- The problem
- On certain motorcycles, the kickstand spring may stretch and detach from the mounting bracket or the kickstand.
- The risk
- This will allow the kickstand to deploy into the extended position and cause a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a new kickstand spring free of charge. The recall began on february 17, 2006. Owners may contact big dog at 316-267-9121.
Vehicle safety record
2004 Bigdog Chopper Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2004 Bigdog Chopper with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (3) and the transmission & drivetrain (2). It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in January 2006 for the kickstand / center stand. For comparison, the 2003 has 11 and the 2005 has 3.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Chopper year, for its age
#240 most complained-about 2004 vehicle
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2004 Bigdog Chopper problems
Share of all 7 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2004 Bigdog Chopper recalls 5
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- On certain motorcycles, the kickstand spring attaching stud may break off allowing the kickstand to deploy into the extended position.
- The risk
- If the kickstand deploys, it could cause a crash without prior warning.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and install a new kickstand unit. The recall began on december 20, 2004. Owners should contact big dog at 316-267-9121.
- The problem
- On certain motorcycles, a screw may become loose in the handlebar control due to the lack of a lock washer and loctite.
- The risk
- This could cause the throttle or front brake control to bind, which could result in a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a lock washer and loctite. Owner notification began on april 12, 2004. Owners should contact big dog at 1-316-219-7006.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- THIS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
- The fix
- Dealers will remove the piston from the rear master cylinder and replace it with a new piston. Owner notification began on april 12, 2004. Owners should contact big dog at 1-316-267-9121.
- The problem
- On certain motorcycles assembled with an early version rolling thunder frame, a stress crack could emerge in the frame.
- The risk
- This condition could occur without any prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will repair the frame. Owner notification began january 15, 2004. Owners should contact big dog at 1-316-267-9121.
What owners say
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7 complaints about the 2004 Bigdog Chopper
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
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
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
While driving in rainy weather the motorcycle's turn signal engaged without warning. Dealer was fully aware of the problem, and stated that the turn signal shorted out because water ran down the coil wire. *Ak
While riding, the consumer noticed a retching sound coming from the transmission area which took place of the power being transferred to rear wheel during acceleration. *Bf the dealer tightened the belt on several occasions in the first month of ownership, but this did not correct the problem. *Sc
Consumer received nhtsa recall 04v137000 concerning rear master cylinder pistol. After having the rear master cylinder pistol replaced the rear brakes failed. While applying the brake pedal consumer heard a loud knocking noise and the vehicle failed to stop completely. Vehicle was taken back to the dealer for inspection, but mechanic mechanic could not duplicate the problem. *Ak
Bigdog Chopper: every year compared
All Chopper years2004 Bigdog Chopper vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Bigdog Chopper | 7 | 5 | C | |
| 2004 Bigdog Daytec Chopper | 4 | 2 | - | Compare |
| 2004 Bigdog Mastiff | 2 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 2004 Bigdog Pitbull | 1 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Bigdog Ridgeback | 1 | 4 | D | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2004 Bigdog Chopper
Does the 2004 Bigdog Chopper have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2004 Bigdog Chopper: kickstand / center stand (January 2006); kickstand / center stand (November 2004); steering wheel / handle bar (April 2004); master cylinder (March 2004) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Bigdog Chopper?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (3), transmission & drivetrain (2), brakes (1).
How many complaints has the 2004 Bigdog Chopper had?
7 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 7, 2005 and the latest on June 5, 2008. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2004 Bigdog Chopper a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Bigdog Chopper year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Bigdog Chopper years have the most complaints?
2003 (11), 2004 (7), 2005 (3). See every Bigdog Chopper year compared.
What should I do if my 2004 Bigdog Chopper has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data