2005 Independence Motorcycles reviews

I have left a review for my 2 Big Dog Motorcycles that I have owned and love them. I have put a total of over 10,000 miles on between the two bikes and wanted to post another review about the warranty. Everyone that does a review about all the problems that their BDM bikes have fail to say that if Big Dog sees a problem they create a recall and ask everyone to bring their bikes in to have the problem fixed for free. I have friends with American Ironhorse bikes and AIH does not do recalls, and his bike is always having problems and the dealer fights not to cover it under warranty. Guys say that their P-Pad wears through the paint, but if they didn't carry their 300 pound heffer around with out a bench seat, then they would not have that problem. My wife has rode on the back of both my bikes and no scratches at all. BDM's warranty is second to none, and if you are looking to buy a BDM, you will have nothing to worry about. If you take it in for the recalls, if any, and get the things taken care of, by the time your warranty runs out all the bugs will be worked out and you can enjoy the bike for many years. Most of the guys complaining about the bike breaking after warranty runs out, only rode their bike about 10 miles a week if that and only put about 1500-2000 miles on it in the 2 year warranty period, never broke it in. No wonder! Show less

My buddy bought an '02' Iron Horse Slammer. I liked the bike but thought the overall appearance wasn't as BAD as the bike could be. The clutch was stiff and the ride, for a soft tail wasn't all that great. When I saw the '05' Ridgeback, there was the answer for me! The Rigid rides like no bike I have been on. The attention it gets was unexpected. People point at us as we go down the road. Aw-yea! Big Dog has done it with this one! Show less

Coming from riding Harleys exclusively, hearing stories about other bike companies rides, I was a bit cautious. My dealings with the dealership were so positive I figured why not. Pulled the trigger on a 07 Bulldog, all I can say is this bike kicks ass. Well built, rides beautifully -way better than I expected. The tech said it would probaly take me 20 or so miles to get the feel of it, he was right. I can handle it as well as any of my Harley's I've had and built over the years. If you're thinking about buying a Bulldog, take it from me...do it. Show less

I put 24,000 miles on an 03 BDM Mastiff then traded up to the 05 BDM Chopper for the Right Side Drive (RSD). I have almost 40,000 on it and love it. It's a real head turner, imagine cars going by taking pictures or video of you! Have had problems with the starter and speedo but BDM takes care of them quickly. Show less

I have had my Chopper for over a year now, I have put 10,000 miles on it in that time. I have had little trouble on the road. My longest trip was to the Grande Canyon North Rim a trip of 2500 miles only trouble was a flat tire two hours from home. The other long trip was a three week trip around the Northwest. My only problem on this trip was the headlight bolt broke. Three bucks later I was good as new. When I retruned home BD dealer fixed the problem with no problems. I've have the recalls that everyone who is negative on BigDog about but they were all done in a timely manner usually when I had the oil changed. Love the bike, love the attention I get when on the road. Show less

Love my bike so far. Have had a few minor problems which Big Dog took care of with no questions asked. They really stand behind their warranty but having a good dealer really helps because they are the first line of defense if anything goes wrong. Big Dog will step in if you have given your dealer a fair shot at repairing your bike but they have failed. Show less

Super Bike! Great looks, well built, and handles very well for a big rear tire cruiser. Big Dog has had several recalls and has taken care of every one at no cost. Great warranty and notification if there is a problem. I have built several choppers and spent $$$$$$$ on HD and they ain't Big Dog. Show less

I have had no problems with my bike, plenty of warranty work, but BD stands behind it and my dealer is great to work with. I have 2 bikes so I don't live on this one, but it's great for weekends and having FUN! Remember, it's a CHOPPER, not a cruiser. I would definitely buy another BIG DOG! Show less

I own a 2005 Ridgeback. I love the way it handles. I have received quite a few compliments on the looks. It's a beautiful machine. I wouldn't own anything else! Show less

I purchased a 2005 Independance Chopper at a local dealer and I trusted the sales man about this machine. So far, I've had very minor problems with this soft tail. I would have to say it's an all around great bike. Of course, I'm concerned about where to get replacement parts. Sometimes, I guess, it takes time to work out problems. It's just like any toy, you can break things. I guess I wished they could of rolled with the punches and succeeded in the industry. Keep trying Independence! Show less