Is the 103 a better engine than the old 96?

 

Isn't the 103 simply a bored out 96? Seems like the change from 88 to 96 was the big upgrade/improvrment to hydrulic cam tensioners, etc.

 

Maybe, maybe not!

 

The 103 has A little more power that comes with more engine heat. For a light dyna I would say yes, for a heavy bagger I would think it could go either way. I only say that because I have heard bagger guys say they like 96 because they run cooler.My 2012 is the first year for the 103 in the dyna. I wanted the 103 because it is at 9.6 factory compression. A light shave of the heads and a 30 thousandth head gasket and I am at 10.2. The 96 being 9.2 I would go big bore for increasing compression. So yeah, maybe, maybe not.

 

I have a 2011 FLHR with a 96'' and my brother has a 2013 FLHR with a 103''. I wouldn't change a thing on his bike, it runs fantastic...….

 

Man, I had a 96 in a Road King and it was stupid hot. Exponentially hotter than the 103 in my Street Bob.

 

Are you saying the 103 would have run cooler than the 96 in your road king??

 

Yes, I’ve test ridden 103 Road Kings as well, much cooler.

 

I ride a 103 Road King and the wife still has a 96 Softail Heat is Not an issue with a crotch cooler ..

 

Hah, I actually contacted you for one when I had my RK still but you couldn’t ship in time for Daytona. Think you just made the point though - the 96 needs a crotch cooler.

Back to the the original question though, I think 103 is worth it.