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2003 Bigdog Chopper problems

The most common problem on the 2003 Bigdog Chopper is body and structure. It has 1.6 times the complaints of a typical Chopper model year.

Typical year1.6x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
11
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
4
Worst area
Body

The worst 2003 Bigdog Chopper problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Body
    7
  • Electrical
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Tires
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Body
    7
  • Electrical
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Tires
    1

Recalls 3

Structure: motorcycle: kickstand/center standReported November 2, 2004 · 4,457 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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 number 04V523000 · Recall details

Structure: frame and membersReported December 18, 2003 · 1,446 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
Dealers will repair the frame. Owner notification began january 15, 2004. Owners should contact big dog at 1‑316‑267‑9121.

Recall number 03V535000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mountingReported June 23, 2003 · 845 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain motorcycles, the fuel tank mount may have been improperly welded. This can cause the tank to fail with the possibility of fuel spillage.
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will remove the fuel tank and ship it to big dog for repair. Big dog will re-weld the mount, repair the paint, and return it back to the dealer for re-installation. Owner notification began on july 31, 2003. Owners should contact big dog at 1‑316‑219‑6584.

Recall number 03V230000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2003 Bigdog Chopper

Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Bigdog Chopper 4

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

What 2003 Bigdog Chopper owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 20, 2005 · Tires · 300 miles · OK

The rubber peeled off of the front tire. The manufacturer was notified. *ak *tt the problem was concluded as a mold closure issue.

Filed Apr 12, 2005 · Electrical · 2,000 miles · IL

Electrical wiring malfunctioned. As a result, the brake light and turns signals failed. Dealer has kept the motorcycle for six weeks attempting to repair the problem.

Filed May 11, 2004 · Body · TX

Consumer received a recall notice to repair and reinforce the frame. No parts were available. Service manager gary.

Filed Apr 5, 2004 · Body · RI

The federal safety agency 03v535000/frame cracks. Consumer received a recall notice on january and contacted the dealer for an appointment. The dealer informed that it would take three months for them to fix the vehicle. Please provide further details.

Filed Apr 1, 2004 · Body · 976 miles · MA

Consumer received recall 03v535000, concerning frame cracks. Dealer had the motorcycle since january 30, 2004. Consumer was unable to contact the manufacturer concerning the motorcycle.

Filed Mar 31, 2004 · Fuel system · 41 miles · CA

Consumer believe his motorcycle qualified as a lemon due to a cracked gas tank at the rear mounting plate. *ph consumer demanding full refund of down payment, six monthly payments, and full pay off from loan.

Filed Mar 26, 2004 · Body · MD

Dealership picked up the consumer's motorcycle 2 months and 3 weeks ago to deliver it to the manufacturer to have the frame crack recall 03v535000 repairs performed. Recall repairs were not performed yet because the manufacturer did not receive the motorcycle.

Filed Mar 24, 2004 · Body · TN · crash · 1 injury

While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle crashed into a metal debris which caused the kick stand to brake. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The mechanic stated, the driver had left the kick stand out. Please provide further details.

Filed Mar 15, 2004 · Body · CA

Dealer kept the motorcycle since january 15, 2004 for the federal safety agency recall campaign 03v35000. On the frame cracking. Consumer called the dealer and asked when he will be able to fix motorcycle. Dealer stated motorcycle had to be sent to the manufacturer in kansas to complete the recall. Manufacturer will return motorcycle when there was enough to load a truck to bring them back, this might take another month.

Filed Mar 9, 2004 · Body · 430 miles · CO

Dealer kept the motorcycle since january 24, 2004 for the federal safety agency recall campaign 03v35000. On the frame cracking. Consumer called the dealer and asked when he will be able to fix motorcycle. Dealer stated " motorcycle" had to be sent to the manufacturer in kansas, to complete the recall. Manufacturer will return motorcycle when there was enough to load a truck to bring them back, this might take another month.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2003 Bigdog Chopper before you buy

Compare the 2003 Bigdog Chopper

Other model years

200320042005

Questions about the 2003 Bigdog Chopper

Is the 2003 Bigdog Chopper reliable?

Owners have filed 11 complaints about the 2003 Bigdog Chopper, 1.6 times a typical Chopper model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Bigdog Chopper?

Body and structure, with 7 complaints. Next is electrical (1).

How many recalls does the 2003 Bigdog Chopper have?

3 recalls, covering structure and fuel system, gasoline.

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