96 vs 103
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
My wife and I are both a little on the heavy side and my stock 96" as all the power I could ask for. Never, in the 8,000 miles we've put on it, have I wished that I had gotten the 103".
I've had to get on it a couple of times, and went from 25 mph in 2nd gear to 80+ mph in 4th gear, in what seemed like a blink of an eye. No, my stock bike as all the power I need. And I've ridden a friends crotch rocket, test rode a Suzuki Katana 1100 once, and rode my brother-in-laws V-Max. You can die on all of them. I see no reason to speed it up.
I've had to get on it a couple of times, and went from 25 mph in 2nd gear to 80+ mph in 4th gear, in what seemed like a blink of an eye. No, my stock bike as all the power I need. And I've ridden a friends crotch rocket, test rode a Suzuki Katana 1100 once, and rode my brother-in-laws V-Max. You can die on all of them. I see no reason to speed it up.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,292
Likes: 2,427
From: Eastern NE
Cheers to the best advice...this will cool your 2010 96" down tremendously - did wonders to my 2009, but I didn't have to worry about the CAT.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 217
Likes: 1
From: Seattle
It's been real cold here and I'm new to my 103, so im not sure about the heat difference. there is definitely a noticeable power difference for me riding my RK 103" and same year RK 96". Also more engine noise... get rid of the cat. If it's anything like the cat under your car, it can get 500-600C.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,488
Likes: 30
From: Maryland near DC
for me the heat was about the same ( I have had bikes with both engines)...and just as a point of reference on power between the two, the stock 103 made more power stock from the dealer (seat of the pants) then the 96 did with a stage one set up ( se ac, fm slipons, pcv) ...now when I did a stage 2 on the 103 it really came to life...
Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 688
Likes: 2
From: Central Texas
From my experience, I am currently riding (loaner bike from dealer) 2012 Street Glide with stock 103", my Road King with a well tunned, cat-less 96",(in the shop right now) will walk away from this glide with ease, and mine doesnt run hot. Ill run this 96" until I get alot more miles on it, then do a big bore 103" w/ cams & tuner, just my 2 cents worth.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 1
From: Superior, WI
I've decided for the time being to just put TW-555 cams into my 96.....for now.
On average, the difference between a TW-555 in a 96 vs a 103 is about 2-5hp and 8-10 ft/lbs of torque. For the extra money to bump my motor up to a 103, it seems to be getting into "diminishing returns" very quickly.
I know it's just a matter of time, and then I'll probably go to a 107 with heads, but until then, I know the cams will increase my smiles per mile and scratch that itch.
Plus, when I get home from Kuwait, I'm just going to want to ride after not riding since May. Cams are quick. Maybe later in the summer or next winter a big bore kit will be installed.
On average, the difference between a TW-555 in a 96 vs a 103 is about 2-5hp and 8-10 ft/lbs of torque. For the extra money to bump my motor up to a 103, it seems to be getting into "diminishing returns" very quickly.
I know it's just a matter of time, and then I'll probably go to a 107 with heads, but until then, I know the cams will increase my smiles per mile and scratch that itch.
Plus, when I get home from Kuwait, I'm just going to want to ride after not riding since May. Cams are quick. Maybe later in the summer or next winter a big bore kit will be installed.
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Banned
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,910
Likes: 263
You guys talk all about how your well tuned, with pipes and breathers, 96" will WALK ALL OVER a stock 103. Now put the same "tune and pipes and breather" on the 103 and tell us what happens. I know as I have had both, the difference is now the 103 will run cooler also, and will WALK ALL OVER the 96".