96 CI Engine Reliability
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,427
Likes: 2,779
From: Oklahoma
08 Road King now with 62,000 miles. Had to replace the factory compensator with the SE and replace the starter clutch at the same time. Trouble free otherwise. Thinking about replacing the fuel injectors as it seems to flood a little on short, hot stops (buying gas).
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 369
Likes: 3
From: Hoisington Ks
09 FLHTP with a 103, bought her w/2100 miles.
No issues, Stage 1@ 12,000, Stage 2 @22,000, (dreaded SE255's) now has 25,000.
Plan on riding it into retirement, rebuilding it and riding it forever!
As good as the 96" is, 103" is the best motor H-d has made. I have owned 74"&80" shovels, 84" shovel,80" Evo, 88TC and now the 103.
Dan B.
Central Ks.
No issues, Stage 1@ 12,000, Stage 2 @22,000, (dreaded SE255's) now has 25,000.
Plan on riding it into retirement, rebuilding it and riding it forever!
As good as the 96" is, 103" is the best motor H-d has made. I have owned 74"&80" shovels, 84" shovel,80" Evo, 88TC and now the 103.
Dan B.
Central Ks.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,970
Likes: 5,207
From: Michigan
My wife has an '08 Heritage "96" and she has about 11,000+ trouble free miles on it. We had an oil cooler installed on it before it left the dealership and then at the 1,000 service we had V&H Staggered duals installed along with the SERT and a dyno tune and she's trilled with her bike.
On the other hand, my friend bought a new '10 UC (had the catalytic converter) and he complained from day one about the heat coming off of his exhaust. He ran the bike stock for one year (I think) and I convinced him to install an oil cooler and he went with V&H Monster Ovals and he still complained about the heat.
In 2012, he finally decided to eliminate the catalytic converter and get the bike tuned in an effort to make it run cooler.
That's when the dealer discovered his engine problems, which even the dealer stated was due to the engine running too hot.
He had the ESP so they covered the cost of repairing the OEM engine parts and he paid to have it upgraded to a "103".
He claims the bike runs much better and cooler.
On the other hand, my friend bought a new '10 UC (had the catalytic converter) and he complained from day one about the heat coming off of his exhaust. He ran the bike stock for one year (I think) and I convinced him to install an oil cooler and he went with V&H Monster Ovals and he still complained about the heat.
In 2012, he finally decided to eliminate the catalytic converter and get the bike tuned in an effort to make it run cooler.
That's when the dealer discovered his engine problems, which even the dealer stated was due to the engine running too hot.
He had the ESP so they covered the cost of repairing the OEM engine parts and he paid to have it upgraded to a "103".
He claims the bike runs much better and cooler.
Last edited by 2AMGuy; Mar 24, 2014 at 07:59 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 345
Likes: 10
From: Monrovia, Ca
I'll bite, I have an '08 RKC 96 w/17k miles. My steed runs strong. It has a stage 1 with v&h twin slash ovals. I don't feel any heat coming from the exhaust that some others do but then again it my first RKC. I love it and I keep adding parts to fit my style...
