103" - does it run hot?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,413
Likes: 17
From: eastern oklahoma
the 103 powerpack is a great deal, a lot less than what it would cost to build a 96 into a good running 103. we tend to complain about the heat of our twin cam motors. sure, they're an air cooled motor, but the twin cam motors have excellent finning on the barrels and heads so they radiate that motor heat much better, thereby cooling off the engine. they're far more efficient at radiating that engine heat than the evo's and especially the shovels and pans. that's something to take into consideration when your twin cam seems to get hot, it's just because it's doing its job of cooling itself off. you'll notice a difference when you reach between 4 and 5 thousand miles. the new bike will seem to run smoother, have more power, get better fuel mileage, and run cooler. that's been my experience with my past few twin cam bikes, and i attribute it to the fact that all the parts have broken in properly, and all the parts are getting along with each other.
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 300
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Thanks to all for the replies. I have decided to go with the full load including the powerpack.
I thought I had settled on the Streetglide, but now not sure if I will get that, or the Fugly. I swore some time ago that it was the ugliest bike ever made, but the more I look at it, the more I like it.
I will decide this week, and should have a new sedona orange or merlot sunglo bike in my garage this weekend to keep the Deluxe company.
By the way, the wife has been quite supportive of all the new bike talk, and has actually encouraged me to get the full load including the 103. I guess I have a great woman here.
I thought I had settled on the Streetglide, but now not sure if I will get that, or the Fugly. I swore some time ago that it was the ugliest bike ever made, but the more I look at it, the more I like it.
I will decide this week, and should have a new sedona orange or merlot sunglo bike in my garage this weekend to keep the Deluxe company.
By the way, the wife has been quite supportive of all the new bike talk, and has actually encouraged me to get the full load including the 103. I guess I have a great woman here.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,396
Likes: 266
From: Southern California
My 2010 Heritage does not have ABS (which IMHO is an excellent argument for buying a 2011), but my 2004 BMW does have an excellent ABS system. Don't get me wrong, cause I love both bikes for different reasons, and the BMW definitely has it's issues (Duh!); but I can say from personal experience that absolutely, positively, without a doubt; ABS is easily worth the money. If you get into it (ABS active) even once, you can bet that it just paid for itself and then some. Doing a Panic Stop on the BMW isn't even remotely anything like the drama of a stop at 7/10ths of that deceleration rate on the Harley.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 9,850
Likes: 220
From: Sacramento, CA.
I have a 103 & ABS on my 11 FLTRX I don't think you can go wrong with the 103. It has an oil cooler. The ABS really works well. IMO the 103 is the best engine Harley has. That's what the police bikes run.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 450
Likes: 128
From: South Carolina
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 875
Likes: 1
From: Rochester, NY
I ran the first 1000 miles on the standard engine and at the first service had ordered up the 103 Stage II plus some other items at 20% off and free install. Noticeable difference in power and well worth it. I am mainly in the north so can't say it has ever been a heat issue. Headed for Daytona (from the SC not NY) Friday... screw it let's ride.