I am currently tring to decide between the standard 96" or the 103" on the new streetglide. I am concerned about the 103" running hot, and would like opinions from those who have them as to whether the extra cost is worth it. Also, opinions on ABS would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

I had the 96" in my 10 EGC and have the 103" in my 11 Limited. Heat seems to be the same, cant tell any difference. ABS is a personal preference. I have had it on both bikes because they had it installed already. I think it's a good idea on a 850 lb. bike.

 

Power Pack seems like a great deal to me! 103" motor, ABS, Security System, ACR's & Oil Cooler for $1995! If I can ever afford another bike, it will have the Power Pack!

 

I have both in my garage ( the 103" belongs to my Pal from Kelowna, he leaves it here in the winter, smart eh?)

Heat really seems the same.

comparing my stage 1 and his stage 1 bikes, and test rides I have done with the demo fleet:

MPG is identical between my 96" and his 103" measured over thousands of miles- about 43 MPG that'd be better than 17 KM per liter ( I think...US gallon is 3.96 liters(?)

Heat seems same- I have stock headers ( 09 no Cat), he has V&H headers.

Power- the difference is in the torque- more pulling power at lower rpms. In practical terms unless you are hot-rodding on your 400 Kilogram bike- you won't really need it in town- but you may "want it"

The difference I noticed was on the 96, 6th gear is best used at 106 or 110 KPH and above. The increased torque on the 103 allowed 6th at 100 KPH ( level ground).
It was nice but not enough to fork out the extra 2 grand.

The ABS is awesome and I really like it- I hope it improves safety margin when some pr1ck pulls in front of me, and the ABS is fantastic on dirt, gravel roads you can use the front brake!

mike

 

No hotter than the 96. Get the 103, it's the motor that Harley should be putting in all the touring bikes.

 

I will say heat wasn't a big deal to me but the one that sits behind me said it was hot........ things can be done to cool it down just keep reading here and these guys will show you how to spend.......oh I mean cool it down. The 103 is a better deal with abs and security IMO

 

The heat on my 103 Ultra Limited seems the same as my brothers 96 Ultra Classic.

I think the ABS and oil cooler are definitely worth it.

All I really have to say is that if you don't do it, I bet you will regret it . . .

 

Have a 2011, 103 Street Glide, No Issues with heat, the power pak option is great had it bundled with cruise also. No overheat issues at all, no different than the 96 inch that friends have.

 

Just picked up an '11 SG with the pwerpak and had a break in the weather this weekend so I took it for a 50 mile break in ride. The first thing I bought and installed for it was a set of RJSOriginal heat guards. Waiting on a few other items to come, but those went on before I even started the bike up.

It was 65 degrees on Sat when I took it out. There was no heat problem at all, ideling at lights was fine and running around town there was zero problems.

I'm sure when the temp outside gets a lot higher, that the temps will rise and I'll be even happier that the heat guards are there.

 

Just my opinion but I would save the 2k as I would want to do a 103-107 my way, I would put a different oil cooler on it and I don't use my cruise at all. ABS, as far as I am concerned is not what I thought it would be and would rather have the money back but so many others either love it or think they have to have it so when the time comes for re-sale I may just be very glad my bike is equipped with ABS for a quicker re-sale. I don't think that a 103 vs 96 heat comparison given all other things equal will have a difference of more than a couple of degrees.