100 year Anniversary models happened once for Harley Davidson and they made the best of it, offering their all of their models as a “100 Year Anniversary Edition” for extra fee. If you were, or are, a true Harley, “dyed in the wool”, “there is no better bike in the world” bike rider, having the Anniversary model was a badge of ownership and pride. It happened once and you had one.

Well, it’s not happening again, but there are bikes bought that year commemorating the event that come along either as the riders retire or, as in this case, become part of their estate. The 2003 Fuel Injected Harley Davidson Soft Tail Deuce 100th Anniversary Edition FXSTDI benefited from Willie G’s input and the press ate it up. This was from “Cruiser” in 2003 that was so good, I decided to share it.



“The Deuce is the best-looking full production motorcycle gracing any showroom.
The custom style starts right up front. The 21-inch wire-spoke front wheel could have been dipped in chrome. Hub, nipples, rim, and spokes are all coated with the shiny substance. The chrome permeates the front end, extending from the axle nuts all the way to the steering head nut. Only the brake components, fender, rear tire, reflectors and a few pinch bolts missed the shiny stuff. The fork juts out at an aggressive 34-degree rake, kicking off the long, low profile. The fork sliders have a unique, curving, narrow-waisted shape similar to those of some aftermarket items. Curved, swept-back five-inch risers lift the low-rise handlebar, which like other Harley-Davidson bars, is stainless steel.

From the handlebar, your eye drifts down to the fuel tank, another original component created -- like the fork sliders -- for the Deuce. Longer and narrower than other Harley tanks, the tank makes a major contribution to the long, low, flowing look of the Deuce, although it holds 4.9 gallons instead of the 5.0 on other current Softails. No visible seams mar the tank's profile, and instead of the familiar Harley tank-top instrument console, the stretched fuel vessel sports a chrome housing for the speedometer and ignition switch that extends the length of the tank, emphasizing its length and creating a divider.

Below the tank, the counterbalanced 1450cc Twin Cam engine wears black and chrome livery. Even the external oil lines are chrome. The elliptical airbox design of the new engines meshes nicely with the long look of the bike as do the shotgun dual mufflers, which now have their crossover tube behind the engine. Forward foot controls stretch the rider out in a posture that emphasizes the style too.

Behind the engine, the oil tank -- which wraps around in a U shape to show up on both sides of the frame -- glitters with additional chrome. The Softail rear suspension banishes the dual horizontal dampers from sight beneath the engine. That leaves the new rear end uncluttered. Uninterrupted by visible fasteners, swooping chrome rails bracket a fender that's vaguely reminiscent of the original FX Super Glide style. Small, clean turn signals and a shallow, semi-recessed taillight create minor visual interruptions and presumably push the regulatory limits for size.

Above the fender, a thin, almost seamless saddle glides from the tank up to atop the fender. Below, a disc-style 17-inch cast-alloy wheel carries the widest rubber ever to grace a stock Harley. The hulking 160/70VB17 Dunlop K591 and solid wheel (which is not chromed) create a stark visual counterpoint to the tall, narrow, almost spindly front wheel.

Overall the look of the Deuce shows that Harley has been paying attention to the work of aftermarket custom builders and is willing to ask its production people to give the extra effort needed to make a bike this clean. This motorcycle, which replaces the Softail Custom, goes much deeper into the territory previously occupied only by custom builders. However, it is not intended to eclipse them either. "This is still a canvas they can work with," Willie G. Davidson, Harley's Vice President of styling, told us. As the rider gawking at the Deuce in the parking lot observed, it isn't difficult to find things to change, even if you don't want to change the basic lines and style of the bike. Prettier brake hoses, foot controls, grips and other cosmetic components such as those found on Harley's limited-production CVO models, are obvious bolt-ons for someone looking to extend the production Deuce toward full-house custom.”



The bike has brand new tires front and rear, engine oils changed and a full safety inspection just completed, over $800 spent on the service. It is ready for the road and it’s next set of adventures.

Miles showing are 23,964 and the VIN# is 1HD1JBB3X3Y052339.The selling price is $6,995. For other interesting bikes and collectable vehicles, visit http://www.automaniagp.com , call 541 479 8888 or come by and see us at 895 SE Gladiola Drive, Grants Pass, Oregon, 97526. Oregon Dealer DA1287.

Automania is a Consignment Oregon Dealer selling quality, privately owned vehicles including Aprilia, Buell, BMW, Citroen, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Honda, Hummer, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, Nissan, Ossa, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa, Classic Hot Rods, Buick, Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, MG, Packard, Porsche, Rover, Shelby, Toyota, Triumph, Volkswagen and any other vehicle of interest