103 problems?
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I personally wouldn't have any problems with what they changed in the rod setup as your car has been made that way for years. However...I do wonder about the crank area and no bushing.....only time will tell. Although, I'm sure they tested it for longevity because if they didn't and it turns out to be a problem.....rep and money will cost them.
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For that reason alone, I don't believe they will go to 103 on all models.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: The High Desert, SoCal
Good point. The history is there but with exception. 1999 the 88, 2007 the 96. 2010 the 103. Exception is that neither the 88 or 96 were optional as I recall.
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The 88 with optional kit = 95
The 96 with optional kit = 103
The 103 is a 96 (with kit already installed).
No room to grow without boring the case.
They just put the kit on ahead of time, to give more options for the buyers. A marketing thing. Not a bad one either.
More cubes = more torque up them hills.
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actually they are just making it more expensive to go bigger. you will be forced to stroke it if you want to have a bigger johnson then your neighbor. No need to go bigger bore if you have a longer stroke lol.
Road Warrior
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My buddy bought the 103 limited with the understanding it would have the 255 cams.(he was told this by the dealer) When i smoked him on an 88ci with 203 cams and no head work he carried it back and demanded answers. Guess what? No 255 cams! The dealer changed them at their expense and now it runs great. i've asked 2 dealers since and they both said the 103 comes with 255 cams.
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Yup!
The same jugs, will make an 88 = 95, or a 96 = 103.
Same jugs. Longer stoke is what makes the difference.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Bay Area, CA
I'm very happy with the stock 103 in my 09 RK Police and at this point in time I consider it to be a proven motor with a good couple of years under its belt.
As far as upgrading the cams ... if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I've done the power broker thing with 160RWHP/90FT-LBS/180MPH/400LB GW/blah, blah, blah on sport bikes and I like my Harley just the way it is.
Hell, the truth is, the 96 is so much smoother in terms of vibrations, back-to-back rides with a 103, that there's a lot to said for that motor if you're not interested in chasing sport bike numbers.
Both are good motors. I've heard/read less kind things about the 110 though.
As far as upgrading the cams ... if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I've done the power broker thing with 160RWHP/90FT-LBS/180MPH/400LB GW/blah, blah, blah on sport bikes and I like my Harley just the way it is.
Hell, the truth is, the 96 is so much smoother in terms of vibrations, back-to-back rides with a 103, that there's a lot to said for that motor if you're not interested in chasing sport bike numbers.
Both are good motors. I've heard/read less kind things about the 110 though.