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
108 top? Bullcrap.
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
My 03 Road King has 100k on the clock, with hydraulic cam chain tensioners , looks like new !!
Fast as hell .
The cam chain tensioner design is shit. A Bakelite pad material was used which in time can wear and break into pieces. The pieces can destroy the oil pump etc. There is no mileage prediction that be made when the material will fall apart. Maybe how hard you ride can make a difference. There is a HD gear accessory kit that be installed to eliminate the entire cam chain system. A necessary investment to protect the engine.
How many miles before you did your cam. Mine has 17000 miles. Didn’t know when it should be done..
Hello at what miles did you change out the chain tensioner s
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.
Says that in 2003 ALL FL’s came with a 95″ twin cam. …incorrect base motor was 88″ with available big bore kits of 95 and 103 inches available for purchase from dealer
In 2003 the only harley available with the 103 cubic inch was the screamin eagle roadking. It was by far the best 100 year anniversary motorcycle that Harley built!
I have this same bike for sale if anyone is interested. Just had the motor tore down and completely rebuilt 150 miles on it so far and 2 oil changes. Selling it for $11,000 if anyone is intrested . I live in Albany Oregon. 541 220-5604
Purchased my 03 Road King CVO new at the end of 02. Not many miles ridden since due to illness. 62,000. Some improvements were necessary due to lack of HD proper test engineering on the 103. Starters. Replaced 2 with only 35,000. 103 high compression. Given lots of suggestions. Bigger battery, cables, starter etc. I did this. Got the Hd accessory cylinder head manual compression relief valve jig kit. Required removing the heads and using the jig kit so the heads could be machined at their proper location to drill new threaded holes for air relief manual valves. Push the down button on the valves. Start engine. Valves reset themselves automatically when engine starts. No more starter problem. Replaced the headlight. Original one no good. Purchased a kit so all back tail lights work with the break light. HD factory missed that big safety improvement. Cam chain tensioners are shit! and almost destroyed my engine. Replaced with all gear kit. Last but not least. The 103 started to run like crap and could not tune it properly. The stock ECM has limited programming abilities. Had the HD super tuner kit installed by a HD shop who had dyno tune equipment. The difference in performance is absolutely remarkable. HD shops are required to not allow engines ( via ECM programming) not to exceed certain RPMS for driver speed safety. My super tuned 103 if allowed would push the road king down the road at 130+ mph. I use stock HD oil and change every 3,000. HD shops will tell you the solid mag wheels have no effect riding in cross winds. Bullshit. Be careful. PS. Do not let the bike sit idle for periods of time. Gaskets dry out. $$$.
Leo,
Very informative information about your CVO Road King. I have one that I purchased 3 years ago from the original owners son. It sat for 10 years in a heated garage (thank God) and just needed a battery and cleaned up. I bought in February and worked on it for 2 months cleaning it up and doing regular maintenance/service work. I took it out in April for a ride and stopped at one of my haunts to show my buddies and found it leaking from the inner primary case. I took it home and inspected the leak that was found to be coming from the transmission. I dismantled the primary and found that the main shaft on the transmission had a lot of play. I took it to my mechanic and had him take a look at it. Tranny was junk! It seams that this bike was beat on by the previous owner. I was fortunate enough to find a Iimms 6 speed in a 5 speed case with no miles for $250.00! I had that installed and this bike is awesome to ride. It came with the up graded air cleaner and a Hooker true dual performance exhaust system. It has 16570 miles and I am going to check the timing chain tensioners this winter. I am going to look into up grading the ignition. I never do “Hole Shots” or smoke the rear tire. I do ride it fast though and not many people either can’t keep up with me or don’t want to try. I am 64 and not afraid to push my bikes to the edge. I have been riding since I was 8 years old and this is my 24th street bike since 1979 and my 18th Harley.
Rode One To Work Today.
I changed my cam tensioners at 30k miles! I also upgraded the screaming eagle cam. The bike roars! Been twice to Sturgis and 33 states. Has 53,000 and is running strong!
Buying a 2003 CVO Road King FLHRSE in a few weeks. 100% original to the nut. 14k on the od. Soon as I get it home, new shoes and full inspection, oil, cam tensioner upgrade etc. Not a big fan of Harley maint. shops and prefer to know my mechanic doing the work on my bike. There is a highly recommended shop in Hoquiam, Wa. The bike is a rolling museum piece and is going to stay as original as possible. My 6th HD. Missed the 85th Sturgis Rally and plans to ride from Ocean Shores, Wa to the 86th! To the person that called the 2003 “awful”, many will disagree. CVO paint jobs are definitely unique. Guess what? It’s mine!