Help with purchase: Electra Glide
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 744
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From: Pluto
Help with purchase: Electra Glide
Hey all - this forum was very helpful last year when I bought my first Harley (2000 RKC). I am asking for your help again - this time for my brother who wants to get his first HD. He wants a full dresser and has been checking out Ultra Classics and Electra Glides.
IN GENERAL: can you explain the major differences between the 2 models.
SPECIFICALLY: He found a 2003 Electra Glide for sale locally. The bike has 28000 miles and the guy is asking 10,000 OBO as a must sell due to health reasons. QUESTIONS: with this mileage, what mainenance issues should my brother be concerned with (maybe tensioners? engine work? etc.). Any "quirks" with these models to be aware of (maybe specific to certain years)?
Would appreciate your input.
IN GENERAL: can you explain the major differences between the 2 models.
SPECIFICALLY: He found a 2003 Electra Glide for sale locally. The bike has 28000 miles and the guy is asking 10,000 OBO as a must sell due to health reasons. QUESTIONS: with this mileage, what mainenance issues should my brother be concerned with (maybe tensioners? engine work? etc.). Any "quirks" with these models to be aware of (maybe specific to certain years)?
Would appreciate your input.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 4
From: Fennario
Keep in mind that that mileage works out to only 4k per year... hardly ridden in my book. My '10 has almost 14.
As you likely know, the Ultra is an ElectraGlide. I'm not sure of the configuration available in '03, but for '11 there are 3: ElectraGlide Classic, Ultra Classic ElectraGlide and ElectraGlide Ultra Limited.
I'm sure someone more familiar with the '03s will chime in.
As you likely know, the Ultra is an ElectraGlide. I'm not sure of the configuration available in '03, but for '11 there are 3: ElectraGlide Classic, Ultra Classic ElectraGlide and ElectraGlide Ultra Limited.
I'm sure someone more familiar with the '03s will chime in.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 6,682
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The tensioners would be a concern if they haven't been looked at. You can fix that problem with a hydraulic setup or with gear drives if crankshaft runout is good. I haven't ever seen any talk about it here, but I've seen more 2003 touring bikes have problems with quad seals than other years but still not what I would say alot. That can also be fixed but I'm just telling you what ive seen. As far as the differences in the models, the ultra classic has all the bells and whistles and the standard doesnt unless someone added them. I think the standard has the natural finish engine instead of the black, no stereo, and no tour pak and maybe no cruise control. If you plan on doing a lot of mods or if money is an issue, I think the standard is an excellent value to getting into the touring platform for not nearly as much money.
Just to add to what I said above, I believe the engines had a forged crank in 03 and the big bore 95" that is available for that year are tried and true builds. They run hard and take a beating. I may be wrong about some of the options and forged crank but I threw it out there so if anyone knows for certain, correct me if I'm wrong.
Just to add to what I said above, I believe the engines had a forged crank in 03 and the big bore 95" that is available for that year are tried and true builds. They run hard and take a beating. I may be wrong about some of the options and forged crank but I threw it out there so if anyone knows for certain, correct me if I'm wrong.
Last edited by 1931jamesw; Dec 27, 2010 at 07:34 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 873
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From: Just east of the 'bama line, GA.
there is the electra glide standard. Where it kinda gives you a basic bike then make it your own. I have that one. The '03 was like my '99 concerning the tensioners. Just have the upgrade done on it before you take it home.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 862
Likes: 3
From: Henderson, Nevada
Have an '03 ElectraGlide Standard FLHTI with fuel injection. 43,000 miles. Book value $9,000.00 last time I checked. The standards have silver motors, the classics and ultras have black and chrome motor. Classics and Ultras have stereo's and tour packs. Other differences, however these are the major ones. My FLHTI is going in shop for upgrade hydraulic cam chain tensioners this winter.
Last edited by Harleyboyddk; Dec 27, 2010 at 11:01 PM.
Ultra's have Cruise control, CB, passenger driver intercom through headsets, as was stated above all the bells and whistles. Cruise and intercom was a biggie for me, the wife and I love to chat while crusing down the road, without haveing to yell. All things being equal, I'd opt for the Ultra. Just my thoughts.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 44
From: Back woods of Maine
The Electra Glide Classic also has a smaller stereo system(40 amps vs. 80 amps), no lower fairings, may, or may not have cruise control. If none of this is important to your bro, I would opt for the Electra Glide Classic. It has the same frame, suspension, engine, luggage, seat, and fairing as the Ultra.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 148
From: Augusta, GA
The only issue to be aware of is the tensioners and these can be inspected to check condition. If this is a standard or a classic, 10,000 is way high on price.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 455
Likes: 1
From: Deep River ON
I have a 2003 EG and am very happy with it. Thoughts for potential buyer, 1) get a FI version, 2) cam tensioners already mentioned 3) for any two up riding you will almost certainly want to put in a big bore kit, will probably want to do it anyway since it makes it the bike it should have been 4) many 2003's have very soft front brakes with excessive lever play - something to do with the master cylinder outlet hole diameter 5) has the narrower rear tire would be nice to have the wider one put on on later models as friends are claiming a 20+% improvement in tire life. Some sort of stabiliser makes a big difference to handling - I have a Progressive. I also put on cruise which I really enjoy and better speakers since the stock are "not very good"
Last edited by Theakerr; Dec 28, 2010 at 07:37 AM. Reason: spelling
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