When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
When I bought my 2010 Road Glide Custom I had a choice of the 96 or 103. I chose the 96 over the 103 because I couldn't tell much difference when I test road both bikes. The difference for me was the clutch lever pull seemed lighter on the 96, and I'll attribute that to the 103 having a heavy duty clutch spring.
When my wife bought her 2011 Street Glide it came with the 103, which she wanted. I've ridden her bike, and again I can't tell much difference between the 103 and 96.
Both bikes have HD Race Tuners, Vance & Hines air breathers, Vance & Hines true dual header pipes and Chrome Works slip-on mufflers.
I like the 103! My buddy put a 103 kit in his 2009 Ultra at 3k miles. He gave me his 96 barrels and pistons, because there was no resale value in them.
Why would you say that? They are 3.750 bore which is perfect for boring a 88" out to 95"-98" or a 96" to 103" Did I miss something?
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.