Touring Models Road King, Road King Custom, Road King Classic, Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Electra Glide Classic, and Electra Glide Ultra Classic bikes.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

103 upgrade options

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 21, 2009 | 09:24 PM
  #31  
patriotmc's Avatar
patriotmc
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 605
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
Default High perf clutch spring

The 103 KIT includes a high perf clutch spring. I talked to the techs about this. They said if I'm an easy rider (not stomping on it) I could get by without the hi perf spring but to watch for any clutch slippage. If I have them put it in, then the clutch control will be noticiably stiffer. Any thoughts for you "pros" on whether I should bite the bullet, go with the upgraded spring and live with a stiffer clutch pull but avoid burning out the clutch?
 
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2009 | 09:48 PM
  #32  
racerdave's Avatar
racerdave
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by paco ritter
my local shop did my 103 upgrade last winter for $1440. Included SE255 cams and 103 jugs/pistons, etc. New bearings, and dyno tune after I put about 500 miles on the engine. You can do the compression releases, but I think if you go with the SE compensator, you'll never need them. I had to have the SE compensator installed on mine before starting issues finally went away. Compression releases would probably do the same, but they burn your fingers...the SE compesator does not!!! and the cost is probably close to the same.
What is the Screaming Eagle compensator??
 
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2009 | 08:26 AM
  #33  
krashed's Avatar
krashed
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
From: Central AR - Ozark Foohills
Default

First 103 build I chose not to change out the plates. I could feel the clutch slip, also am not one for a hard take off. The only time I noticed it was on a mostly on an uphill grade when I was taking off riding 2 up.

So I opted for the clutch plate on my next 103 build. The nice part was no charge to change the plates while they were changing the springs on the second build
 
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2009 | 11:46 PM
  #34  
Jim Dawson's Avatar
Jim Dawson
Ultimate HDF Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 7,498
Likes: 19
From: East Alton, IL
Default

Originally Posted by patriotmc
The 103 KIT includes a high perf clutch spring. I talked to the techs about this. They said if I'm an easy rider (not stomping on it) I could get by without the hi perf spring but to watch for any clutch slippage. If I have them put it in, then the clutch control will be noticiably stiffer. Any thoughts for you "pros" on whether I should bite the bullet, go with the upgraded spring and live with a stiffer clutch pull but avoid burning out the clutch?
The increased clutch pull is noticeable but not limiting at all.
 
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2009 | 11:25 AM
  #35  
patriotmc's Avatar
patriotmc
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 605
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
Default Going with the perf spring

Thanks guys. I tried a bike with the stronger spring and yes, it's noticiably stiffer but no where near as stiff as my 03 RKC was. I pulled on a couple of used bike clutches to compare and I'f forgotten just how stiff they were!
 
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2009 | 07:23 PM
  #36  
paco ritter's Avatar
paco ritter
Cruiser
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 221
Likes: 3
From: Texas/Arkansas border
Default

Originally Posted by racerdave
What is the Screaming Eagle compensator??
40274-08
$221.31
$249.95
SCREAMIN' EAGLE BIG TWIN COMPENSATOR

This premium compensator has been engineered with heavier springs and increased travel to support the high torque output associated with high compression race and large displacement engines. Designed to support up to 7 times the energy absorption capacity of the Original Equipment compensator, this unit helps protect the engine and driveline components during harsh drag race launches. The perfect addition to a complete performance upgrade, and it complements the installation of the Screamin' Eagle Performance Clutch Hub PIN 37976-08. Fits '06-later Dyna, '07-later Softail (except FXCW. FXCWC and FXSTSSE3), and '07-later Touring models. Original Equipment on Trike models. Installation on '06 Dyna models requires separate purchase of '07-style stator.
 
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2009 | 07:46 PM
  #37  
flashprez's Avatar
flashprez
Club Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 69
From: Granite Falls, NC
Riders Club Member
Default

When I had my '07 Ultra I did the 103 kit and cams. I had the Arlen Ness Big Sucker A/C, and Kerker slip ons for the exhaust. I installed a PC 111, but was not happy with it until I had the bike dynoed. The bike when from 62.94 HP to 84.31 HP, and 74.25 Tq to 101.78 Tq. I have not done any thing to my '08 Ultra besides Arlen Ness Big Sucker and SE pipes with a Harley download. I think I have enough power for now, but I love getting 50 MPG. I still have the cams, piston, & cylinders that were on my '07, but just can't bring myself to put them in yet and get that 35 MPG.
 
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2009 | 03:35 PM
  #38  
roadglider09's Avatar
roadglider09
Novice
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Camano Island
Default

The 255's with the 103 cu in motor is alright....the torque starts just off idle. It's great for cruising and still have some performance. Instead of a dyno tune I would go to the Master Tune TTS . Check out the threads in HD forums ..... more fun less expensive.
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Nov 21, 2009 | 11:33 PM
  #39  
goodbirds's Avatar
goodbirds
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 25
From: St George, UT
Lightbulb

Save yourself some money, shift down for more power.
 
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2009 | 11:57 PM
  #40  
CigarCritic's Avatar
CigarCritic
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 975
Likes: 8
From: Houston
Default

Originally Posted by roadglider09
Instead of a dyno tune I would go to the Master Tune TTS . Check out the threads in HD forums ..... more fun less expensive.
Huh? You still have to dyno tune after a TTS install and how is it less expensive?
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:00 AM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE