2004 Bigdog Chopper recalls and problems

The 2004 Bigdog Chopper has 5 safety recalls and 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Bigdog dealer.

Recalls
5
Complaints
7
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Bigdog Chopper vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Bigdog Chopper recalls

Recall 06V-019: Structure

Reported Jan 25, 2006 · 9,726 vehicles affected · BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES, LLC

Problem: On certain motorcycles, the kickstand spring may stretch and detach from the mounting bracket or the kickstand.

Risk: This will allow the kickstand to deploy into the extended position and cause a crash.

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.

Recall 04V-523: Structure

Reported Nov 2, 2004 · 4,457 vehicles affected · BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES, LLC

Problem: On certain motorcycles, the kickstand spring attaching stud may break off allowing the kickstand to deploy into the extended position.

Risk: If the kickstand deploys, it could cause a crash without prior warning.

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.

Recall 04V-164: Steering

Reported Apr 6, 2004 · 2,098 vehicles affected · BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES, LLC

Problem: On certain motorcycles, a screw may become loose in the handlebar control due to the lack of a lock washer and loctite.

Risk: This could cause the throttle or front brake control to bind, which could result in a crash.

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.

Recall 04V-137: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Mar 23, 2004 · 1,906 vehicles affected · BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES, LLC

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.

Risk: This could result in a crash.

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.

Recall 03V-535: Structure

Reported Dec 18, 2003 · 1,446 vehicles affected · BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES, LLC

Problem: On certain motorcycles assembled with an early version rolling thunder frame, a stress crack could emerge in the frame.

Risk: This condition could occur without any prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will repair the frame. Owner notification began january 15, 2004. Owners should contact big dog at 1-316-267-9121.

2004 Bigdog Chopper problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System3
Power Train2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Exterior Lighting1

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Switch — 1
  • Electrical System › Ignition › Module — 1
  • Power Train › Driveline — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 5,345 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Bigdog Chopper complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 5,345 miles · reported Jun 5, 2008
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 2004. The 2004 model is experiencing the same malfunction that the 2005 and 2006…
Power Train · at 800 miles · reported Nov 14, 2007
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.
Electrical System · at 11,000 miles · reported Oct 21, 2007
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.
Electrical System · at 12,000 miles · reported Aug 1, 2007
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.
Exterior Lighting · at 50 miles · reported Feb 16, 2005
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.

Other Bigdog Chopper years

Compare all Bigdog Chopper years · All Bigdog models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Bigdog Chopper have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2004 Bigdog Chopper: 06V-019 (structure), 04V-523 (structure), 04V-164 (steering), 04V-137 (service brakes, hydraulic), 03V-535 (structure). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Bigdog Chopper?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (3 reports), followed by power train (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 5,345 miles.

Are Bigdog recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Bigdog dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.