96 with the 6 speed provides better performance.
Still to early to tell which is more reliable.

 

Farns,
Do you have a link to that article?

TIA,
Del

 

My son has an 06 Street Bob and I have an 07 FXSTC, We both put in a Cobra F2000r programmer and SE intake and pipes. We both weigh about the same and the 96 pulls away form the 88 at any speed with authority.

 

I've ridden everything HD has made since the knuckle, and I've ridden the 88 a LOT, and ridden beside one a lot, as well.

Totally stock, I preferred the 88, as I mentioned on other threads here. But now that I have the old-style SEIIs, the Stage 1 download, and the SE air cleaner I'll take my TC96 any day. I can stay WAY longer in each gear ... even rev'ing out to 70 mph before changing to fourth (Nice sound while doing it, too! ), and if I keep it in fifth gear I can pull away from a TC88, which I couldn't do till I did the Stage 1.

And even with the higher/longer rev'ing engine due to Stage 1, since I have the sixth gear I can cruise comfy on the interstate at80 - 85all day at very low rpms (90+ if no cops are out) and still get around 40 miles per gallon.

I already have 6000 miles on my new scoot and I am loving it more every day. Much like my old Evo WideGlide, I think this one will be a keeper.

------

 

I had an '03 88ci and now a '07 96ci. Both stock motor and trans. I like the 96 and the 6 speed better so far.

YMMV.

 

Delmarksman:
Sorry, I do not have a link.

You may be able to get some insight at: www.heavydutycycles.com

 

Thanks, I'll check that out.

 

88

 

I just purchased a great used 2003 ultra...with of course an 88. Before purchasing a used bike i went to the shop near me that specializes in hd that has been working on my 2002 fatboy since new....where better to ask about advise on a used bike than there. both the mechanic and owner said to concentrate on 2003-2005 for the main reason that those years had excellent quality control as well as much fewer problems with the fuel injection, stage 1 mod. Those years are of course the 88....but when asking my mechanic further about the 96, 103, 110....he said if it was better to punch up an 88 to a 95 than to go with the others. he said the hp between them is relatively close. So i go with the guys that order parts, repair and do warranty for alot of bikes...they know way more than me....

LIFE IS GREAT...WE ALL RIDE....

 

I've had both and I enjoyed my 88 but so far, I like my 96 better