Something I noticed about 103"
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Something I noticed about 103"
Why is it that some people that have older bikes with 103 kits and purchased new bikes didnt get the 103 in them as well? Was there something wrong? Did you feel the performance wasnt worth doing it again? Any info would greatly help since I am doing final paperwork and delivery of my bike this weekend and want to be sure I am making the right move here. Thanks all.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 832
Likes: 1
From: Bagram, Afghanistan
Research your cam choice a bit and make sure the 255 is going to give you what you want. Also, some have said they don't like the automatic compression releases, that they prefer the manual type.
I have the stage 1 103 and will probably go with Woods cams next year or so. I'm very happy with my 103 and the torque I've gotten out of it on the stock cams. I would definately get the 103 on another bike if I was buying again.
Get a fuel management device of some type to get the power/torque that is made available from the 103 upgrade. There is so much wasted power in that motor running as lean as it does. I suggest the PCV from www.fuelmotousa.com Ask Jamie about their power package with Jackpot dyno-tuned mufflers. This will unleash that pinned up power you are about to add with the 103. Makes the cost of the upgrade worth it.
The oil cooler will help you out as the 103 will run even hotter than the 96. Good decision to go with the cooler.
I suggest replacing the ambient temp gauge with a oil temp gauge though so you can make sure everything is working properly. My temp gauge registers a rock steady 215-220 on warm days after about 20 minutes of operation. For me it provides peace of mind when stuck in traffic on hot days.
I have the stage 1 103 and will probably go with Woods cams next year or so. I'm very happy with my 103 and the torque I've gotten out of it on the stock cams. I would definately get the 103 on another bike if I was buying again.
Get a fuel management device of some type to get the power/torque that is made available from the 103 upgrade. There is so much wasted power in that motor running as lean as it does. I suggest the PCV from www.fuelmotousa.com Ask Jamie about their power package with Jackpot dyno-tuned mufflers. This will unleash that pinned up power you are about to add with the 103. Makes the cost of the upgrade worth it.
The oil cooler will help you out as the 103 will run even hotter than the 96. Good decision to go with the cooler.
I suggest replacing the ambient temp gauge with a oil temp gauge though so you can make sure everything is working properly. My temp gauge registers a rock steady 215-220 on warm days after about 20 minutes of operation. For me it provides peace of mind when stuck in traffic on hot days.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 513
Likes: 0
The post above pretty much spells it out. I've gone with the V&H Pro Pipe (I'll not do this brand again) for performance....as well as the K&N high flow air cleaner and Freedom Cycles gear drive cams (bolt in for the 103").
My dyno sheet is posted in the Bagger Dynos thread. But the peak numbers are 104 hp and 116 ft. lb. torque. Yes, I'm very happy with it!
My dyno sheet is posted in the Bagger Dynos thread. But the peak numbers are 104 hp and 116 ft. lb. torque. Yes, I'm very happy with it!
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 714
Likes: 0
From: Western,NC
I just had the 103 stage II with 255s and no compression releases installed in my 08 RG. It got 90 HP and 104 Tq; it makes a big difference in power from 2600 to 4500 RPMs. I run fatcats 2-1 with quiet baffle and the 103 makes the sound a little louder and deeper. I have not had hard start problems so far and I have about 1,000 miles on the new build. Knowing what I do now I would do it at time of purchase so all would be under the two year warranty.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,351
Likes: 461
From: Illinois
I have not heard anyone with a 103" upgrade say they wish they would've stayed stock. I would guess that most people with a 103" that are trading up to a new bike plan to do a motor upgrade in the future, but probably just can't or won't spend the extra bucks at the same time they are shelling out all the cash for the trade up.
Dennis
Dennis
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
If I read it correctly I did the opposite of 09streetglider did. I did the cams only-SE 255. I didn't have the $$ at the time of purchase so I waited until my 30,000 miles was done. I still could not afford the 103 kit and went with the cams only. That way when/if I decide to go 103 that part is done. With my power now like it is I will most likely not do the 103 big bore. Don't need it
If you like to cruise/tour and not go above 4,000 rpm very often then the SE255 will do the job. They fit my style of riding perfectly.
After many years of hot rods and bikes I have come to realize you do not bore for power unless it is really a big bore. Going from 96 inches to 103 inches is not much - only 50 cc each cylinder and that adds tq. The cams do that very well.
If you like to cruise/tour and not go above 4,000 rpm very often then the SE255 will do the job. They fit my style of riding perfectly.
After many years of hot rods and bikes I have come to realize you do not bore for power unless it is really a big bore. Going from 96 inches to 103 inches is not much - only 50 cc each cylinder and that adds tq. The cams do that very well.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,830
Likes: 8
From: Retired and living in the mountains of NE PA
I have not heard anyone with a 103" upgrade say they wish they would've stayed stock. I would guess that most people with a 103" that are trading up to a new bike plan to do a motor upgrade in the future, but probably just can't or won't spend the extra bucks at the same time they are shelling out all the cash for the trade up.
Dennis
Dennis
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Retired Admin
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 21,865
Likes: 9,047
From: Wisconsin
One of the things that bothered me about buying my new 2009 Streetglide was the drop down in power from my 2002 Heritage. It had a 103" with 260 cams and ported heads putting out 105 HP and 107 TQ. I went with the Stage II 103" kit with the 255 cams on my SG and it pulls very nice. Not quite as good as my Heritage, but it's a heavier bike.
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