103" - does it run hot?
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 300
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
103" - does it run hot?
I am currently tring to decide between the standard 96" or the 103" on the new streetglide. I am concerned about the 103" running hot, and would like opinions from those who have them as to whether the extra cost is worth it. Also, opinions on ABS would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
I had the 96" in my 10 EGC and have the 103" in my 11 Limited. Heat seems to be the same, cant tell any difference. ABS is a personal preference. I have had it on both bikes because they had it installed already. I think it's a good idea on a 850 lb. bike.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
I have both in my garage ( the 103" belongs to my Pal from Kelowna, he leaves it here in the winter, smart eh?)
Heat really seems the same.
comparing my stage 1 and his stage 1 bikes, and test rides I have done with the demo fleet:
MPG is identical between my 96" and his 103" measured over thousands of miles- about 43 MPG that'd be better than 17 KM per liter ( I think...US gallon is 3.96 liters(?)
Heat seems same- I have stock headers ( 09 no Cat), he has V&H headers.
Power- the difference is in the torque- more pulling power at lower rpms. In practical terms unless you are hot-rodding on your 400 Kilogram bike- you won't really need it in town- but you may "want it"
The difference I noticed was on the 96, 6th gear is best used at 106 or 110 KPH and above. The increased torque on the 103 allowed 6th at 100 KPH ( level ground).
It was nice but not enough to fork out the extra 2 grand.
The ABS is awesome and I really like it- I hope it improves safety margin when some pr1ck pulls in front of me, and the ABS is fantastic on dirt, gravel roads you can use the front brake!
mike
Heat really seems the same.
comparing my stage 1 and his stage 1 bikes, and test rides I have done with the demo fleet:
MPG is identical between my 96" and his 103" measured over thousands of miles- about 43 MPG that'd be better than 17 KM per liter ( I think...US gallon is 3.96 liters(?)
Heat seems same- I have stock headers ( 09 no Cat), he has V&H headers.
Power- the difference is in the torque- more pulling power at lower rpms. In practical terms unless you are hot-rodding on your 400 Kilogram bike- you won't really need it in town- but you may "want it"
The difference I noticed was on the 96, 6th gear is best used at 106 or 110 KPH and above. The increased torque on the 103 allowed 6th at 100 KPH ( level ground).
It was nice but not enough to fork out the extra 2 grand.
The ABS is awesome and I really like it- I hope it improves safety margin when some pr1ck pulls in front of me, and the ABS is fantastic on dirt, gravel roads you can use the front brake!
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Mar 7, 2011 at 12:26 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 503
Likes: 1
From: Missouri
I will say heat wasn't a big deal to me but the one that sits behind me said it was hot........ things can be done to cool it down just keep reading here and these guys will show you how to spend.......oh I mean cool it down. The 103 is a better deal with abs and security IMO
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 170
Likes: 23
From: KC
The heat on my 103 Ultra Limited seems the same as my brothers 96 Ultra Classic.
I think the ABS and oil cooler are definitely worth it.
All I really have to say is that if you don't do it, I bet you will regret it . . .
I think the ABS and oil cooler are definitely worth it.
All I really have to say is that if you don't do it, I bet you will regret it . . .
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
From: Tybee Island Georgia
Have a 2011, 103 Street Glide, No Issues with heat, the power pak option is great had it bundled with cruise also. No overheat issues at all, no different than the 96 inch that friends have.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,377
Likes: 221
Just picked up an '11 SG with the pwerpak and had a break in the weather this weekend so I took it for a 50 mile break in ride. The first thing I bought and installed for it was a set of RJSOriginal heat guards. Waiting on a few other items to come, but those went on before I even started the bike up.
It was 65 degrees on Sat when I took it out. There was no heat problem at all, ideling at lights was fine and running around town there was zero problems.
I'm sure when the temp outside gets a lot higher, that the temps will rise and I'll be even happier that the heat guards are there.
It was 65 degrees on Sat when I took it out. There was no heat problem at all, ideling at lights was fine and running around town there was zero problems.
I'm sure when the temp outside gets a lot higher, that the temps will rise and I'll be even happier that the heat guards are there.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
Just my opinion but I would save the 2k as I would want to do a 103-107 my way, I would put a different oil cooler on it and I don't use my cruise at all. ABS, as far as I am concerned is not what I thought it would be and would rather have the money back but so many others either love it or think they have to have it so when the time comes for re-sale I may just be very glad my bike is equipped with ABS for a quicker re-sale. I don't think that a 103 vs 96 heat comparison given all other things equal will have a difference of more than a couple of degrees.