96 vs. 103 engines??
#11
08-12-2012, 09:00 PM
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Location: Houston
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That sounds like a sweet deal on the FLHR. I'd take that good a deal for sure but it's a little far from TX to NH to get it. Hopefully I'll find a good one nearby.
#12
08-12-2012, 09:15 PM
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The 2011 I'm looking at has the V&H BSL pipes, stage 1 intake and a tuner so I suspect it would have more than adequate power for me. I'll always be riding solo.
#13
08-12-2012, 09:30 PM
Road Master
you'll be fine with the 96!! its a great motor and softails are great bikes, just make sure they dont rape u on the price!!
#15
08-13-2012, 12:47 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
I recently traded in an 08 Ultra Classic for a 12 Road Glide Ultra. If you ride around town I doubt you will see a difference. If you tour the country the difference is night and day. There were times I simply lacked power with the 96 and as someone mentioned there was no power in 6th gear. In fact if I was fighting a strong head wind I often rode in 5th gear. I also had to downshift when riding hills. I expect that some of the time, there were times though the grade was minor. The issue was the distance of the increased grade.
The 103 on the other hand... Just completed a trip to Sturgis, never felt like I had a lack of power, including when I was in 6th gear. Shoot I passed people in 6th gear, something I would have never considered with the 96.
At this time my 103 is stock, I had completed stage 1 on the 96. I'll also throw in I am getting noticeably better mileage. Some of that is due to the difference in the fairings.
The 103 on the other hand... Just completed a trip to Sturgis, never felt like I had a lack of power, including when I was in 6th gear. Shoot I passed people in 6th gear, something I would have never considered with the 96.
At this time my 103 is stock, I had completed stage 1 on the 96. I'll also throw in I am getting noticeably better mileage. Some of that is due to the difference in the fairings.
The ONLY reason the 103 seems like it has more power in 6th is because your '08 was geared higher than your 103" from the factory. Drop down a couple teeth on the front, and I believe the 96 should take, or at least run even with the 103, mainly 'cause of the restrictions the cat causes.
Last edited by dickey; 08-13-2012 at 12:50 AM.
#17
08-13-2012, 12:58 AM
#18
08-13-2012, 10:24 AM
Here are some bikes for less $ in Texas. They will ship bikes for a fee if you don't want to go to Austin or Dallas. I've bought a couple of bikes from there including my '08 Heritage. As far as the '96 vs '103 sounds like you will be fine witht he '96. I ride with some guys who have '103s and I keep up with them fine, but then again we're never racing either.
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#19
08-13-2012, 11:12 AM
I agree...you've gotta figure that the 2yr warranty on the new 2013 is worth something. Odds are, they will be priced similarly to the 2012's, so if you're at mid-$17000's with full warranty and a 2 yr newer motorcycle...it only makes sense to go new.
#20
08-13-2012, 01:45 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
For that kind of $ I would be looking at new. Don't buy a used bike from a dealer or you'll get hosed. If you buy new, you'll have the full warranty.
In stock form, I can't tell the difference from a 96 & a 103. Even with a stage 1, the gain is minimal and you would never notice it from the seat of your pants. Yes, the 103 will show a little more torque on the dyno, but very little. 6th gear is very usable on my 96" Dyna at 55+. My 96 is stage 1, SE race tuner & dyno tuned, so that helps it some from stock.
In stock form, I can't tell the difference from a 96 & a 103. Even with a stage 1, the gain is minimal and you would never notice it from the seat of your pants. Yes, the 103 will show a little more torque on the dyno, but very little. 6th gear is very usable on my 96" Dyna at 55+. My 96 is stage 1, SE race tuner & dyno tuned, so that helps it some from stock.