First off, hat's off to you for putting yourself in control of your finances. That takes a lot of dicipline, and as you are already doing it, you really know the answer: A new bike is NOT an emergency and thus does NOT justify taking $ from your emergency fund.

If you can wait a month and pay cash, then you know what you really need to do.

As far as the bike, you will be very happy with the 2012 and you would notice the changes to it versus the 2003. I have a 2010 Ultra and it was a huge upgrade from my old EG.

As far as pricing goes, if the bike you are looking at has ABS and Security, that is an additional option of 1,195.

Bill

New UC
 

You might want to give Corpus Chrisy Harley a call. Talk to the owner (I can't think of his name) he usually gives cops a good price on those bikes.

Jim

Orange PD (Ret)

Well I decided on the 2003 100th Anniversary Ultra Classic discussed in this thread.

It has 15,183 miles on it and quite a few modifications that I'll list below.

Modifications
Stage One Kit (Could someone please explain what this means?)
Chrome Extended Handlebars
Chrome "Born to Ride" Mirrors
Chrome Harley Grips
Chrome Switch Housing (I guess that is what it is called)
Chrome Switches
Chrome Mudflap with lights

Please go here to check out some issues I have with the "new" used bike.

Thanks in advance.