114 vs 107
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 65
Likes: 17
From: Marietta, GA
114 vs 107
So I have been eyeing the Fatbob for a second bike. I am looking for something lighter than my Indian Roadmaster. Not selling the Indian, I like iit but dont want to pull 900 lbs out every time I ride.
I know there is some controversy, but I thing HD did extremely well with the new Softails. I have test ridden both the 107 and 114 and my seat of the pants dyno has a hard time telling the difference on a short ride. Looking at the chart numbers it appears to be about a 5% difference in hp and torque. i live in the south and the guy I rode with today, not a salesman by the way, said he thought th3 107 would be cooler. He had a 16 Fatbob.
So is it that big a difference? What does everyone think?
I know there is some controversy, but I thing HD did extremely well with the new Softails. I have test ridden both the 107 and 114 and my seat of the pants dyno has a hard time telling the difference on a short ride. Looking at the chart numbers it appears to be about a 5% difference in hp and torque. i live in the south and the guy I rode with today, not a salesman by the way, said he thought th3 107 would be cooler. He had a 16 Fatbob.
So is it that big a difference? What does everyone think?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,584
Likes: 918
From: coast to coast
Heat wise, my 114 is much cooler than my 103 Rushmore Road King. It would make sense the 107 might be cooler still, unless your running it harder to make the same power.
Power wise, I rode both and as a low mile demo bike they both felt good, but didn't really get a full sample of either. I chose the 114 because it was in the bike I preferred. Also my basic instinct was $1,300 difference for 7 cubes more couldn't be a bad choice. After putting a few thousand miles on it I'll say these motors get a lot stronger after break in. Lots of gear driven parts that need to learn their mesh. With the 114, upgrading is purely optional compared to other stock motors I've had. Don't need more power, heat is fine...could use a notch more sound. Not 100% sure I'd feel the same on a 107, but possibly.
One deciding factor is if you think you'll ever build it up. The 114 is basically a stronger base to go Stage 3 or 4 on the existing architecture over the 107. If you plan to stop at stage 1 and maybe adding a cam, either might make you happy.
Power wise, I rode both and as a low mile demo bike they both felt good, but didn't really get a full sample of either. I chose the 114 because it was in the bike I preferred. Also my basic instinct was $1,300 difference for 7 cubes more couldn't be a bad choice. After putting a few thousand miles on it I'll say these motors get a lot stronger after break in. Lots of gear driven parts that need to learn their mesh. With the 114, upgrading is purely optional compared to other stock motors I've had. Don't need more power, heat is fine...could use a notch more sound. Not 100% sure I'd feel the same on a 107, but possibly.
One deciding factor is if you think you'll ever build it up. The 114 is basically a stronger base to go Stage 3 or 4 on the existing architecture over the 107. If you plan to stop at stage 1 and maybe adding a cam, either might make you happy.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 22,861
Likes: 17,918
From: Lafayette, Louisiana
Inevitably everybody wants to increase the horsepower torque and displacement at some point. The 114” starts off with more potential due to its stroke being about half an inch longer. That also means that later on down the line, if you go with a larger bore, that longer stroke will yield you a bigger increase.
With engine design, if two engines have the same displacement but one has a large bore and short stroke and the other has a small bore and long stroke, the one with the longer stroke will have more torque. Most Harley riders like low end torque because it is what gets you going. Think of the crank pin as a lever and a longer stroke is a longer lever.
The 114” has a better chance of keeping you satisfied as is. These engines are built with tighter tolerances than in the past. As a result, everything is very tight. As they get broken in, they loosen up and produce more power. The difference between the two engines will be more pronounced after break in.
The difference in purchase price is minimal and is substantially cheaper than an upgrade after the fact. To me it’s a no brainer to go with the 114”
Later on when you sell or trade in the bike, that factory 114” will be more desirable and worth more and to the lender, the vin will be tied to a bike worth more.
With engine design, if two engines have the same displacement but one has a large bore and short stroke and the other has a small bore and long stroke, the one with the longer stroke will have more torque. Most Harley riders like low end torque because it is what gets you going. Think of the crank pin as a lever and a longer stroke is a longer lever.
The 114” has a better chance of keeping you satisfied as is. These engines are built with tighter tolerances than in the past. As a result, everything is very tight. As they get broken in, they loosen up and produce more power. The difference between the two engines will be more pronounced after break in.
The difference in purchase price is minimal and is substantially cheaper than an upgrade after the fact. To me it’s a no brainer to go with the 114”
Later on when you sell or trade in the bike, that factory 114” will be more desirable and worth more and to the lender, the vin will be tied to a bike worth more.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,173
Likes: 177
From: East Coast
Glad I am going for the 114. Where and how did you find out about the beefier crank?? I am finding virtually NO information on these new bikes...
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,584
Likes: 918
From: coast to coast
Prot filled in my many blanks. He knows the important stuff. Also, I didn''t even think about resale....hopefully 'cause I'll never sell it, but a lot of guys will move on and I agree the 114 will look way better to a buyer down the road. Thanks again Prot. Well explained.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,310
Likes: 2,446
From: Eastern NE
To the a$$-meter of a regular highway cruiser...7 cu-in isn't going to make a whole lotta difference. Get the bike you want and don't worry about motor size (that's what she said). 
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i've been casing them out since and i couldn't figure out why 107s where limited to 120" (currently) and 114s could go 124"(currently) ... started digging and asking. dealer confirmed dealer. no specs to support just yet.
Novice
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 18
Likes: 13
From: California
I'm in agreement with others such as Prot. If you plan to mod then the 114 gives you a higher foundation to work off of. If you don't plan to mod a lot then get what feels right to you. The 114 though will resale better in the future for sure.