96 vs. 103 Question

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May 12, 2010 | 06:52 PM

#11

Dalton

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 7,663

Likes: 7

From: Northeast Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by ww1flyingace

The problem with the limited is that although it has the 103 displacement, thats all it has (performance wise) it still has the stock cams, stock exhaust, stock intake, and stock tune.

I personally do not feel the 103 in the Limited comes near justifying its cost over the Ultra. I think a Stage 1 Ultra with better pipes will get you the same level of performance or even better with a good tune.

I agree, The 103 does not justify the price, but, it is all the other things that were standard that made the decision easy. My custom color Limited cost $2k more that a two tone UltraClassic, and when you consider the options, that is less than I could get them individually.

Back to your question, well I will answer it by saying that my Limited is tore down to the cases right now for a performance build, the stock 103 is anemic in my opinion, but I also just came off an Ultra with a 120" engine, so what do I know ?

Last edited by Dalton; May 12, 2010 at 07:05 PM.

May 12, 2010 | 06:59 PM

#12

flyingace

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 3,077

Likes: 26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dalton

I agree, The 103 does not justify the price, but, it is all theother things that were standar that made the decision easy. My custom color Limited cost $2k more that a two tone UltraClassic, and when you consider the options, that is less than I could get them individually.

Don't get me wrong, If I were in the Market, I would probably get the Limited over the Ultra, but because of all the other things included, predominantly the wheels, gauges, lack of saddlebag surround bars, and because I like the paint scheme better (though color choices are lacking)

I think if you look at the bike from that perspective, with the 103 being an added bonus, its great. But I see too many people get all caught up in the 103" motor (my brother being one) thinking they are going to get the same level of performance the full blown stage 2 103" gives, which as you pointed out, simply is not the case.

Buy the Limited if you like the entire package, don't just buy it for the motor, cause the motor just aint that big an improvement over the 96.

May 12, 2010 | 06:59 PM

#13

Mike

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 6,786

Likes: 40

From: Centralia, Wa

The 103 is the motor the MOCO should be putting in most of the touring bikes (and soon will be, according to some folks). I think the limited is priced pretty well, and it would be at the top of my list if I was looking for a new bike right now.

May 12, 2010 | 07:46 PM

#14

glenalt

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 945

Likes: 7

I've only got 900 miles on my Limited but am very pleased with the performance so far. It really turns it up in the mountains and has no problems reaching cruising speed, 75, on the interstate. Even loaded to the max the thing will jump to 80 in 5th and not even be working hard. But then again I'm not a speed demon either.

May 12, 2010 | 09:32 PM

#15

Punjabi Rider

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 3,808

Likes: 285

From: Green Country Oklahoma

Stock 96 or stock 103 Limited don't have whole lot difference unless you modify either motor.103 with stage II does make hill of difference over stock 96 motor.

May 13, 2010 | 09:20 AM

#16

BigD64

Tourer

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 324

Likes: 1

From: CT

If you want to try to save money you can buy an 07 and up FLHTP and add the stuff you really want on the bike. I wanted a FLHX with a 103 so I bought an 09 FLHTP for about 16K then spent about 2K on parts including a PC-V, Pipes, Air intake, Turn signals, Pillion, chopped windshield and a Biketronics radio. Exactly what I wanted for 3-4K less than a stock FLHX with a 103 build.

May 13, 2010 | 09:28 AM

#17

ltdan

Cruiser

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 182

Likes: 2

From: Central Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by ww1flyingace

Buy the Limited if you like the entire package, don't just buy it for the motor, cause the motor just aint that big an improvement over the 96.

Exactly.

May 13, 2010 | 09:46 AM

#18

harley_badboy

Road Master

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 815

Likes: 28

From: Ontario, Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by slowrollin

I'm looking to move up to an Electra Glide from a Softail to do longer distances and 2 up riding. With a passenger, I easily exceed the GVWR for the softail. Me and the Mrs. are no toothpicks. Is there really that much of power difference between the 96 and 103 motor? The price jump between the Ultra and the Ultra limited is pretty steep, but I'm willing to pay if it would make the ride a lot better.

Your post does not give the year of your softtail but I came from an '03 Ultra and find the difference in power noticeable. I'm not a speed demon so a fast and powerful engine is not that important to me. I agree with most of the other posts on this thread that it just isn't worth the extra $ for the 103 on it's own - it's a nice to have. I like the extras on the limited as well as the colours.