Cruisers

2003Harley-Davidson FLSTCI Heritage Softail Classic

31 fields on record

The 2003 Harley-Davidson FLSTCI Heritage Softail Classic is a retro cruiser that appeals to riders seeking classic styling with modern reliability. Powered by a 1449cc V-twin engine with fuel injection, it delivers strong low-end torque ideal for cruising. Known for its iconic heritage design and comfortable riding position, it remains a favorite among traditionalist Harley enthusiasts.

Capacity: 1449.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 317.0 kg
Seat height: 697 mm
Power: 67.0 HP (49.3 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

What’s new for the 2003 Harley-Davidson FLSTCI Heritage Softail Classic

vs the 2002

Spec	2002	2003
Torque	109.5 Nm (11.2 kgf-m or 80.8 ft.lbs)	105.0 Nm (10.7 kgf-m or 77.4 ft.lbs) @ 3300 RPM
Dry weight	335.0 kg (738.5 pounds)	317.0 kg (698.9 pounds)
Wet weight	—	335.0 kg (738.5 pounds)
Seat height	644 mm (25.4 inches)	697 mm (27.4 inches)

Other years 2002 2003 2004 2005

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding45%

Daily riding60%

Touring78%

Two-up75%

Track5%

Best for: Built for relaxed, classic-styled boulevard and highway cruising rather than outright speed or sport handling.
Built for: A traditional, heritage-styled Harley Softail that rewards a laid-back, torque-driven riding style over revvy performance.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering ability, off-road capability, or brisk acceleration.

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

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 697mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2003 Harley-Davidson FLSTCI Heritage Softail Classic, 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: 1449.0 ccm
Power: 67.0 HP (49.3 kW)
Torque: 105.0 Nm (10.7 kgf-m) @ 3300 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2114 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 95.3 x 101.6 mm
Compression: 8.8:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Valves per cylinder: 2

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Multi-plate clutch with diaphragm spring in oil bath

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1638 mm
Overall length: 2391 mm
Seat height: 697 mm
Dry weight: 317.0 kg
Wet weight: 335.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.90 litres
Ground clearance: 129 mm

Chassis & suspension

Rake (fork angle): 32.0°
Trail: 147 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 292 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 292 mm
Front tyre: 90/90-16
Rear tyre: 150/80-16

Other

Color options: 2-tone sterling silver & vivid black, vivid black, gunmetal pearl, luxury rich red pearl, white pearl, luxury blue pearl

Specs last verified against published sources: September 2026.

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
Capacity	1449 cc	1449 cc	1449 cc	1449 cc
Dry weight	335 kg	317 kg	322 kg	322 kg
Seat height	644 mm	697 mm	648 mm	648 mm
Fuel capacity	18.9 L	18.9 L	18.9 L	18.9 L

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

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 recall may apply

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSApr 2005 · 05V151000

CERTAIN SOFTAIL MOTORCYCLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, 'CERTIFICATION.' THE VIN/CERTIFICATION LABEL CONTAINS INCORRECT TIRE SIZE AND INFLATION PRESSURES FOR THE FRONT WHEEL. THE LABEL STATES THE TIRE SIZE IS MT90B21 AND THE INFLATION PRESSURE AS 30 PSI, WHEREAS THE CORRECT TIRE SIZE IS MT90B16, AND THE CORRECT INFLATION PRESSURE IS 36 PSI.

Risk: THE CERTIFICATION LABEL IS INCORRECT GIVING IMPROPER INFORMATION.

Remedy: HARLEY- DAVIDSON WILL MAIL INSTRUCTIONS ALONG WITH CORRECTED FEDERAL CERTIFICATION LABEL. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 6, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.

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 →