I went through the same dilemma as you 18 months ago. I was looking at an 08. I have two other bikes , so this was number 3. Did not want to spend a fortune on this one as well. Loved the color scheme on the 03. Found an Ultra in South Florida with 10k miles. 95 inch kit, chrome legs , controls, and all the other little bolt ons. I had rented an 08 Ultra in North Carolina and rode it in the mountains. Loved it. I also rented on another occasion a 1999 Ultra in Maggie Valley and enjoyed that ride as well. I paid 13.5K for my 03. Got a great deal, as the seller needed out to buy a truck. Have not regretted it for one minute. Do not get me wrong. The 09 has some great improvements over an older model. The stereo is way better, however with my Ipod, and Harley XM I am not hurting for tunes. The ABS brakes and six speed are significant upgrades. Otherwise I feel my 03 gives me a great comfortable ride, runs like a top, has been no trouble whatsoever since I purchased it. The color scheme is beautiful, and I saved a lot of money. Either one would be a great choice. Decide what is important to you most. The decked out 03 and 10K savings, or the newer technology. To be perfectly honest with you for myself, the only thing I miss from the new model is the Harmon Kardon radio which I think is superior. I am into music on the long rides, and really enjoyed that radio on my rental Ultra. Otherwise I am totally cool with my 03. Either way you will be a happy camper. Thank you for keeping us safe, and enjoy the ride.

Evo

 

I have to say that $18K is too much for an '03 regardless of the accessories it may have on it. Don't let emotion drive your decision.

 

Buy the 09. I had an 03 Ultra and sold it 2 years ago with 14,000 miles for $15,000. I found another one for sales a couple of weeks ago for $12,500 with 26,000 miles. I decided to go with the 09 and after riding 150 miles last week I'm very happy with my decision.The 09's are much better bikes due to all the reasons listed above. I also agree that 18K is too much.

 

$18,000 for a 03? I don't care what the upgrades are, you can practically buy a 09 for close to that.

 

I bought an 03 Ultra Anniv Edition last October, had 4500 miles, was stock drive train wise, and came with quite a few extras (gold key, cover, saddle bag liners, etc) and have put about 4000 on it since, including a ride to Key West. It's a great bike and having ridden a couple 08's with the six speed and bigger motor, I can tell you that you're not going to get any more enjoyment out of the newer bike than you will from the 03. I paid 15 for mine, so I believe you are paying too much at 18. If you could get it for under 15 then I would say you are doing okay. For 18, I would go with the new 09.

 

All,

The going concensus I'm getting from everyone is that the '03 would be ok for a little less money but if the guy won't come down then the '09 is the way to go. Well I don't know if I'll be able to get him down as he has it on consignment at the dealership he bought it from and they are telling him he should get 18.5k for it. That said I don't know if he'll come down at all, but I think I'll offer him 16k and see where it goes from there. Was anyone able to see the pics of the bike in the album I created?

 

Right now HD is allowing test rides. Take an 09 Ultra out for a test ride. That should help you with your decision.

$18K seems really steep for an 03. The extra mods really don't add any value to the bike unless they are the mods you want.

IMHO, the $4K difference to get an 09 with all of the improvements and warranty is the way to go.

Besides after 20+ in the military with all of the BS and dumb sh*t you put up with, you deserve it!. I can say that, I did my 20+ too.

 

The pics look good, but after looking at them, I stick by my opinion. It is VERY hard to sell anything right now with the economy being the way it is. I would bet that he'll still be asking 18 a year from now. 16 would be a good deal for him.

 

I must be loosing my mind. I don't see any pictures or links to pictures?

 

We bought our '03 w/ 15k miles 18 months ago and have put 10K on it (all stock but slip ons).
The Silver & Black is one of the best in our opinion, but I treat paint like chrome - neither will get you home.
Took our 1st road trip -1300 miles round trip and its great! Brakes, handling, radio, CD, and steady as rock at 75+mph 2-up. So I was going to defend the
'03 figuring you were looking at $12-$14,000.00 - but $18K? vs $22K ($20,999.00 per HD web site) for a new one. hmmm not so sure.
Mods done by others don't add a thing for me.
My .02 good luck you will enjoy either!
Pat

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