96 vs 103
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
One thing these "power" discussions always forget, is the steady increase in weight of these bikes.
Specifically referring to the top of the line Ultra, here's the running specs:
2006 TC 88 819 lbs.
2007 TC 96 840 lbs.
2008 TC 96 851 lbs
2009 and up TC 96/103 889 lbs
That's a total increase in weight of 70 lbs, or 8.5 % heavier from the last TC 88 Ultra's to the present . The 103 is 17 % bigger than the 88.
Engine torque has gone from 86 to 92.6 to 100 ft. lbs, a total increase of 16 %.
Half of any gain in engine size just goes to propel a heavier bike down the road.
Specifically referring to the top of the line Ultra, here's the running specs:
2006 TC 88 819 lbs.
2007 TC 96 840 lbs.
2008 TC 96 851 lbs
2009 and up TC 96/103 889 lbs
That's a total increase in weight of 70 lbs, or 8.5 % heavier from the last TC 88 Ultra's to the present . The 103 is 17 % bigger than the 88.
Engine torque has gone from 86 to 92.6 to 100 ft. lbs, a total increase of 16 %.
Half of any gain in engine size just goes to propel a heavier bike down the road.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,135
Likes: 4,780
From: Sandpoint, Idaho
I know one 86" Shovel that I would put up against any stock big twin. But it is really well built by Larry at BCR "Bill Chambers Racing"
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
From: Upstate South Carolina
My advice is do your research, find out where your stopping point is on the mods and do it all at one time. I was not out to have the baddest TC in town, just wanted to add some extra grin factor.
One thing leads to another...
103->higher compression pistons w/compression release->higher revving cam->better flowing heads->exhaust for low end grunt->intake for high end flow->Tuner to make it all work together=my stopping point
Oh yeah, on the grin factor, of the trusted few I have allowed to ride it, there is always a grin when dismounting.
One thing leads to another...
103->higher compression pistons w/compression release->higher revving cam->better flowing heads->exhaust for low end grunt->intake for high end flow->Tuner to make it all work together=my stopping point
Oh yeah, on the grin factor, of the trusted few I have allowed to ride it, there is always a grin when dismounting.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
Danny, a few select bikes had the 103" in 2011. You can still see them on HD's web site under 2011 @
http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US...bmLocale=en_US
http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US...bmLocale=en_US
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Danny, a few select bikes had the 103" in 2011. You can still see them on HD's web site under 2011 @
http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US...bmLocale=en_US
http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US...bmLocale=en_US
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
the 103 was the standard engine on the Road Glide Ultra and Ultra Limited.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,110
Likes: 51,395
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Only thing I'll add to that list is the bigger it gets the less usable life you'll get out of it anybody says they can get 100,000 miles out of a 103" or bigger motor is blowing smoke up your *** it isn't going to happen with the present V-twin configuration motors .
As displacement goes up reliability and life goes down that's been a well proven fact on the street and tracks for decades now Harley hasn't made some magical discovery to change it .
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 2
From: USA
I was thinkin' I heard the 103" is better for the long steady rides & if ya pullin' a trailer you're good to go & if its about zippin 'round the smaller is better. Of course the 107" is supposed to stomp all but haven't had the pleasure. Sort of diggin' that new Knuck S&S has out I know its smaller than most but a sucker for Knucks & Ironhead Sportsters, I am
My (stock)1100cc 4banger gets smoked from the line by 750cc bangers but by the time I hit 3rd I'm pushin' past them w/ plenty to go.
My (stock)1100cc 4banger gets smoked from the line by 750cc bangers but by the time I hit 3rd I'm pushin' past them w/ plenty to go.