Big Dog Choppers

[ratso]

Pros and Cons???
Looking at new and used, probably to buy next year sometime.
I guess up through 04 they were left side drive, then 05 and later were right side drive. Can you tell that much difference and has much else been changed on them beside that?

[Kilrtoy]

Im not impressed , got totally screwed by them
got my cash back and bought a American Iron Horse Texas Chopper
have ridden both on short and long rides.
Hands Down AIH....

[ratso]

I know I like the look of Big Dogs... Last bike I had, we built... I just don't have the time to do that again.
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/3036scan0005.jpg

[x7734x]

I have ridden a few. My friend was the GM of the dealer here in Vegas. We used to take bikes out for test rides all the time and let me tell you nice bikes to look at but out of the 5 we had taken out over last summer 4 of them had issues form elecrtical (3 of them) and one blasted the connecting rod out the side of the case. I heard the newer ones have much better components but i would still be weary due to the track record.

[beaverretriever]

There is only one pre-built custom that should even ever be considered. Its a Thunder Mountain Cycle. TM uses almost all factory HD gear, engine, controls, tranny, etc. What that means to you? Probably the closest thing to an HD in terms of reliabilty and reseale. If you dont buy a TM, go find a good builder to build you somthing custom.
Big Dog, American Iron Horse, Titan (I think they were bought out), APC, etc, etc. They are unreliable, and dont hold their value! Plus, they are not custom, they look exactly like the other guy that just spent 32k on a S&S motor with some custom paint and that 250 rear tire.
BTW, we dont carry Thunder Mountains. I would like to get them in our shop though. They are extremely nice. :)
Good Luck

[beernut]

good point beav, the bike craze has flooded the market with customs but like street rods they have become a production bult item, and when anyone asks the owner -did you build it?-ya gotta fess up and its just not as cool, lots of kits out there to get you started thow, and a guy could peace one together and have the paint done one-off, or else look for a used bike thats already been road tested, and not loose a lot of dough, (resale value drops like a rock ) :cry:

[beaverretriever]

good point beav, the bike craze has flooded the market with customs but like street rods they have become a production bult item, and when anyone asks the owner -did you build it?-ya gotta fess up and its just not as cool, lots of kits out there to get you started thow, and a guy could peace one together and have the paint done one-off, or else look for a used bike thats already been road tested, and not loose a lot of dough, (resale value drops like a rock ) :cry:
Im right there with ya. Big Dog, AIH, etc are about as custom as an HD now. BTW, I work for Harley..LOL
If I HAD to purchase a pre built custom, this would be it, a Sucker Punch Sallys bike out of Ohio. You cant get much cooler than this, plus its cheap (dont ask me about the quality, I just like the way they look).
Thunder Mnts are not my style but they are super reliable and have a good resale.
No 300 tires, No flaming skulls in the paint, No LED lights on the engine, No ghey ass billet 3 spoke wheels, no 1 1/2 fat bars, just old school cool. :)
http://www.sinwear.us/images/Img578.jpg
http://www.sinwear.us/images/Img353.jpg

[seanv]

i built my own bike in 2004 and it was fun/good exp. i dropped just shy of 20k and rode it for 6mo only to sell it and make a few grand. i did get a kit from jireh cycles and it only took me 5weeks to build.
http://www.justanothertoy.com/seanbike.htm
now that discovery channel has killed the bike world i would research any company you buy from really good. or, build your own and know every inch is done right.yes im building another but taking more time to build it and go more old school real chop.

[Cat & Mice]

I have a 04 Big dog Chopper and love it. 6000 miles (thats a lot for us in snow country) I have had problems with the S&S motor, but nothing major and was covered.The belt makes a chirp sound that Big Dog can't fix it get a little bad when my wife and I are both on the bike.
Over all it has been a great bike. I have a bunch of buddies that also have Big Dog chopper and they are pretty happy. I also have friends with customs and they are always breaking down.
I went from Scottsdale to Salt Lake, took 9 hours total. I was pretty sore but I remember thinking the bike road great, it was just the wind that killed me. I don't have a windshield.
Here is a pic of me closing down the Full Throttle on Saturday night in Sturgishttp://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/505/2065Sturgis.JPG

[lakewake]

Pros and Cons???
Looking at new and used, probably to buy next year sometime.
I guess up through 04 they were left side drive, then 05 and later were right side drive. Can you tell that much difference and has much else been changed on them beside that?
Hey Ratso, I had a Bigdog Bulldog for one year. It spent six months out of the first year in the shop. They did fix everything under warranty but what a hassle. Being fairly new to the market place I am sure they are improving as they go. Every thing that they use seemed to be top shelf. Baker 6 speed trans, Performance Machine brakes and controls, S&S or Total Performance engines and Avon Tires. Drop by your local dealer and get a feel for how many new Bigdogs are in the service area for repair.Good Luck with your new purchase.
http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/files/1/1/7/2/8/Bigdog2.JPG