I'm looking to move up to an Electra Glide from a Softail to do longer distances and 2 up riding. With a passenger, I easily exceed the GVWR for the softail. Me and the Mrs. are no toothpicks. Is there really that much of power difference between the 96 and 103 motor? The price jump between the Ultra and the Ultra limited is pretty steep, but I'm willing to pay if it would make the ride a lot better.

 

Unless you really like all the stuff and colors of the Limited, get the96 and do a stage 1. If thats not enough power, add a new cam and you will still have money left over.

 

I've ridden an Ultra Limited. There is a noticeable difference in power but not for the difference in price. I don't particularly like the color choices either.

 

Similarly equipped (ABS, security, cruise, 2-tone), the Limited is around $1,400 more than an Ultra. It's a bargain. With my wife and our luggage, we were outrunning other bikes through the Kentucky mountains last weekend.

 

With the information you provided you would be a good one to go for the 103 build.
The HD 103 done right is a rock solid build that will run along time with no problems.
The 103 is just enough to give you extra power all the way around but not so much as to bring about other issues.
If you buy new either buy one that is offered with 103 or have it done right away so it is covered.

 

I do like the Limited...I would say the trade-in down the road would hold a little better...I would not be apposed to an Ultra w/ a 103 upgrade w/ my better color choice. However, the price is then upside down. Humm, color? 103 cubic inch? Limited? Good luck let us know what-cha get.

 

The problem with the limited is that although it has the 103 displacement, thats all it has (performance wise) it still has the stock cams, stock exhaust, stock intake, and stock tune.

I would NOT pay for a limited based on the motor size. I would personally get an Ultra and use the cost difference to do the Stage 2 103 kit WITH cams, WITH a good intake.

If you do that prior to delivery, and dont' change the exhaust or tuning from the flash ecm download in the kit, you should keep your warranty intact.

Adding a tuner/dyno tune and better exhaust will improve it noticably, but you could have warranty issues if you have a problem out on the road. (your dealer may/may not cover it...but other dealers don't have to if you venture outside whats included in the kit)

I personally do not feel the 103 in the limited comes near justifying its cost over the ultra. I think a Stage 1 Ultra with better pipes will get you the same level of performance or even better with a good tune. Granted, the Limited does have nicer wheels, gauges, and IMHO, paint layout. Along with a few other minor things. So if those factor into your decision over an Ultra, thats something to consider as well.

 

My understanding is that the limited is just the big bore no cams, I would be surprised if you cant get the ultra and have them do the stage II 103 and be equal money to a limited with just the 103 or with the cams changed. That is if you were already going to do the stage one and get a tuner. I am seeing a 4000 dollar difference and while I realize you get the heated grips and other things with the limited, determine how much you will use them and what does it cost to add them at 20% off. Most of the extras are just easy bolt on changes. Plus I think limiteds are selling at a premium whereas you may be able to get the ultra for slightly less making the difference possibly greater than 4 grand. Oh and a 103 with a proper cam change is well worth the money. I only wish I would have done it sooner.

 

I'm with '05Train. Picked mine up in Jan, had them put the Stage I on with the K&N air filter, Rineharts...it comes with the oiler cooler, ABS, Security and two tone paint I really thought it was worth the extra $1400-1500 with the added features, plus it runs great on the open hiway....!

 

The 103 is really not worth much without cams. If you have the proper cams put in the 103 you will see a nice boost in power.