I've been away from motorcycling for around 2 years and it's time to get back in.

My previous ride was a 2011 Ultra Classic with Fuel Moto 107 upgrade that I installed myself and it was a NICE ride.

Life has changed, so I'm going to have to adhere to a budget which means stepping back to an older bike.

I've found a one-owner (72 years old), 2003 Road Glide in Gunmetal Pearl with the 100th Anniversary striping. It only has 19,000 miles, has been meticulously maintained, garage kept, is cosmetically a 9 out of 10 and comes fitted with a new battery & tires.

Prior to taking delivery back in 2003, the owner had the following options installed by the Harley Dealer:

.....95" Screaming Eagle Big Bore
.....Screaming Eagle 257 Cams
.....10.5 Compression Pistons
.....Compression releases
.....Abbott Racing Head Work
.....Bassini True Duals
.....Oil cooler
.....Screaming Eagle Mufflers
.....Hydraulic Clutch Kit
.....Floating Front brake rotors
.....Fairing lowers
.....Foot pegs (crash bar mounted)
.....Tourpack with backrest pad
.....Quick detach bracket for tourpack
.....Corbin seat with 2 backrest
.....Chrome forks
.....Billet mirrors
.....Saddle bag liners

My biggest concerns are:

.....The driveability and dependability of the High Compression 95" set-up

.....Never heard of Abbott Racing and can't find much information on them or their work

.....Fuel economy (The owner says he consistently gets 45 mpg at 70-75 mph

Please offer answers to my concerns, point out any concerns you'd have and lastly, let me know what you think this bike would be worth (or what you'd pay for it).

Thanks!

 

I have an 04 with 170k plus on the clock, never left me stranded. Its been a 88, a 95 and now a 107.

Best bike ive ever owned, i ride it almost every day during riding season.

The 95 will and does hold up. I know nothing about the heads you mentioned.

My best mpg is about 35. I have a power tune with a pc iii.

I would have one concern, dry rot on rubber parts. You will obviously also hear about cam tensioner but you will check those

Bike is worth 8 to 10k on a good day with favorable winds

 

High compression on the 88" platform isn't a big deal. The only real thing to worry about is the cam chain tensioners, and the in tank fuel lines.
If it is a decent deal, I would go for it.
The fuel economy of a built motor is often better than stock as it runs more efficient, but I think he is probably dreaming at 45 mpg probably more like 40.

 

I would have a dealer check it out. If it is solid, I would pay $10k.
I wouldn't trade my '03 for a new bike. I just had the SE tensioner upgrade and my stage one 88 runs better than new.
Never rode a post 09 bike, but I think my bike handles great.

 

Agree with mileage concerns, 45 sounds too good. I had an 04 RG 95", S&S gear
drive with Andrews 26G cams, man I miss that bike. If the price is right go for it.
I had 55k on the clock in 12 when I sold it and I'll be she's still running strong today.

 

I was getting 45 with my '06 Road Glide with a 95",26G cams,Propipe,HD SE tuner.

 

Sounds like a nice bike. Depending on the volume of the combustion chamber of the heads the compression probably isn't too high for the cams. You don't mention how it was tuned (PC, race tuner, ???), but with a good tune the 45 mpg is realistic if he's just talking about putting it on the interstate and riding.

 

I appreciate all the help so far!

The cam chain tensioners have not been replaced, so I'll need to check those out.

I didn't ask about the tuner, but since it was done at the Harley Dealer, I'm guessing it was and ECM flash or a Screaming Eagle Race Tuner.

The bike is extra nice for being 12 years old and has lots of performance upgrades and nice accessories (not just chrome).

Bottom line:

What's the most you'd pay and what would be a steal of a deal (without low-balling)?

 

My 2005 Road Glide was a 95 inch 10:1 build and I got consistent 46 mpg. Unless I got into the cams. Most bad mpg numbers are wrist induced.


$7000 is KBB trade in and $9565 is suggested retail. I'd offer $8K and negotiate up from there. In the world of used bikes, add on parts are not worth much. I bought my 2005 RG for KBB trade in price from a private seller.

 

$8k won't buy it, $9k will

Somewhere in between is where you both will be miserable. He for selling at that price, you for thinking you paid too much.

Over $9, walk, you can get newer cheaper. In a month, the new models will be out and all prices will reset