Is it worth it???
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,524
Likes: 36
From: San Diego, CA
These "how should i spend my money" threads always tickle me..
Only YOU know your finances. If money is no object, of course it's a better investment to get a newer bike with a bigger engine (think of resale or trade-in values down the line); but if $1300 is going to put you out obviously better to not spend what you don't have.
Did you ride the 2012 and the 2011? That's what you should do. I've heard lots of people say they feel no difference between the 103 and the 96, or such a slight difference that they wouldn't drop the cash. If you get on the 103 and think it's a huge power gain then clearly it's the way to go if you can afford it.
Again, in the end it's your money, not all of ours so it's really up to you. The forum can't hold your hand and tell you what to do with your finances.
Only YOU know your finances. If money is no object, of course it's a better investment to get a newer bike with a bigger engine (think of resale or trade-in values down the line); but if $1300 is going to put you out obviously better to not spend what you don't have.
Did you ride the 2012 and the 2011? That's what you should do. I've heard lots of people say they feel no difference between the 103 and the 96, or such a slight difference that they wouldn't drop the cash. If you get on the 103 and think it's a huge power gain then clearly it's the way to go if you can afford it.
Again, in the end it's your money, not all of ours so it's really up to you. The forum can't hold your hand and tell you what to do with your finances.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 390
Likes: 16
From: Somewhere in Massachusetts
These "how should i spend my money" threads always tickle me..
Only YOU know your finances. If money is no object, of course it's a better investment to get a newer bike with a bigger engine (think of resale or trade-in values down the line); but if $1300 is going to put you out obviously better to not spend what you don't have.
Did you ride the 2012 and the 2011? That's what you should do. I've heard lots of people say they feel no difference between the 103 and the 96, or such a slight difference that they wouldn't drop the cash. If you get on the 103 and think it's a huge power gain then clearly it's the way to go if you can afford it.
Again, in the end it's your money, not all of ours so it's really up to you. The forum can't hold your hand and tell you what to do with your finances.
Only YOU know your finances. If money is no object, of course it's a better investment to get a newer bike with a bigger engine (think of resale or trade-in values down the line); but if $1300 is going to put you out obviously better to not spend what you don't have.
Did you ride the 2012 and the 2011? That's what you should do. I've heard lots of people say they feel no difference between the 103 and the 96, or such a slight difference that they wouldn't drop the cash. If you get on the 103 and think it's a huge power gain then clearly it's the way to go if you can afford it.
Again, in the end it's your money, not all of ours so it's really up to you. The forum can't hold your hand and tell you what to do with your finances.
My post was to gauge what people would do if they were faced with the option I was provided and what went into their own thought process. Nothing more.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,524
Likes: 36
From: San Diego, CA
I'm not trying to offend anyone, but it seems like usually people already know the answer to these questions but they just want to know if it's OK or what the crowd thinks. Again, it's your money, you're the one paying for it.
If someone says the 103 is better or if someone says the 96 is better are you going to listen?
That's why I said best to ride both, that way it's an informed decision and not just hearsay.
If someone says the 103 is better or if someone says the 96 is better are you going to listen?
That's why I said best to ride both, that way it's an informed decision and not just hearsay.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 93
From: Andrews, NC
If you have the $1300 to spend, go for it.
I have a 2010 WG and the only complaint I have with it is the bike doesn't
like to be shifted into 6 gear until 55 or better, like the gearing is too high.
On my 2009 FLSTC, this was a problem as well. When I got the 2012 FLSTC
with the 103, evidently the larger engine size removed that problem.
The only other advantage? between the two would be the 2012 will have the
gear/rpm indicator in the speedo.
Seriously though, when or if you were to trade or sell the bike, it will be easier
to sell/trade a 2012-103 over a 2011-96.
I have a 2010 WG and the only complaint I have with it is the bike doesn't
like to be shifted into 6 gear until 55 or better, like the gearing is too high.
On my 2009 FLSTC, this was a problem as well. When I got the 2012 FLSTC
with the 103, evidently the larger engine size removed that problem.
The only other advantage? between the two would be the 2012 will have the
gear/rpm indicator in the speedo.
Seriously though, when or if you were to trade or sell the bike, it will be easier
to sell/trade a 2012-103 over a 2011-96.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 390
Likes: 16
From: Somewhere in Massachusetts
If you have the $1300 to spend, go for it.
I have a 2010 WG and the only complaint I have with it is the bike doesn't
like to be shifted into 6 gear until 55 or better, like the gearing is too high.
On my 2009 FLSTC, this was a problem as well. When I got the 2012 FLSTC
with the 103, evidently the larger engine size removed that problem.
The only other advantage? between the two would be the 2012 will have the
gear/rpm indicator in the speedo.
Seriously though, when or if you were to trade or sell the bike, it will be easier
to sell/trade a 2012-103 over a 2011-96.
I have a 2010 WG and the only complaint I have with it is the bike doesn't
like to be shifted into 6 gear until 55 or better, like the gearing is too high.
On my 2009 FLSTC, this was a problem as well. When I got the 2012 FLSTC
with the 103, evidently the larger engine size removed that problem.
The only other advantage? between the two would be the 2012 will have the
gear/rpm indicator in the speedo.
Seriously though, when or if you were to trade or sell the bike, it will be easier
to sell/trade a 2012-103 over a 2011-96.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Maine
Congrats! I think you made a great choice. And you'll be happy to know that while changing my wife's 2012 levers, I noticed they redesigned the small rubber switches to a hard, plastic rounded-over switch. The small rubber switches (for the brake light and the neutral safety switch) would break very easily. ($60 for a new switch plus time and soldering skills.) Regardless, I think its more than just the 103 that makes it a good decision. Enjoy!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,967
Likes: 94
I vote for Keepin the 96. I mean how big do ya need? Shoot 74 was the size all the way til 1984. Those knucks flattys pans and shovels all get around great.
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
From: Tybee Island Georgia
+1 on that