Cruisers

2003Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod

25 fields on record

The 2003 Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod revolutionized the cruiser segment with its liquid-cooled 1130cc V-twin engine and aggressive, modern styling. Built for riders seeking performance and attitude, it delivers substantial torque and handling prowess while maintaining classic cruiser appeal. Known for its revolutionary design and powerful engine, the V-Rod became an instant icon redefining what a Harley cruiser could be.

Capacity: 1130.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: Not on record
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Wet weight: 282.1 kg
Seat height: 660 mm
Power: 135.6 HP (99.7 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

What’s new for the 2003 Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod

vs the 2002

Spec	2002	2003
Power	115.0 HP (84.6 kW)	135.6 HP (99.7 kW)
Torque	88.0 Nm (9.0 kgf-m or 64.9 ft.lbs)	105.0 Nm (10.7 kgf-m or 77.4 ft.lbs)
Dry weight	270.4 kg (596.1 pounds)	not listed
Wet weight	—	282.1 kg (621.9 pounds)

Other years 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering40%

City riding55%

Daily riding55%

Touring40%

Two-up45%

Track25%

Best for: Built for straight-line boulevard muscle and show-stopping presence rather than agile cornering or long-distance touring.
Built for: A liquid-cooled, high-revving V-twin drag-style cruiser that trades traditional Harley rumble for a more performance-oriented, aggressive power delivery.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders wanting nimble cornering, off-road capability, or a relaxed, wind-protected touring setup.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 660mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2003 Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1130.0 ccm
Power: 135.6 HP (99.7 kW)
Torque: 105.0 Nm (10.7 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.4807 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke: 100.0 x 72.0 mm
Compression: 11.3:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection

Transmission

Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1710 mm
Overall length: 2435 mm
Seat height: 660 mm
Wet weight: 282.1 kg
Fuel capacity: 14.00 litres
Ground clearance: 130 mm
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Dual disc
Front brakes diameter: 292 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 292 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR19 60W
Rear tyre: 180/55-ZR18 74W

Other

Color options: 2-tone sterling silver & vivid black, anodised aluminum

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006
Capacity	1130 cc	1130 cc	1131 cc	1131 cc	1131 cc
Dry weight	270 kg	—	275 kg	275 kg	272 kg
Seat height	660 mm	660 mm	660 mm	660 mm	648 mm
Fuel capacity	14 L	14 L	14 L	14 L	14 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 recall may apply

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNALFeb 2009 · 09E007000

HARLEY-DAVIDSON IS RECALLING 97 LED TURN SIGNAL MOUNTING KITS, P/NOS. 69951-08 (BLACK) AND 69593-08 (CHROME), FOR INSTALLATION ON MY 2002 THROUGH 2009 VRSC MODEL MOTORCYCLES (EXCLUDING VRSCF MODEL). DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE MOUNTING BRACKET, P/NO. 70497-08, WHICH SECURES THE LED TURN SIGNAL CONTROLLER TO THE MOTORCYCLE FRAME, THE CONTROLLER MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH THE OIL FILTER.

Risk: OVER TIME, THIS CONTACT CAN LEAD TO A HOLE IN THE OIL FILTER AND ALLOW EXCESSIVE OIL TO GET ON THE REAR TIRE, CAUSING A LOSS OF TRACTION, POSSIBLY LEADING TO A CRASH AND POTENTIAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: HARLEY-DAVIDSON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THE EXISTING BRACKET WITH A NEW BRACKET, P/NO. 70497-08A, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 26, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4680.

These recalls cover some 2003 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.

Source: NHTSA. View all Harley-Davidson recalls →