I have never been one to "need" bleeding edge, for it typically comes at a high cost. I ran my 07 FLHT for 20 K miles and was totally content, and prior to that my 07 FXDL for 20 K (came from years of Honda's).

Just before Sturgis I was at a local stealer, and was wandering around and noticed the prices on 1-4 year old bikes, and was amazed that for 2-5 K more I could buy brand new versus a gently seasoned one (with a full 2 year warranty, I don't do ESP's for anything). I took a demo on a 2012 Ultra for I hadn't ridden a 103, and wanted to see if I could feel the difference. The demo had 6 K on it so I figured it was loosened up nicely (experience has shown me they "wake up" a tad at about 4 K miles). I had renetd an 09 with a 96" in it back in 09, and all though it rode like a Cadilac, it couldn't get out of its own way. Not the case with the 103, and it was noticable.

I now have 1600 miles on my 2012 FLHTC and it never ceases to amaze everytime I ride it.
The gearing has changed, and I find the stock 103 (punched out mufflers, moddified stock map) to be more than I could have asked for. On level ground I grab 6th gear at about 2.2 K (62 mph) and it is seamless. At 65 with the wife and I both on (320 lbs.), it has plenty of roll on power to pass vehicles.

The brake system on it impresses the hell out of me (non-abs) versus my 07's, and was one of the quite noticable attributes. I am hearing that we get as many miles out of a rear tire as we do the fronts, and this is welcome as well, about time MoCo..... Just got some time to kill here this morning and figured I would yap about the fact that I'm in love.

Don't get me wrong, I have buds who still ride their 95's, 99's, and 2000's and wouldn't part with them, and I admire that, but I only started into harley's 5 years ago and am glad I got aboard when I did. With all the naysaying, and whining I read about on the forum of the issues, I think the MoCo has gotten it down pretty good.

 

Me too!!!!