When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I would like to buy an Ultra Classic this spring and am looking at the SE model. I tried to search the site for comments regarding the SE engine. It seems that I read somewhere that they do not hold up as long or as well as the standard Ultra 88. Anyone have any comments or information on this?
I have ridden several CVO bikes with the SE 103.
I cannot comment as far as engine longevity.
However, I do know these motors are quite understressed, due to their EPA street-legal state of tune.
As delivered they are so mild, a hot 88 will blow them away.
I DOUBT THAT IS TRUS E. FIRST THE 103 HAS ONLY BEEN OUT FOR 4 YEARS AND MOST PEOPLE THAT BOUGHT THE 100TH RK AND THE PAST 3 ELECTRA GLIDES AND FAT BOYS. HAVE OTHER BIKES AND DONT DO A LOT OF MILES ON THESE BIKES. WE ARE ONLY TALKING 15 MORE CID. THE CAMS ARE NOT HOT AND THE COMPRESSION IS LOW. I THINK YOUR DECOSION SHOULD BE ON WHETHER YOU LIKE THE BIKE. I DONT LIKE THE SILVER MOTOR OR THE TOUR PAK IN LEATHER BUT I AM BUYING ONE ANYWAY NEXT YEAR. HOPING THE SEE THE ERROR OF THEIR WAYS AND GO BACK TO A PAINTED TOUR PAK. IF YOU REALLY WANT THE 103 TO PERFORM, GO WITH A GOOD EXHAUST LIKE RINEHART ,THE RACE TUNER, BUMP COMPRESSION UP TO 10OR 10.0-1 AND PUT IN A GOOD SET OF GEAR DRIVE CAMS. THAT WILL GET YOU UP TO 125 TQ AND ABOUT 110 HP. A FRIEND OF MINE DID THIS AND IT WIRKED OUT WELL. BEFORE I USE TO PULL HIM BAD WITH MY 95 GEAR DRIVE RACE TUNER EUIPPED ULTRA. HOP THIS HELPS YOU DECIDE.
They have had no problems with the 103 that they aren't having with the 88 twin cam. Normal stuff covered under warranty. If I was buying that expensive of a bike I would buy the extended warranty anyway. I'm running the 95 ci and have not had any motor problems. I love the look of the new ultra and wouldn't mine having one in my garage either.
Mack is correct. The 103 motor is EPA'd to death. With a good air cleaner, pipes and a Race Tuner you will make some real gains in power. The compression ratio and cams aren't necessary to make it run great but if you're looking for a "huge" power boost you might have to tweak it a little more.
I'm a member of that forum too since I have a CVO model. They are not near as active as we are but there is some great info on the bike you are looking at.
Mack - welcome to the forum... If you are not aware, all capts is considered "YELLING" when used on forums...
If you are interested in a Screaming Eagle this spring, you might do some asking - since these are all on a limited build - you may not find any new ones to buy???
I bought my Sreamin Eagle a few months ago. I had a tuff time finding one. After calling several dealers in several diferent states, I was told to check up North by a dealer in Missouri. I found mine in South Dakota. I't was on the floor but just 5 days. I love my bike... I believe you would too. I think the only down side to the bike is that, although it gets a lot of attention because of its rarity (amoungst those who know what it is), I have found for the first time a certain amount of "distance" placed from some local riders... but I would'nt change anything. Good luck on your search and go north.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.