Which year and model to buy?

[Ratso]

I'm new here and looking to get a Big Dog, more than likely used. Trying to decide on a Chopper, K9, or Ridgeback. My problems are as follows...

2005 they went to right side drive I believe. Can you really tell much difference as far as handling or weight?

I also think they did some kind of ignition change around this time. Are the older ones better than the newer. It seems people don't really like the newer ignition in general.

Which came with a 280 or 300 rear, and can the 280 be bumped to a 300?

Chrome flaking... Is this a problem with a lot of models?

Any other tips you may have would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks...:up:

 

[Gas Man]

2005 while still a great bike had their issues. Sometime late 2004 they went to the mild cam and taller jugs to lower the compression. Then in 2005 they put in restrictor plates and went down to a super E. 2005 is also when they came out with the newer style ehc. 2004 was the year for the new controls and such. 2006 they went bk to the super g carb, and a even newer ehc. They also worked out allot of the bugs.

The tire sizes were mostly 250 in 2004/2005 besides the ridge. Then the k9 brought a 300 soft tail along with the mastiff. There were no 280's at all.

All 250 & 300 till the newest wolf at 260.

 

[Ratso]

Thanks Gas Man... just trying to "sort it all out" before I pull the trigger on one.

 

[waykool]

03's and earlier weren’t proprietary on allot of the parts. Meaning that you could use lots of non-BDM parts on your ride. This left your options more open on what you wanted to do with it.