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2005 Bigdog ChopperProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 2005 Bigdog Chopper, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 7 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls7Free fix at dealersOwner complaints51 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage2kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 27, 2011. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2005 Bigdog Chopper has problems

5 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system21
Engine and engine cooling10
Structure10
Tires10
Vehicle speed control10
Wheels10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

7 recalls

2005 Bigdog Chopper recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Structure

Recall 06V-389 · Oct 12, 2006 · 2,494 vehicles

Risk. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE REAR FENDER TO ABRADE AGAINST THE REAR TIRE WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE IS BEING DRIVEN.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Ignition: module

Recall 06V-301 · Aug 9, 2006 · 2,711 vehicles

Risk. THIS SUSCEPTIBILITY TO VIBRATION MAY CONTRIBUTE TO A STALLING CONDITION THAT COULD OCCUR WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING AND RESULT IN A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 3 more recalls
–no report yet

Motorcycle: kickstand/center stand

Recall 06V-019 · Jan 25, 2006 · 9,726 vehicles

Risk. THIS WILL ALLOW THE KICKSTAND TO DEPLOY INTO THE EXTENDED POSITION AND CAUSE A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

Recall 05V-432 · Sep 28, 2005 · 3,294 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD OCCUR WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Bigdog.

Best & worst years

2005 vs. every other Chopper year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Chopper median. How we score

'03'04'05'06'07
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Chopper owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BIG DOG CHOPPER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND HE ATTEMPTED TO START IT, THE WIRING ON THE ELECTRONIC HARNESS CONTROL (EHC) MELTED AND CAUGHT FIRE. HE PULLED THE WIRING APART AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE EHC. SEVERAL YEARS LATER WHILE…
Complaint 10366721 · Nov 18, 2010 · 1,500 miles
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.
Complaint 10161758 · Jul 7, 2006 · 1,900 miles

Own a 2005 Chopper?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.