding started. I called my local shop and the owner came out with his truck and we both pushed the bike onto the truck. He had it welded by a third party shop. It seems to be as solid as a rock now though.

I will certainly call the company (can't find the number anywhere), and if need be, have them talk with the repair shop. I'd like to get some cash back on this ordeal. But I'm just glad to not be hurt (and the passenger as well).
 
linx

linx

Active Member
I think if you wanted to get cash back, you should have taken it to a Big Dog dealer before you re-welded it so they could be the brunt behind the battle. If an authorized service center says "hey, this broke b/c it was bad workmanship and not due to some other non big dog related issue".

Just my .02 cents...but I'm glad you and your passenger are ok. I'd prolly have a heart attack before I got off the road, lol.
 
C

cantik1

New Member
The shop that fixed the bike is reputable, but as you guys stated, not an authorized dealer. From welding, to painting, to buying a new tire, and labor, this process was over a grand! I'll try to get something back. Hopefully 'good faith' from Big Dog would prevail. ((probably not huh))??
 
linx

linx

Active Member
Ahhh...didn't know you were in the UK.
Best of luck, and like said before, thankfully you're ok.
 
Gabriel

Gabriel

Active Member
The welds should not have broken! You should be able to tie it in a knot before the weld brakes.
 
Q

Que

Member
Just finished working on my 2007 Big Dog Chopper and was replacing the drive belt that would not stop ratcheting and rubbing. I found that the bolt on the drive side of the swingarm had snapped. Called the dealer and the parts guy said they changed the bolt to a different one. Maybe because they knew these were breaking. Now I'm waiting for a call back. Glad I found the problem.
 
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