Almost 20 years ago now, Harley-Davidson celebrated 100 years of motorcycle manufacturing in 2003 and produced a variety of special edition bikes including CVO’s.
Originated in 1999, the Custom Vehicle Operations section at Harley-Davidson takes manufacturing to “a whole new level of customization, nearly impossible to duplicate on a standard bike, boasting accessories that can’t be purchased anywhere else,” according to Harley-Davidson literature. CVO’s used bigger engines, fancier wheels, more chrome and definitely special paint. This bike is one of 3600 CVO Road Kings made, a model FLHRSEI, finished in Centennial Gold with Black and Burgundy accents. It’s one of just two styles of CVO’s made that year, the other being the Deuce. The spec sheet includes 50 special CVO items, many of which are 100th Anniversary related.
To many Harley enthusiasts, the Road King is the “core” American motorcycle with roots back to the late 1930’s Knucklehead. With bags and a windshield, it’s minimal, flexible, nimble, ready for about any ride anywhere. In 2003 all FL’s were powered by the Twin Cam 95 engine, but this CVO is bored and stroked to 103 cubic inches. Bill Philbin, the original owner, and donor of the machine stated in 2014 when he gave the bike to the Museum, “The bike, though not that old, is beautiful and significant because it marks a milestone in the Motor Company’s first 100 years. It is almost 14 years into the next 100. As the years go by this century marker will be important and that is why I had to have it in the first place.”
Bill Philbin graciously donated his Anniversary CVO Road King in 2014, and you can check it out among a fine group of Harley big twins the next time you visit.
Specifications:
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- Engine: Air-Cooled Twin, Four-Stroke
- Type: Overhead Valves, Two Valves per Cylinder
- Bore & Stroke: 3.87 Inches x 4.37 Inches
- Displacement: 1690cc’s
- Compression Ratio: 9.0 – 1
- Ignition: Electronic
- Carburetor: 45mm Fuel Injection
- Starting: Electric
- Torque: 100 Foot Pounds at 3500 RPM
- Primary: Double Row Chain
- Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate
- Final Drive: Gates Carbon Fiber Belt
- Transmission: 5-Speed
- Frame: Double Down Tube, Steel
- Suspension: 41mm Hydraulic Fork / Swingarm, Dual Shocks
- Brakes: Dual Piston 11.5″ Dual Discs / 11.5″ Disc
- Wheelbase: 63.5 Inches
- Wheels / Tires: MT90x16 / MT90x16
- Weight: 745 Pounds
- Top Speed: 108MPH
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awful paint design
There’s a reason that the ice cream store has 33 flavors. What a dull world if we all liked the same thing.
I ride a 2003 RoadKing CVO
and it is easily the fastest bike I’ve ever ridden
Beautiful bike and a great addition to the museum. Very generous of Mr. Philbin to donate such a significant machine for all to enjoy.
What a beautiful machine.
A 2003 going I to a museum. That doesn’t make you feel old, Lol.
Great bike, in 2003 , that was a radical paint design. Well done.
Did this CVO come with a production number? like some other models?
I have one of these and I haven’t found a number anywhere on it. All of the 100th Anniversary plates just say “100th Anniversary”. My brother’s 95th anniversary screamin eagle sporty has a number on the anniversary plate.
I love my 03 Roadking Screaming Eagle. I upgraded to hydraulic cam system, Eliminated the old shoes. Almost destroyed my engine but caught in time. Also Led Lights and extra chrome, Upgraded air filter Etc. Etc.
Hi Steven. I just bought one of these bikes. In great shape and 16k miles. What about the cam system. Is there something that I should be aware of?
I got a 1976ironhead it’s lot of work but I’m sticking with it tom
The cams are driven by a chain and have spring tension system. The tension is maintained with a teflone slider that are recommended to be replaced/adjusted around 3000 miles, if don’t the chain will flop around and eventually destroy the motor. Most that own twin cams replace the tensioner with a gear set instead of the chain
I just bout one of these. I couldn’t be happier. It has 16300 miles and is in pretty near original condition.
Hi Steven. I just bought one of these bikes. In great shape and 16k miles. What about the cam system. Is there something that I should be aware of?
Jerry, they come with spring cam chain tensioners, get them checked at 30k, better than destroying engine, use the best oil .
WAYFUCKIN KOOL
AlsoWAYFUCKIN KOOL
I currently own the exact CVO still looks and runs like new
Mine has15.5k, runs, rides and looks like new. I’ve had 7 Harley’s..this is my fave by far.
Got this one NOW for sale with less than 20000 miles. Asking $11000. Located in Colorado. Email me at lorado59@gmail.com.
I have this bike with an added 6-speed and high compression piston kit. Along with all the chrome you could imagine! Just over 5,000 miles on the odometer.
I’m looking at one with 7500 miles and they’re asking $8750. Good deal? Opinions. First Harley
Is getting the hydraulic lifters very expensive? Seriously thinking abut one. Thanks
just bought one with 21,000 miles. bike is as sweet and clean as it was the day it was bought from the dealership. has a few add ons. bigger cams, performance clutch, Dyno tuned. upgraded exhaust and ape hangers but stock outside of those few things. cant wait for the weather to get better to be able to ride it. sweet bike and one to check off my bucket list.