Unfixable Chopper Worse Than We Thought! 

That bike doesn’t need a mechanic, it needs a priest!

"What is happening now?!" The voice in my head of my old mechanic colleague "You are giving it to much love and now it wants to stay here with you"

Great job Craig! I hope the customer appreciated all your hard work to get his bike back. I fully see why no other shop wanted to touch it as it really needed a Craig's touch

Kudos for fixing the bike that nobody else would touch! I can't believe the owner was dumb enough to jump it with a 24 volt system

I was at a bike manufacturers expo years ago. Big dog had a booth with a few of their brand new bikes. On the bike the brakes were leaking brake fluid, brand new. Quality control was not their strong point. "These bikes are made to be seen not ridden" That's a understatement. Lol.

I can imagine Craig getting new business cards: "I do stuff that others can't do or won't do. That doesn't mean that I want to"

Sadly when a customer brings you something as messed up they have to be okay with paying you to learn.

Man you gotta keep doing these videos at your own pace, been binging your videos for few weeks on/off now and quality is amazing

I used to own a Big Dog K9. That's the soft tail version of what you're riding. I loved that bike...but I'm very tall torso'd so the rake felt good on my shoulders. The back tire feels real nice because it rights itself upright after a curve. The wiring on these dudes is a mess...they use really tiny wiring and a lower voltage and they burn up fast. It's best to do what Craig did and rewire them.

finally decided I'm going to document my journey finding a cheap used bike and seeing if I can get it road worthy, handy with cars now wanna try my hand at bikes since I got my license to honor my late father this year. you are the best Craig

In 1997 there was an epidemic of that same starter problem, I worked at a place called Ultra Kustom Cycles, we found about 20 bikes out of about 200 that shared the same problem it was the aftermarket starters bolting to Harley Davidson style starter jackshaft assembly eventually they started to make an aftermarket jackshaft with upgraded hardware to solve the problem, the big engines from places like S&S cycles would destroy the factory HD jackshaft's due to the high compression.

You have the patience of a saint my friend. Hats off to you from the UK! 🇬🇧

Great job. Those cascading gremlins is how most of my projects work. Every removal reveals something else to fix. However, once done, perfect!

Well after all the issues I'm sure we wont chastise you for getting a couple of wires the wrong way round . Glad you enjoyed the ride makes spending soo long repairing the bike a touch sweeter . Cheers for the videos .

lmao the way the lift dropped down had me dying

As much as it was cursed, my takeaway is how much he learned about these types of bikes and something happened he's never seen before. Knowledge is worth the gremlins.

Hats off to you sir! Your perseverance was unwavering. I’d have given up on that bike way back

Ooof a hard tail. I completely agree that those bikes are meant to be seen not ridden. the riding portion of the exercise is secondary to the looking cool portion. I own a cruiser bike but these extreme chopper style bikes never appealed to me much other than seeing them at a bike show or other gatherings so I can ogle the chromed out parts and sweet paint jobs. Glad you managed to chase down the last of the gremlins and get this beast running again.

"I'm startering to hate this bike" was pretty good. Haha. I was super excited to see this follow-up video. Loving the content, Craig.

First rule for diagnosing problems, reduce it to the simplest, then add components. First, battery, ignition. (does it work? yes? we continue with the rest) Isolating systems is your best ally

you have more patience then I do. if I had to redo all the wiring the customer definitely wouldn't be able to afford my labor

Hard tail = dangerous when road wet...... Nice work Craig ❤😊

This man loves what he does. That bike got fixed because of love! Great attitude all the way through, and the results show. Priceless is this type of work is (and learning ;-) ).

Craig, you're the man. You did the difficult, if not impossible, and got the Big Dog rolling down the road...

Man, I can't believe how much more I'm enjoying this content than I thought. Even more than the OG channel! Great job Craig.

I don’t know what it is but this has suddenly become my favourite motorcycle content channel. I genuinely feel like me and Craig are old best buddies and that is kind of weird to say for a forty two years old Norwegian

all BigDogs are is a frame wrapped around an S&S engine. There was no R&D involved in 'designing' these bikes. Ask Dog owners how many times their front headlight mount snapped off- You can build a Dog yourself, a better Dog. Anyway- props to this guy for sticking with and working the problem. Wiring is very detail demanding . I used the ThunderHeart kit on my build and it took patience-- and a shot of JD once in a while. I know he was fair pricewise with the owner but I hope he was fair to himself too- he deserved it. I also like the fact that he cleaned all the oily fingerprints off before he fired up the bike. Good catch taking care of the starter tab. Great job - you definitely checked all the boxes. Ride Safe Everybody.

I had a Big Dog Ridgeback thought it was great on straight long roads. The engine is brilliant goes very well. You have to counter steer it to get around corners you get used to that after a while. Rode mine for 6 hours in the pouring rain and it did not miss a beat. Never had a problem with it. Only got rid of it as it was not practical where I moved to. Too many mini roundabouts.

Nice job Craig. It was cool to see your thought process change. Custom bikes have such a different intensity level when a true mechanic is working on them.

Well done dude, yep they can be a nightmare at times. Happy Mechanicing from England.

Hey Greg😂😂, love your enthusiastic, humourous, entertaining & knowledgeable instructable videos. I'm a bike (home) mechanic. Learning all the time, thanks to you and Dan. An inspiration, for sure. You guys are my favorite downtime entertainment. Keep them coming.

We want to see more 2 stroke bikes specially the old one please 👍👌

I don’t even jump my bike with a car because I’m scared to… you said a bulldozer ?!?!?😂

I was told if you're not making any mistakes you're not doing nothing evidently you're getting it done. congratulations on your success!!!🤯

I have owned two big dogs and the starter did the same thing on both and went insane on the first one and said never again and got another on cheap and they both had open belt and I hated that and both burned my legs on the exhaust all the time. I was always paranoid about getting my pants caught in the belt. When the second one would spin and not start we knew what the problem was and fixed it quickly. If I had seen this earlier I could have saved you a bunch of headaches. Sold the second one and never bought another one again. Have a sweet 2000 sportster bobber that only had 400 miles on it10” ape hangers instead of the cafe racer bars(miserable for an old man) put forward controls on it and 4 “ Cooper seat springs and now I really enjoy it. To say it looks cool is an understatement. I can’t ride it more than 100 miles at a time before feeling like everything is asleep but me but that’s ok. Great job Craig. Jesus is Lord so let’s all make Him that in our lives! Amen

Awesome! Glad you got it all figured out. Nice looking ride. 🤘

Nice job! Can't wait to see the UN-FIXABLE bulldozer series next!

Great job keep up the good work. I fix large industrial chillers and commercial building HVAC in LA & OC. long ago, in the beginning of my career, I remember a time when i was embarrassed about admitting my mistakes but not anymore; we all make mistakes. later in my career when the repair doesn't turn out right one of my first thoughts is "what did i do wrong"😂 It's great that you are showing the whole process of fixing something that others will not or can not. That you work through a true troubleshooting process and are not one of those mechanics that says "it has to be .... that's broken" I commend you for not wanting to bill the customer for your learning. I'm now basically a consultant visiting contractors job sites to assist in troubleshooting and repair. I have laughingly put mechanics troubleshooting approach into 2 different categories (1) the shotgun approach, It could be this or it could be that or "this was bad last time that happened" or (2) the snipper approach, methodical, has a plan, uses his tools to gather information to pin point the problem.

you have a way of doing things and explaining them that is just easy to watch, you should bring in regular people with their bikes and work with them on repairs and servicing them

Craig it is great to see a new video on this chopper. It's coming along nicely so far my friend. Can't wait to see more updates an projects and many more videos soon Craig. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Fab On. We'd On. Keep Making. God bless.

Love watching these videos and trying to learn as I go. Despite riding I don’t know nearly as much as I should to repair even any simple stuff. Fantastic as always

I had a 750 (or 800 cant remember) Vulcan years ago, that no one seemed to be able to fix, I offered to fix it for fun (I do not own a shop or work for money) But was offered it for a small sum of money and a promise that its your bike now and they don't want to hear anything about it, if I can't fix it. Done all the usual tests and check through the electrical system I guessed it was an electrical problem as it wouldn't turn over despite the electrics working, turns out it was the diode in the ignition was gone, and on top of that the board was cracked. I done an extreme service on it and (fixed a lot of stuff) it was almost ready for a MOT when I finished, but the mystique of getting the bike back to running order had worn off. I had done my job, so I moved it on. Really enjoy doing stuff like this, have got a few bikes that no one wants to work and fixed on. Great video, brought back the memory of the troublesome little Vulcan. Do miss getting un fixable bikes and getting them running again.

Glad to see vintage days mentioned. Going to keep an eye out for famous people like Craig this year

I believe it's called a starter Bendix not an appendix 😂😂 I've heard a few people call them human organ, but it is a silly name. Love the videos

I really was eager to see how it would all turn out. I knew you'd make it happen somehow. Good job Craig.

we have all been there.....but nearly jumped out my seat when you grabbed the exhaust after you got it going !!!! good video .

Literally my favorite channel and my favorite mechanic. Lots of love from Los Angeles. 🏍🏍

Been waiting for this one. Still got faith in you Craig. We shall see.

The starter issue was from the weird firing and starting issue with the timing being off.

Really hope you labeled all those connectors afterwards, really awesome seeing guys still tackle these projects

Craig, I had a friend who had one in the 1990s and it ate starters like hotdogs ! It was under warranty so they just keep putting them in. It was crazy expensive and that was almost 30yr. Ago. B.D.M. was very new back then and everyone loved it except the owner . All in All it was a money Pit . Good job Craig.

That engine sounds amazing spoilers :3 Cya next video Craig already watched those two!

Not sure I’d want to ride a cursed bike 😂

You never cease to amaze me Craig! You give me encouragement to keep on wrenching and always recheck your work.

I love your determination and the fact you are willing to show us when you make a mistake that's gonna help us learn too

The starter gear definitely broke due to that timing issue! Hopefully, you didn't charge the customer for that one. Glad you got it running!

Knew you could and would do it.

It’s awesome that people in the comments helped you find the issues. Another set of eyes it always good after looking at something the same for hours on end. Good work sir!

Well done Craig. You're definitely "The Man that Can!". 👍👍👍

No offense to Sean but his goofiness not being around is refreshing. Please finish the WLA Craig.

Keep up the great work, I like the Pro Tip part. Do more of those :)

Brave taking it back to the scene of the crime. I was just waiting for some cursed jumper cables to jump out of the bush.

Big guy on the Big Dog. This man has the most pleasant of dispositions. If I had to work on this bike, the video would have been full of bleeped out expletives. Bike owner should be proud he worked on it.

No wonder all the other shops wouldnt touch it...I wish there were more mechanics like you in this world.

Craig. You know, aside from the repairs done to the 24V-fried electricals, and whatever the 14 1/2 things you fixed were, the starter engagement system with the bolt backing out just say one thing. Engineering has to improve ! And this is what caused the Japanese to rise in the 60s. Sound engineering ! I had very annoying, even dangerous issues with a 2004 R1150RT that I imported brand new from Germany. Regretted ever buying that bike ! For a bolt like that to back out because of fatigue on the lock washer is unacceptable, seeing that a machine like that is not an everyday rider. But, you did excellently well ! At 67, I still ride, but I am not going to take repair jobs. I will take them to pros like you ! Good job ! Be good ! Trinidad & Tobago. West Indies.

Kit build bikes are always a nightmare, these late 90s/early 2000s kit bikes are only as good as whoever did the finishing work. They are a GREAT source for cheap revtech or S&S motors though. Good on you for working on it.

Craig, you may as well come to the realization that Tennessee is where you need to be. Sean will be lost without you and we've just got it better down here and there is more time to enjoy the warm weather. Come on down. I'm actually in the same town that Sean chose to move to. What a coincidence to have been watching you guy's for years and here comes Sean.

That's why Honda made the Fury. Made to be seen AND ridden. Enjoyed watching your knowledge.

Good job on fixing this one , my Buddy’s Dad had a big dog and loved it never had an issue the time he had it

Congratulation Craig! Your knowledge, your intelligence & your patience - all were rewarded as soon as the bike started with its fullest performance! Your videos are so much informative & inspiring. I am an electrical control panel manufacturer but I love, cherish & learn a lot from your videos! Many many thanks & all the best wishes for you & your team.

Well done Sir! Keep fixing things until you run out and then you're done. Great demonstration of perseverance with a happy ending.

That was awesome! Thank your comments,,,lol great job Brother Craig!

Analytical Trouble Shooting: What should it be doing? What isn't it doing? What has changed? (I used to carry a plastic card in my pocket to remind me never to stray from those rules). This approach can be applied to almost *all* faults and always points in the right direction, but only if; The mind remains open, The ego is retired, No experience driven, "I don't need to check that, coz I know what I'm doing" shortcuts are employed! You aced it! I really enjoy your videos. Thanks!

Bike sounds good. Great job. Electrical issues can get you to pull your hair out. I bought a bike that took me 3 days to find all the issues the previous owner butchered. Ride safe.

Hi Craig and Dan. When I saw the Title unfixable Chopper. I was thinking Nah, no way, Craig can fix it. Low and behold Craig Fixed it. Loving the Videos Craig and Dan. I have really learned a Lot watching you Work Craig, Thank You for that. Can’t wait for the next Video.👍👍❤️

Crag you are the Chopper Bike Mechanical Genius? I have worked on bikes and built several choppers and I am impressed with your level of expertise. Thumbs UP!

Your passion n sheer will is your super power. I have an 08 Pitbull and I was told that Wires Plus make a n EHC harness after mines stopped on the parkway. Not an electrical problem since. Anyway, I love your "no give up" mentality. That Dog was a mess. Cudos my friend!

getting connectors mixed? We have all done it and learned to triple check every bloody thing we do. Good work, fascinating to watch someone else do the work. Take care, ride safe

Big Dog (Coleman coolers) screwed up using identical connectors for the two sensors. You slapped that muffler like you've never touched a hot exhaust. Glad you got her running again.

You did amazing figuring and sorting this thing out, the bike sounds and looks great. Well done man

When you were talking about long rides on a hardtail, I expected an "East Rider" clip and music. At least it played in my head. 😂

In a fan. Couple videos the past few days and fun to watch, relaxed and good info.

Excellent job, it takes a lot of patience to work on electrics. Top man 👍

I owned a 2007 Big Dog chopper and loved riding it. Had a 117 ci SS with a super G carb & a Baker 6 speed transmission. Plenty of get up and go. The only problem is it was a real finicky beast.

You have such a great attitude ! Your like a pit bull you bite an don’t let go ! My Sin is same way, he can’t let nothing beat him ! Way to go !

@The Bearded Mechanic Craig, that’s a bike I could only enjoy for precisely 31 minutes and 36 seconds… which is the length of time I watched you wrenching on it and chasing gremlins. That was as much “enjoyment” as a bike like that could ever give me. 😏 Extra points to Dan for, “startering to hate that bike”. 😂👍🏼

Nice job. Yea dad said you needed a back belt to ride a rigid. Seems old style bikes were rigids, but the seats weren't hard mounted either, and why some of those old timer riders became our grandpas.

Watching from Oz, enjoyed the added tour, cheers.

The dude that owns the bike must love it more than money... As you said, no shop in their right mind would take this type of job due to the fact when the wires were burnt, that means most likely all the wires are damaged and needed a full rewire... The electrical side of any motorized vehicle is a nightmare. ESPECIALLY if its a custom build. They never have a schematic of any type due to the fact it would be a custom job... RV were notorious for never having a schematic that remotely helped.

The lift tried to drop that chopper like a bad habit!

You have stubborn determination to solve problems - awesome! Not sure I'd trust the bike after all the weirdness though. Maybe. LOL. Thanks for vid. Cheers. 👍

I owned one of these and it did the exact same thing! I couldn't get anyone to work on it, so I ended up selling it for half of what I paid for it. Good job buddy that was a task!

The problems with the Big Dog are problems all mechanics can relate too.... Nice Video. Thanks for putting it out there. (I'm in the "Absolutely Hate-em Camp)! Cheers!

Your Sticktoitiveness is impressive Craig. I felt that right along with you when it started.

Great watch, you totally perceived with it 👌😁

Your videos inspire me to get to work turning wrenches on my stuff, thanks Craig!

I do love seeing the back roads of Pa since I only get home once in a blue moon for Carlisle auto fair.

A new day, new ideas and solutions. Congratulations!

Fully respect to your work and your endurance. Nice to see. Hopefully the customer offer some special thanks gifts. Greats from germany.

Awesome great job lots of fun, thanks 🍀👍🙏