Big Dog Motorcycles 2005 Bulldog User Manual

2005 BIG DOG MOTORCYCLE OWNER’S MANUAL ICON GUIDE
WARNINGS emphasize areas or im-
proper procedures that could result
in mechanical damage or jeopardize
your personal safety.
MAINTENANCE TIPS will improve the
longevity and performance of your Big
Dog motorcycle.
RIDING TIPS are useful in operating
your Big Dog motorcycle and
enhance rider safety.
THE FIRST SECTION OF THIS MANUAL CONTAINS A QUICK-START GUIDE TO YOUR
MOTORCYCLE. BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU READ
AND UNDERSTAND THE MATERIAL BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR MOTORCYCLE.
Big Dog Motorcycles has taken the tradi-
tional American-made V-Twin motorcycle
Copyright 2004, Big Dog Motorcycles, L.L.C.
BDM BALANCE DRIVE, SIMPLY NOT ANOTHER MOTORCYCLE
to a new level of design and sophistication with the introduction of the BDM Balance Drive. The key word is sophistication. Big
Dog Motorcycles, in conjunction with Baker Transmissions, has incorporated a number of quality, highly developed innovations
with the right side balance drive system for the S&S 117 cubic inch power plant. The high-performance sophisticated charac-
teristics of your Big Dog motorcycle make it simply not another motorcycle. With these distinct performance characteristics
come a detailed starting procedure. It is to your advantage to learn the characteristics of your Big Dog motorcycle and follow
the steps for cold engine starting in the “Quick Start Guide.”
2005 BIG DOG MOTORCYCLE OWNER’S MANUAL ICON GUIDE
WARNINGS emphasize areas or im-
proper procedures that could result
in mechanical damage or jeopardize
your personal safety.
MAINTENANCE TIPS will improve the
longevity and performance of your Big
Dog motorcycle.
RIDING TIPS are useful in operating
your Big Dog motorcycle and
enhance rider safety.
THE FIRST SECTION OF THIS MANUAL CONTAINS A QUICK-START GUIDE TO YOUR
MOTORCYCLE. BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU READ
AND UNDERSTAND THE MATERIAL BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR MOTORCYCLE.
Big Dog Motorcycles has taken the tradi-
tional American-made V-Twin motorcycle
Copyright 2004, Big Dog Motorcycles, L.L.C.
BDM BALANCE DRIVE, SIMPLY NOT ANOTHER MOTORCYCLE
to a new level of design and sophistication with the introduction of the BDM Balance Drive. The key word is sophistication. Big
Dog Motorcycles, in conjunction with Baker Transmissions, has incorporated a number of quality, highly developed innovations
with the right side balance drive system for the S&S 117 cubic inch power plant. The high-performance sophisticated charac-
teristics of your Big Dog motorcycle make it simply not another motorcycle. With these distinct performance characteristics
come a detailed starting procedure. It is to your advantage to learn the characteristics of your Big Dog motorcycle and follow
the steps for cold engine starting in the “Quick Start Guide.”

Big Dog Motorcycles 2005 Bulldog Specifications

General

Year	2005
Manufacturer	Big Dog Motorcycles
Model	Bulldog
Ignition	Electronic
Cooling	Air-Cooled
Transmission	6-speed
Final Drive	Belt
Frame	Steel
Front Brake	Single disc
Rear Brake	Single disc
Rear Tire	250/40-18
Category	Cruiser
Engine	S&S V-Twin
Engine Size	1916 cc
Front Suspension	Telescopic Fork
Rear Suspension	Dual Shocks
Fuel Capacity	4.5 gallons (17 liters)
Weight	308 kg (679 pounds)
Fuel System	Carburettor. Single Mikuni HSR45

Summary

Quick Start Guide

Initial Break-In

Critical engine break-in period guidelines for optimal performance and longevity.

Cold Starting Procedure

Step-by-step instructions for starting the engine in cold conditions.

Riding the Motorcycle

Advice on smooth operation, shifting, and break-in period riding.

Model Specifications

2005 Bulldog™ Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the Bulldog model.

2005 Ridgeback™ Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the Ridgeback model.

Major Components Overview

Fuel System Components

Components and function of the motorcycle's fuel system.

Ignition Switch Functions

Description of the ignition switch functions and key positions.

Handlebar Controls (Left Side)

Explanation of clutch, lights, horn, and turn signal controls.

Handlebar Controls (Right Side)

Explanation of starter, stop switch, brake, throttle, and turn signal controls.

Instruments and Indicators

Description of gauges, lights, and warning indicators on the dashboard.

Major Systems Overview

Brake System Components

General overview of the motorcycle's brake system components.

Power Train System Components

Overview of the engine, primary drive, and transmission systems.

Electrical System Overview

Description of starting, ignition, charging, and lighting systems.

Maintenance and Service Schedules

Regular Service Intervals

General guidelines for routine maintenance schedules.

Scheduled Maintenance Log

Mileage-based checklist for required maintenance tasks.

Engine Oil and Filter Change

Procedures for changing engine oil and replacing the oil filter.

Transmission Lubricant

Guidelines for checking and changing transmission lubricant.

Primary Drive Oil Maintenance

Procedures for checking and changing primary drive lubricant.

Warranty and Legal Information

Warranty Terms and Conditions

Overview of the manufacturer's limited warranty coverage and period.

Transfer of Warranty

Process and conditions for transferring the warranty to a new owner.

Owner's Warranty Responsibilities

Owner's duties for maintaining warranty coverage, including service logs.

Reporting Safety Defects

Procedure for reporting safety-related vehicle defects to NHTSA.