One thing that is really important by getting the 103 from factory is the warranty. The bike is 103 from the start. No worry about trying to have warranty work done after you go from 96 to 103. With the added stuff included with the "Power Pak" you are money ahead.

 

103 2011 ultra here, love it. Added a TTI tuner, 255 cams, Air cleaner and kept the stock mufflers. Quiet, pulls very strong.

 

A friend of mine truly hated the 96" motor and went GW for a year but really likes Harley so he came back and went 103". He is happy happy with the 103 motor. Those extra few pounds of torque is all it took. I would say go with the 103. It should be the standard motor in the touring bikes.

 

I didn't like spokes or WWW's, but went with the RKC over the Standard RK strictly for the Power Pak. It's a no-brainer. For about $2K, you're getting about $4-5K worth of goodies. It's way more expensive to convert a 96 to a 103, than to just add cams to a 103.
BTW, my RKC is slowly transforming into something different.

 

Definitely go with the 103. Bought a 2011 RKC back in October. Broke it in. Put a set of Reinhart True Duals on, a Big Sucker, a set of SE 204's. Got a great tune (EFI SUPER TUNER, S.E. PRO #32109-08B). She smokes and sounds AWESOME.

The last Dyno run was, Max Power=91.98 and Max Torque=106.46.

Not bad for some bolt ons.................DO IT

 

My dealer is running a deal on the 103 conversion $1400 out the door installation and dyno tune included. You do need a harley tuner for this conversion. You could just get the 96 and beef it up. Cams and a dyno tune for around $700. The dealer says that both engines are pretty docile from the factory. You could go either way and still have a nice running bike. Just depends on the way you want to go. He also said that a tuned 96 will run better than a stock 103. You could just get the powerpack option and then have it tuned. Should be very pleased with either choice.

 

If you don't care about ABS or Security then I think you are wasting your money on the Power Package. I think your money would be spent more wisely upgrading the 96 with Fuel Moto's exhaust, intake and cam upgrade and that 96 will scream. Their website claims 96 HP with this set up. That will smoke a stock 103.

 

If it was me, I'd go with the 103. Wish it was an option when I bought mine. I did get ABS, it's worth it. BELIEVE me.

 

FDHOG
every pic I see of your bike it's getting different
Looks Good

 

ABS is worth the move alone. I have a 2010 Ultra Limited, my first bike with ABS. I would not buy another bike without it. My 103 has all the power I need and more. I do mostly 2 up riding and when the guys riding solo get on it - I am right with them - actually pulling away from slowly.