All,

I am a US Marine wih almost 20 yrs of service, currently stationed in Louisiana and am contemplating my anniversary present to myself; that being a new Harley. Well the issue I have is I've found a beautiful 2003 Ultra Classic that has been taken care of very well by a mature owner who has added all the bells and whistles one could ask for. Of coure its a 2003. It only has 18k miles on it and has always been garaged kept. Plus I love the 2003 annversary silver & black colors, especially on the ultra. My deliema is whether to buy this bike or a brand new one, which of course if going to run another 10k or so and still wouldn't have all the options this bike does. Of course I realize the 2009's have a ton of modifications which might make getting the new bike a better idea. Anyway, I'm basically looking for some help in this department from those that are either riding the 2003's and or have experience with the new ones to give me some thoughts on which way I should go. Everyone's thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

First, God Bless and Thank You for your service to our country and keeping us all safe !!! My answer would be to get the 2009 and than build it the way you want it, for me, I enjoy putting on the extras. There is nothing wrong with the 03, but the 09 is just so much better. to name a few points, 6 speed, larger motor, better radio, larger frame, larger tires, no wobble at high speed.....the list just keeps going.

If you deside to go with the 03, Relize with the 09 out and the 10's coming the price of the 03 should be MUCH less.....and will be that much harder to get rid of down the road.....just my 2 cents

 

better brakes, better cam drive, revised suspension.

Like he said, the 09 list goes on.

 

How much can you buy the 03' for?

 

for serving our country for 20 years you deserve the 2010, but ya have to wait 3 months, Thanks

 

Can't go wrong with either one. The 03 will give you many enjoyable miles at a much lower cost. I want the 09 with all the bells and whistles, but may wait until I can get a deal on a used one.

 

If you can afford it I would go for the 09 I think the frame mods and the ABS breaks are well worth it. Also you can slowly customize it to your personality instead of someone else.

More importantly Thank you for your service to our Country,

 

Go with an '09 or '10 and make it your own. The changes in the '09 touring models improve them so much that you couldn't add enough extras to the '03 to even get close to the improvements in handling, stopping, or reliability. Nothing wrong with an '03 but given the choice, go for the '09 or '10 and you will be money ahead in the long run. Thank you for your long service to our country and Happy Anniversary!

 

Thank You for your service!!

The 03 sounds like one sweet ride with one of the nicest color options I've seen. If you go with the 09 it will be a brand new bike not just new to you. You will not regret going with the newer just because of all the improvements HD has made, besides you get the chance to make it yours!!!!!

 

Dude, no brainer. Get the 09 for they are the best bike H-D has ever put out, no bones about it. If you get the 03 you'll be kicking yourself later. Way to many nice upgrades on the 09 to pass it up. This is my honest opinion!