2012 103
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 372
Likes: 82
From: FL East Coast /Western NC
no problems here either except voltage reg... it was out of the warranty range date but went bad at 19000...cutting on and off and i could bring it back with a hammer tap...no kidding... now 24000 and smooth running... agree that 12 and 13 year 103's were/are pretty rock solid... things began to cheapen up just a tad qualilty wise in the 14 in my opinion ( ie switches and some electronic componets ) but still dont be afraid... whatever feels good to ya.. like many of us of course, i am partial to my 12
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,445
Likes: 2,823
From: Oklahoma
I don't believe that the "final version" of the compensator was installed at the factory until '14. Some have had repeated compensator replacements, but that has also happened with the "latest and greatest". My son's '11 comp got noisy at about 25,000 miles and we replaced it with the current version, now smooth and quiet, but not many miles since the change.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 886
Likes: 89
'13 Street Glide runs like a top with 50k miles now with routine maintenance. No problems at all.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 353
From: Ohio
The M8 bikes have more power. The 103 has just a little more but barely noticeable. The 114 more so and clearly felt. Not sure why you ask. But if you're considering buying which bike, your best bet is to test ride one. Then decide if the dollars are worth the ride.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 26
Likes: 18
From: Sandy, UT
I had a '12 from new until I traded up to my '17. Never had any problems with motor or trans. Only thing that even went wrong was a bolt worked lose on the shift lever and rod set up going into the trans. Sucked that I had to have it towed during Sturgis into the dealer just to have it screwed back on. I loved the 103 and would pick up one used 100%.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 443
From: PNW
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 353
From: Ohio
No one downplayed gathering information before walking into a dealership. You asked for reader opinions based on their own actual riding experience. That's what you got.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 443
From: PNW
Yes, and I thanked each and every person who shared that.
But it's more than just riding the bike and making a decision, as this post suggests: "The 114 more so and clearly felt. Not sure why you ask. But if you're considering buying which bike, your best bet is to test ride one.", which is why I answered that it is good to gather info first.
But it's more than just riding the bike and making a decision, as this post suggests: "The 114 more so and clearly felt. Not sure why you ask. But if you're considering buying which bike, your best bet is to test ride one.", which is why I answered that it is good to gather info first.