On certain motorcycles, the rear fender strut attaching bolts can fail allowing the rear fender to detach from the motorcycle.
2003-2007 · 5 model years
Bigdog Chopper Problems by year
Owners have filed 21 complaints about the Bigdog Chopper across 5 model years, and it has 13 recalls. The 2005 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (3). The most reported problem area is the body, doors & structure, followed by the electrical system.
- Complaints
- 21
- Recalls
- 13
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Chopper complaints by model year
Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.
Most common Chopper problems
Bigdog Chopper recalls 13
On certain motorcycles, a warped bus bar within the voltage regulator can cause a short circuit.
On certain motorcycles, the long pivot bolt may bend or break during normal operation of the motorcycle.
On certain motorcycles, the electronic harness control (ehc) module can fail resulting in a total shut down of the vehicle's electronic power.
On certain motorcycles, the ignition modules are oriented within the battery tray in a way that makes the ignition module susceptible to vibration.
On certain motorcycles, the kickstand spring may stretch and detach from the mounting bracket or the kickstand.
On certain motorcycles, the rear wheel hub bolts could loosen and back out allowing the hub and brake rotor to detach from the wheel with an associated loss of stopping power.
On certain motorcycles, the primary drive sprocket nut may back off the engine main shaft.
On certain motorcycles, the kickstand spring attaching stud may break off allowing the kickstand to deploy into the extended position.
On certain motorcycles, a screw may become loose in the handlebar control due to the lack of a lock washer and loctite.
On certain motorcycles, the piston in the rear master cylinder may have been improperly sized, which could cause the rear brakes to drag or lockup.
On certain motorcycles assembled with an early version rolling thunder frame, a stress crack could emerge in the frame.
Latest Chopper complaints
The 2004 big dog chopper I was operating electrically shut down while I was traveling on the interstate at 70 mph nearly causing me to crash in traffic. I called the manufacturer and was told the electronic harness control module needed dieletric grease in the connector to keep water from shorting it out. I applied their fix and the unit still does not function. I had to purchase the 2007 unit for 641.99 Dollars. After researching the matter, I discovered there was a recall on the 2005 and 2006 models but not the...
Read the full complaint
2004. The 2004 model is experiencing the same malfunction that the 2005 and 2006 models are experiencing. I researched further and found numerous complaints on the internet of owners with the 2004 model experiencing the same exact problem. The part is defective and is a major safety hazard to anyone who rides this motorcycle with the old ehc module, a recall needs to be made on the 2004 models of big dog motorcycles. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 big dog chopper. The contact has had six life threatening recalls consisting of the wheel hub nut, computer harness, swing arm pendent, ignition relay, kick stand spring, and voltage regulator. He received recall notices for all six recalls and the vehicle is currently in the shop being repaired. He stated that the manufacturer has failed to rectify the failures and has offered no assistance. The powertrain was unknown. The failure mileage was 1,500 and current mileage was 4,500.
Recurring squeaks from drive belt. 4 Trips to the 1st dealer for adjustment until rear pulley was replaced by 2nd dealer due to incompatibility with belt. Squeak continued after 3 additional trips to 2nd dealer. Mfg felt that belt should be replaced but would not cover under warranty because belt was considered a wear item. With less than 3000 original miles mfg finally agreed that belt wear was premature due to incompatibility with pulley and replaced belt with a different type to finally resolve problem. *Tr
1) Signal lights quit working,then headlight blew out, then speedometer quit working, then all electrical went out and bike will not start and all electrical is out. 3) Called bigdog motorcycle dealer. Was told the 2004 ehc module has been discontinued and must up grade to an 07 with harness. Cost difference $202.00 For 2004 and 650.00 For an 2007 module. *Tr
2004 Big dog motorcycle. Motorcycle keeps losing all electrical power when riding on the interstate due to an inherently defective electronic harness controller. This same ehc had been recalled in 2005 and 2006 for the same problem. There was no crash but I hit construction cones and almost crashed trying to get off the highway and out of the way of traffic. *Jb
Dt*: the contact stated the motorcycle seems as if it attempted to start itself after the motorcycle became wet. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who changed the gaskets and greased the connections to stop the water from shorting out the electrical system. The manufacturer has been alerted.
Questions about the Bigdog Chopper
Which Bigdog Chopper years have the most problems?
Which Bigdog Chopper years have the fewest complaints?
Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 2007 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other Chopper years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.
What are the most common Bigdog Chopper problems?
Across every model year, owners report problems with the body, doors & structure (8), electrical system (5), engine & cooling (2) most often.
How many recalls does the Bigdog Chopper have?
NHTSA lists 13 recalls across all Bigdog Chopper model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data