Thanks for service!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ihave an '03 and love it this one will last the o9 are good but if I wanted one i'd buy it. love my '03 and i;ll keep it. thanks again.

 

Thank you for your service to our great country - The USA!

Since you asked, sounds like you really like the '03. I would go for the '03 personally. It has most of everything that you want and at that time it was the best Harley ever built. Since then the best Harley ever built was the '04, '05, '06, '07, '08 and '09. The next "best" Harley will be the 2010.

It may "only" cost you a few more grand to get a "new" Harley, but after buying a new Harley, you will need to start making it yours and that isn't cheap.

I'm riding an '05 and I could buy a new Ultra, but I don't want to. I bought this one used and it already had some nice parts added to it, then I fininshed it up the way that I like. I was able to do that because I didn't have to lay out the cash for a new bike, or worst yet - make payments. I can ride with the '09's all day long and never get jealous. Matter of fact, they are usually the ones getting jealous.

It's your call Bro, this is just my 2 cents. Just do it!

 

You're 20 years old and been in the Marines 20 years? I knew the Marines were tough! LOL!
Seems like you made up your mind. It's a Harley so you can't go wrong! What ever you choose you will be happy with. To each monkey their own tree! Happy and safe riding!

 

After hearing all the hype about the '09 upgrades I bought one and finally got a chance to ride. I put 100 miles on it today over rolling Wisconsin back road hills and some highway too. Loved every minute of it! The handling was impressive, even at slow speeds the balance was so good I rarely had to put my feet down at the stop signs. My only complaint was that the stock mufflers sound to me like it's ******* out even though there's power to spare. Now I know why the slipons are so popular.

 

All,

Ok...I went back and re-read my orignal post and it did sound like I was saying I was 20yr old Marine vice a Marine with 20 yrs of service...anyway...I corrected that!!! And since this post wasn't about my age, I'll say thanks for the comments from everyone on the bike issue. I certainly would love to continue to hear from those 03 riders out there that still have their bikes, but have experience riding the 09's. I also figured out this picture posting and posted some pics from my last trip to Iraq. Thanks to all for your support!!!

 

I ride an '03 Ultra, bought it new in Nov. '02.
Have ridden all over the country and have had virtuall no problems with it at all
The motor is now in its 3rd incarnation, 95", heads, cams etc. (I can't leave things well enough alone)
I say go with the '03, especially if it is a 103" motor.
If for some reason you decide down the line you need something newer you can sell the
'03 and move up.
AP

 

$22,159. Thats the price for a new decked out '09 Ultra The '03 you said was $18,000. Thats $4,159...If my math is right.....You need to get the '09. Thank you for your 20 years of service.

 

I agree - $18k for an '03 (even with the 103) seems high right now. IMHO the changes from '07 to '09 were huge, the changes from '03 are even greater. That said, I had an '03 RKC, and I agree with you on the colors, the black/silver paint was the prettiest paint set Harley ever mass-produced.

Thanks for your service - and good luck with your decision!

 

As you can see from my signature, I'm riding a 99'. It's a real nice bike and I'm sure I've got miles and miles of great riding ahead of me. That said, the 09' bikes are way improved over any of the earlier years. For me it would be a no brainer to buy an 09' unless the 03' was a lot less than the fella is asking you.
I've seen lots of 07's and 08's for that kinda money on Craig's list.

 

Got an '03 RKC and love the bike and special paint. While I would recommend an '03 touring bike to anyone, that guy wants a tad too much $$$ for his, even with the 103" motor. If he'd take $15-$16K it should be considered, providing everything was in excellent shape. Otherwise, go for the '09-'10...

Semper Fi!!!