Some advice on a RK
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: coast to coast
The 103 HO (high output)is a different beast than the earlier 103. The 103 HO I think started in '14 model year with the Rushmore improvements. If you aren't getting a '14 or newer, I'd go earlier to get a 96"....
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
oh my, the earlier answers showed that some are short on knowledge.
Yes, i own a 96" I love it.
the 103 is a bored 96...anytime you increase bore, torque is increased..in this case the 103 has about 15% more torque than a 96". the 103 will also have oil cooler and compression releases standard with the bike
that 15% comes into play in stop and go traffic- as the torque is what gets you moving...it will also allow the bike to comfortably cruise at 65 in 6th...for the 96" 70 is a better speed to shift into 6th.
2014 gave us the "wetheads" on some models, which because of their better controlled combustion chamber temps can have a more aggressive cam and higher compression- the non-wethead 103's are same as the earlier 103's.
when I bought my bike the 103 was a $2k option...I'm cheap so I passed on that. the 96" is a good motor. I have plenty saddletime on a 103 it is nice...but not $2k nice...of course the 103 later became standard.
technically the 103 may wear faster than the 96. A wider piston can wear the cylinder into an hourglass shape over time as the top of the rod is a pivot point and more stresses are put on the piston...but I doubt the difference would come into being in less than 100k miles
earlier abs was mentioned- abs is awesome and I recommend. on civilian bikes it is packaged with cruise and security
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Feb 29, 2016 at 09:35 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,976
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From: Northern California
There simply is no more versatile and changeable Touring Harley than the Road King.
I have had a few Cop Bikes and they have been fine, my current one has the floorboards all scraped to **** and it saw 7500 miles in service as the Top Motor cop supervisor, he had skills and showed them off everywhere he went. Big deal.
96 vs 103 ?? I can say in opinion and you know they are like arseholes as everyone has one right?? My Dad had a 09 Ultra with a 96 and traded it on a 14 Ultra with the 103ho and if I had a choice I would not go 96, that 103 gets with it.
Wiring ? I suppose some can be hacked but on mine the dealer did a clean job removing the cop stuff.
Seat issue?? no, seats are cheap and plentiful and chances are you would change eventually, Cop seats sit you up tall but are superior on long rides for butt comfort.
I have had a few Cop Bikes and they have been fine, my current one has the floorboards all scraped to **** and it saw 7500 miles in service as the Top Motor cop supervisor, he had skills and showed them off everywhere he went. Big deal.
96 vs 103 ?? I can say in opinion and you know they are like arseholes as everyone has one right?? My Dad had a 09 Ultra with a 96 and traded it on a 14 Ultra with the 103ho and if I had a choice I would not go 96, that 103 gets with it.
Wiring ? I suppose some can be hacked but on mine the dealer did a clean job removing the cop stuff.
Seat issue?? no, seats are cheap and plentiful and chances are you would change eventually, Cop seats sit you up tall but are superior on long rides for butt comfort.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,624
Likes: 189
From: Newcastle, Ca.
The OP is on a budget. A used pre 2014 RK 103" does not cost more, or not much more, maybe even less depending in the deal, then a 96" RK. At a later time with a 103", he could cam it, tune it, without braking the bank, and it will run away from even a 14+ 103's. And a 96" cammed... forget about it.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 908
Likes: 96
From: Red Deer, AB
As mentioned RK's are an extremely versatile bike. It cost me an additional 2k to get a detachable fairing and tourpak. I only use them for touring. Around town she is the way she came from the factory. Regarding the floorboards being scraped on a Cop Bike pretty much everyone of them will be. It happens on annual qualifications. Not to worry they're cheap to replace. Cop seats are ugly imo but you will not find a more comfortable seat. They do sit you up about 3 inches higher though. Police equipment removal can be done properly or hacked. It's really dependent on the dealer. Nowadays most are getting pretty good at it since the police bikes have become more uniformly equipped (no pun intended). Good luck in your search.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 9,238
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From: On the Big Blue marble
nope on this one
Does anyone think this https://tricities.craigslist.org/mcy/5383576533.html
is worth 16 or maybe 15?? There are 2 of these within 3 hours of me both are asking 16000 and both have under 1500 miles. And in my mind that = brand new for the most part.
Is there anything really special about the 110 anniversary edition vs standard edition? I couldnt find much special about it except that amazing paint.
is worth 16 or maybe 15?? There are 2 of these within 3 hours of me both are asking 16000 and both have under 1500 miles. And in my mind that = brand new for the most part.
Is there anything really special about the 110 anniversary edition vs standard edition? I couldnt find much special about it except that amazing paint.
IMO this is a lot of money for a non-rushmore... BTW, I like deal 1 in the first posting
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 76
Likes: 7
From: Greenville SC
Great information guys. Do you think those prices on a few of the bikes are on par? $1200 for 2011 2012 with say 15000 miles? And then of course there was the 2013 with 1400 miles 110 anniversary edition for $16,000?