Need advice on Ultra purchase
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 64
Likes: 7
From: Inman, SC
Need advice on Ultra purchase
Hey guys, I debated with myself if I should post this in the newbie section or not but in the end decided to post here. Hope its appropriate.
Been riding for 20 years(Mostly metric). Have had many sportbikes, several metric cruisers and a couple of Goldwings...even a BMW K1200LT. Only had one Harley and it was a 2007 XL1200R. That was my only Harley ownership experience.
I have a friend that is selling his 2003 Ultra classic Shriner edition. Its in decent condition with 55,000 miles on it. I'm trying to determine whats a fair value without engaging in an awkward conversation with a friend and certainly dont want to damage a friendship but dont want to overpay either so I'm trying to determine what a win-win value is then decide if its worth it to me.
I understand this is the old frame and a relatively underpowered TC88 engine. It does however have all the features I want and is a 100th year anniversary bike but I aso understand the "Shriner" edition really doesnt add value.
Can you guys offer a value range?
Thanks in advance,
Craig
Been riding for 20 years(Mostly metric). Have had many sportbikes, several metric cruisers and a couple of Goldwings...even a BMW K1200LT. Only had one Harley and it was a 2007 XL1200R. That was my only Harley ownership experience.
I have a friend that is selling his 2003 Ultra classic Shriner edition. Its in decent condition with 55,000 miles on it. I'm trying to determine whats a fair value without engaging in an awkward conversation with a friend and certainly dont want to damage a friendship but dont want to overpay either so I'm trying to determine what a win-win value is then decide if its worth it to me.
I understand this is the old frame and a relatively underpowered TC88 engine. It does however have all the features I want and is a 100th year anniversary bike but I aso understand the "Shriner" edition really doesnt add value.
Can you guys offer a value range?
Thanks in advance,
Craig
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
check kbb.com
a fair private party price is usually just a little higher than the midpoint between the "trade-in" and "retail" values.
Shiner is not worth extra- they WERE special order machines up through the 70's...usually low compression parade duty bikes, able to putt around at 6 MPH all day
2003 was the 100th anniversary, again assign no special value..H-D produced 420,000 anniversary year bikes...and stretched the model year to 15 months
we are now 11 models years on and there have been many advancements.
and finally, very few are the riders who started on a Harley.
Almost all started on some kind of import machine...'cause Harley doesn't offer any starter bikes- there is no stigma.
and I myself own a couple of imports
welcome to the forums, you are posting in the right area
mike
a fair private party price is usually just a little higher than the midpoint between the "trade-in" and "retail" values.
Shiner is not worth extra- they WERE special order machines up through the 70's...usually low compression parade duty bikes, able to putt around at 6 MPH all day
2003 was the 100th anniversary, again assign no special value..H-D produced 420,000 anniversary year bikes...and stretched the model year to 15 months
we are now 11 models years on and there have been many advancements.
and finally, very few are the riders who started on a Harley.
Almost all started on some kind of import machine...'cause Harley doesn't offer any starter bikes- there is no stigma.
and I myself own a couple of imports
welcome to the forums, you are posting in the right area
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Sep 17, 2013 at 02:23 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,582
From: Wisconsin, USA
I have an '03, and am very happy with the 88stage one/5 speed, until 74 mph.
If you travel faster than that a six-speed would be nice. The only thing, I miss on the newer bikes would be ABS. Many complain about the heat on newer bikes, but I have never experienced it.
I wouldn't sell my bike for KBB.I only have 25k though.
If you travel faster than that a six-speed would be nice. The only thing, I miss on the newer bikes would be ABS. Many complain about the heat on newer bikes, but I have never experienced it.
I wouldn't sell my bike for KBB.I only have 25k though.
Last edited by Ron750; Sep 17, 2013 at 06:05 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 131
From: Central Texas area
IF you're leaning on a new one, Don't buy one with the liquid cooling right now...wait until 2015. There's 3 or 4 people on this forum with their bikes puking antifreeze after a ride. One of which had the bike bought back by Harley..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 822
From: Nevada
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In my opinion, it was a great bike back in 2003 and it's a great bike still today. People have been riding around on the "old frame" and smaller motors for years and years. There's nothing wrong with either. It's just not the latest and greatest. The only real issue that stands out to me is the cam chain tension system. With 55,000 miles it has probably already been taken care of but you should ask to make sure. My only issue would be the older stereo, lol. Look around on ebay and some of the other online sites to see what similar bikes are going for. You could end up getting a great deal!!
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,618
Likes: 290
From: Johnstown, PA
NADA has it listed at $8-10K.
Don't be afraid of the 88's, they are a tried and true engine, just have to keep an eye on the cam chain tensioners. I have no issues with power with my stage 1 88.
Since he is a friend, do you know what he is hiding behind the bullet hole stickers? Also what is the puck shaped thing on to of the tourpak?
If there is damage behind the stickers, i would offer under $8000. Did you ask him what he is hoping to get? May be less than what you are thinking.
Don't be afraid of the 88's, they are a tried and true engine, just have to keep an eye on the cam chain tensioners. I have no issues with power with my stage 1 88.
Since he is a friend, do you know what he is hiding behind the bullet hole stickers? Also what is the puck shaped thing on to of the tourpak?
If there is damage behind the stickers, i would offer under $8000. Did you ask him what he is hoping to get? May be less than what you are thinking.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,106
Likes: 12
From: SoCal
I agree. Without a close inspection, I have a hunch that bike may heve been over on the right side and scuffed the fairing. Now that could be as simple as scuffing the garage wall when parking, or a parking lot tip over, but I would ask him anyway. If you can, run your hands down the corners of the front and rear crash bars. A scuff or scratch is nothing, but a flat spot from sliding tells a different story. Also see if the lowers come with it too.
I think '03 was a good year for Ultras.
I think '03 was a good year for Ultras.