Hello, just would like some feedback on what's in my head...lol I'm a big guy (6'6) and I picked up a 2001 wide glide this past spring for a song. I like it, but I noticed there are a few big dog choppers in my area for sale and was interested in maybe trading as I feel the chopper would fit me better. I know I know I need to ride one first and get a feel for them but any of you guys ridden the k9 ridgeback or the softail version one?

 

I'd keep the Harley. If I'm not mistaken, Big Dog is out of business. JMHO.

 

I thought of that too. BDM closed there doors I believe in 2011, would probably make it difficult to find parts

 

Big Dog is out of business.

My DH has one of the originals, when they were Harley FXR clones and they're great (90,000 miles on that puppy). When they became choppers, they became less reliable. We have a friend that I think at this point has rebuilt the entire bike.

 

Parts are easy, S&S motor, not sure of trans , maybe baker, but Big Dog didn't make any part of drive train. Everything would be after market.

Parts are not a problem.

 

Motors are S&S, which is OK, but they are notorious for electrical problems. I see them for sale here too...for a mere fraction of what they originally sold for.

 

Thanks fellas...nice to know plenty of aftermarket parts are available

 

I pass the closed factory every day on Douglas, here in Wichita. See a lot of Big Dogs here, most are **** ugly, IMO. The FXR clones were cool. Unless your Harley is a total POS, I'd never trade.

 

Parts are not easy to come by on the 05 and later bikes. That drivetrain was a proprietary set up we did specific for Big Dog. We have a lot of the parts available but not all. We are out of primary covers, pulley covers and the inspection covers are down to about 20 and we do not have the castings to make more. Clutches, gears, and other internal components we still have.

Starters were made by Dixie and they are failing left and right. Nobody makes these now and the only place I've even seen rebuilt ones is on E-bay and who knows how long till that guy runs out of components to fix them.

 

Man I appreciate all the replies...I think I'm keeping my wide glide...lol I'll just have to put on some ape hangers.