88in. Vs. 96in
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,405
Likes: 6
From: Portland, Oregon
88in. Vs. 96in
Looking at buying a road king anyone have advice on benefit between the two engine size. The 88 I'm looking at is $4k less than the 96. Bike w/ the 88" also has Vance & Hines true duals. Once I get it I would look to upgrade the Cams.
Both are RK Customs.
Both are RK Customs.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 563
Likes: 0
From: Perth, Western Australia
Having ridden both carbed and injected 88's (both 2003 models- Injected 88 was a FLHP that a mate of mine imported from Ohio that I rode last Saturday down the street and back) and then comparing to the 2011 103 FLHR that I now own, I would recommend going for the 96. I have not ridden a 96 but based on the opinion that the 103 is not that quicker than the 96 it would be a fair bit quicker than the 88.
That being said, nothing wrong with the 88. When I had the 88ci Deuce, I was more than content with it.
Either which way you decide to go, the RK Custom is a hot looking bike. If I could afford another that is the way that I would go to customise. Enjoy and post some pics when you pull the trigger.
That being said, nothing wrong with the 88. When I had the 88ci Deuce, I was more than content with it.
Either which way you decide to go, the RK Custom is a hot looking bike. If I could afford another that is the way that I would go to customise. Enjoy and post some pics when you pull the trigger.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,982
Likes: 6,111
From: Florida
Big difference power wise between the 88 & 96; not so much between the 96 & 103; IMHO! Also, the 6 speed tranny makes better use of the power, unless it's an '07 or '08, with that ridiculously tall gearing that I'm stuck with on my '07 King.
For 4 grand difference, I'd go for the 88. 4 large buys a lotta tacos.
For 4 grand difference, I'd go for the 88. 4 large buys a lotta tacos.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,405
Likes: 6
From: Portland, Oregon
Big difference power wise between the 88 & 96; not so much between the 96 & 103; IMHO! Also, the 6 speed tranny makes better use of the power, unless it's an '07 or '08, with that ridiculously tall gearing that I'm stuck with on my '07 King.
For 4 grand difference, I'd go for the 88. 4 large buys a lotta tacos.
For 4 grand difference, I'd go for the 88. 4 large buys a lotta tacos.
6 speed is desirable through.
BTW the bikes are:
05 RK Custom and 07 RK Custom
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 9
From: SoCal & West TN
Don't forget that the 96ci motor has the upgraded bottom end. The cylinders are the same size on both 88ci and 96ci.
The change came entirely in the bottom end.
The new crank, better oil pump and hydraulic cam chain tensioner, (instead of the spring loaded ones). Just the reinforced
cam plate, new oil pump and cam tensioner makes the 96ci motor better. Plus if you want to change to the 103, it is just
changing the cylinders.
This is not counting the better starter, and 6 speed transmission starting in 2007. You didn't say what year the model
with the 96ci motor is, or the 88ci. So the annual improvements and differences can not be addressed.
The change came entirely in the bottom end.
The new crank, better oil pump and hydraulic cam chain tensioner, (instead of the spring loaded ones). Just the reinforced
cam plate, new oil pump and cam tensioner makes the 96ci motor better. Plus if you want to change to the 103, it is just
changing the cylinders.
This is not counting the better starter, and 6 speed transmission starting in 2007. You didn't say what year the model
with the 96ci motor is, or the 88ci. So the annual improvements and differences can not be addressed.
Last edited by Ultra89Rider; Jul 11, 2012 at 12:43 AM. Reason: spelling
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,405
Likes: 6
From: Portland, Oregon
Don't forget that the 96ci motor has the upgraded bottom end. The cylinders are the same size on both 88ci and 96ci.
The change came entirely in the bottom end.
The better oil pump and hydraulic cam chain tensioner, (instead of the spring loaded ones). Just the reinforced cam
plate, new oil pump and cam tensioner makes the 96ci motor better. Plus if you want to change to the 103, it is just
changing the cylinders.
This is not counting the better starter, and 6 speed transmission starting in 2007. You didn't say what year the model
with the 96ci motor is, or the 88ci. So the annual improvements can not be addressed.
The change came entirely in the bottom end.
The better oil pump and hydraulic cam chain tensioner, (instead of the spring loaded ones). Just the reinforced cam
plate, new oil pump and cam tensioner makes the 96ci motor better. Plus if you want to change to the 103, it is just
changing the cylinders.
This is not counting the better starter, and 6 speed transmission starting in 2007. You didn't say what year the model
with the 96ci motor is, or the 88ci. So the annual improvements can not be addressed.
2005 RK Custom
2007 RK Custom
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 9
From: SoCal & West TN
Starting with the 2007 model year (not counting motor/transmission changes):
New Smart Security System Option
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection(E.S.P.F.I.)
7% Reduced effort Clutch cable for all Touring models
Clutch safety interlock switch
Molex connectors (are smaller than Deutsch connectors)
Second generation carbon fiber (1in. wide X7N) 137T final drive belt
Handlebar control clamps are modified, improving clearance for wire harness
2007 come with a new Jiffy stand to accommodate changes from the new engine
Frame and Swingarm Changes
New Smart Security System Option
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection(E.S.P.F.I.)
7% Reduced effort Clutch cable for all Touring models
Clutch safety interlock switch
Molex connectors (are smaller than Deutsch connectors)
Second generation carbon fiber (1in. wide X7N) 137T final drive belt
Handlebar control clamps are modified, improving clearance for wire harness
2007 come with a new Jiffy stand to accommodate changes from the new engine
Frame and Swingarm Changes
- Frame, swingarm, and engine mounts accommodate new engine
- Swingarm forging moved to the rear
- New swingarm support brackets (end caps)
- New forged, front engine mount bracket clears new crankcase
- Swingarm mounts do not retrofit
- 2007 Touring frame doesnot retrofit to prior models
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,133
Likes: 125
From: Japan
Don't forget that the 96ci motor has the upgraded bottom end. The cylinders are the same size on both 88ci and 96ci.
The change came entirely in the bottom end.
The new crank, better oil pump and hydraulic cam chain tensioner, (instead of the spring loaded ones). Just the reinforced
cam plate, new oil pump and cam tensioner makes the 96ci motor better. Plus if you want to change to the 103, it is just
changing the cylinders.
This is not counting the better starter, and 6 speed transmission starting in 2007. You didn't say what year the model
with the 96ci motor is, or the 88ci. So the annual improvements and differences can not be addressed.
The change came entirely in the bottom end.
The new crank, better oil pump and hydraulic cam chain tensioner, (instead of the spring loaded ones). Just the reinforced
cam plate, new oil pump and cam tensioner makes the 96ci motor better. Plus if you want to change to the 103, it is just
changing the cylinders.
This is not counting the better starter, and 6 speed transmission starting in 2007. You didn't say what year the model
with the 96ci motor is, or the 88ci. So the annual improvements and differences can not be addressed.