2003 Wide Glide
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Stage IV
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Morristown
2003 Wide Glide
Hello everyone,
I just created this account, so forgive while catching up with the rules of these forums.
I am relatively new to HD in particular and motorcycling in general. Have been riding for close to 2 years now: started with a 650 vStar and now on my 2nd bike: 2006 sportster 1200. Ready to move on.
Considering buying a used Wide Glide (2003, 6.5K miles, around $7.5K). Any opinions about these?
Questions that I had:
1. are these considered good/dependable motorcycles?
2. is the price fair?
3. how is this bike as a next step for someone with 1 year experience on a sportster?
4. is this carburated or fuel injected? if there's a choice, which is better?
If there's any additional information you feel can be useful, I'll appreciate it.
Thanks to all in advance.
Rod.
I just created this account, so forgive while catching up with the rules of these forums.
I am relatively new to HD in particular and motorcycling in general. Have been riding for close to 2 years now: started with a 650 vStar and now on my 2nd bike: 2006 sportster 1200. Ready to move on.
Considering buying a used Wide Glide (2003, 6.5K miles, around $7.5K). Any opinions about these?
Questions that I had:
1. are these considered good/dependable motorcycles?
2. is the price fair?
3. how is this bike as a next step for someone with 1 year experience on a sportster?
4. is this carburated or fuel injected? if there's a choice, which is better?
If there's any additional information you feel can be useful, I'll appreciate it.
Thanks to all in advance.
Rod.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 135
Likes: 12
From: Omaha
Dependable is in the details. Maintenance records are a must, low miles means the bike sat a lot.
Could be either FI or carb, no downside to either.
$7500 is what I spent on my 03 EG, to give you an idea if it's fair. Mine is a touring, not a Dyna and it had 19K when I bought it 3 years ago. Might be a little high on price.
The rest is up to you. Check it out thoroughly, sit on it, ride it. Only you know if you're going to like it.
Could be either FI or carb, no downside to either.
$7500 is what I spent on my 03 EG, to give you an idea if it's fair. Mine is a touring, not a Dyna and it had 19K when I bought it 3 years ago. Might be a little high on price.
The rest is up to you. Check it out thoroughly, sit on it, ride it. Only you know if you're going to like it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 317
From: CA
1. are these considered good/dependable motorcycles?
--> The major bug is the twin cam tensioners. At 6500 miles chances are low of any problems. Open it up, inspect every 10,000 miles and enjoy the ride.
2. is the price fair?
--> Check nada and kbb for guidance. Sounds a bit high but if it's in stellar condition and not abused, could approach that zone.
3. how is this bike as a next step for someone with 1 year experience on a sportster?
--> I love the Dyna family because it's a close cousin of the Sportster. Excellent handling, peppy and better suspension than the Sportster. Sportster on Steroids. The Wide Glide has its own distinctions. The front tire is narrow - 80mm - so upgrading to a 90mm is a great enhancement. I also do not ride at the recommended 30 PSI. Go up to 35 PSI. Also - a fork stabilizer will help significantly. The WG is a bit of a land yacht, so it has some of the good characteristics of a Dyna FXD with more of the stretch and comfort of a Softail. Best best is to test ride and compare to FXD. Do you like the stretch or do you like a more upright position.
4. is this carburated or fuel injected? if there's a choice, which is better?
--> Most likely carb but I think there was an injected model that year. The vin with a vin decoder will help - or simply go look at the thing.
--> The major bug is the twin cam tensioners. At 6500 miles chances are low of any problems. Open it up, inspect every 10,000 miles and enjoy the ride.
2. is the price fair?
--> Check nada and kbb for guidance. Sounds a bit high but if it's in stellar condition and not abused, could approach that zone.
3. how is this bike as a next step for someone with 1 year experience on a sportster?
--> I love the Dyna family because it's a close cousin of the Sportster. Excellent handling, peppy and better suspension than the Sportster. Sportster on Steroids. The Wide Glide has its own distinctions. The front tire is narrow - 80mm - so upgrading to a 90mm is a great enhancement. I also do not ride at the recommended 30 PSI. Go up to 35 PSI. Also - a fork stabilizer will help significantly. The WG is a bit of a land yacht, so it has some of the good characteristics of a Dyna FXD with more of the stretch and comfort of a Softail. Best best is to test ride and compare to FXD. Do you like the stretch or do you like a more upright position.
4. is this carburated or fuel injected? if there's a choice, which is better?
--> Most likely carb but I think there was an injected model that year. The vin with a vin decoder will help - or simply go look at the thing.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,299
From: NW Ohio
I'm right there with Jesse. I have a 99 Wide Glide (carbureted) and it's dead reliable within the limits of the carb condition/tune. Keep the carb clean and tuned and it won't give you any more trouble than any other Harley.
Price seems a bit high, but they're banking on the low miles. To me, that's actually a detriment. It's been sitting a lot. Unless it was ridden regularly, but very briefly or stored meticulously (both unlikely), that means a fair chance for condensation and corrosion inside the drivetrain and fuel systems. Also likely needs tires and other rubber bits.
Just get a real good look inside the tank and take it for a good, spirited test ride if at all possible. Exercise all the rubber bits, slosh up any sediment in the tank, warm up the brakes, gaskets, seals, etc.
Check for corrosion under the seat.
Note any leaks, squeaks, clunks, heavy vibes, slow crank (old battery)(especially when hot), etc. Note the date on the tires (more than about 5 yrs old is getting hard). Take appropriate money or add gratis service for any noted issues.
Price seems a bit high, but they're banking on the low miles. To me, that's actually a detriment. It's been sitting a lot. Unless it was ridden regularly, but very briefly or stored meticulously (both unlikely), that means a fair chance for condensation and corrosion inside the drivetrain and fuel systems. Also likely needs tires and other rubber bits.
Just get a real good look inside the tank and take it for a good, spirited test ride if at all possible. Exercise all the rubber bits, slosh up any sediment in the tank, warm up the brakes, gaskets, seals, etc.
Check for corrosion under the seat.
Note any leaks, squeaks, clunks, heavy vibes, slow crank (old battery)(especially when hot), etc. Note the date on the tires (more than about 5 yrs old is getting hard). Take appropriate money or add gratis service for any noted issues.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 5,801
Likes: 809
From: South Carolina
I think someone mentioned tensiners, actually if you buy replace!
Price?? Really depends on the market where you are, I got my 01 at a good price but it had 13500 miles on it?? So was that low for last year? Just under eleven thousand put on it since.
But I've really enjoyed the 01 low rider. So buy if you can, start low and work up..
Good luck..
Cheers
Price?? Really depends on the market where you are, I got my 01 at a good price but it had 13500 miles on it?? So was that low for last year? Just under eleven thousand put on it since.
But I've really enjoyed the 01 low rider. So buy if you can, start low and work up..
Good luck..
Cheers
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 361
Likes: 56
From: Lancaster, CA.
I have a 2003 Wide Glide and am very happy. I did change the front tire/rim to something a bit wider, but a lot of people are very happy with the stock size. Mine is carbed. I just upgraded the motor, but it had almost 50k trouble free miles on it when I had it done. All in all it's been a great bike. I also have a 2015 Low Rider and I actually ride the Wide Glide more often.
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Stage IV
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Morristown
Thanks a lot, everyone, for your knowledgeable replies -- extremely helpful! Awesome community -- much appreciated.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: South Carolina
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