how much beter than the 96 is the new 103. im looking at trading my 08 heritage on a new roadking. the stock 96 runs hot, runs lean, and is lacking power. does the new 103 have the same issues stock, or did moco fix these problems? i guess my question is: is the stock 103 GOOD? or should i expect to have to change exhaust, air cleaner, and add a power commander reprogram to get it to run RIGHT?

 

It's the same motor with bigger cylinders and pistons. It has more power, but will still run hot

 

Take a wild guess

 

I have had both. A 2010 FLHTC with the 96" and now a 2011 FLHTK with the 103". I think the power increase is noticeable. They both run hot. I have removed the CAT out of the new bike and it helped a lot.

 

Yes you will still have to do all those things if you choose too. I thought the RKC came standard with the power pack? If not then, I would get the power pack if there was one on the floor with it, I mean you get ABS, Security and the 103, the 103 does not come alone.

 

I think the stock 103 is about 80 HP, I could be off on that. I did my 96 to a 103 with Woods cams, valve job. Already had race tuner, Rinehart true duals & SE AC w/ K & N. I dynoed out at 103 hp and 117 torque. Really runs sweet!!!!! Totally happy with the work Justin @ Clinton HD did for me. Ride safe guys and gals!!! - kev

 

I had a 2005 Softail with a 95 Stage 2 kit (BB, Cams, AC, exhaust and tuner) and it ran much better and cooler than a stock 96 IMO. My friends have 96 with stage 2 (cams etc) and they run stronger than my 95. I now have the 103 and stock it runs IMO about the same as a 96 with stage 2 only a lot smoother , great power band. But stock it runs hot.

IMO with a Stage 1 or more the 103 is a great engine. I just finished a Stage 1 on my 103 , power duals (no cat) 4" rounds, PC V and AC and it pulls very strong from idle up, a lot more power han the 96 and its much cooler now.

Bottom line no replacement for displacement

 

+1 on that. Its the same motor.

 

Frankly, I think the whole "96 vs. 103" thing is highly over-rated. "Bigger" does not necessarily translate to "better". My 2011 SG with 96TC motor will pull right out from under us if I'm not careful. It handles the interstate raceway fine and can get me out of harm's way with the snap of a wrist.


"runs hot, runs lean" are not problems, they are the inherent nature of the beast. The simple cure is a Stage 1 upgrade.

I happen to disagree that the 96TC motor is "lacking power", but what do I know.

 

Traded an '08 Deluxe on a 2011 Road King Classic with the 103. I noticed a difference in performance right off the bat, but it was still very, very hot...much, much than the Deluxe with the Stage 1 upgrade I did. Stage 1 on the RKC made a huge difference in the heat, but not as much difference in noticeable performance like on the 96 motor...still, I am a happy camper with the RKC!