103 vs 96
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 98
From: Colorado Springs
I have observed one power issue with the guys I generally ride with. That problem is a payload issue. We could all stand to loose a few pounds. I have a 96 with 204 cams. At 65 mph on two lane roads, I drop down to fifth gear for added power to pass. With my setup, the 96 is not substantially less than a stock 110.
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Last edited by ocezam; Jan 1, 2012 at 09:31 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,528
Likes: 6,407
From: Honah Lee
First off, I'm old school and my opinions may be dated. As for your question on the stroke, it's the same stroke for both motors, they just bored the cylinders for more cubic inches. Using a bushing generally means the tolerances can be a little looser and without, closer tolerances are used (think $$$ savings for HD without bushings). If you should ever have any oil pressure issues you will lose the motor quicker without the bushings. With bushings, you may lose the bushing but, save the engine. I am not a professional engine builder but, I do my own motor work.
Not sure about what you are asking of your cam plate question.
Not sure about what you are asking of your cam plate question.
Since the cam plate is aluminum and has pressed in bearing material sleeve bearing I assumed you were saying they had been removed in a redesign. The cam needs some type of bearing in the plate. I was just asking what type of bearing it has now. Rollers would be less drag.
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 72
From: North East
My question is "is there significant more vibration with a 103" motor than a stock 96". In theory it should be smoother (square). Any "objective" points of view out there on the subject?
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 699
Likes: 13
From: Northeast
I have owned both the 96" and the 103". I've noticed a difference riding two up over hills and twisty roads that the 103" has more pulling power and as a result less shifting is needed. On flat straight roads I could not notice much difference. As far as the heat my 103" seems cooler maybe due to the oil cooler. Just a side note, both motors were stock.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,528
Likes: 6,407
From: Honah Lee
bore/stroke and standard compression ratio
88=bore 3.750 x stroke 4.000 x comp/ratio 8.9-1
96=bore 3.750 x stroke 4.375 x comp/ratio 9.2-1
103=bore 3.875 x stroke 4.375 x comp/ratio 9.2-1
Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
My understanding is the stock 96" is a stroker version of the 88". Basically an "under-square" (stroke is greater than bore) motor. Boring the cylinders creates a 103" square motor. Square is supposed to be the preferred config.
My question is "is there significant more vibration with a 103" motor than a stock 96". In theory it should be smoother (square). Any "objective" points of view out there on the subject?
My question is "is there significant more vibration with a 103" motor than a stock 96". In theory it should be smoother (square). Any "objective" points of view out there on the subject?
Before I bought my 2010 Limited, I gave my wife a short ride on a friends 09 Ultra Classic. She didn't care for it at all, saying there was too much viberation to enjoy the ride. A few weeks later we test rode the Limited, the first thing she said was "hey, this bike is different, it doesn't have all the viberation that your friends Harley has". We brought the Limited home. In 15 thousand miles of riding the Limited, she hasn't mentioned vibration the first time. I have a friend that has had several Harley touring bikes, including the CVO 103 Ultra and CVO 110 Road Glide. He says the 103 is the smoothest of all the Harleys he has owned.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 666
Likes: 5
From: Bay Area, CA
That said, I still bought the 103" and initially regretted it thinking it would shake to pieces and I should have bought the 96".
Then I got used to 103" and hardly notice the shaking.
Now I'm thinking a 120R or a 131" would be a neat idea.
Pathetic ... I know, but that is how my Harley life goes.
In short, get the 103".
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 894
Likes: 55
From: Colorado
I have both with stock motors;
2007 96" SG, V&H basics, big sucker and Fuelpak
2011 103" RKC, V&H dresser duals, 4" Rineharts, big sucker and a Power commander
As stated above the 103 pulls stronger and in my opinion is faster than the 96 by more than the 7" should account for. It could be the different exhaust/tuners playing into the mix and a few pounds of weight difference as well. The power commander came from Fuel Moto with their map installed in it and the exhaust/tuner changes flat lite up the 103!. For my kind of riding in the mountains and canyons I am very impressed with the 103.
2007 96" SG, V&H basics, big sucker and Fuelpak
2011 103" RKC, V&H dresser duals, 4" Rineharts, big sucker and a Power commander
As stated above the 103 pulls stronger and in my opinion is faster than the 96 by more than the 7" should account for. It could be the different exhaust/tuners playing into the mix and a few pounds of weight difference as well. The power commander came from Fuel Moto with their map installed in it and the exhaust/tuner changes flat lite up the 103!. For my kind of riding in the mountains and canyons I am very impressed with the 103.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
In a back-to-back comparison, I would say, yes, there is significant more vibration with a 103" motor than a stock 96".
That said, I still bought the 103" and initially regretted it thinking it would shake to pieces and I should have bought the 96".
Then I got used to 103" and hardly notice the shaking.
Now I'm thinking a 120R or a 131" would be a neat idea.
Pathetic ... I know, but that is how my Harley life goes.
In short, get the 103".
That said, I still bought the 103" and initially regretted it thinking it would shake to pieces and I should have bought the 96".
Then I got used to 103" and hardly notice the shaking.
Now I'm thinking a 120R or a 131" would be a neat idea.
Pathetic ... I know, but that is how my Harley life goes.
In short, get the 103".
After I bought my Limited, me and my friend with the 09 Ultra traded bikes several times so that he could ride the Limited and see how the 103 campared with his 96. That is a back to back as it gets. Every time my 103 was smoother than his 96. His may be an anomaly and shake more than other 96 powered FLHs, I wouldn't know.