New Guy: Need some guidance
Thread Starter
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Stage IV
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4
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New Guy: Need some guidance
Morning all,
Well, the wife and I have finally made the decision to get a bike and have narrowed it down to two after 3 years of talking bout it. The 2003 Classic and the Ultra Classic. I like the colors for that year(Gunmetal Pearl and Silver over Black) and they fit my budget. I have been sifting through the posts around here and researching as much as I can about these 2 bikes as I would like this to be my primary source of transportation (we will still have 2 other vehicles). I have now come to the point where I would like to ask for everyones opinions and help me with some solid guidance.
What am I getting into with my decision on going with the 03 Classic or Ultra. I have heard that the cam chain tensioners are a big issue(especially if you ride alot). What other gremlins do I need to be aware of? I was also told by a Harley repair shop owner (mom and pop place) that the tranny's on the 03s were good as long as you kept up with the proper service intervals, True or theres more to it? Any electrical issues that are going on with the 03s?
For the folks that are really putting some miles on your bikes, what have been some of your experiencs? How many miles do you have? What kind of gear do you keep with your bikes while on the road?
Please share your knowledge and experiences with me and any advise you would offer to a rider new to Harley-Davidson.
Respectfully,
RS
Well, the wife and I have finally made the decision to get a bike and have narrowed it down to two after 3 years of talking bout it. The 2003 Classic and the Ultra Classic. I like the colors for that year(Gunmetal Pearl and Silver over Black) and they fit my budget. I have been sifting through the posts around here and researching as much as I can about these 2 bikes as I would like this to be my primary source of transportation (we will still have 2 other vehicles). I have now come to the point where I would like to ask for everyones opinions and help me with some solid guidance.
What am I getting into with my decision on going with the 03 Classic or Ultra. I have heard that the cam chain tensioners are a big issue(especially if you ride alot). What other gremlins do I need to be aware of? I was also told by a Harley repair shop owner (mom and pop place) that the tranny's on the 03s were good as long as you kept up with the proper service intervals, True or theres more to it? Any electrical issues that are going on with the 03s?
For the folks that are really putting some miles on your bikes, what have been some of your experiencs? How many miles do you have? What kind of gear do you keep with your bikes while on the road?
Please share your knowledge and experiences with me and any advise you would offer to a rider new to Harley-Davidson.
Respectfully,
RS
RE: New Guy: Need some guidance
Ive got an 03 Ultra Black/silver... since new 10-2002.. 45,000 miles now.. just recently on a trip to Vermont.. the 50 amp (recall) circuit breaker broke .. Pulled over for 1 minute.. start up drive. happened 2x on the trip.. happened while in traffic going real slow.. very hot day.. will not happen when at higher speeds.. This was common for these mcys. Rode home replaced 50 amp c.b. all good now... Tranny + chain tensioner perfect.. no other issues with this bike.. In fact Im keeping it its so good. Tranny is better than the 6 speed in my 07 RG.. and no chain ten's noise (whirly bird in motor sound) from the 2003. The tour pack rack cracked once (also very common) ..I installed the new styles rack.. all good now.. Great Bike overall. Lotsa Luck.. Ide buy it !
Thread Starter
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Stage IV
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
RE: New Guy: Need some guidance
The 50 amp breaker. Where is it located on the bike and what are the costs associated with fixing it? Should I think about carrying a spare one while riding? Thanks for the info. Sounds like you have had great luck w/ your rig.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 627
Likes: 3
From: Illinois
RE: New Guy: Need some guidance
ORIGINAL: stro1965
You could fill yourtourpac AND side bags with stuff you're carrying around that MIGHT break. Don't sweat it, buy it and ride!
You could fill yourtourpac AND side bags with stuff you're carrying around that MIGHT break. Don't sweat it, buy it and ride!
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 62
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From:
RE: New Guy: Need some guidance
...have had my "new" '01 Classic fora few weeks now and after a few hundred miles I'm happier with it every day! Although you do the research and as thorough a "pre-buy inspection" as possible, you never know what the true condition of a pre-owned bike is. This one seems practically "perfect" so far. After riding a Sportster for a couple of years...and, having been away from riding for 35 years prior to that, the RKC is an incredibly fun and comfortable ride. (Now, as soon as I really feel confortable...and, as important, convince the wife that I'm comfortable and ready, we're gonna enjoy this great bike 2-up!).
With all that said, I'm betting that you'll be super happy with either. Have fun with the search as well as with the riding! You'll get a tremendous amount of great advice and help right here.
Mac
With all that said, I'm betting that you'll be super happy with either. Have fun with the search as well as with the riding! You'll get a tremendous amount of great advice and help right here.
Mac
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 476
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RE: New Guy: Need some guidance
New Guy WELCOME biggest problem i see is you waisted 3 years without your HD...Alot of catching up to do!!!! Happy Trails and Good Luck!![sm=signs003.gif]
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Thread Starter
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Stage IV
Joined: Oct 2007
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RE: New Guy: Need some guidance
ORIGINAL: jakester
New Guy WELCOME biggest problem i see is you waisted 3 years without your HD...Alot of catching up to do!!!! Happy Trails and Good Luck!![sm=signs003.gif]
New Guy WELCOME biggest problem i see is you waisted 3 years without your HD...Alot of catching up to do!!!! Happy Trails and Good Luck!![sm=signs003.gif]
Well nows the time. I just wanna make sure I get it right. Found a 03 classic today in good condition for 15,000 OBO. 12k miles and another w/ 17k miles what do yall think is a fair price to offer?
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 163
Likes: 1
RE: New Guy: Need some guidance
ORIGINAL: Ruffstock
I know.. I know. Took me almost a year of research and saving back in 01 before I bought my Powerstroke!
Well nows the time. I just wanna make sure I get it right. Found a 03 classic today in good condition for 15,000 OBO. 12k miles and another w/ 17k miles what do yall think is a fair price to offer?
ORIGINAL: jakester
New Guy WELCOME biggest problem i see is you waisted 3 years without your HD...Alot of catching up to do!!!! Happy Trails and Good Luck!![sm=signs003.gif]
New Guy WELCOME biggest problem i see is you waisted 3 years without your HD...Alot of catching up to do!!!! Happy Trails and Good Luck!![sm=signs003.gif]
Well nows the time. I just wanna make sure I get it right. Found a 03 classic today in good condition for 15,000 OBO. 12k miles and another w/ 17k miles what do yall think is a fair price to offer?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,698
Likes: 11
From: Longview, Washington
RE: New Guy: Need some guidance
ORIGINAL: Ruffstock
I know.. I know. Took me almost a year of research and saving back in 01 before I bought my Powerstroke!
Well nows the time. I just wanna make sure I get it right. Found a 03 classic today in good condition for 15,000 OBO. 12k miles and another w/ 17k miles what do yall think is a fair price to offer?
ORIGINAL: jakester
New Guy WELCOME biggest problem i see is you waisted 3 years without your HD...Alot of catching up to do!!!! Happy Trails and Good Luck!![sm=signs003.gif]
New Guy WELCOME biggest problem i see is you waisted 3 years without your HD...Alot of catching up to do!!!! Happy Trails and Good Luck!![sm=signs003.gif]
Well nows the time. I just wanna make sure I get it right. Found a 03 classic today in good condition for 15,000 OBO. 12k miles and another w/ 17k miles what do yall think is a fair price to offer?