Recall 10V180 affects 1,895 2004 Big Dog Ridgeback, Boxer, Mastiff, Bulldog, Chopper, and Pitbull motorcycles for loose electrical connections. Big Dog dealers repair them free.
Big Dog is recalling 1,895 2004 Ridgeback, Boxer, Mastiff, Bulldog, Chopper, and Pitbull motorcycles because a loose harness connection can interrupt power to key components. Loss of electrical power can shut off the headlamp or stall the motorcycle, increasing crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once Big Dog makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The affected 2004 Big Dog Ridgeback, Boxer, Mastiff, Bulldog, Chopper, and Pitbull motorcycles use an electrical wiring harness to carry power and signals between switches, lights, and control modules. The harness connector plugs into the electronic harness controller, the module that organizes those circuits and sends power where the motorcycle needs it. That connection has to stay tight so vibration does not break electrical contact.
On these motorcycles, the connection between the harness connector and the electronic harness controller can be loose. A loose connector does not hold steady contact under normal motorcycle vibration. When contact opens or weakens, the controller receives an incomplete connection and the electrical system no longer behaves as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall record does not identify a specific lamp, sound, or dashboard message that confirms the connector has started to loosen.
Who's affected?
Covers six 2004 Big Dog motorcycle models, all tied to the electrical system.
| 2004 Big Dog Ridgeback | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2004 Bigdog Boxer | electrical system |
| 2004 Big Dog Mastiff | electrical system |
| 2004 Big Dog Bulldog | electrical system |
| 2004 Big Dog Chopper | electrical system |
| 2004 Bigdog Pitbull | electrical system |
| Units affected | 1,895 |
A matching 2004 Big Dog model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Intermittent electrical power loss can shut off components, including the headlamp, or stall the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash. If the headlamp cuts out or the engine stalls, move out of traffic and arrange service. Schedule the recall repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Big Dog dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2004 Big Dog Ridgeback, Boxer, Mastiff, Bulldog, Chopper, or Pitbull motorcycle is included in this recall.
- Call Big Dog customer service at 1-316-219-9121 to confirm the repair path for the electrical harness controller connection.
- Reference recall number 10V180 when you call or speak with a franchised Big Dog dealer.
- Schedule the free harness-connector repair that fixes the loose connection linked to electrical power loss, headlamp loss, or stalling.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete. Avoid night riding if the headlamp cuts out or electrical power is unstable.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Big Dog technician addresses the loose connection between the harness connector and the electronic harness controller, the condition identified in recall 10V180. Big Dog told owners that dealers would repair the motorcycles free of charge, and the safety recall began on May 24, 2010. The source does not describe a separate reimbursement process, so owners with prior repair paperwork should ask the Big Dog service contact how the recall repair is handled.
Timeline
| May 3, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 24, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V180?
Recall 10V180 covers 1,895 2004 Big Dog Ridgeback, Boxer, Mastiff, Bulldog, Chopper, and Pitbull motorcycles with a loose connection between the harness connector and electronic harness controller. The defect can cut electrical power to components, cause headlamp loss, or stall the motorcycle. Big Dog dealers repair it for free.
What should I do if my 2004 Big Dog Ridgeback, Boxer, Mastiff, Bulldog, Chopper, or Pitbull is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 10V180. If it is, contact a franchised Big Dog dealer to schedule the electrical harness repair. Reference recall number 10V180 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Big Dog's recall remedy says dealers will repair the motorcycles free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Big Dog dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of electrical power while riding. If the loose harness connection interrupts power, the motorcycle can lose headlamp function or stall, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair before relying on the motorcycle.
What if I bought this Big Dog motorcycle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the motorcycle, not the first owner, so a used 2004 Big Dog Ridgeback, Boxer, Mastiff, Bulldog, Chopper, or Pitbull still gets the free dealer repair when its VIN is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V180000 |
|---|---|
| Big Dog customer service | 1-316-219-9121 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V180 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V180000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →