I'd go 2011 for the same reasons DBlass mentions. The bigger fuel tank and TBW especially. Not sure about the 2003 but the 2011 should have cruise control which is awesome.

I've always been concerned about older low mileage bikes. The don't get ridden and sit there. How old are the tires? How dried out are the different seals? How old is the gas in it?

45,000 miles on it is not much especially if you're only going to put 4 or 5 year on it.

And keep the Fat Boy. There is only one thing better than having a Harley and that's having two!! I have a Road King for commuting and a Limited for when she wants to go with me or for touring. And there are many days I walk out into the garage and say "Hmmm....Which one today?"

 

I'd go with the 2003. I had a 2003 RK. It was a really good bike. Take the extra money and upgrade the motor to a 95 or 97". With only 10K on it, it will run a long time. Upgrade the cam tensioners while inside it.

 

I think the 2003 it a good price. Maybe talk him down to $5500. Reserve cash for anything that goes wrong. For the saved money you could swap engines. I have a 2011 and love it. The 6 gallon tank is great when your riding with guys that have newer bikes. Otherwise your always the one that needs to stop for gas first.

i think the price in the 2011 is high. 45k on it. For a grand or two more you could pick up a 2011 with 10k.

 

I have a 2003 RKC. Love it. But they handle like chit compared to the newer frame bikes. If you don't ride hard, sure, buy the 03 if you can get it for less that 5500$ Otherwise, the 2011 with 45k on the clock is nothing.

 

Go for the 11 RK. You will really appreciate having the 6 speed and the bigger motor. You can always freshen the motor at a later date, big bore kit, cams, etc.

 

Yes, do this.

 

for the money difference I would go 11 rk all day over the 03. I rode a fatboy a few times and I much prefer the rk. I like the idea of having 2 bikes as well but I had an iron horse and the ultra classic and the delimma as to which 1 I was gonna ride quickly caused the iron horse to be sold because it never got ridden.

 

Well......the guy sold the 2011 so I'm back at at square one. It was a smoking deal on that bike.....its slowly nearing the end of year up here for riding so there are usually good deals to be had.
If there is that much difference in the ride on a 2009 and newer Road King over the 2003 I may just hold out for one of those. My friend has the same exact 2003 I was looking at so I can always try his also.

I love the idea of holding onto my FatBoy and buying the 2003 but not sure I want to pay for insurance, maintenance and re-arrange the entire garage for it. It certainly is an option I'm pondering though.....

Thanks so much for the advice!

 

I have a 2003 Electra Glide Ultra Classic and a 2011 Street Glide, so I have a little basis for comparison. I love both bikes. But if I had to pick one, it would probably be the '11. A little more power (just about right, I think); a newer frame; and hydraulic cam tensioners. For me it would be close, but I'd say go with the '11.

 

Anything 09 and up. All the changes were for the better and as mentioned above the newer models are more than likely going to have cruise or it can be added. I use mine all the time on trips to keep me from getting tickets as I tend to twist the wrist the longer I am in the saddle on the slab.