2005 Bigdog Ridgeback

Routine

Owners filed 12 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the wheels › hubcap/cover. It has been recalled 6 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Wheels › Hubcap/Cover5
000
Wheels2
000
Electrical System2
000
Tires1
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper1
000
Power Train1
000

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Wheels › Hubcap/Cover09V147000
Filed May 1, 20091,257 vehiclesBig Dog Motorcycles, Llc

Defect. BIG DOG IS RECALLING 1,257 MY 2005 RIDGEBACK MOTORCYCLES. THE REAR WHEEL MAY HAVE WEAK SPOTS IN THE DESIGN, WHICH MAY CAUSE THE WHEEL TO CRACK UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS.

Risk. IF UNDETECTED, THIS CONDITION MAY LEAD TO A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE WHEELS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 1, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 1-316-267-9121.

Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator07V356000
Filed Aug 8, 20077,611 vehiclesBig Dog Motorcycles, Llc

Defect. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, A WARPED BUS BAR WITHIN THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR CAN CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT.

Risk. THIS COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING CIRCUIT BREAKER LOCATED BETWEEN THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR POSITIVE BATTERY LEAD (B+ LEAD) AND THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL WITH AN ALTERNATIVE CIRCUIT PROTECTION DEVICE THAT WILL PREVENT A THERMAL EVENT IF THERE IS A SHORT TO GROUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 1, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BIG DOG AT 1-316-219-9129 OR EMAIL TO [email protected].

Electrical System06V305000
Filed Aug 11, 20062,101 vehiclesBig Dog Motorcycles, Llc

Defect. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE ELECTRONIC HARNESS CONTROL (EHC) MODULE CAN FAIL RESULTING IN A TOTAL SHUT DOWN OF THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRONIC POWER.

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

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EHC MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BIG DOG AT 316-267-9121.

Structure › Motorcycle › Kickstand/Center Stand06V019000
Filed Jan 25, 20069,726 vehiclesBig Dog Motorcycles, Llc

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs05V432000
Filed Sep 28, 20053,294 vehiclesBig Dog Motorcycles, Llc

Defect. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE REAR WHEEL HUB BOLTS COULD LOOSEN AND BACK OUT ALLOWING THE HUB AND BRAKE ROTOR TO DETACH FROM THE WHEEL WITH AN ASSOCIATED LOSS OF STOPPING POWER.

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

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REMOVE, CLEAN AND REATTACH THE REAR HUB BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BIG DOG AT 1-312-267-9121.

Power Train05V149000
Filed Apr 14, 20051,418 vehiclesBig Dog Motorcycles, Llc

Defect. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE PRIMARY DRIVE SPROCKET NUT MAY BACK OFF THE ENGINE MAIN SHAFT.

Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE THE PRIMARY DRIVE TO LOCK UP AND CAUSE A CRASH. THIS CONDITION COULD OCCUR WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE DRIVE SPROCKET NUT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 13, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BIG DOG AT 316-267-9121.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Oct 27, 201426,000 milesNM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BIG DOG RIDGEBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE EHC FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.

Tires
Filed Aug 27, 2011FL

1 HAVE AN AVON TIRE 300 AV72 THAT HAS THE TREAD SEPARATING DOWN THE CENTER OF THE TIRE THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS TIRE HAS DONE THIS TO ME WITH LESS THAN 3000 MILES HOW MANY COMPLAINTS WILL IT TAKE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED WITH ONE OF THESE TIRES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *TT

Wheels › Hubcap/Cover
Filed Sep 13, 20106,400 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BIG DOG RIDGEBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V147000 (WHEELS: CENTER SECTION) IN JUNE 2009. HE STATED THAT HE WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE REPLACEMENT WHEEL WOULD BE ARRIVING SOON IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. THE PART NEVER ARRIVED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WITH THE POTENTIAL OF THE REAR WHEEL FRACTURING FROM THE VEHICLE AND CAUSING DAMAGE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,400. UPDATED 01/21/11 *BF UPDATED 04/04/11

Electrical System
Filed Jun 1, 20102,000 milesNJ

INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) 2004 BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES HAVE A SAFETY RECALL FOR POWER FAILURES WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE IS BEING OPERATED. I HAVE A 2005 BIG DOG RIDGEBACK AND HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. PLEASE RESEARCH TO SEE IF OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. [XXX] *TR

Wheels › Hubcap/Cover
Filed Mar 23, 20108,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BIG DOG RIDGEBACK MOTORCYCLE. HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF A RECALL CAMPAIGN (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V147000: WHEELS: CENTER SECTION) ON MAY 29, 2009. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED SEVERAL TIMES IN AN ATTEMPT TO SECURE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A RECALL REPAIR; HOWEVER, THE DEALER INFORMED HIM EACH TIME THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER VERIFIED THE THAT PARTS MAY POSSIBLY BE ON BACK ORDER FOR SIX MONTHS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO ADDRESS THE FAILURE IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

Wheels
Filed Feb 24, 20106,000 milesNC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BIG DOG RIDGE BACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE STATING THAT THE REAR WHEEL COULD CRACK OR COME APART AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT AFTER INSPECTING THE WHEEL THEY DECIDED THAT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE BIG DOG MANUFACTURER ADVISED HIM TO TRY ANOTHER DEALER. HE TRIED ANOTHER DEALER OVER A YEAR AGO AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET THE MANUFACTURER TO SEND THEM THE WHEEL TO REPAIR THE MOTORCYCLE. HE CONTINUED TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER BUT WAS NOT GETTING A FAVORABLE ANSWER AS TO WHEN HE WOULD GET A NEW WHEEL SO THAT THE REPAIR WOULD BE COMPLETE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. UPDATED 04-15-10 *BF

Wheels › Hubcap/Cover
Filed Nov 2, 20092,100 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BIG DOG RIDGEBACK MOTORCYCLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER IN REFERENCE TO RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V147000 (WHEELS:CENTER SECTION). THE RECALL REMEDY HAS NOT BEEN PERFORMED DUE TO THE UNAVAILABILITY OF THE PART REQUIRED FOR THE REPAIR. THE PART WAS ON NATIONAL BACK-ORDER. HE HAS BEEN WAITING FOR SIX MONTHS FOR A REMEDY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,100. UPDATED 11/23/09 *BF UPDATED 11/24/09.*JB

Wheels
Filed Aug 25, 20091,520 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BIGDOG RIDGEBACK MOTORCYCLE. HE STATED THAT THE DEALER REPAIRED RECALL 09V147000 COMPONENT: WHEELS:CENTER SECTION; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE DEALER WASN'T ABLE TO BALANCE THE WHEELS; THEREFORE HE WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE MOTORCYCLE. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 1,520.

Wheels › Hubcap/Cover
Filed Jul 17, 2009NJ

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE #09V-147 ON MAY 29TH FOR BIG DOG MOTORCYCLE'S WHEEL REMEDY BUT THE DEALERSHIP DO NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS ARE ARRIVING. *NJ RECALL# 09V147000. *JB

Wheels › Hubcap/Cover
Filed Jun 30, 20099,600 milesUT

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BIGDOG RIDGEBACK MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V147000 (WHEELS:CENTER SECTION) IN MAY OF 2009 AND IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WHEEL WAS ON BACK ORDER FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS, BUT ADVISED THE CONTACT TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS ON BACK ORDER AND STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO ASSIST. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME HAS PASSED IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 9,600.

Power Train
Filed Apr 2, 200736 milesNH

IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASING MY 2005 BIG DOG RIDGEBACK, MULTIPLE PROBLEMS BEGAN TO ARISE. THE BIKE WOULD RANDOMLY SHUT OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON, ALSO IT HAD AN EVER INCREASING SQUEAL THAT EVENTUALLY BECAME LOUDER THAN THE ENGINE. THE DEALER THAT THE BIKE WAS PURCHASED FROM WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE ISSUES AND WAS DISHONEST ABOUT THE SERVICE THAT THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO DO. EVENTUALLY THAT DEALER REFUNDED THE MONEY FOR MY FIRST SERVICE AND PAID ME BACK FOR MOST OF THE DAMAGE THAT WAS DONE TO MY BIKE. OBVIOUSLY I NO LONGER WISH TO BRING MY BIKE THERE FOR SERVICE. AFTER REALIZING THAT THERE WERE NO FACTORY SERVICE CENTERS WITHIN A REASONABLE DISTANCE, I CONTACTED THE BIG DOG FACTORY AND WAS GIVEN THE RUN AROUND. I EVEN TRAILERED THE BIKE TO DAYTONA WHERE THE FACTORY MECHANIC DID A NON-APPROVED REPAIR ON THE SQUEAL, BUT THIS IS A TEMPORARY FIX THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. SINCE DAYTONA THE FACTORY HAS FAILED TO REMEDY MY PROBLEMS INCLUDING THE FRONT AND REAR HUB BOLTS ARE COMING LOOSE, THE ENGINE STILL SHUTS OFF RANDOMLY, AND THE RE-MACHINING OF THE FRONT PULLEY COULD LEAD TO A BELT FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I'T APPEARS THAT SEVERAL OF MY BIKES ISSUES WERE ACTUALLY RECALLS THAT BOTH THE DEALER AND THE FACTORY HAVE IGGNORED. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS BIKE IS UNSAFE!!!! *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper
Filed Jun 6, 20061,700 milesMO

THE TWO BOLTS HOLDING THE FRONT CALIPER ON MY 2005 BIGDOG RIDGEBACK BACKED OUT. I DISCOVERED IT AFTER RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE. THE TWO BOLTS HAD BACKED OUT TO WHERE THEY WERE BEING HELD BY A COUPLE OF THREADS. I THEN REMOVED THE BOLTS, AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO" LOCKTITE" APPLIED TO EITHER OF THE BOLTS. IF THE FRONT CALIPER FALLS OFF WHILE RIDING, IT COULD BE CATASTROPHIC. I PURCHASED SOME "LOCKTITE", AND APPLIED IT TO THE BOLT THREADS, AND REINSTALLED THE BOLTS. *JB

12 of 12 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20080200Routine
20063200Routine
2005 — this page12600Routine
20044500Routine

Compare every Ridgeback year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 1, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.