Never owned or ridden one, but been around three K9s from '05-'11. All ran well, trouble free if maintained properly, just like any other S&S power plant bikes. Best looking of the factory chopper look, IMO.

 

Sounds like you've made up your mind. Just thinking out loud... If it has an S&S motor...I think some of them had Baker trannies, didn't they? With the right set of parts, even if the electrical was flaky, or I had to rework something in the construction that wasn't structural or otherwise a high-dollar deal, with a low enough price it could make it worthwhile to redo whatever issues crop up. If nothing surfaces, all the better. This strategy assumes--as a couple of the other posts seem to--that you'd do your own work.

Then again, if you want something you can just get on and ride, and not worry about, it sounds like a Big Dog isn't the bike to buy. I don't know anything about them, but from this thread, at best they sound like a little bit of a crap shoot.

Alan

 

those thing are still drawing people? They always reminded me of someone playing a three card monty game

 

They have some quality parts but as you've heard, their electrical system can be problematic.

 

My employer has a real nice Big Dog and it stays in the shop because of the electrical problems and I think some of the problems are mechanic related. Anyway his is for sale also. There nice to look at but that's about it. One more thing I will have to say that the S&S 107 kicks *** when it's running right.

 

If you are looking to get a second bike that does something your other two don't why not look at a Moto Guzzi Griso or a Ducati Diavel? Awesome rides that get killed on the resale first time only. You can get a new in box 2008 Griso for like $7k or a 2009 with the new motor (100hp vs 80hp) for like $8300. Its a vtwin and moto guzzi is the second oldest bike mfr on the planet so it's got history and tradition too. I just sold mine to get my fat bob and I miss it every day even though I love my fat bob and don't regret it.

 

I dont know where you get that Guzzi is the second oldest manufacturer on the planet?
Triumph made there first motor cycle in 1902, Moto Guzzi in 1921, Harley Davidson in 1903. Husqvarna in 1904.

Scouser

 

Miss my Guzzi also.

 

. . . memory lane time - I'm thinking my brother-in-law used to have a Motoguzzi (sp?) that had an auto trans and the foot brake activated both the front & rear brakes.

 

My nephew had a Big Dog, won it in a contest. Thing was always breaking down. Dealer's shop had it more than he did. After the trans blew he sold it back to the dealer for less than half the cost of what it originally retailed for. He only had it for 6 months. He was happy to get rid of it in the end.