2003 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUI Ultra Classic Electra Glide

Summary:

I really like this ride

Faults:

For the above question, my previous bike was a VZ1600 Marauder. I have not had any problems with this bike.

General Comments:

This is a great handling bike. It is quick and responsive, turns easily and is well balanced. The front end moves nicely and doesn't fell heavy.

I like having ALL the bells and whistles available, and the list of extras is amazingly long.

I am a taller person 6'2", and the original seat is not very comfortable, and I am looking for an alternative for it.

I have been riding for quite some time; Honda 750 SS, Suzuki 850, Honda GL1100, and my VZ1600. We rode the Gold wing around the country on two different occasions.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th October, 2010

2003 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUI Ultra Classic Electra Glide

Summary:

I like my Anniversary Ultra!

Faults:

Nothing at all. An occasional burned out light in the tour-pak. The 02-06' EVO 88 engine has been virtually bullet-proof.

General Comments:

I had been riding since 1980 and owned Yamahas (80,' 400 Special II & 83' Virago 920) and a 94' Kawasaki 1200 Voyager prior to buying the O3' Ultra. Its performance suffered in comparison to the nine year old Kawasaki (not as quick, didn't handle as well, etc.), the air-cooled engine is "hot" and at times, uncomfortable while stopped at a traffic light, but I enjoy it so much more. Maybe it's the "potato - potato" sound at the light; maybe it's just the so-called "Harley mystique," but it was true for me.

Service and parts are more expensive, but I enjoy the endless accessorizing and adding of parts, etc. I enjoy all the accouterments of the "bagger," i.e., stereo, CB, weather band, intercom, places to carry extra stuff (chaps, jackets, rain gear, etc.).

It's seven years old, runs great, super comfortable, and still draws positive comments from strangers.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th March, 2010

8th Jun 2014, 17:48

Hmm... found this comment from 2010, and realized I was the one who wrote it!!!

Update: Summer of 2014: Approaching 22,000 on the '03 Ultra, and she's still riding great. I added a driver's backrest, and took the "lowers" off since 2010. Still getting about 45 MPG on the road "loaded down" with pax and baggage on premium gas.

Did my 20,000 mile service at HD last year after Sturgis, and it was expensive, but I'm not complaining.

Get this! My original OEM battery was still strong after 10 years, but I had it replaced just because I didn't want to press my luck. I figured that at this stage, when it died, it would go all at once. I've always kept it on a YUASA tender.

I am considering the Kuryakyn front / back LED lights as a safety measure. Saw a buddy's last year, and the difference in visibility is tremendous in both day and night time riding.

I'm starting to concern myself with replacing the cam chain tensioners at about 25,000 miles. I might consider the big bore kit at that time.

I'm still very happy with the bike.

2003 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUI Ultra Classic Electra Glide

Summary:

This is a reliable, comfortable bike with good to excellent handling

Faults:

Main circuit breaker was tripping due to overload. This was a known problem and the dealer upgraded the breaker to a larger size at no charge.

General Comments:

I commuted on this machine for several years in Connecticut traffic, riding 90 miles round trip in a business suit and Roadcrafter suit each day, 3 seasons out of the year.

I upgraded the engine from 88 to 95 CI with the factory big bore kit with hydraulic clutch, installed the 1" thicker seat and added the 4 speaker + amplifier sound system upgrade.

My bike is a Classic, not an Ultra. I bought the bike as a "placeholder", trading in my wife's XL and my Dyna Low Rider, but after riding it for a week I realized that it was just about the best handling road bike out there. Recently added the Definitive 5 oil filter modification and am waiting for the center stand kit to arrive (non H-D). Now we need spring in New England!

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st January, 2009