Question on big twin power
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6,055
Likes: 1,819
From: Kalifornia
WOW OK that is going to take some getting used to. LOL at 5'7" its going to be a workout, but my nephew's wife that is about 5'6" weighs about 130 rides a street glide, so I guess its possible.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 69
Likes: 44
From: Long Island, NY
I had a 2008 1200L Sporty with some Screamin Eagle slip-ons. I miss that bike! It was fun, fast and easy to handle. Just bought a 2011 Electra Glide Ultra Limited with the 103ci, V&H HO slip ons, V&H Dresser Dual head pipes, Scremin Eagle intake. Had the Harley Stage 1 tune and i just added the FP3 tuner. It runs great, i think its every bit as fast as the Sporty was. For a big bike, once its rolling it handles pretty damn good in the curves. Parking lots are a another story.... There is no comparison on ride quality and comfort with the Ultra. I've never ridden an 88 or 96 for comparison but i am really surprised how much I like the 103 with the stage 1 coming from my Sporty. My only regret is i couldn't keep them both, would be nice to change things up every now an then.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 264
From: Fresno Ca
[QUOTE=handirifle;18400968]Well I doubt compared to many of the jap bikes but my 1200 that is pretty stock sure pulls. It is plenty quick enough for me. I just don't want to end up with a touring model that has to go up big grades in 3rd or 4th gear when loaded. On curvy roads its understood, you (me) can only go so fast around curves so a gear change becomes inevitable.
My 09 Streetglide will go up a steep hill with a passenger and luggage at 75 in high gear with the cruise set. Thats 2800 rpm, no lugging.
My 09 Streetglide will go up a steep hill with a passenger and luggage at 75 in high gear with the cruise set. Thats 2800 rpm, no lugging.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,078
Likes: 19,236
From: The Wasteland
I've owned 2 Sportys and 3 Baggers (2 Road Kings and an Electra Glide). There is no comparison, the bagger wins hands down. The baggers have plenty of low end in 1st through 4th gear. 5th and 6th are for winding her out on the highway. Just remember 6th is really more of an over drive and made for long high speeds. If you need to pass a truck or something just drop into 5th and go.
As for your $10k budget, you might have 2 options.
1) Go for a pre 09 bike, they go for around $5k to $6k in my neck of the woods. That would leave a lot of money to upgrade stuff like cams, heads, etc.
2) Find yourself an 09-13 that already has a few upgrades on it from the previous owner. I have seen 2009 and 2010 models in the $8k and up price range.
Either way you're going to love it and if you keep the Sporty, I bet it wont get many miles racked up on it after you buy the bagger.
By the way, have you considered a Road King? You get all of the touring comfort and capability without the heavy fairing.
As for your $10k budget, you might have 2 options.
1) Go for a pre 09 bike, they go for around $5k to $6k in my neck of the woods. That would leave a lot of money to upgrade stuff like cams, heads, etc.
2) Find yourself an 09-13 that already has a few upgrades on it from the previous owner. I have seen 2009 and 2010 models in the $8k and up price range.
Either way you're going to love it and if you keep the Sporty, I bet it wont get many miles racked up on it after you buy the bagger.
By the way, have you considered a Road King? You get all of the touring comfort and capability without the heavy fairing.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
The big twin engine is way different to ride than a Sporty. I have both, plus a Firebolt. This is the time of year when you really should get out there, visit your local dealers and find a bike in the price range you are thinking of and ask for a test ride. Doesn't matter at this stage what it is, but its likely to be a TC96 or TC103, from what the chaps above are saying. Do not simply ride round the block, but take it out for an hour or so if they will let you - I refuel them when I do that! Come back with questions and we'll be here waiting eagerly to hear how you got on....
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6,055
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From: Kalifornia
All outstanding advice, and much appreciated, and yes I plan on attending the next demo nite at local HD. I like the road king, but for 2 up riding I want the fairing. Not worried about the heat because the wife cannot take heat for long so we would be riding in cool weather, for any length of time.
PLANNING on keeping the sporty mainly for when I go into town, as I figured it would be easier to deal with and use the touring for long trips. Long trips for us currently are short rides for you guys but we will build up as time goes on and the weather cools again.
Getting a touring bike is not in the near future, but my goal is about a yr or less.
I like the idea of the later models with the 6 spd for better mileage, plus I know they just keep getting better the newer they are.
Thanks guys, appreciate the honesty and encouragement. Now to build these 66 yr old legs up for that extra 200lbs.......
PLANNING on keeping the sporty mainly for when I go into town, as I figured it would be easier to deal with and use the touring for long trips. Long trips for us currently are short rides for you guys but we will build up as time goes on and the weather cools again.
Getting a touring bike is not in the near future, but my goal is about a yr or less.
I like the idea of the later models with the 6 spd for better mileage, plus I know they just keep getting better the newer they are.
Thanks guys, appreciate the honesty and encouragement. Now to build these 66 yr old legs up for that extra 200lbs.......
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 280
From: Russellville, Arkansas
My opinion.....
If your mechanically inclined and still want a reliable ride. Take a look at the 1998 EVO Electra Glides/Road Glides. By now...most have already been upgraded for more power. If it has a carburetor.....super simple. Youre simply not tied to a dealership with these rides.
Otherwise......2009 and up would be my bet. The newer frame and larger fuel tank plus the 6 speed are nice. Plenty of power.
Not saying the 1999-2008 are bad by any means. Its still the old frame and smaller fuel tank. Some of those year models were a one year thing as well. But if you find one and love it....go for it.
If your mechanically inclined and still want a reliable ride. Take a look at the 1998 EVO Electra Glides/Road Glides. By now...most have already been upgraded for more power. If it has a carburetor.....super simple. Youre simply not tied to a dealership with these rides.
Otherwise......2009 and up would be my bet. The newer frame and larger fuel tank plus the 6 speed are nice. Plenty of power.
Not saying the 1999-2008 are bad by any means. Its still the old frame and smaller fuel tank. Some of those year models were a one year thing as well. But if you find one and love it....go for it.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,385
Likes: 1,442
From: Brentwood
96ers came out in 07.... Good Motors, Mine was a Stage 1 when I got it and adding cams really woke it up.
103s obviously have more power because of increased cis but they are basically the same thing. I do like the ACRs in the 103s and Ill probably go with those whenever I get into a bigger build with head work.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 92
Likes: 13
From: florida
You'll be happy with the power, I'm sure. The motors are different enough and the big twins have lots of torque. It's condition not miles and in my opinion many of the best deals are found on the touring bikes. Definitely get out and ride one for longer than around the block if at all possible. And it should be possible at any dealership I'd think, but I highly doubt any private party will accommodate you. have fun shopping