Positioning:
The 2003 Harley-Davidson Touring models (including Electra Glide, Street Glide, Road King, and Road Glide) represented the pinnacle of American touring motorcycles, offering comfort, power, and iconic style for long-distance riding.
Competitors:
Competed against other large-displacement touring motorcycles from brands like Honda (Gold Wing), BMW (K-Series RT), and Indian during this era.
Touring Features:
Large fairings with ample wind protection, comfortable seating for rider and passenger, substantial luggage capacity via saddlebags and optional Tour-Pak, powerful V-twin engines, and available amenities like cruise control and premium audio systems.
Powertrain:
Engine (Twin Cam 88, Twin Cam 88B), Fuel System (EFI/Carburetor), Exhaust System, Transmission (5-speed Cruise Drive), Primary Drive, Final Drive.
Chassis:
Frame, Suspension (Front forks, Rear shocks), Wheels, Tires, Brakes (Front and Rear Disc), Steering.
Electrical:
Ignition System, Lighting System, Charging System, Starting System, Battery, Instrumentation, Audio System, Cruise Control, Security System.
Bodywork:
Fairings, Saddlebags, Tour-Pak, Fenders, Fuel Tank, Seat, Handlebars, Controls.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, chain/belt adjustment, brake system checks, battery maintenance.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper servicing, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, wiring diagrams interpretation.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive; covers disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and adjustment for all major systems. Includes torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Engine Type:
Air-Cooled, Twin Cam 88 or Twin Cam 88B (for Softail-derived models, though less common in core Touring lineup) V-Twin
Displacement:
1450cc (88 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.75 in x 4.00 in (95.25 mm x 101.6 mm)
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1 (typical)
Horsepower:
Approx. 65-70 HP (estimated at crankshaft, manufacturer claimed ratings varied)
Torque:
Approx. 85-90 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM (estimated)
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection - ESPFI) or Carbureted (Keihin CV Carburetor).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline, 87 Octane minimum.
Oil Capacity:
4.0 US quarts (3.8 L) with filter change.
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 (20W-50) or equivalent motorcycle-specific synthetic oil meeting Harley-Davidson specifications.
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Cruise Drive Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
N/A (5-speed manual was standard across Touring models)
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios vary slightly by model year, but typically: 1st: 9.59, 2nd: 6.65, 3rd: 4.94, 4th: 3.81, 5th: 3.14
Primary Drive:
Single Row, Primary Drive Chain (1.449:1 ratio)
Final Drive:
Belt Drive (32 Tooth Front Pulley, 70 Tooth Rear Pulley; 2.188:1 ratio)
Transmission Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Transmission Fluid or equivalent motorcycle 4-speed/5-speed transmission fluid (e.g., Spectro Gear Oil 6-speed or SYN3 for transmission and primary).
Transmission Oil Capacity:
2.7 US quarts (2.5 L)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 63.5 inches (1613 mm)
Length:
Approx. 93.1 inches (2365 mm)
Width:
Approx. 37.6 inches (955 mm)
Height:
Approx. 57.0 inches (1448 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 710 - 750 lbs (322 - 340 kg) depending on model variant.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1260 lbs (571 kg)
Fuel Capacity:
5.0 US gallons (18.9 L)
Saddlebag Capacity:
Approx. 2.2 cubic feet per saddlebag (total ~4.4 cubic feet)
Tour Pak Capacity:
Approx. 2.4 cubic feet (optional)
Crash Test Ratings:
Motorcycles are not subject to formal government crash test ratings like passenger cars.
Braking System:
Dual front disc brakes with multi-piston calipers, single rear disc brake with multi-piston caliper. ABS was optional on some models.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED tail light, front and rear turn signals, auxiliary passing lamps on some models.
Standard Features:
Strong steel frame, rider floorboards for stability, passenger grab handles.
Security:
Factory-installed Smart Security System with siren and hands-free fob (optional/standard depending on trim level).
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD player with handlebar-mounted controls and speakers integrated into the fairing. Some models featured CB radio and intercom.
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer and tachometer, fuel gauge, voltmeter, oil pressure indicator, and neutral indicator. Digital odometer and trip meter.
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control was an available option on many 2003 Touring models.
Communications:
Optional CB radio and passenger intercom systems were available on higher-spec models.
Initial Service:
1000 miles (1600 km) - includes oil change, primary chain case inspection, filter checks, and general inspection.
Subsequent Service:
Every 5000 miles (8000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Includes oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, and inspections.
Other Intervals:
Spark plugs (10,000 miles), brake fluid flush (every 2 years), transmission fluid change (10,000-20,000 miles depending on use), primary chain adjustment (as needed, typically 2500-5000 miles).
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 20W-50 or equivalent.
Primary Drive Fluid:
Harley-Davidson Formula + or equivalent transmission/primary lubricant (often the same as transmission oil).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, primary chain tensioner (hydraulic tensioner replaced by spring-loaded from 2007 onwards), fork seals, wheel bearings, voltage regulator.
Engine Specific:
Potential for premature wear of the hydraulic cam chain tensioner due to its design. Overheating in stop-and-go traffic on air-cooled engines.
Electrical Issues:
Failure of the voltage regulator or stator is a common issue on many Harley-Davidson models of this era.
Founding:
Harley-Davidson Motor Company was founded in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, making 2003 its centennial year.
Touring Lineage:
The Touring platform evolved from earlier large Harley-Davidson motorcycles designed for comfort and distance, with the 'Glide' series (Electra Glide, etc.) being a consistent flagship for decades. The Twin Cam 88 engine was introduced in 1999 for most models, offering increased displacement and revised architecture over the Evolution engine.
Manufacturing Location:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA and York, Pennsylvania, USA.
Centennial Celebration:
2003 was a significant year for Harley-Davidson, marked by extensive centennial celebrations, special edition models, and commemorative branding.
Brand Recognition:
Harley-Davidson is consistently recognized as an iconic American brand with a strong lifestyle following.
Customer Satisfaction:
While subjective, Harley-Davidson riders often report high levels of satisfaction due to brand loyalty and the riding experience.
Manufacturing Standards:
Adheres to all relevant industry manufacturing standards for motorcycles.
